Enjoy Late Summer or Fall Hikes in Wildcat Mountain State Park near Westby Wisconsin

Many of the Westby House Inn guests plan a hike, or two, in Wildcat Mountain State Park located just outside of Ontario, Wisconsin. The 23-minute drive in itself from the inn is worth the trac. Four trails are marked throughout the park which consists of high ridges and deep valleys with vistas of the Kickapoo River, prairies, and eroded sandstone formations. The Old Settlers' Trail is a 2.5-mile long trail once used by early settlers of the area. Along its course, the trail crosses a footbridge, passes through three separate pine plantations and wild creatures that call this 3,500-acre park their home. Wildflowers are abundant in the rich humus of the wooded slopes on the bluffs of the Hemlock Nature Trail. This 1.3-mile trail begins beside the Kickapoo River with markers to call attention to the special life forms of this ancient valley.

For a short, level hike at a leisurely pace be sure to take in the Prairie Trail and observe seasonal changes in the prairie. Big bluestem grass and wildflowers surround you while standing in the prairie with breathtaking vistas of the Kickapoo Valley . The woodchip path from the prairie through the woods is a more adventurous hike to the Observation Point. Just off County Road F, south of Highway 33,is the Ice Cave Picnic Area. This small, quiet picnic area includes a short hiking trail leading to a rock formation. The eroded sandstone formation appears to be a cave with approaching. But upon closer inspection you will find a shallow depression with a spring running over the upper edge. In the winter, the spring freezes into a giant icicle. Lush green vegetation and colorful wildflowers are a delight along the trail. For a enjoyable hike, bring along a camera, binoculars and a field guidebook if you can. Dress appropriately in sturdy, comfortable clothing and footwear.

Annual Coon Creek Trout Fest Near Westby House Inn

Coon Valley, Wisconsin will host the annual Coon Creek Trout Fest on Saturday, June 16, 2012. Though this is only the Second Annual, it will be a show stopper. More vendors, more entertainment and more fly-fishing fun! Here are just a few:  Classic Car Show, Bobber Race at 6:00,  Kids games, kids trout derby, feature films on the Driftless Area and the Watershed.  Fly-fishing and fly-tying lessons from 11 am to 4 pm, Bean Bag Tournament, and live music from 1 until 11pm. Enjoy the sounds of John Ward, The Freezers and Sellout at different times throughout the day. This is a FREE event with gates opening at 10:00 am. Visit their web site at www.cooncreektroutfest.com for a detailed schedule of the event.

Spend a great day in a quaint valley and the famous Coon Creek, than respite up on the ridge in Westby at the Inn! Perfect treat for Father's Day weekend.

Westby's 44th Annual Syttende Mai Festival Happens around the Westby House Inn

Whenever you hear or read about Norwegian history, Syttende Mai is difinitely a topic visited.  Ever wonder how to pronounce it...??? It's simple, just say  "Soot in my eye!!  Now that you can say it, here is some history on Westby's annual festival. The 2012 weekend dates are May 18,19,20, 2012.

Westby's Annual Syttende Mai Festival commemorates Norway's Independence Day. In December 1813, Denmark ceded Norway to Sweden. Therefore ending a 434 years of union between Norway and Denmark. The Norwegian Constitution was signed on May 16, 1814 and was ratified by Christian Frederik on May 17th.  To this day, May 17th is celebrated as the Norwegian national day. Thus Syttende Mai - 17th of May.  The day Norway achieved independence for Denmark. However, on July 27, 1814, the Swedes attacked and Norway was forced to surrender. The union was formally dissolved in JJune 7, 1905, when Norway declared itself independent of Sweden.

The Norwegian immigrants brought the tradition of celebrating Syttende Mai with them to America and the first Westby festival was officially organized and celebrated in1969. To this day the three-day celebration features Norwegian traditions, heritage and good old fashion ethic food. A bicycle tour, 5 k walk/run, arts & crafts, kiddie parades and children's games,  are just part of the fun.  Church meatball dinners, rommegrot, and lefsa are in abundance during the weekend; along with great local entertainment and Sunday's outstanding car and bike show and huge parade! 

Viist www.westbysyttendemai.com site for a complete list of activities and more information on events and the Saturday entertainment by Nashville songwriter and local native, Cora Rose.

The Inn is the perfect location to overnight stays when you attend the festival. Arrive and park your car on Friday and don't need to get back in the car until you depart!    Dates of Festival - May 18 -19-20, 2012

"Mange takk min ven, ha en behagelig reise" - Many thanks my friend, have a pleasant journey!

Mississippi River Great River Road Gets "Most Scenic Drive" Vote

Plan a trip along the Great River Road any time of year and include a overnight at the Westby House Inn.

Recently voted and earning a "Most Scenic Drive in the USA" designation by Huntington Post the Great River Road National Scenic Byway lies only 23 miles from the Westby House Inn.  Running between the Mississippi River and the mighty bluffs, a drive up or down the Byway is so beautiful and awe inspiring. Never touched by glaciers, the Driftless Area is characterized by its beautifully topography. Forested hillsides reach down to the river and valleys.  Although La Crosse is the largest Wisconsin city on the Mississippi, the river's impact can be seen in every community within 30 miles. The great diveristy of the area means something to suit the taste of every visitor. Canoe, hike, bike, sip coffee, read a book, wade a trout stream makes a trip well worth it.

Bald Eagles are sign that Spring is on its way in Wisconsin

Bald Eagle Events Assure Grand Sightings near Westby


February 18th, 2012 by mcimino

I always know that Spring is not far away when the area is a buzz about the Bald Eagle. Here is an article on Eagle Watching and two events that are happening in the Westby area. It will give you a great appreciation for the bird. Plan a trip and stay at the Westby House Inn and be spoiled with history, comfort and hospitality.


