Blogs about Tourism
If you would like to add a blog or comment dealing with tourism, please e-mail them to Susan Noble. snoble@veda-wi.org
Babson Donation To MVC Preserves Nature
May 25, 2010
By Gregg Hoffman
Those of us who have lived, fulltime or part-time, on the ridge between La Farge and Viola in Vernon County have referred to the vast expanse of land as the “Babson Property.” We might have hiked on it at times, but knew we were technically trespassing. We listened to cattle bellow from it in some years. Other years, we saw crops grown on it, or lumber taken from it. Now, 1,100 acres of the land belongs to all of us, as part of the Mississippi Valley Conservancy. The Babson family members, heirs to the Chicago-based Surge milking machine business, donated the land to MVC this past winter. Its value is placed at $2.5 million, the largest single gift to the conservancy since the organization’s founding in 1997, but the gift actually is priceless. Included in it is scenic bluff lands, pristine woods and valleys, nature in about as beautiful glory as you can still find.
The land is adjacent to the Tunnelville Cliffs State Natural Area, already owned by the MVC. “It is an astonishing gift that gives further protection to important ecological features and wildlife, as well as increasing public access to this spectacular part of the Wisconsin landscape,” said Tim Jacobson, executive director of MVC at the time of the donation. Jean Babson and her late husband, James, who was president of Babson Brother Co., bought farms in the area about 35 years ago and consolidated them. Several hundred acres remain in private ownership, but could eventually be donated for public use. This is not intended for intense public use. Hunting will be restricted to a degree. Motor vehicles prohibited in most areas. Hiking, snowshoeing and other silent sports uses of the land will be encouraged.
My wife, Pauline, and I recently hiked one of the trails near our rural place on a Sunday morning and found it a wonderful experience. Wild turkeys scrambled into the woods as we came down a pathway through woods and into a picturesque valley, with a small stream running through it. Bio-diversity was everywhere around us, in the foliage and other living things, on this spring day. The hike was mildly challenging, but not too taxing. MVC already has done one prescribed burn on the land and plans more. Invasive species will be controlled. Some trails will be maintained. One cannot think of better “use” of the land than what MVC has planned for it. “Protected Forever,” printed on signs throughout the area, are two beautiful words to those of us who have always loved the ridge area.
The Babson family has shown great enlightenment, and generosity, in donating the property. Now, it is up to those of us who hike its trails and enjoy its natural beauty to show as much enlightenment in how we treat it. For more information, go to: http://www.mississippivalleyconservancy.org/
Ski jump draws international participants
February 8, 2010
The first night event of the 87th annual Snowflake Ski Jump outside Westby proved to a big success on February 5th, as a large crowd watched the competition. Saturday’s jumps also enjoyed good weather and drew a big crowd. Hakon Helgesen of Norway won the Super Tour competition over the weekend. Borge Blikeng of Norway finished second and Mike Kumula of Finland third. Jumpers from five countries competed. A kickoff breakfast at Borgen’s Café, a dance and fireworks after the night jump were some of the other highlights of the event. The night jump was held in part to avoid a conflict with Sunday’s Super Bowl. It has not yet been announced whether a Friday night jump will be part of the event in 2011.
KVR Winter Festival Jan. 9, 2010
December 18, 2009
The Kickapoo Valley Reserve annual Winter Festival has been set for Jan. 9. Activities from chain saw carving to sled riding and sleigh rides will be held. The Tri-State Malamute Sled Dog Race and Weight Pull will go on from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours of exhibits and points of interest in the reserve will be conducted. The annual Chili and Bread Contest will offer great eats from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The festival will conclude with a Candlelight Hike/Ski and Astronomy Watch at Wildcat Mountain State Park.
Small Town Old Fashioned Christmas
December 5, 2009
La Farge State Bank is sponsoring the La Farge Small Town Old Fashioned Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 5th. Events range from a Medallion Hunt, with the first clue posted at the Lawton Memorial Library to a holiday craft show in the La Farge High School gym. A cookie walk also will be held at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. The “In-Laws” will play at the Senior Citizen Center from 1-3 p.m. String Ties will perform at 7 p.m. at KVR. Donations will be accepted.
Snowflake plans night jump
February 5-6, 2010
The Snowflake Ski Jump will be held on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 5-6, and feature a night jump competition on the Friday night. The annual jump has been traditionally held on Saturday and Sunday during its 87-year history, but Sunday, Feb. 7, is Super Bowl Sunday. The night jump will be the first in the history of the event.
