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Selena Diggs
Editor
(608) 267-2094 office
Selena.diggs (at) dot.wi.gov

Ken Harwood
Publisher

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2026 Prairie du Chien Ice Fisheree

An annual winter tradition along the Mississippi River, the Prairie du Chien Ice Fisheree returns for a 76th year on February 6-8, 2026!

Headquartered at The Crooked Oar at 32319 County K, the annual event is brought to you by the Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Council.

Compete in the ice fishing tournament across different categories and age groups, win amazing prizes in the raffle drawings, enjoy live music, great food & drink, and have a ton of fun!

You can register for the tournament and purchase raffle tickets online in advance here on this site!

Win a 2025 Ranger XP 1000 Northstar Ultimate UTV, cash prizes, ice fishing gear, guns, and much more! Some raffle tickets are available in limited quantities, so don’t wait!

Have specific questions? Contact the Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce at 800-732-1673...

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Ken Notes: Sign up and raffle tickets at the link!

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Kids Ice Fishing Day Genoa Sat. 2/7/2026



Volunteer Form Here

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NOTE: Volunteers needed for Genoa NFH Kids Ice Fishing Day Event -Sat. Feb. 7, 2026. All volunteers need to fill out a Volunteer Service Agreement form at the link above. If you plan on volunteering please arrive at 8:15am in The Great River Road Interpretive Center. Erica will share what station you will be at for the event. A light lunch will be provided to all volunteers.

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Looking ahead at the Great River Road Visitor & Learning Center at Freedom Park

By Linda Schenk Executive Director - January 14, 2026 - Since the center’s establishment 20 years ago, it has served as a beacon for travelers and locals alike, offering interpretive exhibits, wildlife-viewing opportunities, and access to panoramic views that capture the natural beauty of the region. It is recognized as a National Park Service partner site, Audubon Birding Trail location, and Watchable Wildlife site, roles that underscore its importance to tourism and environmental stewardship. 

Looking forward, the center’s impact is expected to grow not just as a scenic stop but as a community resource...

Prescott’s parks and riverfront future

Prescott’s long-term comprehensive park plans highlight the importance of park spaces in attracting tourists and enhancing quality of life for residents. The continual work of the Coulee River Trails (CRT) group has produced significant improvements to parks such Magee and the Pine Coulee nature reserve. The group’s diligent work on connecting trail systems in the town is seeing much progress every month.

Freedom Park’s continual bluff line restoration and park maintenance projects are of top priority to the center. By exercising environmental stewardship and properly caring for the bluff line, town residents and travelers will benefit from its beauty for years to come.

Additionally, Prescott’s riverfront improvement projects, including new boat docks, parking enhancements, enjoyable recreation areas, and trail connectivity, will amplify the appeal of Freedom Park as a destination for continued scenic exploration, birding, and hiking...




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Black Hawk / Lansing Bridge
Project Updates and Notes


      

     
    
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WATCH: Explosives bring down Lansing Bridge

A nearly century old piece of Lansing, Iowa’s history is no-more.

Explosives brought down the Black Hawk Bridge shortly after 11 a.m. Friday morning.

With a countdown, followed by the command, “fire in the hole”, the specifically placed charges dropped the bridge down into the Mississippi River to the cheers of the hundreds of people watching from a safe distance along the Iowa shoreline.

The bridge across the river first opened in 1931.

The Black Hawk Bridge got a few hours reprieve thanks to the cold weather that made it difficult for crews to wire the explosives together...   ...Full Story Here

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Regional outdoor recreation plan aims to drive economic development as it awaits USDA approval

WESTERN WISCONSIN (WQOW) - For years, nearly 200 people have been collaborating on a regional outdoor recreation plan for Western Wisconsin and now, its nearly complete. 

In 2022, seven of the eight counties participating in the plan joined the Rural Partners Network, a U.S. Department of Agriculture administered program meant to connect small communities to federal resources. As the collaboration continued, an eighth county joined and the group decided to focus on outdoor recreation. 

The eight county collaboration includes Eau Claire, Dunn, Chippewa, Clark, Pepin, Buffalo, Jackson and Trempealeau. The key people involved include municipal staff, nonprofit leaders, state agency representatives, and economic development staff. Additionally, the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, Visit Eau Claire, the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission, Blue Bird Consulting, and the National Park Service... 

The Website for the Project is here!

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Ken Notes: The Mississippi River, Great River Road, and area trails were heavily featured in the report...