 





Eagle Watching

Written By Eric Frydenlund.

One of the great pleasures offered in Driftless Wisconsin is the abundance of wildlife that make this rugged land their home. Watching a deer hurdle a fence line or a muskrat plunge into the river never gets old, and provides a privileged peek into the fleeting world of nature.

Certainly no glimpse compares in sheer grandeur to the sight of a bald eagle soaring over the river valley. Sitting on a breeze like royalty on a throne, the bald eagle reigns supreme over its river kingdom.The overlook at Pikes Peak Park across from Prairie du Chien is one of my favorite spots for viewing eagles. Standing above the Mississippi River Valley, eagles can often be seen sailing on the wind overhead.

Eagles are plentiful throughout the region. Bald eagles can be seen cruising the skies over the Kickapoo River, shopping for their next meal. They can also be seen along Highway 27, which dissects the two river valleys, sometimes feasting on fish entrails dumped in farmer's fields by commercial fishermen.

Two events coming in late February and early March help celebrate this rich heritage of eagle watching. On February 25, Prairie du Chien observes Bald Eagle Appreciation Day, an event filled with activities that shed light on the life of an eagle. Programs include live eagle demonstrations, an American Eagle Documentary from the PBS Nature Series, live raptors, craft activities for children, puppet shows, with birding experts on hand all day. And oh yes, outdoor viewing through spotting scopes. Downtown Prairie du Chien will also feature a walking eagle gallery.

On March 3, Ferryville will celebrate Bald Eagle Day. Ferryville sits on a wide expanse of the Mississippi River known as Lake Winneshiek, where the river unfolds below your feet from the Observation Deck in the downtown. At the Village Hall, regional experts will present live eagle programs, a presentation by the US Fish and Wildlife, and a talk by Chloris Lowe of the Ho Chunk Nation. Be sure to meet Lois the owl, who will be supervising a hooting contest for all ages. And take in the Kids Crafts and a photo exhibit by local photographer Larry Knutson.

I can't imagine a better weekend spent than eyeing some eagles. You may not possess their keen eyesight, but you'll discover an appreciation for their place atop the world.

February 2012 Update

Trout Season in southwest Wisconsin’s Driftless Area

February 18th, 2012 by mcimino

Trout Streams Abundant near Westby and Viroqua

The Wisconsin Trout Season opens on March 3, 2012 and according to Mat at the Driftless Angler Fly Shop in Viroqua, the conditions leading up to the Wisconsin opener are looking good, but he would like to see a little more snow to get water levels up a bit. The Fly Shop also re-opens for the season on the 3rd and will be showing Heart of the Driftless and Reverb that night.

The Driftless area of Southwest Wisconsin has the best spring creeks a fly-fisher would want and need. More than 200 miles of these streams are in the coulees of Vernon County, including the Kickapoo, West Fork and Timber Coulee.





These creeks flow with cold clean water which create great habitat for trout an fishing abound. Public access to the streams can be found by way of DNR conservation easements partnerships with private landowners.

Plan your fishing trip to Vernon County with a stay at the Westby Guest Lodge offering the perfect habitat at the end of your day in God's Country.

Valentine' s Day at Westby Wisconsin B&B

Spend Valentine at Wisconsin B&B near Sparta La Crosse

Westby House Inn offers Valentine Dine and Stay Package:

This 2013 Valentine Day package offers the romance of fine accommodations and dining surrounded by Victorian charm at the Westby House Inn, located just 23 miles form La Crosse. With your two-night stay in any room you will receive complimentary Cheese, Fruit and Chocolate Appetizer Trio, early check-in of 1:00 and up to a 1:00 pm late check-out at no extra fee. Reserve a table for Thrusday or Friday night, February 14th or 15th when you reserve your room. The Valentine 4-course menu can be viewed on the restaurant page of the Inn's web site.

To receive complimentary package items you must book a Thursday/Friday or Friday/Saturday stay and purchase dinner. Let Cupid strike with a stay at the Westby House Inn!

Westby International Ski Jump Set for February

Westby Ski Jump Near Westby Hotel Inn

On the evening of February 1, 2013 International ski jumpers will take the sky under the lights at the annual Snowflake Ski Club's 118K ski jump tournament in Westby, Wisconsin. This year's event celebrates 90 years.  The tournament concludes on Saturday with International and US jumpers competing on the large hill, often traveling down the jump with speeds in excess of 50 miles per hour. Here are the details: Friday, February 1st, Opening Ceremonies: 7 pm, followed by jumps. Fireworks and Live Music: 9p.m. – 12a.m. Saturday, February 2nd, Opening Ceremonies: 12:00 p.m. followed by jumps. Live Music: 3-7 p.m.

The ski jump complex at Snowflake consists of five jumps all located in the same area of beautiful Timber Coulee. The largest is a 118 meter Olympic-sized hill used for national and international competitions. The Large Hill Meet is held early each year in February and attracts not only U.S. ski jumpers but competitors from around the world. The four smaller hills at the site include a 65 meter hill, Many Olympic and world-class ski jumpers have competed at the Snowflake Ski Jumping Complex.

 Westby House Inn's location is just 5 miles from the jump and well worth the stay to take in the Friday and Saturday events. Wake up to a hearty breakfast to get you warmed up and ready to enjoy this wonderful winter event. Perhaps a whirlpool room is the perfect way to top off a well deserved winter weekend getaway.




The volunteer based Club members donate many hours preparing and grooming the hills. The snowmaking and grooming equipment keep the hills in good condition regardless of natural snowfall. The show does go on with real fluffy stuff or not! Plan now to attend!