Big Cats at KVR
November 18, 2009
“Big Cats” -- including mountain lions and bobcats -- will be the topic when Eric Anderson of UW-Stevens Point speaks at Driftless Dialogue III at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve on Nov. 18. Anderson’s presentation will be held at 7:00 p.m. He has been conducting a survey of big wild cats in Wisconsin. Some have been detected in Vernon County. For more information, go to: http://kvr.state.wi.us
Tundra Swans flocking into Pool 8
November 14, 2009
Tundra swans are flocking into Pool 8, on the Mississippi River between Stoddard and Brownsville, Minnesota, by the thousands and drawing almost as many tourists. Saturday, Nov. 14th is Waterfowl Observation Day. Upper Mississippi River Refuge officials will be on hand at the Pool 8 observation area on Highway 26 near Brownsville to help guide observers. For more information, go to http://www.fws.gov/midwest/UpperMississippiRiver
The 79th annual Viola Horse & Colt Show will be held Sept. 25-26th in Viola
September 15, 2009
Carnival rides and a truck and tractor pull will highlight the Horse & Colt Show activities on the 25th. A livestock show, horse pull and horse and rabbit shows will be held on the 26th. Country music also will be featured. Viola annually is transformed from a sleepy small town in the Kickapoo Valley to a busy electric-atmosphere setting during the event. You can find out more about the event by going to www.horseandcoltshow.com.
Join the fun at Kickapalooza on September 26th
September 15, 2009
The Kickapalooza ‘09 will be held from 1 to 11 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Vernon County Fairgrounds to celebrate WDRT 91.9 FM’s approval of a p.m. broadcast license. The event also will serve as the capital campaign kickoff for the station, which is looking to raise $91,900. Gary Brueggen’s Ridgeland Dutchmen, Pie City Ramblers, JJ’s Zydeco Paydirt and Ted Parrish’s Bad Axe Blues Band will perform. Donations of $10 for adults and $5 for kids will be accepted.
Pool 8 Project progressing in The Big River
August 28, 2009
By Gregg Hoffmann
For several years, one of the biggest reconstruction projects in the Midwest has been going on -- in the middle of the Mississippi River. The Pool 8 Islands Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Project is now in Phase III under the Environmental Management Program (EMP). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, U.S. Geological Survey, Minnesota and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and others have cooperated on the project, which started in 2006. Pool 8 is located within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, just west of Stoddard, Wisconsin, and east of Brownsville, Minnesota. For more on this project, go to: http://blogs.wisbusiness.com/bizopinion/2009/08/greenbiz-pool-8-project-restores.html
Larryfest and Wild West events this weekend
August 10, 2009
One of the most active weekends of the summer is this coming Aug. 14-16, when Larryfest and Wild West Days are held in Vernon County. Some of the best bluegrass groups in the country will perform Friday night and Saturday at Larryfest, on the Sebranek farm near the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. The Kickapoo Valley Acoustic Music Association puts on the event. For more information, go to www.larryfest.com.
The Vernon County Fairgrounds are transformed into an 1880s Boom Town for Wild West days. You’ll find merchants, the Northstar Hotel, Buckeye Saloon, Marshall’s office, and even an undertaker. You can also attend a rodeo and enjoy other Western activities. For more information, go to www.wildwestdays.info
WWAM auctions tractors
August 7, 2009
Antique tractors from the collections of Alden Fremstad and Willie Baakestuen were among vintage items auctions at the 38th annual antique engine show, July 31-Aug. 2, at the Western Wisconsin Agricultural Museum (WWAM) north of Westby.
The WWAM grounds are not open full time, but host several events throughout the year at its location along Highway 27, two miles north of Westby and four miles south of Cashton. Several auctions are held. The grounds also are open during the annual Syttende Mai celebration in May.
The facility is one of several museums in Vernon County and the surrounding area that will be briefly featured in Tourism Blogs. The Skrumstad Museum, and its annual ice cream social and chicken Q, was featured earlier.
Ice Cream Social draws crowd
August 3, 2009
Perfect weather on Aug. 2 helped boost a crowd for Norskedalen’s 22nd annual Ice Cream Social and Chicken Q at the Skumsrud Heritage Farm north of Coon Valley.
Culver’s provided the ice cream. In addition to devouring it and the chicken, you could tour about a dozen buildings on the site. Many descendants of the original owners of the buildings were on hand to give some history.
The kids also could play a number of games, including some Vikings’ games (the historic Vikings not the football players from Minnesota).
The event serves as an annual fund raiser for Norskedalen and the Summered “living” museum. Speaking of museums, Vernon County residents are lucky to have several to chose from. Look for a blog on that in the future.
