The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge La Crosse District Visitor Center will begin Saturday operating hours on Sat. April 1, 2023, running through Sat. October 28, 2023. The expanded hours will be:

Open: Tuesday – Saturday: 9:00am – 3:00pm

Closed: Sunday- Monday and on all federal holidays.

Looking for something fun to do outside? Check out a “Let’s Go Outside” backpack at the front desk! Family nature journaling activities are inside, along with a bug jar, kid-sized binoculars, seasonal field guides and more! These FREE backpacks may be checked out during Visitor Center hours to take while you explore the trails.

Planning a trip to a national park, national forest, or other federal lands site? Pick up a “National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass” anytime during our open hours. The passes waive entrance fees on federal lands. Anyone may purchase an annual pass for $80. Senior citizens over the age of 62 years may purchase an annual pass for $20 or a lifetime pass for $80. Free passes are available for active-duty military, military veterans, 4th grade students, and citizens with a permanent disability that severely impacts major life functions. Cash or check payments are needed for passes and specific forms of identification are required for several of the pass types. Learn more about the pass program and pass qualifications here: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm or give us a call at 608-779-2399. Federal Duck Stamps for the 2023-2024 season will be available in mid-July – stay tuned for more info!

Interested in trying something new? Come join our volunteer crew! We are looking for help staffing the front desk on Saturday afternoons as well as weekday substitutes. Visitor Center volunteers help greet and count visitors, direct questions to staff, share tips for things to do, as well as their own passion and expertise. We are looking for out-going folks who enjoy interacting with visitors of all ages and backgrounds.