Perrot State Park
"Onalaska is close enough for easy weekend outings, especially for families and paddlers. Visitors are drawn to the park’s scenic bluffs and picnic areas."
Perrot State Park features towering bluffs, river-bottom wetlands, and panoramic views of the Mississippi River valley. It is especially popular for hiking, birdwatching, canoeing, and enjoying the historic river landscape near Trempealeau.
Merrick State Park
"Onalaska travelers can reach the park easily for weekend camping or a day on the water. Its river access makes it appealing for anglers and paddlers."
Merrick State Park sits along the Mississippi River and features a maze of backwaters, marshes, and wooded islands that attract anglers, paddlers, and birdwatchers. Its river access and calm natural setting make it a popular stop for camping and day use.
Great River Bluffs State Park
"Onalaska visitors can reach the park easily for a half-day outing. The overlooks and picnic areas make it appealing for families and casual outdoor visitors."
Great River Bluffs State Park is known for its high overlooks above the Mississippi River and the deep valleys carved into the driftless landscape. The park’s mix of bluff prairie, hardwood forest, and river views makes it a favorite for scenic outings and wildlife viewing.
John A. Latsch State Park
"Onalaska residents often cross the river for hiking, photography, and bluff-top scenery. The park is close enough for a quick outing without a long drive."
John A. Latsch State Park offers dramatic overlooks of the Mississippi River, a challenging stair climb, and a peaceful wooded setting. Visitors come for short hikes, birdwatching, photography, and one of the best river vistas in the region.