Dennen heads Kickapoo County Fair entertainment
July 25-26, 2009
Singer-songwriter Brett Dennen heads a fine slate of entertainment for Organic Valley’s Kickapoo Country Fair July 25-26. Dennen performs Saturday. Other musical performances scheduled for that day are: The Eric Nofsinger Band, The Squeezettes and the Bryan Cherry Band. Authors David Rhodes, Sara Rath and Woody Tasch will also speak on Saturday.
On Sunday, a keynote panel featuring “Our Organic Heroes” will be held at 2 p.m. The Rodale Institute’s Tim LaSalle will be joined by the Environmental Working Group’s Ken Cook, Organic Consumers Association’s Ronnie Cummins, author and ecologist Dr. Sandra Steingraber and Organic Valley’s Theresa Marquez. Musical entertainers on Sunday include Patchouli, Beff Slough Boys and 5-Watt. Authors Ernest Callenbach and Sandor Katz also will speak.
For more info, go to www.kickapoocountryfair.org
Dam Challenge includes T-shirt design
July 1, 2009
If you’re an outdoor lover, consider attending the 7th annual Kickapoo Dam Challenge! The event will be held October 3, beginning at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, just north of La Farge on Hwy 131. Competitors will paddle seven miles on the Kickapoo River, bike 14 miles and run three miles.
Registration opened June 1 and will run until September 16. Late registration will take place after September 16 and carry a $15 fee. There is no same day registration. You can register at http://kvr.state.wi.us/damchallenge.
A new feature of the event is a T-Shirt design contest. The winner will receive a $50 cash prize. The design will be reproduced on the 2009 T-Shirt for the event. The winner will be picked through online voting. Deadline for submitting a design is Aug.7.
Avalanche Campground Goes Wireless
June 22, 2009
By Bryan Voldahl Secretary WFSC
West Fork Sportsmen’s Club, located in Avalanche, Wisconsin is excited to offer wireless internet (Wi Fi) at the club grounds/campground. Our campground is the only wireless campground in Vernon County. We wanted to bring our sites up to date with the year 2010. Many other improvements are in the planning stages, to be implemented soon. Family camping style is encouraged and we offer very reasonable rates. Visit our website at: westforksportsmansclub.org
Did you hear the News at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve?
June 22, 2009
The third year of Driftless Dialogue will be presented at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, starting Saturday, July 25. A Star Gazing tour with members of the La Crosse Area Astronomical Society will be held from 9:30 p.m. until midnight. The Kickapoo Valley Reforestation (Nuzum) Fund will sponsor the event.
Also, the Kickapoo Valley Reserve has earned a spot in the Wisconsin Wetlands Association top 100“Wetland Gems” in Wisconsin. On the group’s web site (www.wisconsinwetlands.org/gemslist.htm), it reads: “Sandstone cliffs and forested bluffs tower over the valley and the meandering Kickapoo River. The flood plain of this low gradient, warm water river features a complex of high quality wetland habitat types. With one of the most diverse collections of wetland and upland plant communities in the state, the Kickapoo Valley Reserve supports abundant and diverse wildlife, particularly birds.”
Rockton Chicken-Q
June 6, 2009
By Gregg Hoffmann
You know it’s summer when The Rockton Bar is once again packing people in for its Sunday chicken barbecues.
Memorial Day saw lines a block long. Most holiday weekends are like that, so anyone wanting to get their meal without waiting can call ahead (608-625-4395) for reservations. The bar’s web site is under development. People are urged to keep checking www.rocktonbar.com.
The Rockton has become a stop on bikers’ alley, along Highway 131. Riders throughout the area make it a point to stop there on Sundays. These are not exactly Hell’s Angels bikers, but folks like you and me who love the winding roads of the Driftless Area and the Rockton’s chicken.
Of course, the Rockton serves other good food and drink on the other six days of the week. It also is not the only place in Vernon County where you can find Chicken-Qs.
A few “Junquing” places in Vernon County
May 18, 2009
By Gregg Hoffmann
Junquing --yes that’s how you spell it -- has remained a popular pastime for many, even during the recession. In fact, Business Week reported not long ago that thrift stores, resale shops and places that sell second hand junque -- a word manufactured from junk and antique -- are holding their own or doing well in hard times.
You’ll find plenty of places to do it in Vernon County. Here are just some of this writer’s favorites. Send others if you have them. Highway 14 Antiques, between Viroqua and Westby, is the largest, year-around antique store in the area. Arlie Martinson has a great collection of Native American artifacts and other good junque in the mall. In the name of full disclosure, this writer has an Old School Collectibles place in the Highway 14 mall.
