A Unique Place from All Vantage Points The Kickapoo Valley Reserve is an 8,569-acre tract of 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. The state-sanctioned Kickapoo Reserve Management Board is responsible for managing the property on behalf of the State of Wisconsin and Ho-Chunk Nation. As a publicly protected property - subject to state, tribal, and federal laws - visitors are asked to be aware of the rule and permit requirements. 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 backcountry on your own, or simply stop and admire the beauty, the Kickapoo Valley Reserve welcomes you!
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INFORMATION AT A GLANCE VISITOR CENTER HOURS:
Monday thru Saturday 8am-4:30pm
Sundays and Holidays -CLOSED ROAD CONSTRUCTION on STATE ROAD 131
April - November 2026 "LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY" MAP If you are recreating on the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, paddling, camping, fishing, hunting or using the trails,
please use this map for navigation around the road construction.
Visitors to the Kickapoo Valley Reserve are considered local traffic and can
use the local detour supplied on this link.
Program news & quick links: Click link below to learn more. Summer Adventure Camp Employment Opportunities
 
- FEES: WI State Park and State Trail Passes are not valid on the Kickapoo Valley Reserve.
Kickapoo Valley Reserve Pass Required for use.
Options are Day, Annual or Parking (for use at canoe landings only) Purchase online. - 2026 fees
$5 day pass per person
$25 Annual Individual
$40 Annual Family
$15 Friends Membership - Friends of Kickapoo Valley Reserve: Become a Friends of KVR Member.
- DOGS: All dogs are required to be on leash between
April 15 and July 31 while on the KVR property.
This includes in campsites and on trails.
- TRAILS
Use an official KVR Map.
Crowdsourced trail apps do not always contain accurate information.
Hike: OPEN
Old Hwy 131 Trail & Star Valley Trail: OPEN
Natural Surface Equestrian & Bike: CLOSED DUE TO WET CONDITIONS
Upper Kickapoo River Water Trail:
Total blockage with difficult portage between Landing 12 and Bridge 13
Total blockage with difficult portage between Bridge 16 and Bridge 18
Check river levels Ontario & La Farge.
- CAMPING:
LEAVE NO TRACE of your visit! - Book up to 45 days in advance
- Keep vehicles and camping units on solid surfaces, within campsite boundaries.
- Campsite must be booked and paid for before setting up.
- PARKING:
Keep vehicles on solid surfaces in designated parking areas only
At River Landings: $5 per vehicle per day or KVR annual pass. Display on dash.
At Trailheads: Per person day or annual pass is required. Display on dash.
In Campsites: Day parking is not allowed in campsites unless designated.
A camping permit for the same date can be used as a parking pass at river landings.
Display on dash.
- ROAD CONSTRUCTION: VIEW LOCAL TRAFFIC DETOUR MAP HERE
WIS 131 (STATE ROAD 131) is under construction and closed beginning April 22, 2026.
Visitors of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve are considered local traffic and will be allowed
to access campsites, river landings and trailheads. There will be intermittent total road
closures at some bridges during the project.
Contact the Visitor Center for alternate routes.
- HUNT & FISH:
Open to public hunting and fishing
WI DNR rules and seasons apply.
Pick up spent shell casings.
Know your location and respect property boundaries.
LEAVE NO TRACE!
Upcoming Kickapoo Reserve Management Board and Committee Meetings:
Education and Tourism Committee Meeting | June 11, 2026 | 5:30 pm | Agenda | | Finance Committee Meeting | June 1, 2026 | 9:00 am | Agenda | | Land Management Committee Meeting | May 12, 2026 | 5:30 pm | Agenda | | KRMB Monthly Meeting | May 21, 2026 | 6:00 pm | Agenda |
Updated 5/01/26 9am |
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