Best of Menomonie

menomonie Best Of

LAKE MENOMIN

CASTLE PLAYGROUND

DON’T MENOMO-MISS THESE SPOTS 12 OF THE COOLEST OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS IN MENOMONIE words by JAMES JOHONNOTT | photos by ANDREA PAULSETH & TIMOTHY MATHER

W hether you’re looking to hike, the picturesque scenery, the Menomonie area has several great places to enjoy your day. Here is a list of local favorites you can enjoy by yourself or with your friends and family! Devil's Punchbowl 410TH ST., MENOMONIE A surreal geological rarity outside Menomonie. Created by the movement of glaciers over 500 million years ago, the bowl is a stunning sandstone hollow circle where water trickles down to the center. Bjornsen Recreation Center Trail N6945 160TH ST, KNAPP This trail is perfect for those who may want an easier hike, featuring trail loop options through the woods with creeks and several footbridges as well. There is also a camping area nearby with a picnic shelter, a fire ring area, and bathrooms. Dunn County Recreation Park 620 17TH ST., MENOMONIE This park is a great place for families to spend the day, with bike, camp, or just enjoy

maze and haunted trail during the spooky season. Learn more at govinsfarm.com. Jeremiah’s Bullfrog Fish Farm N1409 566TH ST., MENOMONIE A fan of fishing? This farm is known for its Rainbow Trout fishing and beautiful views. They also cook up your catch at their “Hobo Shorelunch” and have drinks and live music on the weekends. Learn more at eatmyfish.com. Lake Menomin 2997 DOMAIN DRIVE, MENOMONIE There is plenty to do on Lake Menomin such as visiting the park, their 8.3-mile Lake Menomin Loop, and – of course – swimming and fishing in the lake. Learn more at dnr.wi.gov. The Bottoms 524TH STREET/DUNNVILLE ROAD, MENOMONIE And no, we’re not talking about the Bottoms of the Bikini variety. The Bottoms is dirt path toward the water with a beach that stretches for about a mile along the Red Cedar River in the shadows of a walking bridge from the Red Cedar Trail. The sand is soft, the water is cool, and it is a favorite amongst adventurers and those looking for a

many fun things to do. There is a picnic area, restrooms, a track, an ice hockey arena, lighted ball fields, and exhibition buildings. That sounds like a day of fun to us! Learn more at menomonie-wi.gov. Dunnville Wildlife Area SOUTH OF CHIPPEWA RIVER + COUNTY HIGHWAY Y AND 210TH AVENUE ON THE NORTH Also called “Dunnville Bottoms,” this area has sand beaches, steep hillsides, and a vast forest. It's a great space for camping, biking, hiking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Learn more at dnr.wisconsin.gov. Red Cedar State Trail 912 BRICKYARD ROAD, MENOMONIE This 14.5-mile trail connects to the Chippewa River State Trail and passes prairies, farmland, bluffs, and the Red Cedar River for one beautiful adventure. Learn more at dnr.wisconsin.gov. Govin's Farm N6134 670TH ST., MENOMONIE For some good ol’ farm fun, head over to Govin’s Farm where – depending on the time of year – they have a barn with cute farm animal babies, berry picking, and a corn

relaxing beach escape right in the heart of Menomonie. Wakanda Park and Water Park 909 PINE AVE. E, MENOMONIE Your kiddos will have a blast swimming in the water park and enjoying a fun time on the large playground in Wakanda Park. The park also includes the Russell J. Rassbach Museum, the Menomonie Lions Club Game Park and natural trail, ballfields, playgrounds, an 18 hold disc golf course, views of Lake Menomin, and more. Learn more at facebook.com/wakandah2opark. Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area 730TH AVE., COLFAX 700+ acres of preserved and restored wooded hills, wetlands and prairie traversed with hiking and cross country ski trails. A 60-foot-high observation tower crowns one of the highest points in Dunn County. Menomonie Lions Game Park & Trails GAME PARK ROAD, MENOMONIE Operated by the Menomonie Lions

Best Of menomonie Club, this trail system includes a game park with a game animals including bison, deer, and elk.

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