Coon Prairie Trail
The Coon Prairie Trail is a scenic path between Westby and Viroqua in Vernon County. The paved trail is 5.5 miles long, 10 feet wide, and in excellent condition. It runs adjacent to the four-lane U.S. Highway 14, so traffic noise is commonly heard from the trail. Several moderate hills are found along the route, which may challenge some leisure cyclists.
The trail name comes from the large rolling prairie that sits high above neighboring valleys. This includes Coon Valley to the northwest, which today is home to Coon Creek. Norwegian immigrants came here in the late 1840s, settling throughout Coon Prairie. This area is part of the Driftless Region, meaning it was untouched by ancient glaciers. The landscape features rolling prairies, high ridges, and deep valleys or coulees.
The Coon Prairie Trail construction was a joint project between state and local organizations. It included the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Vernon County, the cities of Viroqua and Westby, Vernon Trails (a nonprofit organization), and the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission. Funding was provided by area businesses and philanthropists. Supported by many people, the trail opened to the public in 2011.
Trailheads with amenities are not located where the path ends in Westby or Viroqua. However, Wayside County Park is situated about halfway along the route. It has restrooms, fresh water, covered and uncovered picnic tables, an information kiosk and playground. It is accessible by car from U.S. Highway 14.
In Westby, the elementary school is a good place to begin a ride. It is located on Nelson Street. By car, turn west on South Street from U.S. Highway 14 on the south side of Westby. Then turn right (north) onto Nelson Street and drive a short distance to the school parking lot on the west side of the road.
Follow the same route back to U.S. Highway 14 on bicycle to reach the start of the trail. The entire path runs south to Viroqua along the west side of the highway. It begins by descending a hill to depart Westby, then crosses Stenslien Street.
Westby was named after store owner and Civil War soldier, Ole T. Westby, a Norwegian-American settler. Norwegian immigrants first came to the area in the late 1840s, and the community saw even more growth with the coming of the railroad in 1879. It incorporated as a village in 1896, and as a city in1920.
Back on the Coon Prairie Trail, a half mile from the start and after crossing Stenslien Street, the path passes Nordic Creamery and Store. It’s worth taking time to visit the store. The creamery has been a family business since 1917, and makes award-winning butter and cheese. Their cheese curds are highly recommended.
Another local creamery worth visiting is the Westby Cooperative Creamery in downtown Westby, not far from the start of the trail. This cooperative is owned by 100+ local farmers, and has been operating since 1903. It produces flavorful cottage cheese, sour cream, yogurts, and cheeses. Ice cream cones with Cedar Crest ice cream are also available.
Beanie’s Diner is adjacent to the Coon Prairie Trail and next to Nordic Creamery. The retro-themed diner serves breakfast and lunch and is known for hot dogs, sandwiches, and comfort food. At an inside walk-up counter, cyclists may order ice cream from the Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company.
After leaving Westby, the trail begins a gradual climb. It crosses Sherpe Road, where a park bench offers a chance to rest. Park benches are located throughout the entire route.
From Smith Road to Three Chimney Road, the trail ascends nearly 65 feet over one mile. The view to the west of rolling farmland is astounding. Three Chimneys Road takes its name from a physical feature west of the trail. The three pillars of rock can barely be seen in the distance, rising above a farmstead almost a mile west.
It is only 350 yards past Three Chimney Road to Wayside County Park, which offers a great opportunity to relax. A short while later after crossing Oak Knoll Drive, the trail begins a 1.5 mile descent. As the trail drops 80 feet, it crosses County Road Y and Miller Road. After County Road Y, a spur trail leads downhill to a tunnel passing under U.S. Highway 14. The trail on the east side of the highway heads back north to the county road.
After crossing Miller Road, the Coon Prairie Trail ascends 60 feet over a half mile to the city of Viroqua. It crosses Airport Road and arrives at a large parking lot for several fast food restaurants. This parking lot works well as a trailhead, as it is where the path ends. Diagonally across U.S. Highway 14 is a historical marker about Jeremiah McLain Rusk. He moved to Viroqua in 1853, and later served as governor from 1882 to1889.
Viroqua is the county seat of Vernon County. It has restaurants, stores, and hotels to serve visiting trail-goers. One popular local grocery store is the Viroqua Food Co-op, which sells natural, fair trade, and organic foods. They have a cold and hot deli; their sandwiches, pastries and other food can hit the spot after a ride on the trail.
Another great stop in Viroqua is the Cakery & Bake Shop. This hometown bakery features a large selection of pastries, include traditional Norwegian rosettes. Downtown, the Driftless Café is another popular establishment. The café uses items from area organic farms, and has a reputation beyond southwest Wisconsin. Another business that cyclists may find helpful is Blue Dog Cycles, a family-owned company offering both bike sales and full service.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
Historically, members of the Ho-Chunk nation lived in the area now known as Vernon County and Viroqua. Beginning in the late 1820s, many were removed to reservations to the west. European American settlers arrived in 1847, and a town was soon platted out. The village was incorporated in 1857, and became a city in 1885. This area was heavily settled by Norwegian immigrants.
Viroqua was first named “Farwell” after Leonard J. Farwell, second Governor of Wisconsin. The name was changed to Viroqua in 1854. There are several stories about the village’s name, and it likely came from a fictional character in an 1848 novel, Viroqua, or, The Flower of the Ottawas: A Tale of the West by Emma Carra.
Trail last ridden and documented in October, 2022.