Kickapoo Valley Reserve Winter Events

The Kickapoo Valley Reserve is a winter haven for the outdoor enthusiast!  Located near Wildcat Mountain and just 23 miles Northeast of the Westby House Inn, there is something for everyone, including Willow Basket Weaving for the crafty person..  Here is their list of events from December through February.


December 21, 2013 – February 1, 2014 – Snowshoe Hike Series

Attend a series of slow paced winter adventures that will include lots of outdoor discoveries. Participants will have the chance to try traditional and modern snow shoes. Kid- and adult-sized snowshoes will be available for use. Saturdays, December 21, 2013; January 4 & 18, February 1, 2014. Instructors: Ken and Michelle Workowski, snowshoe enthusiasts and owners of The Nature of Things. 1–4 pm. Fee: $5/Person/Hike; $4.50/KVR Friend/Hike; $2.50/kids 12-16/Hike. Registration deadline: December 14. To register call 608-625-2960 or email kickapoo.reserve@krm.state.wi.us. Kickapoo Valley Reserve, S3661 State Hwy 131, La Farge, WI 54639. 

January 11, 2014 – Winter Festival

The KVR Winter Festival is a wonderful family event that highlights fun winter activities.  Activities include skating, sledding, skiing, archery, snow sculpture, ice cave hikes, face painting, horse-drawn bobsled rides, snowshoe exhibit, Tristate Malamute Club Sled Dog Race and weight pull, mutt race, and much more.  La Farge Lions Club hosts an annual chili and bread contest for the public.  Kickapoo Quick Auction of goods and services produced in the Kickapoo Valley with proceeds benefitting the KVR Education Program.  To view the full schedule visit http://kvr.state.wi.us/winterfest. Kickapoo Valley Reserve, S3661 State Hwy 131, La Farge, WI 54639. 

January 19, 2014 – Cross-Country Ski Workshop

Learn proper classic and skate cross-country ski techniques, including basic stride-and-glide, fall recovery, proper pole positioning, turning techniques, and speed control. Workshop also welcomes experienced skiers who want to brush up on their skills. Open to all levels. Instructor: Dan Goltz. 1-4 pm. Fee: $15/Person; $13.50/KVR Friend; $7.50/Kids 12 and under (with adult) Registration deadline: January 11. To register call 608-625-2960 or email kickapoo.reserve@krm.state.wi.us. Kickapoo Valley Reserve, S3661 State Hwy 131, La Farge, WI 54639. 

January 25, 2014 – Dam Phunski

The Dam Phunski is a scenic classic and freestyle cross country ski course along the scenic Old Highway 131 Trail. Proceeds benefit the Kickapoo Valley Reserve Education Program. Courses include a 1k loop for youth, a 5k point-to-point for juniors and phunskiers of all ages, and a 10k point-to-point for adults. For more information or to register visit http://kvr.state.wi.us/phunski. Kickapoo Valley Reserve, S3661 State Hwy 131, La Farge, WI 54639.

February 8, 2014 – Ice Cave Hike
Visit several rarely visited ice caves and frozen waterfalls. Participants will learn some geology, biology, and history of the Kickapoo Reserve along the way. The hike is rated moderate to difficult. Dress for the weather and don’t forget your camera! Instructor: Chuck Hatfield, amateur geologist and ice cave enthusiast. 12:30-4 pm. Fee: $5/Person; $4.50/KVR Friend; $2.50/Kids 12-18. Registration deadline: February 1. To register call 608-625-2960 or email kickapoo.reserve@krm.state.wi.us.

Kickapoo Valley Reserve, S3661 State Hwy 131, La Farge, WI 54639. 

February 15, 2014 – Winter Willow Basket Weaving Workshop
Come join us for a day of weaving in willow. From locally harvested willow shoots, we will form and weave one of a couple varieties of baskets that have helped people to gather and store their precious food for thousands of years. Learn how to identify and harvest willow, how to create a balanced form, and keep the weaving tight. Bring a sack lunch and your favorite knife or pruners (a few pairs will be provided). Expect to spend a full day weaving and come away with a unique creation. Please pack a sack lunch. Instructors: Nicholas Gale and Kindred Wazee have been weaving willow baskets for over 10 years. Seeking versatility in willow craft as a functional wilderness skill, they have made willow baskets for many practical purposes. 9 am–4 pm. Fees: $50/person; $45/KVR Friend. Materials Fee: $10 payable to instructor. All materials provided. Registration deadline: January 31. To register call 608-625-2960 or email kickapoo.reserve@krm.state.wi.us.  Kickapoo Valley Reserve, S3661 State Hwy 131, La Farge, WI 54639. 

