Snowshoeing in the Driftless Area

With a general decline in annual snowfall due to a warming climate, it's especially important to be prepared and get outdoors for winter fun when we do get a fresh blanket of the white wonder that waters plants, protects animals, and brightens our short winter days. That's why we've collected this list of tips and resources for your convenience.

Snowshoes were invented to disperse a person's weight and prevent them from sinking into deep snow. Even when snow isn't very deep, snowshoes are a fun and easy way to explore the outdoors.

Where to snowshoe

The link to the right will take you to a list with these nature preserves and more. Downloadable maps and access details are are available for all these locations (with the exception of Kickapoo Valley Reserve).

Boscobel Bluffs (Grant County) – a little steep at first (extra cardio points)

Borah Creek (Grant County)

Cassville Bluffs (Grant County)

Greens Coulee (La Crosse County)

Kickapoo Valley Reserve (Vernon County)

La Crosse Bluffflands (La Crosse County)

La Crosse River Conservancy (La Crosse County)

Sugar Creek Bluff (Crawford County)

Tunnelville Cliffs (Vernon County)

Where to rent snowshoes

Bluedog Cycles (Viroqua) – call 608-637-6993 for rental details and reservations

Island Outdoors (La Crosse) – Visit website or call 608-782-5552 for rental details and reservations

Kickapoo Valley Reserve (La Farge) – Although the visitor center is closed due to COVID-19, snowshoes are available for rent when conditions allow. Fee is $5 per adult pair and FREE for child sizes. M-F 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Call 608-625-2960 or email to reserve snowshoes.

UW-La Crosse Outdoor Connection (La Crosse) – rentals available to the public. Click for details.

The Nature Place (at Myrick Park in La Crosse) – email for details and snowshoe reservations