January 5- March 31: Winter Film Festival at Effigy Mounds National Monument, three miles north of Marquette, IA. Each week a new movie will be shown in the auditorium along with a special display in the visitor center. Movies will be shown Saturdays and Sundays on the hour, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and also on Mondays at 1 p.m., free admission through March 31, open to the public daily, 563-873-3491.

January 14: Annual Taste of Prairie du Chien, held at The Barn, County K Rd, Prairie du Chien, selection of sample sized beverages and food items from area businesses, 5-7:30 p.m., admission charged, 608-326-8555.

February 2-3: Annual Fisheree, ice fishing competition on waters near Prairie du Chien with headquarters at Lakeview Marina Bar & Restaurant, County K, Prairie du Chien, outing for the entire family, fishing prizes, and evening entertainment, (Fisheree WILL BE HELD - ice or no ice), 800-732-1673.

February 2: Owl Prowl, 5:30 p.m., Explore the life of one of nature's most fascinating creatures, Effigy Mounds National Monument, three miles north of Marquette, IA, 563-873-3491.

February 16: Bucks of Crawford County Deer Show, Competition and display of deer head mounts and racks, prizes awarded 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., 608-326-2718, National Guard Armory, Hwy 35 N, Prairie du Chien.

February 16: Bed & Breakfast Progressive Dinner, McGregor and Marquette, IA, 800-896-0910.

February 23: Bald Eagle Appreciation Day, held on the grounds of the Wisconsin Welcome Center/Prairie du Chien Chamber, 211 S Main, Prairie du Chien and co-host site AmericInn, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Live Bald Eagle programs (eagle from the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minn.); exhibits and presentations on eagles and raptors, birding experts on hand, outdoor viewing of Bald Eagles through spotting scopes, life-size Bald Eagle nest, activities for children, mini field trips to other viewing locations, refreshments, co-sponsored by Effigy Mounds National Monument and the Prairie du Chien Chamber of Commerce/Tourism Council, 800 732-1673.

March 8: Jose Circus, McGregor, IA, 800-896-0910.

March 15: Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, downtown Prairie du Chien. Come enjoy the celebration of the green, 10 a.m. parade with festivities to follow at many local businesses, 608-326-8555.

March 29-30: Home and Garden Show, exhibitors display spring-time merchandise, share gardening tips, home buying options, decorating ideas, and more, 608-326-8555, National Guard Armory, Hwy 35 N., Prairie du Chien.

April 12: Ladies Day in Downtown Prairie du Chien, sponsored by Prairie du Chien Downtown Revitalization, 8:30 a.m. - 9 p.m., workshops, lunch, fashion show, wine tasting, dinner, and more, registration is required, 608-326-7374.

April 18-20: Prairie du Chien City-wide Garage Sales, maps available at the WI-IA Shopping News, 608-326-2457.

April 22: Earth Day, annual weeklong celebration of America's National Parks (April 20-27). Call for details on conservation projects, programs, and hikes. Effigy Mounds National Monument, three miles north of Marquette, IA, www.nps.gov/efmo, 563-873-3491.

April 27: Free Visitor Appreciation Day at Fort Crawford Museum, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., National Historic Landmark, 717 S Beaumont Rd, Prairie du Chien, 608-326-6960.

April 26-27: The Iowa Wine Trail’s Spring Wine & Food Event, Eagles Landing Winery, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Marquette, IA, 563-873-2509.

May 2: Music on the River Cruise, Enjoy the unique blend of folk, blues, and bluegrass of local musicians aboard the Mississippi Explorer Cruises, two hour Mississippi River cruise departing at 6 p.m. from the St. Feriole Island river front, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

May 3: Villa Louis Historic Site opens for the season, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., tours on the hour 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. daily, located on St. Feriole Island along the Mississippi River, 608-326-2721.

