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!

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

How High’s the Water….?

The River is flowing too fast for safe canoeing. Warnings remain in effect along the Mississippi River at Wabasha and Mcgregor.

In addition, debris that has fallen across the canoe trail creates eddies which are dangerous for canoers. River forecasts take into account both observed and forecast precipitation.
Even with the absence of additional rain in the north, the river continues to flood.
During the best times for canoeing and kayaking, the river flows at 85 thousand cubic feet per second in the Mississippi River at McGregor Iowa. The canoe/kayak area is located in Woodyard slough where the water flows at a much slower rate. At the predicted flood stage The Mississippi River will flow at 246 thousand cubic feet per second.

Canoes and Kayaks will be removed from storage racks at the Wyalusing State Park Boat Landing.

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Updates to follow.

Needless to say, and an understatement at best, it seemed like a lo-o-ng cold winter. A delightful spring season is coming to Wyalusing State Park. Soon wildflowers will be springing up and the bird migrations will be greeted by hundreds of birders who come to Wyalusing State Park. It also brings the opening of The Friends of Wyalusing State Park concession stand – known as The Bluff Top Shop.
The Bluff Top Shop 2019 grand opening will be April 19, 2019. It will be open during the weekends in April – Friday from 4 PM-8:00 PM, Saturday 9AM-8PM, and Sunday 9AM-1PM. The concession stand will also open for school groups renting canoes by special appointment.
Summertime hours begin in May. The hours are 9Am-8PM seven days a week.
This year, park visitors will experience many positive changes Once again, the concession stand will offer certified wood for campers. The hardwood bundles are stored inside, assuring a welcome campfire in the evening or excellent heating source for the creation of campfire culinary delights. ALL PROFITS FROM THE BLUFF TOP SHOP ARE RETURNED TO THE PARK.
The concession stand also offers other camper supplies like eating utensils, batteries, tarps, matches, etc. Some food items like marshmallows can also be purchased at the concession stand. Candy bars, chips, and soda pop are also available. Frozen treats and hot items are a favorite among park visitors.
Canoe rental is available through the concession stand. Canoes are large enough for three adults or two adults and two children. Single person kayaks are also available. All canoe/kayak rentals include paddles and life jackets.
The concession stand staff will look forward to your visit. Each staff person is knowledgeable about the area and is here to serve everyone.