Attractions and Places To See around Brice Prairie - Top 9

For breathtaking views, visit King's Bluff Overlook. It's a blufftop overlook offering expansive vistas, though be aware of rattlesnakes and poison ivy in the area. Another scenic spot is the Great River State Trail Bridge over the Black River, where you can rest and often see canoes and kayaks on the river below.

Yes, Brice Prairie has several significant historical and cultural sites. You can explore The McGilvray “Seven Bridges Road”, a historic trail featuring unique bowstring arch truss bridges, with six of the original seven still standing. The Brice Prairie Native American Cemetery is a burial site for Ho-Chunk individuals, and the Asbury Cemetery (also known as Brice Prairie Cemetery) is where early settlers Alexander and Lucy Brice are interred. The area was also home to a Ho-Chunk winter camp in the 1800s.

Brice Prairie is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy biking, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing on the Great River State Trail. The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge offers over two miles of trails and 96 miles of marked canoe trails, including the Lake Onalaska Canoe Trail. Lake Onalaska is also popular for various water-based activities.

Many attractions around Brice Prairie are suitable for families. The Great River State Trail Bridge over the Black River is a family-friendly viewpoint. The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge has a visitor center with displays and exhibits, and its trails are great for nature walks. Swarthout Park is a local neighborhood park, and the Great River Landing in Onalaska features the 'Sunny the Sunfish' sculpture, a fun photo spot.

Brice Prairie offers various hiking opportunities. The Great River State Trail is a popular choice for hiking. For more specific hiking routes, you can explore guides like Easy hikes around Brice Prairie or Hiking around Brice Prairie, which feature routes like the King's Bluff Overlook trail and others in nearby natural areas.

Cyclists will find excellent facilities, especially at the Rest Stop on the Great River Trail in Onalaska. This full-service stop provides picnic tables, swinging benches, a bike maintenance station, showers, and electrical outlets for e-bike charging. It also offers a good view and is near restaurants and bicycle shops. The La Crosse Trailhead also offers plenty of parking and flush restrooms.

While specific rules for all trails vary, the Great River State Trail, which passes through Brice Prairie, generally allows dogs. It's always best to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them. For specific attractions like the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, check their visitor guidelines regarding pets.

Brice Prairie offers outdoor activities year-round. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures for hiking and biking, with vibrant foliage in autumn. Summer is ideal for water activities on Lake Onalaska and the Black River. Winter allows for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on trails like the Great River State Trail.

Parking is available at several key locations. The La Crosse Trailhead offers ample parking. There is also good parking at the trailhead for The McGilvray “Seven Bridges Road”. For the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, parking is available at the visitor center.

Brice Prairie is rich in wildlife, particularly due to its location within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge and the Van Loon State Wildlife Area. You can expect to see diverse bird species, as the Van Loon Wildlife Area is listed as a Wisconsin Important Bird Area. The wetlands along The McGilvray “Seven Bridges Road” are also known for abundant wildlife and flora.

Beyond the main attractions, the Midway Railroad Prairie State Natural Area offers a unique natural space at the eastern entrance to Brice Prairie. The Van Loon State Wildlife Area, home to The McGilvray “Seven Bridges Road”, is a significant floodplain forest known for its diverse wildlife and unique ecosystem, making it a hidden gem for nature lovers.

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is an extensive protected area with a visitor center on Brice Prairie. It features displays, exhibits, and over two miles of trails through restored prairies. It's one of the longest and most visited refuges in the nation, crucial for various animals and plants, and offers 96 miles of marked canoe trails, including the Lake Onalaska Canoe Trail.