Trout Fishing the Cold-Water Streams

April is prime trout season in Allamakee County. Iowa allows year-round trout fishing, and the county’s spring-fed creeks — including the Yellow River, the longest coldwater trout stream in Iowa — are at their best this time of year. Grab your license and trout fee stamp and head to the water. Check iowadnr.gov for current stocking reports before you go.

Spring Wildflower Hiking at Mount Hosmer & Yellow River State Forest

April is wildflower season in the Driftless Area. The 104-acre Mount Hosmer City Park, rising 450 feet above downtown Lansing, comes alive with trillium, hepatica, and bloodroot. The LOST Trails system offers 7 miles of scenic paths with three overlooks of the Mississippi River Valley. Yellow River State Forest, just outside Lansing, adds over 8,900 acres of trails with spectacular spring color and far fewer crowds than summer weekends.

Birdwatching Along the Mississippi Flyway

April is one of the peak months for migratory birds along the Upper Mississippi River. Waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds pour through the flyway in enormous numbers. Bald eagles remain active along the river into spring. The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge adjacent to Lansing is one of the finest birdwatching locations in the Midwest. Bring binoculars and patience — both will be rewarded.

Driftless Area Education & Visitor Center

The three-level, 10,000-square-foot center at 1944 Columbus Road is free to visit and packed with interactive exhibits on the cultural, natural, and historical significance of the Driftless Area. Live wildlife displays, an aquarium with native Mississippi River fish, and observation decks make this a can’t-miss stop for visitors of any age. Spring is a quieter season — a good time to linger without the summer rush.

Kayaking & Canoeing the Mississippi Backwaters

April is the sweet spot for paddlers: water levels are up, the river is alive, and the backwater sloughs near Lansing are extraordinarily scenic before summer vegetation fills in. The Mississippi River Pool 9 area offers over 30 miles of waterways to explore. Local outfitters near the riverfront can help with gear and guidance. Check conditions before launching with iowadnr.gov.

Explore Effigy Mounds National Monument

Located about 20 miles south of Lansing in Harpers Ferry, Effigy Mounds National Monument protects over 200 prehistoric American Indian burial mounds set among stunning river bluffs. April brings new spring greenery to the trails and excellent views from the ridgetops. The visitor center has exhibits on the cultural and natural heritage of the Upper Mississippi Valley. Admission is free.

📍 151 Hwy 76, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146  |  nps.gov/efmo  |  (563) 873-3491

Horsefall’s Variety Store — A Lansing Institution

No visit to Lansing is complete without stepping inside Horsefall’s. This beloved Main Street staple is stocked with household goods, retro candy, toys, and unexpected finds that have drawn visitors from across the region for generations. Spring hours pick up as tourist season approaches — worth calling ahead to confirm hours.

Driftless Area Wine Country Day Trip

Northeast Iowa’s river bluff valleys are home to small-batch wineries tucked into the Driftless landscape. April is a peaceful time to visit before summer crowds arrive. Check the Allamakee County tourism guide for current winery listings and hours. A scenic drive along the Great River Road (Highway 26) connects several stops within easy reach of Lansing.

Fishing Pool 9 — Walleye, Bass & More

Lansing sits on Pool 9 of the Mississippi River, one of the most productive fishing stretches on the upper river with 104 recorded species including walleye, northern pike, bluegill, bass, and crappie. The Lansing area has multiple public boat landings and two marinas. April marks the beginning of serious walleye runs — local anglers and visiting fishermen alike plan their seasons around this stretch of river.