Set on a perch 600 feet above the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi there are stunning views from almost anywhere within the park. There are also campsites placed directly at the bluffs' edge, American Indian mounds from two mound building eras, a cave with a passage to a hidden chamber, a large overhang cave, boat launches, and miles of challenging hiking trails.
I chose to hike the Sentinel Ridge trail from the boat launch up to Treasure Cave. A more ambitious hiker could have continued and made a loop trail of about a dozen miles, but I chose to do it as a 6 mile out-n-back.
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| Sentinel Ridge Trail - Wyalusing Park |
This is exactly the kind of trail I seek out. I found what I was looking for - and on a perfect day for hiking to boot. The length of the Sentinel Ridge trail is a level 4 rated climb extending 2.54 miles from 701ft to 1129ft. Thankfully there is a concession stand at the end of it.
Views along the way will encourage you up the climb. At the first flat you are greeted with a procession of conical indigenous mounds. People have been celebrating this outstanding location for at least 12000 years.
You'll descend a bit following the mounds and picnic area and then climb again to the best views of The Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. Veering off to the left is a trail which is sometimes closed due to falling rocks. It follows along a ledge and terminates at Treasure Cave.
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| Treasure Cave - Wyalusing Park |
This trail might be too difficult and precarious for small children. But, do not deprive them of the cave. You can park at the main lot by the concession stand and walk down to the cave - and handrails are provided to keep you and your family from plunging off the 600ft bluffs.
Overview: Sentinel Ridge Trail
COUNTYGRANT COUNTY
COMMUNITIES
BAGLEY, BRIDGEPORT
TOTAL MILES
2.25-MILE POINT-TO-POINT
DIFFICULTY
DIFFICULT
LOWEST ELEVATION
620 AMSL MISSISSIPPI RIVER
HIGHEST ELEVATION
1200 AMSL CONCESSION STAND
TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN
1189 FT
TOTAL ELEVATION LOST
-655 FT
CAMPING
Wyalusing State Park Campgrounds: Wisconsin Ridge Camp, Group Camp, Homestead Camp
POINTS OF INTEREST
Mississippi River, Wisconsin River, Passenger Pigeon Memorial, American Indian Burial Mounds, Bluff Trail, Treasure Cave
Directions and Trail Map
Click Map Image to load the full interactive map.
| From Milwaukee | 3 Hours |
| From Madison | 2 Hours |
| From Green Bay | 4 Hours |
| From Wausau | 4 Hours |
| From Minneapolis | 4 Hours |
| From Chicago | 4.5 Hours |
PHOTOS
CLICK TO ENLARGE IMAGES
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| Views from Wyalusing State Park near Prairie Du Chien WI |
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| The Sentinel Ridge Trail - Wyalusing State Park - Prairie Du Chien Wisconsin |
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| The Sentinel Ridge Trail - Wyalusing State Park - Prairie Du Chien Wisconsin |
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| The Sentinel Ridge Trail - Wyalusing State Park - Prairie Du Chien Wisconsin |
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| The Sentinel Ridge Trail - Wyalusing State Park - Prairie Du Chien Wisconsin |
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| Treasure Cave - Wyalusing State Park Prairie Du Chien Wisconsin |
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| Treasure Cave - Wyalusing State Park Wisconsin |
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| Treasure Cave - Wyalusing State Park Wisconsin |
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| The Sentinel Ridge Trail - Wyalusing State Park - Prairie Du Chien Wisconsin |
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| The Sentinel Ridge Trail - Wyalusing State Park - Prairie Du Chien Wisconsin |
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| Campsites at Wyalusing State Park - Prairie Du Chien Wisconsin |
Links
Wyalusing State Park - DNR Site Driftless Rivers - The beginning of a movement to create a national park encompassing Wyalusing, Pikes Peak, and surrounding lands which at this point are mostly undeveloped and available. I think it is a fantastic idea. The Midwest lacks a significant National Park, and the potential is certainly here. At the very least, a State trail should be in the works that would connect to the Ice Age National Trail