When we had seen the train, we traveled to southeastern Wisconsin and stayed overnight (25k) in Wyalousing State Park (63k), near Prairie Du Chein, Wisconsin (map-115k). Along the way we enjoyed the fall colors (or what was left (81k) at this late date).

On the trip home we follow the ancient grade of the Chicago Great Western Railroad west from Winona. This railroad grade has been abandoned since 1934, but has always been fascinating. It had very steep grades, and something you don't see in Minnesota - switchbacks! There wasn't much left to see from public roads - the trestles and other items were long gone. However, the old grade was visible through the trees across the valley from the public road, and we could see hunters were using it during the fall hunt. Click for an overview map (109k), map 1 (1.5m), map 2 (1.4m) and map 3 (1.1m) of the area.

From Altura we went north via Whitewater State Park and then MN highway 74, the only unpaved state maintained road in the state.

All for now! Happy Scamping!