”“We in the United States are leading such busy, strenuous lives that recreation has become an absolute necessity. We are in a hurry all the time. If we are going to keep pace with our civilization, we must give the public an outlet in the great outdoors.”
Louis H. Pammel, 1924
We’re excited to share a major milestone: the Community Trail Farm is now officially open for public pedestrian and bicycle access! There is no public parking available on site. While this opening comes earlier than anticipated, we believe it’s important to welcome the community into the space as soon as possible, inviting public enjoyment while we continue building and restoring the Community Trail Farm.
🚶♀️🚲 Pedestrian & bike access only
⏰ Open daily | 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
🚗 No public parking on-site yet
👉 Public parking is available at Pammel Creek Park
📍 Walk or bike in using the existing bridge
This project is still actively being built and restored, and you’re getting to explore it in motion. Trails, restoration work, and future amenities will continue to take shape over the coming months and years. Please follow all posted signage as you explore and help us care for a space that’s still being built.
Conservation, Recreation, and Education
- Advance the goals of THE BLUFFLANDS – A Plan for Conservation and Recreation Throughout the La Crosse – La Crescent Region
- Preserve 250+ acres of forests, streams, prairies, and bluffs for public enjoyment
- Use 10-15 miles of world class trails to connect our community to nature and to each other
- Provide a platform to welcome users into nature and to provide education on cultural, historical, and ecological significance of the site and surrounding area
Learn more and get involved
Click any of the following links to learn more
Community Trail Farm Case Statement – Learn more about the project!
Entryway Access – Learn more about a new entryway off of HWY 33 is necessary.
Ways to Give – Learn about how you can contribute to this project.
Community Trail Farm FAQ – Browse frequently asked questions.
Concept Plan – View the concept plans for the space!
Community Trail Farm Objectives – Learn why the Community Trail Farm will be significant to the community.
Community Trail Farm History – Learn the history of this space.
Campaign Readiness Study + Executive Summary – Key findings from 128 individuals shows the proposed campaign has merit, is justifiable, and has the leadership ability and financial capacity to fundraise $6M
Campaign Leaders – Learn who has committed to support this project; community champions and enthusiastic partners.
See all the details!
Stay in-tune with project updates by subscribing to the Community Trail Farm newsletter. These newsletters will be send monthly.
Read our Case Statement to get the full details on the project below!
Donations
Donations can be made online or checks can be mailed to 125 7th Street N., La Crosse, WI, 54601.
In-Kind Donations
ORA Trails is in need of these items:
- Pick-up truck (full size, compact, or SUV) for tasks and equipment hauling
- UTV (3-6 seater) for tours and tasks
- Mini excavator (<5 tons) for trail building and utility work
- Skid Steer/pallet forks
- 10,000lb dump trailer
ORA Community Trail Farm in the Media
WXOW (Oct. 2024) (April 2025) (June 2025) (Sept. 2025) (Oct. 2025)
