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Winter Activities

  WINTER VISITOR GUIDE

Cross-Country Skiing

The Kickapoo Valley Reserve maintains approximately 10 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails for both classic and skate skiing. The five miles of the Old Highway 131 Trail provide an excellent opportunity to experience the solitude and beauty of the Reserve. Other groomed trails include the Dam Trail, Old Harris Road Trail and Star Valley Road.  Additional trails may be groomed as time permits. The more adventurous are welcomed to make their own tracks into the wild.  NOTE: Skiers may not ski on the snowmobile trail.

Cross-Country Ski Condition Report

Snowmobiling

A segment of Wisconsin's self-funded snowmobile trail system winds its way through the Reserve.  A local snowmobile club grooms and maintains the trail from December 15 through March 31, snow cover permitting.  Enjoy the Reserve's scenic ridges and valleys by snowmobile, the only motorized vehicle allowed to operate on Reserve lands. Snowmobile enthusiasts are required to stay on the designated snowmobile trail.

Snowmobile Trail Status  

Snowshoeing & Winter Hiking 

Snowshoe enthusiasts and winter hikers are welcome to explore the hidden wonders of the Reserve. There are not designated nor groomed snowshoe trails, although the summer trail system is easy to follow in the winter. NOTE: Use the ungroomed edge when walking on the snowmobile trail or on the groomed cross-country ski trails. Enjoy the unbeatable scenery, visit the ice caves, and get the workout of a lifetime!

Winter Hiking & Snowshoeing Etiquette

Fat Tire Bike (Non-motorized pedal bike, tires 3.7-5 inches, 10 psi or lower)

There are approximately 8 miles of fat tire bike (FTB) trails on the Reserve.  Located on the eastern side of the property, fat tire bike trails are winter trails (Jan 1 - March 15) and are subject to closure during the season. The following criteria must be in place for the FTB trails to remain open:
1.  The ground must be frozen ground.  
2. The temperature must be 25 degrees F or below.  
Closures will be posted at FTB trail heads, our website, KVR Facebook page, and at the visitor center. A current year annual permit or KVR day pass is required to use the trails. Users must stay on designated trails or adjacent roads. The FTB trails on the Reserve are not groomed. They are considered backcountry trails, are narrow and winding, and are shared with snowshoers and hikers. Please be courteous and practice friendly trail etiquette when encountering other trail users.

Winter Festival

Your new favorite family fun event is held at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve in early January each year! Click here for more information.


  

 

 

 
Woman and Man Cross Country Skiing

A reminder: the Reserve does not provide any water or toilet facilities except at the visitor center. Trails are not maintained during the winter months, with the exception of the snowmobile trail and cross-country ski trails. The Reserve visitor center is open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 4:30pm for information and assistance. Visitors are asked to pay attention to changing weather conditions while enjoying the Reserve's wintery landscape. 

All winter sports enthusiasts are required to purchase a trail use permit before venturing out. Snowmobile trail users are only required to purchase a $5/day vehicle parking permit or display of annual pass if parking in the Reserve's signed 'parking permit required' areas. Snowmobiles simply passing through the Reserve are exempt from fees. 

 

A view under a Frozen Waterfall

 

 

 

WI Snow Report

Vernon County Snowmobile Clubs

Winter Festival

Ice Formations Info.

 

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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