May 3: Annual Prairie du Chien Half Marathon, race begins at 7:30 a.m. for runners, 7:45 for walkers, course open until 11:30 a.m., held rain or shine, medals awarded, awards ceremony for runners at 11 a.m., for more race information call 608-326-4219 or email pdchalfmarathon@yahoo.com, race day registration ends at 7 a.m. Register online at www.active.com, route details are available on www.geocities.com/pdchalfmarathon.

May 3: Bird Walk, La Riviere Park, 62036 Vineyard Coulee Rd, Prairie du Chien, 608-326-2718, meet at the park barn prior to 7:30 a.m. Wear appropriate clothing and foot gear - ground conditions may be soft or wet. Binoculars and bird identification book are recommended.

May 10: Bird Walk, La Riviere Park, 62036 Vineyard Coulee Rd, Prairie du Chien, meet at the park barn prior to 7:30 a.m. Wear appropriate clothing and foot gear - ground conditions may be soft or wet. Binoculars and bird identification book are recommended. 608-326-2718.

May 10: Guided Bird Walk, Effigy Mounds National Monument, three miles north of Marquette, IA, walk wetland and upland forest trails overlooking the heart of the Upper Mississippi Wildlife & Fish Refuge on International Migratory Bird Day, 563-873-3491.

May 10-11: Spring Festival, Robb Park in Gays Mills, WI, 608-735-4341, 608-735-4810.

May 11: Special Mother’s Day Mississippi River cruise aboard the Mississippi Explorer Cruises. “Bald Eagle viewing on the River” will be the theme of this two-hour cruise departing at 2 p.m. from the St. Feriole Island riverfront, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

May 14: Historic City Walking Tour, Fort Crawford Museum at 717 S Beaumont Rd, Prairie du Chien. A walking tour emphasizing historic buildings starting with a display at the Fort Crawford Museum, 1 p.m. Ticket price includes tour of museum, 608-326-6960.

May 17-18: Uff-da Fest, Eagles Landing Winery, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Marquette, IA, 563-873-2509.

May 18: Rivertown Reliques, Fort Crawford Museum at 717 S Beaumont Rd, Prairie du Chien. Tour of period homes and architectural styles, for more information call 608-326-6960.

May 24-26: Spring Arts & Crafts Festival, McGregor, IA, 800-896-0910.

May 24-26: Flea Market under the bridge, Marquette, IA, 800-896-0910, 563-873-3521.

May 24: Mississippi River cruise aboard the Mississippi Explorer Cruises. View Bald Eaglets on the nest during this two-hour cruise departing at 2 p.m. from the St. Feriole Island riverfront, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

May 31: Mississippi River cruise aboard the Mississippi Explorer Cruises. View Bald Eaglets on the nest during this two-hour cruise departing at 2 p.m. from the St. Feriole Island riverfront, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

June -Saturdays: Mississippi River cruises aboard the Mississippi Explorer Cruises, two-hour river cruise every Saturday departing at 2 p.m. Magnificent scenery, abundant wildlife, waterfowl and bald eagles welcome you around every bend. Watch for Bald Eaglets on the nest! Open boarding from the St. Feriole Island riverfront, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

June 6: Music on the River Cruise, Enjoy the unique blend of folk, blues, and bluegrass of local musicians aboard the Mississippi Explorer Cruises, two-hour Mississippi River cruise departing at 6 p.m. from the St. Feriole Island river front, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

June 8: Villa Louis “Visitor Appreciation Day”, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Villa Louis Historic Site on St. Feriole Island, along the Mississippi River. Special admission this day only: children and adults - $2, children (ages 5 and under) - free. Explore the Dousman family home, a restored Victorian treasure - home of original furnishings and decor in a beautiful natural setting, 608-326-2721.

June 8: Bird Watching Cruise, two-hour tour aboard the Mississippi Explorer Cruises, will depart at 8 a.m. to explore a variety of river habitats including open backwaters, side channels that border floodplain forests, and the main channel. Expect to see a significant variety of migrating and nesting birds. Board at St. Feriole Island riverfront, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

June 11: Historic City Walking Tour, Fort Crawford Museum at 717 S Beaumont Rd, Prairie du Chien. A walking tour emphasizing historic buildings starting with a display at the Fort Crawford Museum, 1 p.m. Ticket price includes tour of museum, 608-326-6960.