Christmas Greetings with Winter Events at Kickapoo Valley Reserve

Christmas is the time of year we reflect on the who,what and where.  Everyone has a Christmas story from years gone by like Ralphie in A Christmas Story.  Some of the things Ralphie reflected on when telling is story brought laughter to every face. Famous lines like "My little brother had not eaten voluntarily in over three years". "I want an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle!"  Don't  forget, "Oh my god, I shot my eye out!" 
So what's your Christmas story? Is it family, the gift giving, volunteering at a charity event, awaiting Santa or sharing the true meaning of Christmas.  Whatever it is, celebrate the wonder of it all, the every joy of it, the fun of it all. Wishing all a wonderful Christmas worth telling!  Marie & Mike,                                                    A Christmas Story of 16 years of innkeeping at the Westby House Inn.

Check out these winter events at the  Kickapoo Valley Reserve during the winter.  

Cross-Country Skiing

The Kickapoo Valley Reserve maintains approximately ten miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, for both classic and skate skiing. The five miles of the Old Highway 131 Trail provide an excellent opportunity to experience the solitude and beauty of the Reserve.  Other groomed trails include the Dam Trail, Old Harris Road Trail and Star Valley Road.  Additional trails may be groomed as time permits. The more adventurous are welcomed to make their own tracks into the wild.  NOTE:  Skiers may not ski on the snowmobile trail.  Call the Reserve Visitor Center for a winter trail map and directions to ski trails, (608) 625-2960. Ski Trails are also available at Wildcat Mountain State Park.

Snowmobiling

A segment of Wisconsin's self-funded snowmobile trail system winds its way through the Reserve.  A local snowmobile club grooms and maintains the trail from December 15 through March 31, snow cover permitting.  Enjoy the Reserve's scenic ridges and valleys by snowmobile, the only motorized vehicle allowed to operate on Reserve lands.  Snowmobile enthusiasts are required to stay on the designated snowmobile trail. Map of Winter Trails in KVR (pdf)

Snowshoeing

Snowshoe enthusiasts are welcome to explore the hidden wonders of the Reserve. There are not designated nor groomed snowshoe trails. NOTE: Please avoid walking on the snowmobile trail or on the cross-country ski tracks.  Enjoy the unbeatable scenery - visit the ice caves, and get the work-out of a lifetime!

For all winter sports enthusiasts, a reminder that the Reserve does not provide any water or toilet facilities except at the Visitor Center. Trails are not maintained during the winter months, with the exception of the snowmobile trail and cross country ski trails. The Reserve Visitor Center is open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for information and assistance. Visitors are asked to pay attention to changing weather conditions while enjoying the Reserve's wintry landscape.

All winter sports enthusiasts are required to purchase a trail use permit before venturing out. Snowmobile trail users are only required to purchase a $4/day vehicle parking permit or display of annual pass, if parking in the Reserve's signed 'parking permit required' areas. Snowmobiles simply passing through the Reserve are exempt from fees.

La Crosse Rotary Christmas Light Display a Must See

Visit La Crosse Rotary Lights and stay at Westby House Inn
 by Marie Cimino, Westby House Inn

 Christmas lights are always a fascinating sight during the holiday season and the Rotary Lights display at Riverside Park in downtown La Crosse are beyond fascinating. Each and every child and adult  is pulled into the million plus light display each December. You can drive through the park or walk it to get yourself in the spirit.   Admission is non-perishable goods and/or cash donations that support the local food pantries.

The Park opens at 5:00 p.m. daily and gates will close after the last car in line at 10:00 p.m. with the following exceptions:

Christmas Eve..................5 to 9:00 p.m.

Christmas Day..................5 to 9:00 p.m.

New Year's Eve .......5 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Santa is in the park everynight from 5 pm until 8 pm or as long as kids are in line. Santa begins on Friday, Nov. 29th (right after the opening ceremony) and will be in his Santa House through Monday, Dec. 23rd.
Treat yourself with a Gift to the La Crosse's Rotary Lights and a stay at the inn. Book any room available, any day of the week, and mention you saw this blog post to receive our Gift to You of 25% off your room reservation!!!! Sorry, new reservations only. Not valid with gift cards/certificates or any other offer.

Purchase Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Gift Certificates

by Marie Cimino, Westby House Inn

Make it easy shopping this year by giving bed and breakfast gift certificates to your friends, family and, maybe yourself this Christmas season. The Westby House Inn in Westby, Wisconsin has certificates you can purchase online through there web site- www.westbyhouse.com. 

 Turn around time is seamless too! You can print it right away are have it emailed to the recipient.Certificates are valid for one year from date of purchase. 
So make it easy on Santa and check out our web site than click on the Check Availability where you can make your purchase.   

