Birdwatching and Wildlife Areas
The Mississippi River flyway is the aerial highway for millions of North American birds. Puddle ducks, diving ducks, geese, shorebirds, raptors and songbirds—nearly 300 species in total—follow the route of the Mississippi River every spring and fall on their annual migrations.
Onalaska’s location along this route makes it an ideal destination for birdwatchers throughout the year. Much of the woodlands and wetlands that surround Onalaska are protected from development and provide outdoor enthusiasts with a vast area open
to hiking, wildlife viewing, birdwatching and seasonal
hunting. So, grab you hiking shoes or paddle and get out
there and Discover Onalaska.
For more information on migration and waterfowl counts, visit the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.
2008 Migratory Bird Counts — including Eagles, Pelican and Swans (pdf)
Tundra Swans on the Mississippi River
Upper Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge
This protected natural area stretches 260 miles along the
Mississippi River and encompasses over 240,000 acres
of fish and wildlife habitat. Onalaska sits on perhaps the
very best section of the refuge, Pools 7 and 8 along the
Mississippi River. Birdwatchers are afforded wonderful
opportunities to view migrating waterfowl in the spring
and the fall, including tundra swans, diving ducks,
mergansers and cormorants. The excellent habitat and aquatic food provided by the refuge makes it summer
home for a number of rare birds. Many types of raptors
also make their home in the refuge and the surrounding
bluffs. Lake Onalaska and the Trempealeau National
Wildlife Refuge are some of the best places for viewing
birds and other wildlife.
A great place to see eagles,
birds and other wildlife
is a new wildlife area
located just down from
the Onalaska Spillway on
the Black River. You’ll find
public fishing access, as well
as two eagle nests.
Onalaska has fantastic birdwatching in the spring and fall. |
Van Loon Wildlife Area
North of Onalaska near
the community of Holmen,
hikers, birdwatchers and hunters will find the Van Loon
Wildlife Area. Nearly 4,000 acres of woods, meadows
and wetlands provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.
River sloughs and marshes provide paddlers with lots of
room to explore. Visitors to the Van Loon Wildlife Area
shouldn’t miss the McGilvray Bridges—seven restored
historic bridges along the trails.
Tundra Swans on the Mississippi Flyway.
Onalaska has fantastic birdwatching in the spring and fall.
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