Vernon County Forest (various blocks)

Vernon County, located in the "Driftless Area" of southwest Wisconsin, offers a diverse landscape for outdoor enthusiasts. The Vernon County Parks and Forests Division manages over 1,800 acres of park and forest land across various blocks, featuring more than 31 miles of multi-use trails. This region is notable for its deeply carved river valleys, a result of glaciers bypassing the area during the last ice age, allowing rivers to cut into ancient bedrock and create distinctive landforms. The county's parks and forests capitalize on these rugged landscapes, providing a setting for a variety of leisure activities. The environment here supports diverse ecosystems and includes cold-water streams and rivers recognized for their ecological and recreational value. The city of Viroqua serves as the county seat, located approximately 35 miles southeast of La Crosse.

The "Driftless Area," or Paleozoic Plateau, is a unique geographical region primarily found in southwest Wisconsin, extending into southeast Minnesota, northeast Iowa, and northwest Illinois. Unlike much of the Midwest, this area was untouched by glacial drift, leading to a landscape characterized by steep, forested hillsides and deeply incised river valleys. This geological history has resulted in fragile soils on steep slopes and a rich diversity of ecosystems. The cold-water streams and rivers within the Driftless Area are particularly important, valued for their economic, environmental, and recreational contributions. Visitors to Vernon County Forests will experience these distinctive landforms, which define the character of the outdoor experience in this part of Wisconsin.

The Vernon County Park System provides a wide range of outdoor opportunities. Popular activities include camping, horseback riding, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and picnicking. The region also features numerous scenic overlooks, allowing visitors to appreciate the rugged beauty of the Driftless Area. Specific properties like Sidie Hollow Park, Jersey Valley Park, and Runge Hollow Recreation Area feature relatively small lakes nestled in valleys surrounded by steep, forested hills. County forest properties such as Duck Egg and Kooyumjian-Lost Creek offer natural scenic vistas, public fishing and hunting, and several miles of hiking trails, with Duck Egg also providing equestrian trails. These areas collectively ensure a comprehensive outdoor experience for various interests.

Vernon County is home to several distinct park and forest properties, each offering unique features. Esofea/Rentz Memorial Park is a combination park and forest property located about six miles from Viroqua and Westby. It includes a trout stream, a cold-water spring fishing pond, campsites, a picnic shelter, a playground, a ball field, and three miles of hiking trails. Blackhawk Park is a smaller, 2-acre tract situated along the Mississippi River north of De Soto, featuring a boat launch, boat slips for rent, and a concession and bait store. Sidie Hollow Park, Jersey Valley Park, and Runge Hollow Recreation Area are known for their valley lakes and forested hills. Duck Egg and Kooyumjian-Lost Creek are county forest properties primarily offering natural vistas, public hunting and fishing, and extensive trail systems.