Ecosystems Farmland Wetlands and Watersheds in the Upper Mississippi
River Basin
The Driftless Area in the Upper Mississippi River Basin
comprises parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois. 85 percent of the area lies within Wisconsin
and is largely rural in character, land cover is forest, farmland, and
grassland/pasture; modest wetlands are found in river valleys, and along the
Mississippi. Row crop farming is less encountered than elsewhere in the state.
Away from the Mississippi, the terrain is gently rolling, supporting dairy
farms.
Rivers and Streams
approaching confluence with the Mississippi, feature steep and deep canyons in
the last 25 miles - 40 km. The change in elevation above sea level can
reach 650 feet -200 m. The glaciers that covered much of the Midwest bypassed
the Driftless Area, giving rivers time to cut down into ancient bedrock and
create distinctive landforms. The soils that cover the steep slopes are fragile
ecosystems and the cold-water streams and rivers are recognized for their
economic, environmental, and recreational importance.
Watersheds, defined as an area within which water that is
deposited on the ground through rainfall, irrigation, snow melt, or other
means, drain to a common exit point and provide a natural unit for management
planning, as conservation activities within a watershed will affect the quality
of surface and ground water leaving the area.
Managed Areas land and water resources under management are an
important part of the management planning picture. Areas such as state parks,
fish and wildlife refuges and conservation easements can serve as nuclei around
which habitat preservation and restoration can take place.
Driftless Area Tourism the land is still farmed by the Ho-Chunk, French,
Norwegian, Irish and Scotch-Irish descendants of the original settlers, and by those
traveling the Underground Railroad. The region was a popular destination for a
new breed of organic farmer starting in the 1960s. More recently, Amish,
Mennonite and Hispanic farming communities are dotting the landscape. Aspiring young farmers find the area both
affordable and supportive of innovation and new business ventures.
The region is a Birthplace of the Cooperative Movement in the United
States
Travel
Duration 3 nights and 4 days. Group Size
Minimum 4, Maximum 50 persons.
Cost/Person
USD 735 for adults age 19 to 64 USD 585
for seniors 65+ and children under 18.
Information
for Booking First and Last Name, Passport
Number, Expiration date and Issuing country, Date of birth, Email address.
Included
Travel
between cities and states that are part of the itinerary, 5 lunches and
dinners, accommodations in double occupancy with breakfast for ten nights, applicable
local and state taxes, 5 one-half day sightseeing events, local transport
services.
Excluded
Evening
entertainment and transport to tour location start and from tour ending
location.
Day/time Day to day programs and specific events at each
location, as well as the sequence of the tour stops, will be finalized with the
participation of the clients after details on family/group composition have
been determined to take-into-account client priorities and preferences.
Reductions Children under the age of
18 and seniors over the age of 65 traveling with parents and/or guardians,
staying in the same hotel room receive a 20 percent discount.
The Mississippi Riverbanks are dotted with larger towns and rural villages and the area’s
diversity offers a countryside experience with coffee from a local roaster and
a glass of wine from a local vineyard as well as trout fishing, biking, canoeing
and kayaking. You can shop for art, antiques, handmade furniture, artisanal
cheeses, or locally-grown foods in the small towns and their farmer markets.
Locally-owned small hotels and Bed & Breakfast accommodations are much
sought-after, as are cabins in the forest, campground spots and Farm stays.
Stonefield Village celebrates Wisconsin's
rich agricultural heritage. Learn about the rise of turn-of-the-century dairy
farming and the development of modern farm implements, including tractors, reapers
and threshing machines. Experience the sights and sounds of the local railroad.
What Made
Stonefield and Wisconsin America's Dairyland
The Railroad Depot Museum in Mineral Point takes
you back to the days when the railroad was the lifeblood of commerce. Discover
the elegant lifestyle of a local 19th century merchant family.
Local Architecture the Mineral Point
Historical Society has compiled photos and architectural histories of each downtown
building. Look for the binder in every downtown building – and add your own
comments.
Reagan Creek Orchard features Unusual Apple
Varieties Grown for Artisan Hard Apple Cider and Brandy
Viroqua is home to an art collective, Organic Valley,
Fifth Season Coop and several green businesses. The downtown district is listed on
the State and National Register of Historic Places and is home to dozens of
shops that offer everything from metal and glassware, to art, wine tasting and
dining.
Westby was named
after Civil War Union soldier Ole T. Westby who, like many of the town residents,
was originally from Biri, Norway. The local economy is built on cooperative
businesses, hence the term Co-op City.
