Genoa National Fish Hatchery

The hatchery provides a great stop along one of the nation’s greatest scenic highways. Its mission and the visitor center highlight the past and present uses of the Mississippi River, its people and fish and wildlife resources. Want to jump in right now? Take a virtual hatchery tour!

Scheduling Tours or Field Trips

Please call in advance to schedule group tours of our facilities. Group tours are generally provided between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Staff availability varies seasonally.

To schedule tours or field trips, contact:
Erica Rasmussen
Environmental Education Specialist
Email: erica_rasmussen@fws.gov
Phone: 608-689-2605

Driving Directions

We are located on both sides of the Great River Road Scenic Byway, also known as State Highway 35, 3 miles south of Genoa, Wisconsin. The office is on the west side of the highway, at fire route number S 5631.

Fees

There is no charge to visit.

Restrooms

Public restrooms are available inside the visitor center.

Points of Interest

Image Details

The Great River Road Interpretive Center is an excellent learning center focusing on four important themes of the Upper Mississippi River Region. One exhibit focuses on the distant past civilizations to the present population that use the river as a highway and a means to trade and travel. One exhibit focuses on the recent past and the tragedy of the Battle of Bad Axe which happened just south of the hatchery. One exhibit focuses on the fish and wildlife resources of the region and the history of conservation in the basin, which includes the hatchery story and two aquariums filled with native species. Visitors can also walk the grounds and see many different habitats, from the river bluffs and wetlands to ponds and the Bad Axe River flowing into the Mississippi. 

What To Do

If you have 15 minutes

• Watch the Great River Road Interpretive Center orientation video and view the exhibits

If you have one hour

• Watch the Great River Road Interpretive Center orientation video
• Explore the exhibits
• Visit the culture buildings

If you have half a day or more

• Tour the visitor center, exhibits and aquarium
• Take a self-guided walking tour of the hatchery and end at the trout pond on the other side of Highway 35 to feed the trout (seasonal)
• Tour the culture buildings
• See a lake sturgeon and a mudpuppy up close
• Walk the nature trail and wetland boardwalk, document the wildlife you see on our ponds, woods and wetlands

Know Before You Go

Bring plenty of drinking water, snacks, insect repellant, sunscreen and other necessities. Dress appropriately for the seasons and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Visitor Tips

Site maps and walking tour maps are available at the visitor center desks and brochure racks. Migratory times of spring and fall are best to spot waterfowl and shore birds. Bald eagles are seen from spring to early winter. Sandhill cranes are regularly seen in the spring in the hatchery wetland.