About 45 miles of the Mississippi River run along Crawford County’s western border; the Kickapoo River winds for 71 miles through the county. The land is part of the Driftless Area, whose steep hills, deep valleys, and winding streams shape the landscape. The terrain also contributes to the county’s winding roads. Between riverbanks, prairie slopes, and floodplain forest, the region reveals itself in very different forms.
Prairies, Cliffs, and Floodplains
Hogback Prairie lies on a narrow, steeply sloping ridge. Its limestone crest rises 300 feet above Citron Valley. At Rush Creek, a two-mile stretch of dry, alkaline prairies contrasts with the steep, southwest-facing cliffs along the Mississippi River. These cliffs are also capped with limestone.
In Kickapoo Wild Woods, the slopes drop 350 feet to the Kickapoo River. Dry goat prairies grow on the west- and south-facing slopes at Sugar Creek Bluff. Sugar Creek is classified there as a Class 2 trout stream. Wauzeka Bottoms features a different landscape: an extensive old-growth floodplain forest is crisscrossed by oxbow lakes, abandoned river channels, and beaver dams. Thus, open, dry slopes and a forest shaped by waterways stand side by side as distinct natural landscapes.
Getting to the Natural Areas
To reach Hogback Prairie, drive from Steuben via Bridge Street, Hughes Road, and Citron Valley Road. From there, a footpath heads west into the natural area. The sequence of roads followed by a footpath offers clear directions without assuming a walking time.
There are two routes to parking areas at Kickapoo Wild Woods. From Wauzeka, first drive 1.5 miles east on Highway 60, then 1.5 miles north on Highway 131, and then 0.7 miles west on Onstine Hill Road to a parking area. At the junction, the second route heads 0.3 miles south to another parking area.
Rush Creek also has specifically described directions: From the intersection of State Highway 35 and County Highway C in Ferryville, drive 3.1 miles north on Highway 35, then 0.5 miles northeast on Rush Creek Road to a parking area. A trail leads east from there to the edge of the cliffs. The distances refer to the specified road sections; they are not walking distances.
Bird Migration and River Life
In spring, thousands of migratory birds make particular use of the Bell Center Unit of the Kickapoo River Wildlife Area. River fishing is another way to experience the rivers, often from a boat or the shore. Fish species found in the county’s rivers include perch, walleye, catfish, and various sunfish. These details offer a sense of the different nature interests focused on water, wildlife, and landscape.
History and Outdoor Culture
Villa Louis is the home of the H. Louis Dousman family, recognized as a National Historic Landmark; the site also includes the foundations of Fort Crawford. At the Fort Crawford Museum, a fort hospital building houses exhibits on Dr. William Beaumont’s early research into digestion. The Mississippi River Sculpture Park offers a different focus: it features life-size bronze statues of historical figures from the region.
St. Feriole Island Memorial Gardens combine several walking paths with a collection of more than 50 species of historic trees. St. Feriole Island also offers opportunities for walking and cycling. The Trail of Presidents includes 22 oak trees representing U.S. presidents who lived in or visited Prairie du Chien. A Âľ-mile walking path in Washington Street Park is another concrete option for spending time outdoors.
An Autumn Event in Gays Mills
The Gays Mills Apple Festival takes place on the last full weekend in September, during apple harvest season. The program includes a parade and a vendor market featuring arts and crafts. If you’re planning your trip around the festival, check the dates for the relevant year.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Prairie Du Chien, Columbia, Trempealeau County, St. Croix County, Chippewa County, Door County, Manitowoc County, Green County.
For the broader travel overview: Wisconsin.
