We were looking for something to do on a warm winter day and decided to visit Perrot State Park. Although the trails were snow and ice covered, they were still very accessible. We only had boots on, but other hikers we came across had snowshoes on. The park is absolutely beautiful with gorgeous views. The park rangers were very nice and helpful. We hiked the Brady's Bluff trail. It was very steep, but we had no problems for two fit fifty-somethings. The views from the top of the bluff are amazing. You can see the Mississippi, and lots of other bluffs, and even the city of Winona on a clear day. On the way down, we took a different trail that had railings and stone steps. Again, they were ice/snow covered, and very steep, but the railings helped a lot. We even saw a frozen waterfall on our hike. That was a great surprise!
My friend and I stopped through the park on our way home from La Crosse to Minneapolis. Someone actually recommended this place to us and we were glad that we came. The entrance fee we paid was $10 (for Minnesota plates), I believe less for Wisconsin plates. Once we got through the gate, you want to park in the little lot on the left, as the hike we went on started at the ranger station. Trail start is across the parking lot. There are two short hikes (less than 2 hrs, less than 3 miles), Brady's Bluff to the left and Perrot Ridge to the right. We went left and got to see the bluffs view and then hike along the river. Going up had areas of elevation and great views of the water and forests. The top is a little resting hut where people were refueling and eating. Take pictures here before heading back down. We didn't go back the way we came but made a circle returning along the water (river view trail). The rest of the way going down from the hut had zig zag decks built with steps and railings. Once at the bottom we took the trail along the water to get back to the station. Check out the map.
This campground was great for a long weekend with plenty to do. We did all 6 of the hiking trails and took our dog with us on each one. It took us half the time indicated on the trail guide to complete each hike. There are 3 Brady's Bluff hikes. The north one is listed as the longest, but is definitely the easiest, however least scenic of the three by far. The West Brady Bluff is the shortest, but hardest hike, and most scenic. The East Brady Bluff is in the middle, and does have a view of the train. The River View Trail (started right near our campsite #46) was a beautiful 45 min walk out and 45 walk back. We discovered at the end of the walk before heading back you end at Ed Sullivan's bar and grill. If we didn't have our dog, we would have loved to have stopped for happy hour on the deck before heading back. The 3.4 mile canoe trail was beautiful and a must. Canoe rentals are $15 at park headquarters. The trail took us about an hour and a half. Didn't have time to bring the bike, but will next time. You can get on the bike trail right in the campground. The campground was wooded, quiet and very peaceful. It was also nice that it wasn't so big you get lost. We would definitely go again.
My husband and I decided to go to Perrot State Park for a spontaneous 1st time 2-night camping trip. We were not disappointed! The Park Staff were friendly and helpful - they recommended a remote quiet spacious campsite which was just perfect! The facilities (restrooms and showers) were clean and well maintained. Firewood and ice were easily available. Lots to do in the park: hiking the numerous trails (loved Brady's Bluff hike), biking, canoeing. Also enjoyed a day in Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge down the road from Perrot State Park. Extremely pleased with our choice for 1st ever camping experience! Will definitely return to Perrot State Park!
This WI State Park is on the Mississippi valley with great biking trails, river locks with barge and boat traffic, and awesome view hiking trails. Heavily wooded campground, with most sites being very private. We camped with a 40' 5th wheel and found half dozen sites that would accommodate us. Would give this 5 stars for everything, except for the bathroom/showers being tired and older. Will certainly come back again, but caution campers that come in October, the walnuts are dropping from the trees constantly.
Perrot State Park in Trempealeau WI offers a wonderful array of things to do; anything from great hiking, biking, camping, canoe trail, fishing or just relaxing. It has a beautiful view of the bluffs and is located right on the Mississippi River. The camp sites are very good. It is a park for all seasons. There are 4 restaurants available, Ms Sissippi a bistro , Trempealeau Hotel; Hungry Point, Sullivan's supper club
We enjoyed our site which was very shaded and private. The bathrooms were ok but could use some scrubbing. Also, when we arrived there was some trash in our firepit and a few bits around the site. Overall however we would recommend this campground and you may want to make reservations at Ed Sullivan's on the water mainly for the view. If it's not raining you can sit outside.
This campground is beautiful. Lots of hiking and we also did the bike trail starting right outside the park down to Onalaska. Stopped there for a bite to eat/drink at the Blue Moon(great eats) and rode back (about 40 miles total). We hiked in the park, which was also fantastic..would be beautiful for a late hike for sunset. We went to the local winery... which is a must! We also went to Winona, MN across the border to see more views from their bluffs as well. This campground is nice and wooded... the people are pretty quiet and respect the quiet hours. There is no beach, but that was OK for us, just wanted to let people with little kids know this.
What a great visit. My family and I visited in mid July. We bought our year pass for WI state parks for $25 so we could come back for another visit to this awesome state park. The views of the bluffs are wonderful, the hiking is great, there are plenty of places for a picnic and the staff is very helpful and friendly. My children enjoyed the river hike and looking for turtles and frogs. We also rented a canoe for $15 (life vests for all included) and did a little paddling in the bay. If you have more time, they have a 3.5 mile canoe/kayak course around the bay they recommend. It's a great way to see all the wonderful views and the wildlife. You could even take a side trip to Trempealeau Mountain. We didn't try camping, though that's on my list to try the next time we visit.I took a hike up to Brady's Bluff and Perrot Ridge. The trails were very well marked and easy to use. If you hike the two peaks counterclockwise (Perrot to Brady's bluff) I think the hike is a little less strenuous. A lot of people say the hike is challenging. There are a few places where it's steep and maybe a bit slippery, but I consider myself a very average hiker and didn't find it difficult or that strenuous. I wouldn't take my two-year on it, but I might take my four year old.To get there, if you're coming from the north (Twin Cities, Eau Claire, Pepin) I'd suggest the north entrance to the park. It's not marked, but it'll save you about 15 minutes of driving, especially if you have your park pass already. Take Sonsalla Rd off hwy 35 and just keep going south to Lehmann Rd. If you still need to buy your pass follow the signs to the park as the park headquarters is on the south entrance.Can't wait to come back!
We have camped at Perot every year! The trail to the nature preserve needs attention, but yesterday's ride to Onalaska was perfect. From geocaching hunts to bike rides, canoe trips and stunning sunsets, Perot state park is always on our yearly campsite list. Clean bathrooms and showers. I love the variety of birds in the area. There was a great program yesterday on Bluebirds and we got to build a birdhouse to take back and install; complete with advice on how to keep other predators from getting at the baby birds!