Dunn County: Nature, Trails and Regional History

Dunnville Barrens covers 633 acres and is designated as a State Natural Area within the Dunnville Wildlife Area. The Wildlife Area also contains an 80-acre restoration area with pine and oak barrens, which includes the Sparrow's Perch overlook.

Nature and Trails Along the Red Cedar

The Red Cedar State Trail passes through the Dunnville Wildlife Area and is open to hikers and cyclists in summer. In winter, seven miles of the trail between Menomonie and Downsville are groomed for cross-country skiing. The activities available therefore differ significantly by season: hiking and cycling take center stage in summer, while winter brings a groomed section for cross-country skiing. The trail also allows for combined cycling and paddling trips; sections of the former rail line run parallel to the Red Cedar River. In the Dunnville Wildlife Area, there is a large accessible boat landing on the Red Cedar River along County Highway Y. Myran Park, also known as Myron Park, also offers opportunities for canoeing, river tubing, and fishing on the Red Cedar River.

Parks and Waterfront Landscapes

Lake Menomin Park is a 147-acre nature park with about 34 acres of native prairie grassland. It also has more than five miles of mountain biking trails with varying levels of difficulty. Lambs Creek Park has 250 feet of waterfront and is located at the site of a former 25-foot-high waterfall. At Lake Eau Galle, Pineview Park covers four acres and offers 400 feet of waterfront. The parks range from prairie and mountain biking areas to waterfront sections with their own history. Dunn County parks are open from sunrise to sunset; reservations are not required for any of the parks.

History, Museums and Hands-On Activities

Fulton's Workshop brings together regional history and technology with a hands-on makerspace. Visitors can explore topics in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Materials and tools are provided so they can make their own projects to take home. The Discover Dunn County app includes a 13-stop rally exploring the history of Dunn County. The Downsville Community Museum preserves and shares the history of the community; it also offers educational programs and learning opportunities.

The Colfax Railroad Museum has a growing collection of railroad equipment from railroads that served western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota. The Rassbach Museum tells the story of a region of Wisconsin, from burial mounds dating back a thousand years to today's communities in Dunn County. Guided tours at the Mabel Tainter Theater explore the theater, the history of the Tainter family, and the surrounding community. The Woodhouse family home was moved in 1970 from a neighboring farm to Caddie Woodlawn Historical Park.

Discover more destinations: Menomonie, Boyceville, Vilas County, Iowa County, Juneau County, Marquette County, Kewaunee County, Douglas County

For the broader travel overview: Wisconsin.