Pierce County is filled with many natural wonders, beautiful back roads, friendly citizens, and a wide variety of things to see and do. Here are some favorites which you, too, are sure to enjoy!
Crystal Cave
Crystal Cave is Wisconsin's longest underground cave. It is thought to be over 1 million years old, and it is filled with a maze of underground passages and rooms. Stunning stalactites, stalagmites and glistening flowing formations delight the visitor, and knowledgeable tour guides share the fascinating story of the discovery of the cave and its wonderful formations. Tours leave every 30 minutes and are approximately 1 hour long.
The cave is accessed by a series of ramps and steps which descend over 70 feet underground. The temperature of the cave is 49-50 degrees, a a sweatshirt is recommended. Family tours are offered daily from Memorial Weekend through October 31, and weekends during April and May.
The gift shop, with its educational and fun items, including fossils from around the world, is not to be missed.
Kinnickinnic State Park
The Kinnickinnic State Park is located on the western edge of Pierce County, and it's 1,242 acres of woods, prairies, and overlooks, feature 7 miles of hiking trails. The trails wind through the park's woodlands, prairies and sandy beaches along the St. Croix River. The park offers picnic areas, swimming areas along the beach, and plenty of adventure and beauty. Cross-county skiing, snoweshoeing and ice fishing are popular winter activites. The park also is a favorite of anglers who fish the cold waters of the Kinnickinnic River where it meets the St. Croix River at the sandy delta. A State Park sticker is needed for entry.
The Kinnickinnic State Park is a favorite location for local artists, birders, and families and individuals of all ages who enjoy the trails and the many different experiences which can be enjoyed there. Click here to learn more about the Kinnickinnic State Park.
Rush River Delta State Natural Area
The Rush River, a Class One trout stream, spills into the Mississippi at Lake Pepin and a lush bottom land of silver maple, cottonwood, willow, American elm and green ash trees provides a great site for bird watching. In this forest canopy can be seen the red-shouldered hawk, Acadian flycatcher and cerulean warbler. A sand spit curving from the delta into Lake Pepin creates nesting habitat for turtles and feeding areas for shorebirds. To get there, at the intersection of Hwy. 35 and S in Maiden Rock, go 1.3 miles west on 35 to a parking area at the junction of Hwy A. Walk south across Hwy. 35 and the railroad tracks into the natural area. Click here for a detailed map and more information
