Worth Their Weight in Wildlife

Andrea Zani and Anne Reis

Andrea Zani is the managing editor of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine. Anne Reis, public lands specialist for the DNR’s Bureau of Wildlife Management, contributed to this story.

DNR Prioritizes And Promotes State Wildlife Areas

State parks and forests might be top of mind when considering places for year-round recreation, but did you know state wildlife areas also make marvelous spots for getting outdoors?

The DNR’s Wildlife Management program is working to promote and diversify recreational opportunities at state wildlife areas, providing more high-quality experiences while also bolstering funding and increasing partnerships in support of these properties.

“Wildlife areas provide amazing opportunities to watch Wisconsin wildlife, from Kenosha County to Douglas County,” said Anne Reis, public lands specialist for the DNR’s Bureau of Wildlife Management. “Each place is unique, with different natural, cultural and historical features to explore.”

With more than 200 state wildlife areas covering over 660,000 acres in Wisconsin, there are plenty of great places to enjoy. Recent planning by property managers and other staff has helped the DNR narrow the focus on wildlife areas to promote and prioritize for recreational infrastructure.

The promotion also focuses on highlighting the activities visitors can enjoy at wildlife areas. Hunting is often associated with these places, but there are many opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, camping, horseback riding, snowmobiling, birding and simply watching wildlife.

Check out a state wildlife area this year! Here’s a look at five properties you’re sure to find worth the trip.

Van Loon

La Crosse area residents have a gem in their midst with this 4,000-acre property. A birder’s delight, Van Loon is a designated Important Bird Area that includes yellow-crowned night herons, Acadian flycatchers and warblers of all kinds. The Friends of McGilvray Road provide a range of year-round activities, including events highlighting the seven historical bridges along the Friends’ namesake road. New Amsterdam is just a short drive away for food, shopping and bathrooms.

Bill Cross

Just north of Merrill in Lincoln County, Bill Cross offers a range of opportunities from hiking and foraging to birding and boating (motorized and nonmotorized). This property provides direct access to the Wisconsin River for a range of water-based activities, including the Posey and Bill Cross rapids. Or pick up the Ice Age Trail near the north end of the property for a hike along the river.

Lake Mills-Zeloski March

Just a 45-minute drive from Madison or Milwaukee, the Zeloski Marsh Unit of the 2,800-acre Lake Mills Wildlife Area provides access to the Glacial Drumlin State Trail as well as a wealth of waterfowl observation opportunities along the restored wetland dike tops. Review your duck species at the London Road entrance, then test your bird identification skills and see how many species you can find on the birding checklist. Lake Mills provides a variety of options for snacks and shopping before or after your visit.

Mud Lake - Door County

Only a stone’s throw from Baileys Harbor (and breweries, coffee shops and The Ridges Sanctuary), this 2,300-acre property boasts excellent kayaking opportunities, both through Mud Lake and in Moonlight Bay. For nature-study buffs, bring your camera or binoculars to find extraordinary birding and dragonfly observation.

Vernon

In the heart of Waukesha County, the 4,300-acre Vernon Marsh serves as a hub for birders, hikers and nearby residents of Mukwonago. The DNR plans to designate a 5-mile hiking loop that provides access through wetlands with newly installed boardwalk sections. This project was funded by the state’s Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund and the federal Recreational Trails Program. The Friends of Vernon Marsh also contributed sections of boardwalk to the project and provide programming and events throughout the year.

Learn More

State wildlife areas can be visited without a state park vehicle admission pass. Note that there often are no bathroom facilities, drinking water or designated trails at these properties. Visit the DNR's Wildlife Areas webpage for more information, including a county-by-county listing and details on the Adopt a Fish or Wildlife Area program.