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Drop a Line in the Water After a Day of Trail Maintenance on Wisconsin Lake

October 11, 2026 - October 17, 2026

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***Special Promotion*** All trip participants will receive a Fjällräven Kånken R backpack (valued at $100) generously donated by our good friends at Fjällräven. Made from recycled materials and ready for adventure!

Wisconsin Lake Life!

Lake Eau Galle is a 360 acre lake with a public beach and boat landings surrounded by state natural areas.

Volunteers will complete trail maintenance or trail rerouting for the Lousy Creek Trail (don’t let the name fool you!) at the Eau Galle Recreation Area. Improvements and removal of invasive vegetation from this trail will provide a safer and better experience for both hikers and horse riders.

There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.

Avg. Temperature:

Typical weather for this area during this season has highs of around 55–60°F and lows of 35–40°F. Mid-October in western Wisconsin is cool with crisp nights and occasional rain showers.

Sample Schedule:

Day 1: Arrival

Typically meet in the afternoon for check in, introductions, orientation, and camp setup. (Time/place TBD)

Day 2: Work Day

Enjoy a hearty breakfast, pack lunches, and be on the trail between 8 AM and 9 AM

Lunch and plenty of other breaks will be included.

Wrap up the work day in the late afternoon and head back to camp and enjoy a few hours of daylight for free time.

Reconvene at a chosen time for dinner.

After dinner has been cleaned up, evenings offer plenty of  time to relax, sit around the campfire and get to know your fellow crew members, or enjoy more free time.

Day 3: Work Day

Day 4: Rest Day (Specific Day on Trip Will Be Confirmed By Host)

Your choice! Explore the area, take a recreational hike,  tour local attractions, or hang out at camp. Group excursions can be planned or set-out on your own.

Day 5: Work Day

Day 6: Work Day

Day 7: Departure

Pack up and clean up, celebrate your accomplishments, wish each other a fond farewell, and depart. Please note: This schedule is subject to change due to weather or other circumstances. Any updates will be communicated to the group.

Land Acknowledgement: 

AHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ people past and present. We honor the land itself, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded these islands and mountain landscapes for countless generations, and those who continue this stewardship today. This acknowledgement is one step in our ongoing commitment to uplift Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to learn about, support, and stand in solidarity with the Indigenous peoples whose lands we live, work, and recreate on.

Register

Host

US Army Corps of Engineers

Accommodations

Primitive Tent Sites

Hiking/Access

Volunteers will drive 3 miles to the trailhead and hike 1-1.5 miles to the worksite.

Project Rating

Easy

Minimum Volunteer Age

10

Maximum Group Size

20

Area and Attractions

Host can provide a historical tour or informational programming on the history of the Eau Galle Project and US Army Corps of Engineers in St. Paul. Minneapolis is a little over an hour away and provides shopping, restaurants, and other attractions. Close by is the Nine Mile Island State Natural Area, Dunnville State Recreation Area and Sandbar, and the Plum Creek Woods State Natural Area. The Chippewa River provide kayak and canoeing opportunities nearby.

Accommodations Description

Primitive group non electric grass camping site with tables, firepit, and light posts. Restroom and shower facilities just a 2 minute walk away. Electricity for phone charging and other needs available at interpretative building will be available to the group for phone charging. Other activities available at interpretive center too. Volunteers need to bring their own tent and personal camping gear; sheets, bedding or sleeping bag; towels; and personal cup, bowl, mug, and eating utensils.

Travel

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, Minneapolis, MN, is the nearest airport. Airport pickup is not provided but carpooling can be arranged upon confirmation of the trip.

Location

Private: Eau Galle Recreation Area
N2100 Dugan Road, Spring Valley, WI 54767 United States + Google Map