June 12-15: Annual Prairie Villa Rendezvous, St. Feriole Island along the Mississippi River. Fur Trading era environment recreating life as it was in 1840's when Prairie du Chien was the hub of the fur trading, largest re-enactment in the Midwest, open to the public, free admission. Jaycee Buffalo Burger Stands serving real buffalo! For participant registration information call 608-822-6916 or email: brlrendv@mhtc.net. Mailing address: Big River Long Rifles, 4840 Greenwood Rd., Fennimore, WI 53809, www.mhtc.net/~brlrendv/page3.html

June 13-15: Flea Market with over 200 vendors, St. Feriole Island along the Mississippi River, Prairie du Chien. For vendor registration write: Prairie du Chien Jaycees, PO Box 341, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821. Or call 608-326-2280 and leave your name and complete mailing address for registration to be mailed.

June 13-15: Soldiers Grove Dairy Days, Soldiers Grove, WI, 608-624-3429.

June 14: Pies-a-Plenty, pies are auctioned with the profits going to Fort Crawford Museum, held on St. Feriole Island, Prairie du Chien, during the Prairie Villa Rendezvous. Awards are given to the baker whose pie brings the most money and to the buyer who spends the most. 608-326-6960.

June 14: Mississippi River cruise aboard the Mississippi Explorer Cruises, cruises depart at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., from the St. Feriole Island river front, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

June 14: Guided Bird Walk, Effigy Mounds National Monument, three miles north of Marquette, IA, walk wetland and upland forest trails overlooking the heart of the Upper Mississippi Wildlife & Fish Refuge, 563-873-3491.

June 14 thru Sept. 1: Ranger Guided Hikes, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily, Effigy Mounds National Monument, three miles north of Marquette, IA. Junior Ranger activities each Saturday at 10 a.m. Other hikes, walks and talks are presented daily that discuss the history of the mounds and nature. For more information: www.nps.gov/efmo, 563-873-3491

June 21: Effigy Mounds National Monument River Tour to Sny Magill Mounds. Board the Mississippi Explorer Cruises for a tour through the magnificent backwaters to visit an area of the Effigy Mounds National Monument seldom visited. Effigy Mounds Park Ranger will describe the history and intrigue of these large numbers of mounds onboard and ashore. This four-hour cruise will depart at 8 a.m. from the St. Feriole Island riverfront, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

June 21-22: Breakfast in a Victorian Kitchen at the Villa Louis Historic Site, St. Feriole Island, 521 N. Villa Louis Rd, Prairie du Chien. Participants take a culinary tour of the late 19th century through the preparation and consumption of a Victorian breakfast - using the foods, utensil and technology of the time, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., family style breakfast served followed by tour of the estate, reservations required, 608-326-2721.

June 21-22: New Wine Release Weekend, Eagles Landing Winery, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Marquette, IA, 563-873-2509.

June 22: "A Celebration of Bits & Pieces" Program on Zachary Taylor. Held at Fort Crawford Museum, 717 S Beaumont Rd, Prairie du Chien, 2 p.m., admission charged, 608-326-6960.

June 27: Colgate Country Showdown, Downtown Prairie du Chien, music begins early evening, sponsored by Prairie du Chien Downtown Revitalization, Inc., 608-326-7374.

June 27-29: Big River Scenic Trail Ride, La Riviere Park, Prairie du Chien, 608-734-3692

June 28: Old West Bank Robbery & Shoot Out, the Old West comes alive in downtown McGregor, IA, as the "Hole in the Sock Gang" present a street reenactment with action-packed bank robberies, cowboy shootouts and saloon girls, 563-873-2387.

