Parks & Nature Preserves
Viroqua has a number of parks and serene nature preserves located throughout the area, perfect for a day with family, friends or a peaceful stroll on your own. A brief description of many of the parks is listed below.
Sidie Hollow Lake
Sidie Hollow Lake is surrounded by a county park with well maintained hiking trails and camping facilities, providing peaceful and relaxing hiking, picnicking, canoeing, boating and fishing opportunities. Located three miles West of Viroqua on County Road XX, campsites are open April 15 – October 15.
Kickapoo Valley Reserve
The Kickapoo Valley Reserve is an 8,569 acre tract of land located between La Farge and Ontario. You’ll be amazed by the masses of spring wildflowers and dense greenery through mid-summer and the brilliant colors in autumn. The Reserve offers a variety of recreation: fishing, hunting, horseback, biking, hiking, snowmobile, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, camping and canoeing. Horseback and bike trails are open May 1 – November 15, and hiking year round. Visitors must purchase permit.
Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center
The natural heritage program at Norskedalen is headquartered at Thrune Nature Center, a 350-acre facility used for nature classes. The Center’s arboretum features over five miles of walking trails, springs, creeks and ponds, all restored and preserved as they were when the Norwegian settlers arrived here in the mid 19th century. The Thrune Nature Center is located in Coon Valley, and is open April 15 – October 31.
Wildcat Mountain State Park
Canoeing on the winding Kickapoo River, camping, horseback riding for those who bring their own horses, spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife highlight the attractions of the Wildcat Mountain State Park in Ontario. Campgrounds with full amenities are available for campers with and without horses. An observation point high on the mountain overlooks the Village of Ontario and the meandering Kickapoo Valley.
Black Hawk County Park
Majestic Bald Eagles swoop and soar at Black Hawk Park as barges, riverboats and pleasure craft ply up and down the great Mississippi River. The park offers camping, canoe, boat and motor rentals, backwater flat bottom rides, launching and docking facilities, tackle and bait, camping supplies and groceries.
Community Parks
Eckhart Park
Eckhart Enchantment Playground, shelters, public restrooms, lookout point, horseshoe pits, volleyball
Park Bowl
Two ball diamonds, basketball, volleyball, public restrooms, sledding hill, ice skating rink, playground equipment
Bigley Park
Shelter & horseshoe pits
Hanson Park
Volleyball court, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, playground equipment
Court Street Park
Basketball, playground
Washington Park
Baseball, softball, soccer goals, playground equipment
Cedar Meadow Park
Playground equipment, horseshoe pit, basketball court