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This Saturday in Alma WI Don Harvey Live at Danzinger Vineyards

Sat, Jan 17, 2026
Live at Danzinger Vineyards
Jan 17, 2026, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Alma, S2015 Grapeview Ln
Alma, WI 54610, USA

Don Harvey Live in Alma

Don is an award winning singer/songwriter combining skillful acoustic guitar with lively harmonica and liquid vocals. A dynamic entertainer, Don engages the audience with his observations and wit while delivering insightful lyrics and spirited melodies.


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The Great River Road



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Discover Wisconsin
Great River Road
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Here`s to Being Here: Great River Road | Sights to See Along the Mississippi
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Danzinger Vineyards

Perched atop the Alma Bluffs, Danzinger Vineyards overlooks the mighty Mississippi River. Danzinger Vineyards is one of the few Estate Wineries in Wisconsin. Our vineyard boasts 18 acres of 12 different varietals. Everything is grown and produced on site which allows us to ensure only the best quality for our customers. We invite you to come take in the stunning views while enjoying a glass of one of our finest wines. See you soon, cheers!...    ...Full Story Here

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Wisconsin Mississippi River Interpretive Centers



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7 Most Charming River Towns in Wisconsin to Visit

Wisconsin is a colorful destination chock full of opportunities for year-round fun, ranging from a plethora of winter sports to an array of summer activities, with plenty of ways to celebrate each season. Travelers come from far and wide to enjoy the world`s largest music festival, known as Summerfest in Milwaukee, or indulge in some of the more niche events that are only accessible with a visit to some of the state`s small towns. Wisconsin is also known for its collection of rivers, home to the Great River Road, with plenty of appealing small towns dappled along the shoreline of popular destinations such as the Mississippi River.

  • Prairie du Chien

  • Stockholm

  • Maiden Rock

  • Alma

  • Pepin

Enjoy a Trip to Wisconsin`s River Towns!

Wisconsin explodes with beauty, and a trip to some of its smaller river towns promises a unique adventure. There are plenty of events and happenings no matter the destination, ensuring a memorable vacation in Wisconsin...



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Discover the top five ice fishing spots across Wisconsin

La Crosse County

In La Crosse County, Lake Onalaska offers both Driftless scenery and a vast assortment of fish species for anglers along the Mississippi River. This 7,688?acre flowage, part of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, is known for panfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, and walleye. Throughout the season, watch for local ice fishing tournaments that pop up, in case you’re feeling extra lucky! ...   ...Full Story Here

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Our Visitor Guide Sponsors. Please check them out!

 
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west coast

All of our sponsors!
Comming Soon...



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5 Of America`s Oldest Scenic Byways You Can Still Drive On

Great River Road

Dating back to 1938, the Great River Road is one of America`s most underrated scenic routes, crossing 10 states. The 3,000-mile route traces the mighty Mississippi from the northern end of Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, brimming with sleepy riverside towns, historic landmarks, and scenic marvels along the way. If you were to tackle the entire route in one uninterrupted drive, it would take about 36 hours to complete. However, 10-14 days is a more realistic time frame to enjoy the journey without rushing through...



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Snowflake Ski Jump 2026

Fri, Feb 6th, 2026 - Sat, Feb 7th, 2026

8:00 AM - 11:00 PM CST

The 103rd Annual Snowflake Ski Jumping Tournament will take place at the Snowflake Ski Club outside of Westby, WI, on February 6 & 7, 2026. This international event celebrates ski jumping on 5 hills over 2 days. The large hill competition, which is Olympic size, will take place on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. Saturday morning features junior athletes from across the nation competing our newly updated junior ski jumping complex. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate and tickets will be available starting in December, 2025 (via in person sales at local businesses and online at our website- snowflakeskiclub.com). Tickets gain access to both days of the event. 

Attendees can enjoy bonfires, world class tailgating, food and drink vendors, and live music following the day’s events. The tournament typically attracts about 4,000 visitors. Follow us on our Snowflake Ski Club Facebook page for more details as the event draws closer. We look forward to seeing you at the hill!...

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Tourism Sites and Event Calendars

Grant County

Wisconsin Great
River Road
Facebook Page

Crawford County

La Crosse County

Trempealeau County

Buffalo County

Pepin County

Pierce County

Vernon County



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Other links

Great River Road Resources

Wisconsin Great River Road Website

Wisconsin Great River Road 2025 Visitors Guide

The Wisconsin Great River Road – Discover Wisconsin

Great River Road TripAdvisor

Explore La Crosse

About Our Locks and Dams

Locks & Dams - Wisconsin Great River Road

Wisconsin Tourism Great River Road

National Website ExperienceMississippiRiver.com

MRPC Members Website National River Resources

Other Tourism Sites

Monroe County

River Pool Maps



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