July thru mid August: Mississippi Blackhawks Water Ski Show, every Friday night at 7 p.m. on St. Feriole Island along the Mississippi River, Prairie du Chien. Local water ski enthusiasts display their talents from barefoot skiing and water ski jumps to pyramids stacked four people high. Free admission for the hour performance, email: jklech@yahoo.com, 563-864-7588.

July thru Sept. 1: Ranger Guided Hikes, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily, Effigy Mounds National Monument, three miles north of Marquette, IA. Junior Ranger activities each Saturday at 10 a.m. Other hikes, walks and talks are presented daily that discuss the history of the mounds and nature. For more information: www.nps.gov/efmo, 563-873-3491.

July 4: Fourth of July Celebration, Bagley, WI, 608-996-2446.

July 4: Fourth of July Celebration, Eastman, WI, 866-452-7967.

July 4: Music on the River Cruise, Enjoy the unique blend of folk, blues, and bluegrass of local musicians aboard the Mississippi Explorer, two hour Mississippi River cruise departing at 6:30 p.m. from the St. Feriole Island river front, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

July 5: Effigy Mounds National Monument River Tour to Sny Magill Mounds. Board the Mississippi Explorer Cruises for a tour through the magnificent backwaters to visit an area of the Effigy Mounds National Monument seldom visited. Effigy Mounds Park Ranger will describe the history and intrigue of these large numbers of mounds onboard and ashore. This four-hour cruise will depart at 8 a.m. from the St. Feriole Island riverfront, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

July 5-6: Independence Day Celebration, flea market under the bridge, fireworks at dusk, Marquette, IA, 800-896-0910.

July 9: Historic City Walking Tour, Fort Crawford Museum at 717 S Beaumont Rd, Prairie du Chien. A walking tour emphasizing historic buildings starting with a display at the Fort Crawford Museum, 1 p.m. Ticket price includes tour of museum, 608-326-6960.

July 10-13: Crawford County Fair, Crawford County Fairgrounds, Hwy 131, Gays Mills, WI, email: info@thefamilyfair.com, 608-326-0223.

July 12-13: Town & Country Jamboree, CANCELLED in Prairie du Chien. 

July 12: Chamber of Commerce Annual Fireworks, Lawler Park on St. Feriole Island along the Mississippi River, Prairie du Chien, 608-326-8555.

July 12: Mississippi River cruises aboard the Mississippi Explorer Cruises, two-hour river cruise departing at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. from the St. Feriole Island river front, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

July 12: Guided Bird Walk, Effigy Mounds National Monument, three miles north of Marquette, IA. Walk wetland and upland forest trails overlooking the heart of the Upper Mississippi Wildlife & Fish Refuge, 563-873-3491.

July 19-20: The War of 1812 in Wisconsin: The Battle of Prairie du Chien, Villa Louis Historic Site, St. Feriole Island, 521 N. Villa Louis Rd, Prairie du Chien. A historic encampment and battle re-enactment on Wisconsin’s only War of 1812 battlefield, now the lawn of the Villa Louis estate. Learn about the British assault on U.S. Fort Shelby in a battle scenario each afternoon. Tour the camps and learn about military life in 1814 and why Prairie du Chien was strategic to both sides of the Atlantic. Admission charged, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., 608-326-2721.

July 19-20: Emma Big Bear Tribute, held at Eagles Landing Winery, Marquette, IA, 10 a.m. - 5p.m., 563-873-2509.

July 19: Sounds of Hope Concert, Marquette City Park, 7 p.m., youth from more than 10 different countries perform cultural song and dance, Marquette, IA, 800-896-0910

July 19: Great River Car Show & Cruise, McGregor and Marquette, IA, 800-896-0910.

July 25-26: Prairie Dog Blues Festival, St. Feriole Island along the Mississippi River, Prairie du Chien. Why do people keep coming back from all over the U.S. to the Prairie Dog? It's one of the most laid back festivals out there. Two stages in a park-like setting, international, national and regional blues bands performing. Camping on site. Event shuttle runs to all motels in town. Event also includes ski team performance, food and beverage stands, various vendors with hand-made products, 608-326-0085, www.prairiedogblues.com, ticket hotline opens May 1, 888-567-1567.

