Friends of Wyalusing State Park

Harvest-fest 2019 Cancelled

The Friends of Wyalusing State Park regrettably announce that HarvestFest 2019 is canceled. That means the free pumpkin carving, live music by local musicians, the silent auction, and the torch lit trail walk is also is canceled for 2019.

The switch from Reserve America to the new Camis Park reservation system caught us off guard. Previously, all shelters in the park and the indoor group camp reservation system was handled by Wyalusing Park staff. There was no cost to the Friends of Wyalusing for the reservations.

The switch to Camis Park reservations occurred in January of 2019. In addition to regular campground reservations, Camis also handled reservations for park amenities - Shelters. The new system requires a payment of $45.00 to reserve the shelter. The Peterson Shelter was reserved for the last Saturday in September by another party. The party was contacted, and quite understandably would not change the date.

Harvestfest 2019 frequently brings in 150-200 people. The Peterson Shelter is the only shelter large enough to handle that many people. The event is also dependant on the weather.

The Friends of Wyalusing regrettably made the decision to cancel the event early so that families who have made plans to attend become aware of the cancellation.

We are looking forward to Harvestfest 2020!

The Wyalusing State Park naturalist welcomes everyone to the special July 3-5 programs. From Mussels to waterfalls, all will have an exciting time at the park. Come on out and enjoy the park and all it has to offer.

Bring a chair and watch the McGregor, IA fireworks from Point Lookout. Or, just come and watch the spectacular sunsets.

All are invited.

July 7th:
Time: 1pm – 2pm

Guided Paddle: Join us for a paddle on the backwaters of the Mississippi. Learn a few canoeing tips along the way. We will share a few treasures as we paddle and hope to see Bald Eagles on this trip. Spaces are limited, sign up at the Park Office. Cost of a canoe rental for the guided paddle is $10 if rental is needed. We will meet at the boat landing, the trip lasts approximately 1 hour.

July 11th:

Time: 1pm-2pm

Canoe/Kayak 101: New to canoeing? Want to try out a kayak? What are the essentials for a river trip? Drop in at the boat landing where we will provide a few tips for your paddling success. Cost of this program is free. Drop in at the boat landing between 1pm-2pm.

July 13th:

Time: 4pm-5pm

Basic Orienteering: 'Hey Google, what is a compass?' Meet near the Peterson Shelter to learn the lost art of orienteering. With a trusty map and compass, seek out some Wyalusing Treasure!

July 14th:

Time: 8:30am

Coffee and a History Perk: Bring your coffee mug to get caffeinated and hear a short talk about the explorers that ventured to the Wisconsin and Mississippi River Confluence. Black Coffee available until supplies last. The program will last approximately 10 minutes. Ranger is available for conversation and questions afterward. Meet at Point Lookout.

July 18th:

Time: 1pm – 2pm

July 20th:

Time: 11:30 am – 12:30pm

Make a Mussel: Is it a clam? It is called a freshwater mussel. Do they make pearls? Can you eat it? Learn about this unique animal that lives in the river. Nearly 300 species of mussels inhabit the freshwater rivers, streams, and lakes of North America. Many of them call the Mississippi home. Meet near the Peterson Shelter Concession Stand.

July 21st:

Time: 11:15am

Guided Hike: Join the Naturalist for a hike down Sand Cave trail to see waterfall! Meet at the Paul Lawrence Nature Center. The hike will last approximately 1 hour.

July 27th:

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am

Insect ID: What crawls, creeps, and flies here at Wyalusing State Park? Come get up close and personal with some of the insects that can be found at the park. Meet near the Peterson Shelter Concession Stand.

Thank you FWSP for the $125.00 trees and flowers grant. We were pleasantly surprised by the extra amount. The Friends of Wyalusing State Park have purchased 3 flowering trees to enhance the new toilet/shower facility at Wyalusing. Total cost $220.46 thanks to a generous discount for Nelson's True Value in Prairie du Chien that enabled us to purchase the third tree. These trees will hopefully provide beauty and many years of flowers for generations of our wild pollinators. The wet spring has made for good planting weather and they are off to a great start.

Attached are a couple of photos of the planted trees. I think they accentuate the new building nicely.

Thank you again for all you do for our Wisconsin State Parks.

Bruce Klang
Friends of Wyalusing State Park

The Friends of Wyalusing State Park

By Bruce Klang
Friends of Wyalusing President

The Friends of Wyalusing State Park would like to welcome all visitors to explore and enjoy your park and appreciate its history.
We are a private nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the interpretive and recreational experience of visitors to the park. We provide funding for much of the interpretive projects, information, and programming here at Wyalusing.
As we look back we know that this beautiful park would not be possible without the dedication of many people over the years.
Starting in the l860's, a young man named Robert Glenn not only dreamed of but strived to make this a special place for future generations. The forward-looking Wisconsin state legislature decided, in the first decade of the 20th century, that this area needed to be preserved. Paul Lawrence, the first park manager, worked his entire career to make that dream a reality.
On to modern day where many dedicated professionals and volunteers continue to preserve and protect that heritage and your park.
We welcome you to join our efforts to give back to your park. Please pick up a brochure at the park visitor center or download a brochure by clicking on https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0-EzMUtUPmnSnV4UnVfb0l3dkE/view
Your support will help Wyalusing State Park continue to be an inspiration to future generations of visitors like you. While you are here at the park please drop by the concession stand located adjacent to the Peterson shelter building. The concession is operated by the Friends of Wya1using State Park and proceeds from sales go back into the park for interpretive needs. We are also the first state park friends group to establish an endowment fund with the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. Your contributions to this fund will live on indefinitely, providing growth to be used for interpretive activities. You can learn more by picking up a brochure at the visitor center, the concession or our Website.
Many people come to Wyalusing and leave inspired. A few turn that inspiration into assistance for this magnificent place. It is our sincere hope that you truly enjoy your stay here at Wyalusing and hope that our efforts have enhanced your experience.