Wandering Rock State Natural Area

About Wandering Rock State Natural Area

Wandering Rock State Natural Area is a 162-acre protected property along the Mississippi River, donated to Mississippi Valley Conservancy by The Nature Conservancy in 2025. Located near Nelson, Wisconsin, this special property connects with neighboring privately owned lands protected by Landmark Conservancy and the Village of Nelson's Thrive! Park to form a 400-acre corridor of preserved habitat and scenic beauty along the Great River Road. A winding trail through the woodlands leads adventurous hikers to a rocky outcropping at the top of the bluff overlooking a native prairie, the Village of Nelson, and a sweeping view of the Minnesota bluffs and the Mississippi River.

This property features rare prairies and oak woodlands—habitats that are increasingly scarce across Wisconsin. These ecosystems support a variety of wildlife, including red-headed woodpeckers, ruffed grouse, ovenbirds, and a nesting pair of state-endangered peregrine falcons. Restoration efforts at Wandering Rock aim to improve the health of these natural communities by removing invasive species, using prescribed fire, and supporting the health and resilience of the native plant communities. Funding for this property was made possible in part by the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program, a bipartisan program established in 1989 to protect Wisconsin's land, water and wildlife.

(Photo: Peregrine falcons are nesting in the rocky outcropping of the bluff nearby and hunt to feed their young at Wandering Rock SNA. Photo by Dianne Mollers.)

This conservation project not only protects vital habitat but also enhances outdoor experiences for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers. The property offers a valuable space for the community to explore and connect with nature while helping preserve Wisconsin’s ecological heritage. As part of the Mississippi River flyway, it provides a critical forested habitat for local and migrating birds and other wildlife, many of which require a large tract of forest in order to reproduce.

Community involvement is encouraged through volunteer events and ongoing restoration support. Whether lending a hand on the land or contributing to the Conservancy’s stewardship fund, supporters are essential to the success and sustainability of this project. 

Learn how you can get involved and help Wandering Rock SNA thrive for generations to come by signing up to become a volunteer. You will receive notifications when work parties are scheduled and you can determine which work parties are best suited for you!

History

Mississippi Valley Conservancy's work to formally protect this land in Buffalo County started in 2009, when Dwight and Aimee Hemion met with staff to discuss their wishes for the property. Before they could finalize a plan to protect the land, Dwight passed away. Aimee Hemion continued to work with Mississippi Valley Conservancy on a conservation plan. After years of work on the project, Mississippi Valley Conservancy needed assistance to secure the necessary funding and The Nature Conservancy stepped in to help. In May 2012, The Nature Conservancy purchased the property with a plan to later transfer ownership and responsibility of care of the property to Mississippi Valley Conservancy. In June 2025, the property was officially transferred to Mississippi Valley Conservancy and the restoration plans were set in motion.

“We are thrilled to transfer ownership of this property to longtime partner and conservation leader Mississippi Valley Conservancy,” said Elizabeth Koehler, state director of the Wisconsin chapter of The Nature Conservancy. “We know the property will be in good hands, and we can’t wait to see the long-term benefits of active management and restoration on the site. This new investment of time, expertise, and funding will provide benefits for nature and the local community for generations to come.”

How Wandering Rock State Natural Area was named

The name Wandering Rock State Natural Area reflects the striking geological and ecological features of the property. It alludes to the rugged bluffs and cliffs shaped by the ever-changing course of the Mississippi River. The name also pays tribute to the peregrine falcon, a species that forages on the property and whose name means "wandering falcon," symbolizing both the land’s natural history and the wildlife it supports.

Public access

Bikes and dogs are NOT allowed. Visitors must follow our recreational use policy as well as all federal and state laws and local ordinances. When visiting protected lands, please avoid trespassing onto the lands of neighboring property owners. 

Buffalo County

162 acres

Land Type
Nature Preserve
Protected
Trail Trek Challenge
Directions

From downtown La Crosse:  Drive approximately 67 miles north on State Highway 35N toward Nelson. The turnoff will be on your right just before the Nelson Cemetery, approximately 0.7 miles southeast of Nelson, Wisconsin. 

From Nelson: Starting at the intersection of 25 and 35, go southeast 0.7 miles just past the Nelson Cemetery on the left.

Directions link: Click here

GPS: 44.4121087,-91.9927967