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A Unique Place from All Vantage Points
The Kickapoo Valley Reserve is an 8,600-acre tract of public land located between the villages of La Farge and Ontario in southwestern Wisconsin. Its history, resources, administration, and recreational diversity make it unique - a place like no other.

We invite you to come and see for yourself the many wonders of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve.  Here, sandstone outcroppings tower over the Kickapoo River as you paddle its quiet waters while native plants and animals abound in all seasons.  Whether you'd like to join us for a scheduled interpretive hike, adventure into the back-country on your own, or simply stop and admire the beauty, the Kickapoo Valley Reserve welcomes you!
By purchasing a permit you are agreeing to the
KVR Rules and Regulations
Wisconsin State Park permits do not apply on the KVR.



  

INFORMATION AT A GLANCE

Day Use or Annual Pass Required. Purchase online in advance. 
Become a Friends of KVR Member, which includes your 2022 Annual Pass. 

  • VISITOR CENTER HOURS:   Monday thru Saturday 8am-4:30pm  Sunday & Holidays 10am - 4pm *Educational Exhibits are currently under construction. NEW! Enhanced Discovery Center opening late October 2022. Watch for Grand Opening announcements.

  • LOCAL WEATHER:  Click here to view Visitor Center Weather Station

  • OLD 131 TRAIL & STAR VALLEY TRAIL:  OPEN - HORSE BIKE HIKE  OLD 131 Trail south of County Road P will be CLOSED to all users OCT 1, 2022 from 10am-2pm for Dam Challenge Triathlon.
  • HIKING TRAILS: OPEN - report any down trees or trail tread issues
  • NATURAL SURFACE HORSE/BIKE TRAILS: OPEN Please report any downed trees or trail tread issues. Users are required to have an annual or day pass.

  • CAMPING: OPEN. How to set up and pay for camping. Coming soon - Online Camping Registration and Reservation.  Watch for announcements.  
  • KICKAPOO RIVER:   NO GLASS ALLOWED ON THE RIVER.  River is in great shape! One tricky spot below Bridge 11 (Rockton Bridge). Report any issues.  Check current river levels- Ontario & La Farge gauging station. No garbage service provided at landings - take all trash with you.  Check out the Upper Kickapoo River guide with distances and approximate float times. 

*Please subscribe to NIXLE notification system for local weather warnings and other emergency alerts. Free to subscribe, opt out at any time. 

 Pack out ALL Trash!

 Updated 9/29/2022 6:30pm


Rock Outcrop along Kickapoo River
KVR Visitor Center with a trillium
A Sandhill Crane in a field
A view overlooking the Kickapoo Valley Reserve
A does deer standing in a field
A hillside showing the start of changing leaves
A fall view across the prairie with hills in the background
Berries on False Solomon Seal
One of the several ice caves
TEST

Scene across a mowed trail through a field
 Cartoon of an compass Magnolia Warbler  Lichens of the KVR

The Kickapoo Reserve Management Board acknowledges that the state and federal lands that comprise the Reserve fall within the ancestral homelands of First Nations people including the Hooçak Nation. We recognize the sovereignty of the Hooçak and other First Nations and will work towards a shared future by continuing to create collaborative opportunities to protect and preserve these lands.

Kickapoo Valley Reserve | S3661 State Highway 131 | La Farge, Wisconsin 54639 
Phone: 608-625-2960 | FAX: 608-625-2962
kickapoo.reserve@krm.state.wi.us

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