Wyalusing State Park Conditions
Conditions as of Wednesday, January 27, 2010:
The forecast for the coming weekend is sunny and cold, with no precipitation. Highs are expected to reach the mid teens Fahrenheit on Saturday and Sunday. Nighttime temperatures today through Saturday will reach lows between 0 and -7 degrees.
Trails and Roads
All trails are snow covered. The Whitetail Meadows and Turkey Hollow cross-country ski trails are in fair condition. Both trails were groomed on Tuesday, January 26. Track was set on all but the south section of Turkey Hollow. Ron Falch, volunteer groomer, describes the trails as “definitely skiable.” Call the park office, (608) 996-2261, for updated weekend conditions. Access and parking for both trails is available at the Astronomy Center parking lot. Turkey Hollow Trail is the more challenging of the two trails with a number of hills. Beginners may want to use Whitetail Meadows Trail.
Remember, dogs are not allowed on the ski trails. Hikers are asked to avoid hiking on the ski trails.
The newly renovated Sand Cave Trail makes an excellent trail for snowshoeing. Park near the old park office. Follow Old Wagon Trail as it parallels the roadway. You will then see the trailhead for Sand Cave Trail to your left.
Other trails that are open are:
- Walkway to Point Lookout
- Whitetail Meadow Trail
- Turkey Hollow Trail, one of the longest trails in the park (3.5 miles loop)
- Sentinel Ridge Trail, one of the most scenic trails at Wyalusing State Park. It can be reached from Point Lookout and follows the bluff all the way down to the Mississippi River (a drop of about 500 feet). Indian mounds, nature labels, the Passenger Pigeon Monument and Green Cloud Picnic Shelter are on Sentinel Ridge Trail. An outstanding view of the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers can be seen from the Green Cloud Picnic Area and the Passenger Pigeon Monument.
- Mississippi Ridge Trail
- Bluff trail to Treasure Cave. Take the walkway from Point Lookout (as you are looking at the confluence) to the right. Take a left down the trail to Bluff Trail (through the opening in the rocks). Treasure Cave is on Bluff Trail just below Point Lookout.
Other trails that were closed due to storm damage in July 2007 remain closed:
- The rest of Bluff Trail
- Flint Ledge Trail
- Old Wagon Road Trail
- Walnut Springs Trail
- Indian Trail
The road to the boat landing has been repaired and is open. Homestead Hill Road is closed. The road to Green Cloud Picnic Shelter and the Passenger Pigeon Monument, is not maintained during the winter.
Camping
Wisconsin Ridge Campground remains open through the winter. Homestead Campground is closed for the season. A pit toilet is located in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground across the road from site 143. A winterized water faucet is located to the east of the shower flush building.
Showers, flush bathrooms, water faucets and the dumping station are closed for the season.
The concession stand is closed for the season. Tee-shirts, sweatshirts, books and postcards are available for sale at the park office. Firewood is available from private vendors just outside of the park.
To reserve regular or outdoor group sites for dates May through October 31, 2010, use the Web or call (888) 947-2757, TTY (800) 274-7275.
Wyalusing State Park has been selected to host the 2010 Volunteer Jamboree. Electric sites for the nights of September 12 and 13, 2010 will not be available for reservations or on a first-come, first-served basis because of the need for electricity by the volunteers attending the Jamboree.
Special Notice: Any firewood brought in from more than 50 miles away or from a quarantined area [PDF, 102KB] or from out of state will be confiscated due to the potential of carrying harmful emerald ash borers [exit DNR]. Even though parts of Vernon and Crawford counties are within the 50 mile radius, firewood from these two counties is not allowed in the park. Firewood may not be transported out of a quarantined area. This includes firewood purchased or originating from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin (Crawford County).
Fishing
Ice anglers try their luck on the frozen waters of the mighty Mississippi every day. With the recent plummeting temperatures, ice fishing activity has dropped substantially.
Events
Coming events for Wyalusing and all state parks and forests are listed on the DNR Events Calendar.
Nature
Park office bird feeders remain a popular spot for winter residents. Dozens of cardinals brighten the wintery landscape, providing an excellent photo opportunity. A small flock of cedar waxwings are occasional visitors to the trees near the feeders. Approximately 6-8 red-bellied woodpeckers can be sighted at a time, preferring to feed on the suet blocks. Recent bird sightings this week include: goldfinches, purple finches, chickadees, red-breasted and white-breasted nuthatches, juncos, tufted titmice, blue jays, cardinals, mourning doves, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers and red-bellied woodpeckers. Eagles can be found in the area, especially anywhere there is open water.
Park Admission Stickers
Each vehicle parking in the park must have a vehicle admission sticker. If the office is not staffed, use the self-registration tube just past the drive-up window at the park office. State Park Stickers available now are valid through December 31, 2010.
In addition to state park stickers, a variety of Friends of Wyalusing merchandise, including tee shirts, sweat shirts, caps, and books are available and would make a great last minute gifts.
For more information, ask: Wyalusing State Park, 13081 State Park Lane, Bagley, WI 53801, Phone (608) 996-2261.
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