Ed Block
Summertime in the Driftless is outdoor time. Outdoor time allows most activities to be conducted comfortably with a little bit of mindfulness.
Coming from a major metropolitan area, I realize there are art festivals, music events, fairs and other things to be found in a reasonable distance from one’s home. However, after moving to the Driftless region 17 years ago, I’ve come to accept that everything seems more relaxed, peaceful …even comfortable here.
Maybe it’s the cleaner, clear air. Maybe it’s the color green from the trees covering the hills and valleys compared with the gray of concrete in the city. In the city, one can go to a park or preserve to escape for a while. In the Driftless, life exists in nature, with an occasional trip to a city or town.
Here are a few of the things going on in the summer in the Driftless Region;
Large Group things
Music festivals may be held on tracts of land overlooking farm valleys or rivers. There may be camping. You may find smaller gatherings, such a barn dance , which usually has square dancing (all levels welcome!), and, of course, music. Art and craft fairs – similar to a city event with a variety of artists or crafters in booths, with food nearby. The difference is in the Driftless, the art venues are usually in a spectacular scenic setting, with a breeze to accompany you with live music playing and the smell of fresh, locally sourced foods being sold. You’ll probably find a locally produced craft brew to go along with your food.
Solitary or small group things
There is an abundance of state and local parks, usually amidst a most scenic setting. You’ll find hiking, fresh air and the sights and sounds the natural world of the Driftless offers each visitor to enjoy. Taking photos is highly encouraged! Stay on the trails to avoid bumping into irritating plants or insects, please. The many lakes and rivers in the Driftless offer abundant fishing opportunities, which is about as peaceful an activity as you can find – unless you think you’re smarter than a fish in water and have high expectations for catching the limit. Best of luck to you! What else can one do on the water? There are a variety of boating activities, too. You can rent a kayak for a personal journey, set up overnight excursions on the Wisconsin River camping on a sandbar, or grab a small rowboat for fishing the backwaters of the Mississippi or even a houseboat for that most unique and memorable “living on the river” event. On the Mississippi, you’ll also find paddlewheel boats that offer everything from a one hour tour to a week long trip from Minnesota to New Orleans (overnight stay).
Unique things
Besides the fact that everything you’ll find in the Driftless is unique, because of the topography and geology of the area compared to anywhere else in the world, there are some things that are even more rare. Have you ever visited an Amish farm? There are Amish who have also been drawn to the Driftless. Their farms are scattered here and there. You may find them in communities and many offer homegrown produce, garden and house plants, baked goods wood or other hand crafted items – always consistent quality. Be advised – just because they wear straw hats and walk around barefoot, doesn’t mean they aren’t good business people. You may enjoy a spirited negotiation for that rocking chair! Also – No Sunday sales for any Amish. When driving through the rolling hills in the Driftless, I suggest going a little slower, not only to enjoy the spectacular vistas and scenery, but you never know if there’s an Amish buggy or large piece of farm equipment just over the hill
One of my favorite places in summer is the LaCrosse Riverside Park, located on the Mississippi River. Besides a variety of restaurants within a couple blocks, you can pick up fresh deli-style foods at the People’s Food Coop just a few blocks away and enjoy a picnic in the spacious park. I suggest a walk through the Friendship Gardens at the North end of the park, adjacent to the visitor’s center, which has an abundance of regional information. Maybe you’ll want to take a paddlewheel boat tour, also at the North end of the park. Please check online for pricing and availability. Or, just get in a few thousand steps and walk a loop of the park. It rarely seems crowded (except during LaCrosse’s Summer Fest, Irishfest or Oktoberfest – schedules TBD).
Whatever activities you undertake, I think you’ll agree – it’s most enjoyable in the Driftless!