July 26: Old West Bank Robbery & Shoot Out, the Old West comes alive in downtown McGregor, IA, as the "Hole in the Sock Gang" present a street reenactment with action-packed bank robberies, cowboy shootouts and saloon girls, 563-873-2387.

July 26: Prairie Dog Blues Festival Mississippi River cruises aboard the Mississippi Explorer Cruises, two-hour river cruise departing at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. from the St. Feriole Island river front, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

July 27: Lily and Lotus Flower Cruise Mississippi River cruise aboard the Mississippi Explorer Cruises, thousands of beautiful, fragrant water lily and lotus flower blossoms will be in full bloom, two-hour river cruise departing at 2 p.m. from the St. Feriole Island river front, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

Thru Mid August: Mississippi Blackhawks Water Ski Show, Friday night at 7 p.m. on St. Feriole Island along the Mississippi River, Prairie du Chien. Local water ski enthusiasts display their talents from barefoot skiing and water ski jumps to pyramids stacked four people high. Free admission for the hour performance, email: jklech@yahoo.com, 563-864-7588.

August thru Sept. 1: Ranger Guided Hikes, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily, Effigy Mounds National Monument three miles north of Marquette, IA. Junior Ranger activities each Saturday at 10 a.m. Other hikes, walks and talks are presented daily that discuss the history of the mounds and nature. For more information: 563-873-349, www.nps.gov/efmo.

August 1: Music on the River Cruise, Enjoy the unique blend of folk, blues, and bluegrass of local musicians aboard the Mississippi Explorer Cruises, two hour Mississippi River cruise departing at 6:30 p.m. from the St. Feriole Island river front, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

August 2: Effigy Mounds National Monument River Tour to Sny Magill Mounds. Board the Mississippi Explorer Cruises for a tour through the magnificent backwaters to visit an area of the Effigy Mounds National Monument seldom visited. Effigy Mounds Park Ranger will describe the history and intrigue of these large numbers of mounds onboard and ashore. This four-hour cruise will depart at 8 a.m. from the St. Feriole Island riverfront, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

August 2: Lily and Lotus Flower Cruise Mississippi River cruise aboard the Mississippi Explorer Cruises, thousands of beautiful, fragrant water lily and lotus flower blossoms will be in full bloom, two-hour river cruise departing at 2 p.m. from the St. Feriole Island river front, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

August 8-9: American Cancer Society Relay for Life, the date has been changed from previous years, for more information contact Janet at 326-6010 or Mandy at 877-423-9125 ext. 101 

August 9: Lily and Lotus Flower Cruise Mississippi River cruise aboard the Mississippi Explorer Cruises, thousands of beautiful, fragrant water lily and lotus flower blossoms will be in full bloom, two-hour river cruise departing at 2 p.m. from the St. Feriole Island river front, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

August 10: Peek at Prairie's Past, call for program information, Fort Crawford Museum at 717 S Beaumont Rd, Prairie du Chien, 608-326-6960.

August 13: Historic City Walking Tour, Fort Crawford Museum at 717 S Beaumont Rd, Prairie du Chien. A walking tour emphasizing historic buildings starting with a display at the Fort Crawford Museum, 1 p.m. Ticket price includes tour of museum, 608-326-6960.

August 16: Moonlight Hike, Effigy Mounds National Monument, three miles north of Marquette, IA. Presented annually, these popular activities can include walks along the Yellow River Bridge Boardwalk Trail and hikes along the Fire Point Trail to the top of the bluff. Featured are: Effigy mound building culture, the impact of the historic settlement period and moonlit views of the Mississippi and Yellow Rivers. Call for reservations beginning Monday, August 11, 563-873-3491.

