à la sainte terre

I started this interesting trek on the campus of the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse at the Hoeschler Tower. This sits at 43.815N & -91.230W. You would proceed directly east to pick up East Avenue North at 43.815N & -91.229W. Cross heading north at the intersection of La Crosse Street and East Avenue North at 43.818N & -91.229W.
The La Crosse Marsh Loop Trailhead sits at the end of East Avenue North at 43.823N & -91.229W. From here it’s up to you what you do and how you do it. I continued heading north along the Grand Crossing section of the trail. I turned right heading east and then south along the Cottonwood Section of the trail. That intersection is at 43.829N & -91.229W and is unpaved. It goes right out to Myrick Park Drive at 43.822N & -91.224W. There’s a short secondary section of the trail that goes easterly at 43.826N & -91.225W.
I turned about and re-traversed the trail heading north to reconnect with the Grand Crossing Trail. I proceeded north along this trail across the historic bridge at 43.832N & -91.228W. This trail emerges on St. James Street at 43.837N & -91.228W. There is a trail that ventures along River Valley Drive onto Gilette Street but I much prefer to stay in the marsh.
I walked south along Grand Crossing Trail and then west along Willow Trail at 43.830N & -91.228W. This trail winds it’s way along the La Crosse River. You can exit along Lang Drive at 43.828N & -91.240W or continue along the underpass. You’ll pick up the Vietnam Veterans Train heading southwest through the marsh. There’s an underpass at 43.819N & -91.249W beneath Copeland Avenue. The trail continues into La Crosse at the Riverside International Friendship Gardens.
The gardens is lovely and worth exploring. I picked up the Jim Asfoor section of the marsh trail at 43.819N & -91.253W. This heads northwest and then easterly. You have to cross Copeland Avenue at the crosswalk at 43.819N & -91.249W to continue along this trail. It proceeds northeast to Monitor Street at 43.829N & -91.243W. Head east along Monitor Street and south along Lang Avenue to pick up the Willow Trail again at 43.828N & -91.240W. From here you’d follow the Willow Trail heading east and Grand Crossing Trail heading south onto East Avenue North to return to the starting point.
Take lots of insect repellant, water, a hat, and a camera. As I’ve said, this can be done in many different ways with no planned itinerary. Just get out there and do it, get lost, and perhaps you’ll find yourself, as I did.
Note: The section of the Willow Trail in the area of the burnt out tree up to the small incline approaching Lang Drive floods when water levels in the Mississippi River is high. You can encounter a foot of water and perhaps more along there at times.
Happy Trails!