Things to Do in Van Loon Wildlife Area

Van Loon Wildlife Area is a 4,003-acre property situated on the Black River in northwestern La Crosse County, Wisconsin. It features diverse landscapes including floodplain forests, sand prairies, and oak savannas. The area is recognized as a Wisconsin Important Bird Area and contains two State Natural Areas.

Van Loon Wildlife Area offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, primitive camping, canoeing, cross-country skiing, fishing, hunting, trapping, and wildlife viewing. The area's diverse habitats support these various recreational opportunities. Komoot lists routes for hiking and road cycling in the area.

Yes, Van Loon Wildlife Area features hiking opportunities through its varied landscapes. A notable trail is McGilvray Road, also known as the "Seven Bridges" trail, which is 1.8 miles (2.9 km) long and open to pedestrian traffic. This trail crosses six historic arch truss bridges over the Black River. Komoot offers guides such as Hiking in Van Loon Wildlife Area.

The "Seven Bridges" trail is the local name for McGilvray Road within Van Loon Wildlife Area. This 1.8-mile (2.9 km) path is open exclusively to pedestrian traffic. It features six historic arch truss bridges, constructed around 1892, which cross the Black River. The trail provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and enjoying nature.

The terrain in Van Loon Wildlife Area is largely level, making it suitable for less strenuous hikes. The area's trails, including the historic McGilvray Road, offer accessible options for various skill levels. Komoot provides a guide specifically for Easy hikes in Van Loon Wildlife Area.

Van Loon Wildlife Area is an excellent location for birdwatching, recognized as a Wisconsin Important Bird Area (WBCI). It is home to over 200 bird species, including rare and uncommon birds such as yellow-crowned night herons and cerulean warblers. The diverse floodplain forests and savannas provide critical habitats for these species.

Yes, primitive camping is an allowed activity within Van Loon Wildlife Area. Visitors interested in camping should consult the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for specific regulations and guidelines regarding primitive camping in the area.

Van Loon Wildlife Area has 2 routes listed on komoot, with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. More than 100 visitors have shared their experiences in the area. These routes include options for both hiking and road cycling.

Komoot offers several guides to help explore Van Loon Wildlife Area. Available guides include Hiking in Van Loon Wildlife Area and Easy hikes in Van Loon Wildlife Area. These guides provide detailed information on routes and trails.

Van Loon Wildlife Area is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The official website for information is https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Lands/WildlifeAreas/vanloon.html. A general contact number for the Wisconsin DNR is 1-888-936-7463.

The area encompasses extensive floodplain forests, sand prairies, and oak savannas. It features groves of scattered oak forest and mature floodplain forests dominated by silver maple and swamp white oak. The terrain is largely level and includes pockets of sloughs, ponds, wet meadows, and shrub swamps.

Yes, Van Loon Wildlife Area offers opportunities for cycling. Komoot lists routes for road cycling in the area, in addition to hiking. Visitors can explore the area's landscapes on two wheels, though specific trail conditions for cycling should be verified.

Van Loon Wildlife Area is a biodiversity hotspot, particularly for birds, with over 200 species documented. These include yellow-crowned night herons, Acadian flycatchers, and prothonotary warblers. The diverse habitats also support various other wildlife, making it suitable for general wildlife viewing.