August 16-17: Great Lakes Watercross race series competition, Held on St. Feriole Island, Prairie du Chien. Practice will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the competition will run from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. both days. The On-Line pre-race entry form will be closed at 4 p.m. the Thursday before the race weekend. Sponsored by Prairie du Chien Downtown Revitalization Inc. and the Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce. www.greatlakeswatercross.com

August 16-17: Passport to the Iowa Wine Trail, Eagles Landing Winery, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Marquette, IA, 563-873-2509.

August 23: Guided Bird Walk, Effigy Mounds National Monument, three miles north of Marquette, IA. Walk wetland and upland forest trails overlooking the heart of the Upper Mississippi Wildlife & Fish Refuge, 563-873-3491.

August 25: Founders Day, Effigy Mounds National Monument, three miles north of Marquette, IA. Celebrate the 92nd anniversary of the establishment of the National Park Service- August 25, 1916. Free admission, 563-873-3491.

August 30: Old West Bank Robbery & Shoot Out, the Old West comes alive in downtown McGregor, IA, as the "Hole in the Sock Gang" present a street reenactment with action-packed bank robberies, cowboy shootouts and saloon girls, 563-873-2387.

August 30: Labor Day Celebration, parade, McGregor, IA 800-896-0910.

August 30-September 1: Flea Market under the bridge, Marquette, IA, 563-873-3521.

September 5: Music on the River Cruise, Enjoy the unique blend of folk, blues, and bluegrass of local musicians aboard the Mississippi Explorer Cruises, two hour Mississippi River cruise departing at 5:30 p.m. from the St. Feriole Island river front, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

September 5-7: Prairie du Chien City-wide Garage Sales, maps available at the WI-IA Shopping News, 608-326-2457.

September 6-7: Villa Louis Carriage Classic, Villa Louis Historic Site, St. Feriole, Island, 521 N Villa Louis Rd, Prairie du Chien. Midwest's most elegant and lavishly appointed equine sport driving event. Some of the region's finest horses and over 100 new and restored carriages compete in a variety of arena and cross-country events. Learn how this event descends from the Dousman era when the Villa Louis was known as the Artesian Stock Farm and was home to one of the Midwest’s finest racehorse farms. www.carriageclassic.com, 608-326-2721.

September 10: Historic City Walking Tour, Fort Crawford Museum at 717 S Beaumont Rd, Prairie du Chien. A walking tour emphasizing historic buildings starting with a display at the Fort Crawford Museum, 1 p.m. Ticket price includes tour of museum, 608-326-6960.

September 12-13: Cannons & Redcoats, Friday School Program, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Saturday - Family & Scout Day, 8:30-4 p.m., Fort Crawford Museum, National Historic Landmark, 717 S Beaumont Rd., Prairie du Chien. Enjoy this living history exhibit of life in 1814 Prairie du Chien during the British years. Over 20 historic stations. Exhibits include: American Camp, candle making, bowl carving, lead pouring, cannon firing, French fur trading and more. Saturday evening program at 7 p.m., call 608-326-6960.

September 20-21: Harvest Days, Eagles Landing Winery, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Marquette, IA, 563-873-2509.

September 20-21: Driftless Area Art Festival, celebration of arts and artisans in the driftless area, Beauford T. Anderson Memorial Park, Soldiers Grove, Hwy 131 County C, 866-452-7967.

September 20: Railroad Days held at the Marquette Depot & Information Center, Marquette, IA, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., telegraphy demonstration, railroad program and activities, food, story telling, museum tours, 563-873-1200.

September 20-21: Breakfast in a Victorian Kitchen at the Villa Louis Historic Site, St. Feriole Island, 521 N. Villa Louis Rd, Prairie du Chien. Participants take a culinary tour of the late 19th century through the preparation and consumption of a Victorian breakfast - using the foods, utensil and technology of the time, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., family style breakfast served followed by tour of the estate, reservations required, 608-326-2721.

