Paul E. Stry Nature Preserve

Greenery and creek running under wooden bridge.
Image by Michelle Cox
Paul E. Stry Nature Preserve
Waterfall surrounded by rocks with greenery above.

The Paul E. Stry Nature Preserve, also known as "Hugelheim", is a small park nearly hidden off highway 33. Once inside, you are surrounded by nature and can almost imagine you've been transported out of the city if you can ignore the sound of the cars on the highway when you get close to the edge. The preserve features two waterfalls, ponds, an abundance of greenery, and enough trails to keep you wandering for at least an hour despite the small size.

The trails are paved, which makes this an easy hike and wheelchair friendly. There are a number of them which wind around inside but there are maps and signs scattered throughout so no worries about getting lost.

Notes:

  • The big signs say no pets but there are smaller signs saying pets must be leashed so it's unclear whether pets are allowed.
  • You're not supposed to bring food in so it's unfortunately not a good picnic area.
  • There is a lot of green though most of it but hit the east side trail for wildflowers.

Thanks to Kevin Millard for the suggestion.

Directions:

Entrance sign at the nature preserve.Coming from La Crosse, keep an eye on the right for the sign as soon as you get through the stoplights of Hagan Road. It's a small blink-and-you-miss-it driveway down into the parking lot. 

43.790049215223, -91.1963928

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Location details
Address:
5727 County Road Z
Onalaska, WI

Fees and hours subject to change. Call or check the location's website for the latest.

Free: Yes
Hours:

Open during daylight hours only.

Tags: insects, butterflies, birds, wetlands
Best during:
  • Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Dawn, Morning, Evening, Dusk
Restrooms: Permanent
Parking: Onsite lot
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