The river town of Trempealeau is one of the most picturesque areas of the state, a place where forested hills converge with a wide stretch of the Mississippi River. In the heart of this pretty area is an impressive peak called Trempealeau Mountain, a rock island that beckons adventurers willing to go the extra distance for a rare and beautiful experience few are able to enjoy. Here’s how to get to this unique Wisconsin island.
Trempealeau is a western Wisconsin village with just 1,500 people – it’s located in Trempealeau County and it has a long and rich history.
Alltrails / Lloyd Lorenz
Native Americans called this place home a thousand years ago and archeologists have uncovered evidence of settlements potentially connected to Cahokia, a major city 500 miles to the south near present-day St. Louis. In later years, European fur traders arrived, and the area was settled by European immigrants in the mid-1800s.
Alltrails / Josh Lindseth
The name of the village comes from the nearby imposing mountain. French explorers called it “la montagne qui trempe à l’eau,” meaning “the mountain whose foot is bathed in water.”
Tripadvisor / AndrewFromMadison
Trempealeau Mountain is surrounded by water - it’s bordered by the Mississippi and Trempealeau Rivers. It was long used by riverboat captains and other river travelers as a navigation device. The mountain rises up 425 feet and is as undeveloped and wild as it was centuries ago. It’s one of only three solid rock islands in the entire Mississippi River.
Tripadvisor / AndrewFromMadison
Most of the mountain is wooded – it’s covered with black and white oak and basswood. There are numerous Native American mounds, burial sites, and historical dwelling sites on the island.
Tripadvisor / Management
The mountain is a designated state natural area and it’s part of the Perrot State Park, a 1,200-acre park that has towering 500-foot bluffs. There’s no pedestrian bridge to the island – you need a boat or canoe to reach it, just like in the days of the European explorers. There are boat and canoe launches on the west side of the state park. There are no trails on the island, but hiking is permitted. If you make it up to the peak, the view is incredible – you can see for miles!
Alltrails / Lloyd Lorenz
Alltrails / Josh Lindseth
Tripadvisor / AndrewFromMadison
Tripadvisor / Management
A vehicle admission sticker is required to enter Perrot State Park. Because Trempealeau Mountain is a state natural area, certain activities on the island are nor permitted, like camping and biking. Learn more about Perrot State Park on its website. If you enjoy experiencing Wisconsin’s natural wonders, here are some more incredible destinations.
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Address: Perrot State Park, Trempealeau, WI 54661, USA