September 20: Don't Forget Zeb Pike - Mississippi River Cruise with Storyteller Duke Addicks aboard the Mississippi Explorer Cruises. This special two-hour fall cruise leaves from the Prairie du Chien riverfront at 2 p.m. and is a must for river and history buffs. Storyteller Duke Addicks is a respected river historian and conveyor of river tales. He will play his highland bagpipes to pipe you onboard. Reservations required, 1-877-647-7397.

September 27: Guided Bird Walk, Effigy Mounds National Monument, three miles north of Marquette, IA. Walk wetland and upland forest trails overlooking the heart of the Upper Mississippi Wildlife & Fish Refuge - located in the heart of the Mississippi Flyway! 563-873-3491.

September 27-28: Gays Mills Apple Festival, tourist information call 608-735-4810, art & crafts 608-735-4643, flea market 608-735-4521, parade 608-735-4695, Gays Mills, WI.

September 27: Old West Bank Robbery & Shoot Out, the Old West comes alive in downtown McGregor, IA, as the "Hole in the Sock Gang" present a street reenactment with action-packed bank robberies, cowboy shootouts and saloon girls, 563-873-2387.

September 27: National Public Lands Day, Effigy Mounds National Monument, three miles north of Marquette, IA, free entrance day, 563-873-3491.

September 27-28: Fall Foliage Cruises on the Mississippi River aboard the Mississippi Explorer Cruises, two hour river cruise will depart at noon both days, from the St. Feriole Island river front, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

October 1-31: Iowa Archaeology Month, special programs are scheduled during the annual recognition of Iowa's archaeological past. Effigy Mounds National Monument, three miles north of Marquette, IA, www.npsgov/efmo, 563-873-3491.

October 3: Music on the River Cruise, Enjoy the unique blend of folk, blues, and bluegrass of local musicians aboard the Mississippi Explorer Cruises, two hour Mississippi River cruise departing at 5 p.m. from the St. Feriole Island river front, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

October 4: "Visiting Our Ancestors", tour Prairie du Chien's historic cemeteries - Evergreen Cemetery, St. Gabriel's Cemetery, Fort Crawford Military Cemetery, French Cemetery, and the Brisbois Graves. Guided tour begins at 1 p.m. and will be completed at 4 p.m. Contact Fort Crawford Museum 608-326-6960, 717 S Beaumont Rd, Prairie du Chien.

October 4: Spirits of St. Feriole: A Lamplight Tour, Villa Louis Historic Site, St. Feriole Island, 521 N Villa Louis Rd, Prairie du Chien. An after-sunset tour of the Villa Louis house, office, fur trade museum, and grounds - featuring dramatic vignettes. Tickets sold from 6-8 p.m., flashlights recommended, 608-326-2721.

October 4-5: Hawk Watch at Effigy Mounds National Monument, three miles north of Marquette, IA. Enjoy the fall migration in the heart of the Mississippi Flyway! Highlights of this premier Midwest birding event include live raptor demonstrations, adult educational programs, children's activities and hawk banding (catch and release). Programs and activities 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Hike park trails through fall foliage - sunrise to sunset! www.nps.gov/efmo/current.htm, 563-873-3491.

October 4-5: Shihata Orchard Fest, visit the Apple House with 25 varieties of apples, jams & jellies, award winning cider, pumpkins, Wisconsin wine, cheese and sausage. Weekend outing of family fun with wagon rides in the orchard, U-pick apple, and The Pumpkin Patch. Free samples of many Apple House products, six miles north of Prairie du Chien on Hwy 27, left on Limery Rd., 608-326-2785.

October 4-5: Fall Foliage Cruises on the Mississippi River aboard the Mississippi Explorer Cruises, two hour river cruise will depart at noon both days, from the St. Feriole Island river front, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

October 4-5: Fall Arts & Crafts Festival, Triangle Park, McGregor, IA, 800-896-0910.

October 4-5: Flea Market under the bridge, Marquette, IA, 800-896-0910, 563-873-3521.

