Kickapoo Valley Dark Sky Park

Dark Sky Parks are locations known for outstanding views of the night sky.

Kickapoo Valley Dark Sky Park

Dark Sky Parks are locations known for outstanding views of the night sky.

Partnership for Dark Sky Designation:
The Kickapoo Valley Reserve, Wildcat Mountain State Park, and Mississippi Valley Conservancy are excited to announce they are working together to designate the 13,300 acres of KVR, Wildcat, and Tunnelville Cliffs as Wisconsin’s second International Dark Sky Park. The International Dark-Sky Association awards this distinction to “land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment.” The application process requires a sky quality survey, lighting inventory and management plan, community partners, and education and outreach.

The public land along the Kickapoo River in Vernon County has been known for years for fantastic night sky viewing. We are excited to have them join the nearly 200 designated International Dark Sky Places around the world.

The Kickapoo Valley Reserve occasionally hosts stargazing workshops. Please consult the KVR calendar for upcoming events, or sign up for the monthly upcoming events email through kickapoo.reserve@krm.state.wi.us

Wyalusing State Park also has astronomy programs. The Starsplitters of Wyalusing is a non-profit group of amateur astronomers who have partnered with schools, educators, interested citizens and benefactors to bring the fascinating science and wonders of astronomy to everyone. Based at the Lawrence L. Huser Astronomy Center, which is located within Wyalusing State Park in southwestern Wisconsin, The Starsplitters offers programs at the park from May to October. You can check our calendar for our schedule. We start with a program inside our Huser Center, rain or shine. Afterwards, if the sky is clear, we will point out the constellations and show you planets, nebulae, galaxies, double stars, and star clusters with our telescopes. Park stickers are required. Donations appreciated.

Crawford Vernon Dark Sky
Starry skies
Crawford and Vernon wide map
WI River Outings

WI River Outings

FarmerSown Market

FarmerSown Market

Branches Winery

Branches Winery

Sunrise Orchards

Sunrise Orchards

Kickapoo Valley Ranch Guest Cabins

Kickapoo Valley Ranch Guest Cabins

Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Titanic Canoe Rental

Titanic Canoe Rental

Drifty’s Canoe Rental

Drifty’s Canoe Rental

Capt. Hook’s/ Clements Fishing Barge

Capt. Hook’s/ Clements Fishing Barge

Boscobel Chamber of Commerce

Boscobel Chamber of Commerce

Vernon County Tourism

Vernon County Tourism

Village of La Farge

Village of La Farge

Sports Unlimited Campground & Barn Yard 9

Sports Unlimited Campground & Barn Yard 9

Village of Ontario

Village of Ontario

Village of Soldiers Grove

Village of Soldiers Grove

Snowflake Ski Club and Golf

Snowflake Ski Club and Golf

Kickapoo Valley Reserve

Kickapoo Valley Reserve

Vernon Vineyards

Vernon Vineyards

Vernon County Museum

Vernon County Museum

Down a Country Road

Down a Country Road

Village of Cashton

Village of Cashton

Westby Syttende Mai

Westby Syttende Mai

City of Hillsboro

City of Hillsboro

City of Westby

City of Westby

Ferryville Tourism Council

Ferryville Tourism Council

Prairie Fun Land

Prairie Fun Land

Coon Valley Business Association

Coon Valley Business Association

Village of Gays Mills

Village of Gays Mills

Wyalusing sunset
Sunset over a valley
Wyalusing hiking trail

Request our Brochure!

Whether for a weekend, a week, or longer, you’ll enjoy your stay in Driftless Wisconsin. Love using our map while exploring the Driftless? Leave us a Google 5-star review!