2546 Lake Meyer Rd
Fort Atkinson, IA

Want to know how you can enjoy the outdoors in Winneshiek County while taking care of our delicate ecosystems? Click through for our guide for 7 steps to Leave No Trace while visiting our outdoor spaces! Visit https://lnt.org/ to learn more about this international effort.

2546 Lake Meyer Rd
Fort Atkinson, IA

Research the park or area you plan on visiting before you go. Bring proper equipment and gear for your planned activities and be prepared for any situation. Recommended items include a raincoat, water, snacks, sunscreen, and first aid supplies. This allows you to create the best experience and to respect the environment during your visit.

2546 Lake Meyer Rd
Fort Atkinson, IA

While visiting the parks and trails, stay on mowed or paved trails. While camping, only set up at designated campsites and place tents on durable surfaces, ideally bare dirt. These practices prevent erosion and protect grasses, foliage, and wildflowers native to the parks.

2000 140th Ave
Decorah, IA

Always pack waste out with you! Any garbage you have, such as fruit peels, food wrappers, plastic bottles, glass, aluminum, or tin should be packed out of the parks and disposed of properly either at the landfill or recycling center. Please also only use designated restrooms when you have to go - nature is not your restroom.

2546 Lake Meyer Rd
Fort Atkinson, IA

Always leave artifacts you find in the parks (fossils, antlers, animal skulls, wildflowers, seeds, etc.). This allows for other visitors to find these artifacts as well and preserves the environment within our parks.

2546 Lake Meyer Rd
Fort Atkinson, IA

When at the campgrounds, only use existing fire rings at each site. You should always keep your fire away from flammables such as your tent, gas items, and trees. Only use local firewood to prevent the spreading of invasive species within our campgrounds.

2546 Lake Meyer Rd
Fort Atkinson, IA

Wildlife need lots of space to thrive. When observing wildlife, you should always stay at least 25 yards away. To ensure that you're at a safe distance, use the rule of thumb: stick your arm straight out with your thumb up. If your thumbnail covers the animal, you're at a safe distance. If not, back away and give the animal more space. Try and stay as quiet as possible when viewing wildlife. This ensures that they will not be disturbed and also increases the likelihood of seeing more wildlife on your visit.

2546 Lake Meyer Rd
Fort Atkinson, IA

Respect other visitors with these tips: yield to bicyclists and uphill hikers, maintain a reasonable noise level, and use headphones with a noise level where you can still hear other hikers/hazards. This ensures that you and other visitors have the best possible experience within our beautiful parks.