October 8: Historic City Walking Tour, Fort Crawford Museum at 717 S Beaumont Rd, Prairie du Chien. A walking tour emphasizing historic buildings starting with a display at the Fort Crawford Museum, 1 p.m. Ticket price includes tour of museum, 608-326-6960.

October 11: Moonlight Hike, Effigy Mounds National Monument three miles north of Marquette, IA. Presented annually, these popular activities can include walks along the Yellow River Bridge Boardwalk Trail and hikes along the Fire Point Trail to the top of the bluff. Featured are: Effigy mound building culture, the impact of the historic settlement period and moonlit views of the Mississippi and Yellow Rivers. Call for reservations beginning Monday, Oct. 6, 563-873-3491.

October 11-12: Fall Foliage Cruises on the Mississippi River aboard the Mississippi Explorer Cruises, two hour river cruise will depart at noon both days, from the St. Feriole Island river front, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

October 11-12: Leaf Arts & Crafts Festival, Triangle Park, McGregor, IA, 800-896-0910.

October 11-12: Flea Market under the bridge, Marquette, IA, 800-896-0910, 563-873-3521.

October 18-19: Marquette Oktoberfest, downtown Marquette, IA, hosted by Eagles Landing Winery, fresh pretzel making, free wine tasting featuring "Marquette Maid" wines, register for drawings, special music, 563-873-2509.

October 18-19: Fall Foliage Cruises on the Mississippi River aboard the Mississippi Explorer Cruises, two hour river cruise will depart at noon both days, from the St. Feriole Island river front, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

October 18-19: Breakfast in a Victorian Kitchen at the Villa Louis Historic Site, St. Feriole Island, 521 N. Villa Louis Rd, Prairie du Chien. Participants take a culinary tour of the late 19th century through the preparation and consumption of a Victorian breakfast - using the foods, utensil and technology of the time, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., family style breakfast served followed by tour of the estate, reservations required, 608-326-2721

October 25: Old West Bank Robbery & Shoot Out, the Old West comes alive in downtown McGregor, IA, as the "Hole in the Sock Gang" present a street reenactment with action-packed bank robberies, cowboy shootouts and saloon girls, 563-873-2387.

November 1-2: The Iowa Wine Trail’s Fall Holiday Wine & Food Event, Eagles Landing Winery, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Marquette, IA, 563-873-2509.

November 28: Holiday Parade, downtown Prairie du Chien along Blackhawk Ave beginning at 5:30 p.m., 608-326-8555.

December 6: A Holiday Open House in Iowa’s First National Park Unit, Effigy Mounds National Monument, three miles north of Marquette, IA, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., bookstore items marked 10% off, 563-873-3491.

December 6-7: A Christmas Holiday on a Victorian Country Estate, Villa Louis Historic Site, St. Feriole Island, 521 N Villa Louis Rd, Prairie du Chien, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Special Saturday evening lamplight tour from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Come home to the Villa Louis for the Christmas holidays in the late 1890s. Conspire with the servants about holiday gift secrets, be dazzled by the parlor on Christmas morning and behold the dining table groaning under a New Year's feast! 608-326-2721.

December 6-7: Wines & Tastes of the Holidays, Eagles Landing Winery, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Marquette, IA, 563-873-2509.

December 13-14: A Christmas Holiday on a Victorian Country Estate, Villa Louis Historic Site, St. Feriole Island, 521 N Villa Louis Rd, Prairie du Chien, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. See December 6 listing for description.

December 13-14: Wines & Tastes of the Holidays, Eagles Landing Winery, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Marquette, IA, 563-873-2509.

December 20-21: Wines & Tastes of the Holidays, Eagles Landing Winery, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Marquette, IA, 563-873-2509.

December 31: "Droppin' of the Carp", entrance of St. Feriole Island, Blackhawk Ave, Prairie du Chien, 9 p.m. door prizes, bonfires lit, hot chocolate, popcorn, singing by Larry and the Carpettes, and more, countdown at 11:59 p.m., 608-326-8602.