Country — January 17, 2018

flock to the open waters of the Mississippi.
(The river doesn’t freeze at the state’s
11 locks and dams.) Between December
and March, the bald eagle population here
increases from 500 to 3,000, according to
the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
That’s when birds from neighboring states
and Canada migrate here to fish.
If you want to see these majestic birds
in action, special events are planned
throughout January and February along
Iowa’s riverfront, like Eagle Watch and
Cabin Fever Day in Guttenberg, about 58
miles fron New Albin. Several charming
river towns also offer sightseeing locations.
Head south to Lansing and take in the
panoramic views from Mount Hosmer
Veteran’s Memorial Park. Perched on a
bluff 450 feet above the town, this park
allows you to see for miles into Wisconsin
and affords visitors a wonderful aerial view
of the Mississippi riverbed below.
Between Lansing and Harpers Ferry,
you’ll find a lovely church nestled into the
hills overlooking a cemetery. Immaculate
Conception Church at Wexford is the oldest
Catholic church between Dubuque, Iowa,
and St. Paul, Minnesota, and still has an
active congregation today.

The Yellow River State Forest is a choice

destination for the outdoors enthusiast—

camping, hiking, horseback riding trails

and cross-country skiing are among the

amenities this natural area has to offer.

Just north of Marquette, you will find

Effigy Mounds National Monument. The

park preserves more than 200 prehistoric

mounds built by Native Americans of the

Woodland culture. Numerous mounds

there are shaped like bears and birds.

Fourteen miles of trails lead hikers past

the ancient mounds and to scenic views

of the Upper Mississippi River Valley. If

you’re lucky, you may spot a train or a

barge moving cargo through the valley or

the storied waters below.

Pikes Peak State Park, near McGregor,

is one of the more popular destinations in

the area. A viewing platform on a 500-foot

bluff allows you to see islands on the river,

as well as Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin,

across the border.

Last but not least, if you’re journeying

along this stretch in Iowa, a visit south

to Balltown is essential. This was the last

stop on my trip, and it did not disappoint.

Overlooks high above the land provide that

quintessential Iowa view of farmsteads and

Sunflowers offer

a warm welcome

to visitors at the

Badger Creek State

Recreation Area in

Madison County.

Gigantic bluffs line the length of

the Mississippi River into Wisconsin

and Illinois, and farms dot the countryside.

• JUSTIN ROGERS

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