Happy 4th of July!

It's been a beautiful week in the Driftless, and summer is finally here!  Definitely here. We're under a heat advisory today, so if you're out and about please drink lots of water and find shade when you can!  You can also visit our park store for some cold drinks or ice cream :)

There are plenty of holiday festivities to keep you busy!

July 2-4: Independence Day Celebration, McGregor/Marquette, IA.  Parade, fireworks on Saturday night, live music and kids games, flea market under the bridge all weekend.

July 3: Zeb Pike & the War of 1812 Mississippi River Cruise, Explore the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers as a local historian tells the story of Explorer Zebulon Pike and the War of 1812. This two-hour cruise is a must for river and history buffs, departs at 2 p.m., Mississippi Explorer Cruises, St. Feriole Island river front, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397. Ticket booth at Blackhawk & Main.

July 4: Fourth of July Celebration, Eastman, WI. Parade, games, music, fireworks at dusk, 608-874-4361.

As for us here at Pikes Peak, we'll have the normal lineup of programs:

Friday, July 1st 7:00-8:30pm: Guided hike up to Hickory Ridge with park interpreter, Emily.  The hike will last about 1.5 hrs and will begin at the main overlook.

Saturday, July 2nd 8:00am: Bird Walk on the Boardwalk!  Even though the migrants are long gone, there are still some colorful and noisy feathered residents at Pikes Peak!  You never know when a Pileated woodpecker might make an appearance...

Saturday, July 2nd 10:00am: Pikes Peak Scavenger Hunt!  Whether this is your first time at the park or your twentieth visit, there's always something new to discover!  We'll meet at the hummingbird feeders and the Hunt will take place in the main overlook area.

Have a happy weekend!