Holiday Craft Fair Near Westby WI B&B

50th Annual Holiday Fair in La Crosse Wisconsin

Get Set...Ready.....SHOP!!!..... this annual Holiday Fair in downtown La Crosse is on November 21-24, 2013.  This huge event is the most spectacular craft show of the season. The La Crosse  Center is decorated with a holiday theme and holiday music through out the Center. Rudolph will make appearances and pictures with Santa Claus go on daily. Door prizes are given each hour every day.  This is family event or a girl's getaway!  Hours are Thursday & Friday; Noon- 9pm,  Saturday; 9am -5pm, Sunday; 10am -3pm. You will need some rest after the Fair with a overnight stay at the Westby House Inn!
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Rhubarb Juice Popular at Westby House Inn Bed and Breakfast

Rhubarb Juice is a Hit at the Westby House Breakfast Table

My friend Danika brought me a large grocery bag of just harvested rhubarb.  Now, I love rhubarb in any fashion or form, but as a juice, that's new to me. So here is recipe as posted on our Recipe page of the web site. Easy and very enjoyable!

 Rhubarb Juice
This recipe comes from the cookbook  Marathon County Back to Basics Cookbook. Marathon County is located in the center of Wisconsin and is Marie's hometown County.  Rhubarb was always plentiful on the farm where rhubarb crisps, pies, coffee cake, jelly and jam were made. You name it my Mom put it in everything.  Now, Juice is something she did not think of making with rhubarb!   This pretty pink beverage can be a base for punch or slush too.    Can be canned or frozen for enjoyment  throughout  the seasons.

2 lbs. Rhubarb, about 9-12 ribs  - cut into 4-5 inch lengths
5 cups water
Bring to low boil, cook until rhubarb are tender. Strain to remove all pulp. Discard pulp.

Add to the juice:
1/4 cup sugar per cup of juice (you can adjust the sweetness as you see fit.)  Spendia can be used also.
Bring to boil to dissolve sugar.
Cool juice, then refrigerate. 

For Punch- add 3/4 cup fruit juice (lemon, grapefruit, etc ) to each cup of sweetened juice. Just before serving add 1 quart of gingerale or white soda.
For Slush- To 2 quarts of Heated sweetened juice add 3oz. package of strawberry gelatin and  dissolve. Let cool. Add 2 cups vodka. Pour into freezer containers and freeze stirring occasionally until well chilled.  To serve- 1/4 cup slush in glass, fill glass  with 7-up.

New Winery Opens Near Westby House Inn

Branches Winery Opens just Minutes from Westby House Inn

Branches Winery has opened up off Highway 14/61 and just minutes from the Westby House Inn in Westby.
The rural Westby winery is offering four wines made from their grown grapes.  Complimentary wine tastings and winery tours are available Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 
The wines are their Explorer made from Marquette grapes, Coulee Crisp -La Crescent Grapes, Vine Dance a sweet wine from Edelweiss grapes and the fourth wine is Flying Geese made with Frontenac Gris grapes.  Gene and Therese Bergholz, owners of the winery, chose the local favorite Cranberry to highlight in their Celebration Berry wine. 
A must visit during any stay at the Westby House Inn.
Here is an article on the winery that ran in the La Crosse Tribune .

Norwegian Syttende Mai Events Center Around Westby B&B

 Westby House Bed and Breakfast Inn is Center Stage during Syttende Mai!  

Viking Ship

Car Show on Saturday

Sunday's Parade

Whenever you hear or read about Norwegian history, Syttende Mai is a topic most 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 2013 weekend dates are May 17,18,19, 2013.

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 June 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.  Arts, Crafts and Vintage Commercial Tents are ongoing Saturday and Sunday. Church meatball dinners, rommegrot, and lefsa are in abundance during the weekend; along with great local entertainment and Saturday's outstanding car and bike show and huge parade on Sunday! 

Visit the festival web site at www.westbysyttendemai.com for a complete list of activities and more information on events and the Saturday entertainment of  "Tina & Lena" Singers with Zingers! 

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 17 -18-19, 2013

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

Viist

Westby House Inn Can Cure Your Spring Fever

Victorianne Room

Atrium Room

Westby Room

Spring Fever got you going crazy?  Then come to the Westby House Inn for the cure! As one guest experienced, "the B&B is the unique blending of a tastefully decorated grand historic home, lovingly restored and maintained, with the comforting kindness of hosts who treat you like family and nourish you with delectable meals. It's a must-stay whether you happen to be in the beautiful southwest Wisconsin region, or make it a destination."  To help plan your time here the DriftlessWisconsin.com visitor's site has things to do and places to explore along with great dining ideas. If  fly-fishing is a way of relaxing we have over 200 miles of Class A trout streams just minutes from the inn. Hike Wildcat Mountain or the trails through the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. Spring brings Farmers Markets in Viroqua and the Amish start to gear up for sales of the crafts they worked on over the winter.  For the foodie folks, check out the many artisan cheese shops, the organic food co-op and Driftless Organic Cafe.
With so many things to do and explore you better start planning a are return trip in the summer and fall!  You can always check for room availability on our web site with just a click on the Check Availability button. Think Spring and you maybe here before you know it!!