You also can find my wife and I junquing at other places in the county. In Viroqua, there’s the seasonal Flea Market in the old tobacco coop building, and Second Time Around, Pieces of the Past and Woodhookers, which all have interesting selections. In Westby, you can find good stuff at Kountry Krafts and the relatively-new A-Z shop. Bethel Butikk, on the north side of Westby, is a thrift store with nice things and their proceeds go to good causes. Continue north on Highway 14 to Coon Valley and you can shop at Donna’s Daughters. The Dent, Bent and Beyond is primarily a discount grocery store, but the Beyond includes some good junquing stuff which is sold on consignment.
If you like hunting for places in some of the valleys around here, check out EZ Pickins near Avalanche, and the Liberty Pole Store. These places hold somewhat irregular hours, so check ahead via phone (634-6555 for EZ and 675-3237 for Liberty Pole). Resale shops also can be part of good junquing so Crazy Franks in Readstown and Penny’s and Memories in La Farge also should be on your list. If you travel up and down the Great River Road, you’ll find others. We like the Old Tool Shed in Genoa.
By no means are these the only good places in Vernon County. You also have a lot of auctions and countless rummage and garage sales this time of the year. Send any info on junquing places or other blogs to gregghof@aol.com for consideration of posting.
Gregg Hoffmann is a veteran journalist, publishes www.midwestdiamondreport.com, www.oldschoolcollectibles.com and Driftless and sells Old School Collectibles out of spaces at the Antique Center on Third Street in La Crosse, the Highway 14 Antiques mall and at La Crosse Loggers games.
Trout Season Brings Fishers
By Gregg Hoffmann
One of the top tourism attractions in Vernon County is trout fishing. Trout Unlimited estimates fishing brings in more than $650 million to the overall Driftless Area, and another $465 million in “indirect benefits.” Vernon County gets its share of that economic impact.
The so-called “early” season in April has fishers coming here a month before the season officially opens on the first weekend of May. All you had to do on decent weather days was drive by the West Fork or Timber Coulee to see the fishers.
The Driftless Angler in Viroqua felt the impact. It is becoming the Vernon County center for fly fishing. A movie, called the Fly Fishing Film Tour, was shown at the TempleTheater on April 25. The Angler also will sponsor an introductory fly fishing clinic on May 3.
You can find out more about activities and offerings from the Angler at www.driftlessangler.com.
One of the phenoms of the season so far has been the Pink Squirrel. A fly tied by John Bethke of Westby, it mimics local insect larva and just happens to have pink color on it. One Illinois fisher told this writer he caught 30 fish on one Pink Squirrel one day. This writer didn’t have that kind of luck on it, but did catch several trout using the fly.
Bethke also runs Spring Creek Guide & Instruction and will bring fishers to the hot spots in the area. You can find out more about that service by emailing QJLB@yahoo.com.
Look for more updates on trout fishing in this blog as the season progresses. If you have any items you’d want included in these blogs, send them to gregghof@aol.com.
Gregg Hoffmann of Westby is a veteran journalist and the publisher of www.midwestdiamondreport.com, www.oldschoolcollectibles.com and Driftless.
Syttende Mai is Great Spring Event
By GreggHoffmann
Whether you’re Norwegian or not, the Syttende Mai celebration in Westby is one of the great spring tourism events in Vernon County.
The festivities kick off with a Pancake Supper from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday at the Westby VFW. The good times and good eats continue with a breakfast buffet at Borgen’s from 7-9 a.m. on Friday. The Norskedalen Trio will play at the buffet.
The Sons of Norway will host their Frokost breakfast from 7-10 a.m. Saturday at the United Methodist Church. You also can find wonderful Norwegian food and other goodies at venues throughout town during the festival.
Music and other entertainment also are plentiful. It starts with an Old Time Music event on Friday and continues throughout the weekend.
If you need to do some moving around after eating and listening to music, a walk/run and bike tour will be held on Saturday.
Dregne’s Gifts will celebrate with some wonderful gift offerings and by hosting Author Jerry Apps and other authors including Glen Jensen, a former Westby resident and author of "Bull Justice" and other books.
Sunday also is an active day concluding with the big parade at 1:30 p.m. You can find out the schedule for event by going to www.westbywi.com.
The Syttende Mai is one of the attractions that brought my wife and me to Vernon County when we still lived in Milwaukee and were only part-timers here. It continues to be a sure sign of spring now that we are fulltime residents here.
If you have any announcements or blogs you would like posted, please send them to gregghof@aol.com.