Climbing Near Downing, Wisconsin

The Stout campus has many buildering problems to keep the local rock junkie busy. Most all local climbers are Stout students who reside most of their time to the UW Stout (Stout Adventures) indoor rock wall. Take exit 41 off of I-94. Take a left onto Broadway, follow into town to the campus.

Mostly shady except in the mornings. It is brand new and is just outside of Irvington, WI. As of now, there is only top roping with two developed routes. The rock is sand stone and is not up to par with Necedah's quality. It is not crumbly but it is one of the more dirtier climbing areas that I have ever been too. There is a bar at the beginning of the trail to the bluffs. Approach the bluffs from the top and rap down from main anchors. After climb out and set up a top managed system for the rest of the group. A super-must-do classic would be "The Captain" 5.11- finger crack to off width roof. Take I-94 to Menomonie, WI. Go South on Hwy 25 out of town to Hwy D. Make a right and follow until you reach Irvington. Go past the one bar and turn left on 420th street. Follow until you reach a pull off on the left side underneath big power lines. Roughly 600 yards. Then park and follow trail to the big power line pole and go down the bluff to a rope anchor. Good luck The bluffs are public land owned by the WI DNR.

Steep sport climbing in the large amphitheater near Willow Falls. Some of the steepest stone in the Midwest. Most climbs tend to be endurance fests on large holds. Climbs range from 5.11 to 5.13 and harder. This area is best for the 5.12 and up climber, although there are a few 5.11's. Approximately 25 routes total. Do NOT rappel from the overlook above the climbs. Across the river from the huge roof area is another cliff face that has bolts, rangers are not pleased that these bolts exist so don't climb there. Access is somewhat tenuous, so don't give the rangers any reason to close Willow to climbing.There is also a big river that is right next to the climbing so you can pack your day of climbing and also a little whitewater. All and all it will be fun.PLEASE DO NOT TOPROPE OFF OF THE FIXED ANCHORS AT WILLOW RIVER!  If you plan to TR after leading something, use your own draws for this. The anchors are showing signs of the increased traffic. If you see carabiners at the top of a climb that are worn or do not open and close properly, please replace them! Its in Hudson, WI.Take exit 4 off of I94 and follow the signs to the park. Go past the main entrance to the small parking lot about 400 yards further. Follow the trail down the long gradual hill and to the bridge where you'll see the amphitheater.Please note the trail just off the bridge that accesses a small path avoiding the water is closed. There have been 5 accidents so far this summer with non climbers following people up the trail and falling, so the rangers blocked off the path with a chained tree. They are working to make access easier that avoids the water as well. September 15 - May 15 (fall/winter/spring)Climbing is open all day for every day of the week except for Saturday. On Saturday, climbing is prohibited.May 15 - September 15 (late spring/summer)Climbing is open all day for every day of the week except Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. On Friday and Sunday, climbing is only allowed 6am-Noon. On Saturday, climbing is prohibited all day.See this photo for the official park rules.