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Sauk Prairie is home to Wisconsin's newest state trail. The Great Sauk State Trail will link the Wisconsin River in Sauk City to Devil's Lake State Park. The paved trail begins at the base of an old railroad bridge on the south side of Sauk City, past the first Culver's location, and through a historic Sauk City neighborhood. The trail then follows the Wisconsin River north to downtown Prairie du Sac. The trail then continues north and runs to the southern edge of the Sauk Prairie Recreation Area. Future plans for the trail include connections to the Reedsburg 400 Trail and a trail along Highway 12 to Madison. This will make it possible to bike from the Mississippi River to the Wisconsin State Capitol. For more bike loops in the Sauk Prairie area click here.
This 815-acre unit of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway consists of upland hardwood forest, prairies and savanna. The Battle of Wisconsin Heights was fought on the northern edge of the property during the Black Hawk War of 1832. The property's partially restored oak savanna and trail through the battlefield are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's the only property of its kind in the Midwest. Indian Mounds on site date from about 800 AD. The adjoining units of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway units run westward 92 miles to the Mississippi River. They offer numerous boat landings, free canoe camping, numerous State Natural Areas and more than 40,000 acres of public land open to multiple recreational opportunities. Signature bird species in this area include the Eastern Bluebird, Cooper's Hawk and Willow Flycatcher, and rare species include the Red-headed Woodpecker, Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Western Kingbird.
The Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area consists of a portion of the decommissioned Badger Army Ammunition Plant. Visitors may hunt, trap, hike, bird watch, pick mushrooms and berries, study nature, take photographs and other traditional outdoor activities. You may also drive, bike or ride horses on the roads within the complex that are open. Roads are in variable condition; some have many ruts and potholes. The recreation area is open year-round from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Roads are not plowed during winter.
Ferry Bluff and the adjacent Cactus Bluff tower more than 300 feet above the confluence of Honey Creek and the Wisconsin River. The standstone bluffs, capped with dolomite harbors undisturbed open cliff vegetation. From the intersection of Highways 60 and 12 west of Sauk City, go west on Highway 60 for 4.4 miles, then south on Ferry Bluff Road 1.1 miles to a parking area and canoe landing at the end of the road. A trail leads to the top of Cactus Bluff. Legal access by land to the southern unit, known as Hugo's Bluff, is unresolved at this time and is accessible only watercraft until further notice. The entire northern unit, consisting of Ferry Bluff and Cactus Bluff, is closed from November 1 through April 1 to protect roosting bald eagles. The southern unit is open at all times.
Parfrey's Glen, Wisconsin's first State Natural Area, is a spectacular gorge deeply incised into the sandstone conglomerate of the south flank of the Baraboo Hills. Parfrey's Glen is open daily 6:00 am - 8:00pm. Visitors must remain on the trail. Pets, food, and beverage are not allowed in the natural area. A State Park sticker is required and available at nearby Devil's Lake State Park.
Baxter's Hollow features a scenic gorge cut through Baraboo quartzite by Otter Creek, a fast, clear, nearly undisturbed stream flowing over the large quartzite boulders. From the intersection of US Highway 12 and State Highway 78 in Sauk City, go west on Highway 12 for 7.6 miles, then west on County Highway C for 1.5 miles, then north on Stones Pocket Road for just over 2 miles to one of the parking areas along the road.
Wisconsin’s most popular state park features amazing vistas from atop rugged, 500-foot quartzite bluffs overlooking a pristine 360-acre lake. As you can imagine, Devil’s Lake State Park is a popular rock climbing & paddling destination! There are 2 large picnic areas along opposite shores of the lake, both with sandy swimming beaches and yes, there is even a pet friendly beach as well! The park has 3 large campgrounds & large group camp area. Devil’s Lake also encompasses a unique section of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and offers over 29 miles of hiking, biking and ski trails surrounded many more miles of secluded Wisconsin back country.
Natural Bridge and Rockshelter contains the largest natural bridge known in Wisconsin, created by wind erosion and weathering of the sandstone. The arch measures 25 feet in width and 15 feet in height on its inside dimensions. From Leland, go east on County C one mile to the park entrance. A hiking trail leads north from the parking area and loops through the site. The park is open 6:00am - 8:00pm. Pets, food, and beverage are not allowed in the natural area. A State Park sticker is required.
Durward's Glen is located in the beautiful Baraboo Hills National Natural Landmark, 30 miles north of Madison near Devil's Lake State Park. The pristine 40-acre property offers scenic hiking trails, picturesque picnic areas, a pond, a rambling brook, and a white oak tree over 350 years old. The property has always possessed an inspiring spiritual character, which has attracted visitors from all over the world. Durward's Glen is recognized as a place for reflection, peace, and inspiration. Grounds are open to the public daily from dawn until dusk.
The dominant feature of Pewits Nest is a 30-40 foot deep gorge formed during the retreat of the last glacier. From the intersection of US Highway 12 and County W in southwest Baraboo, go west and south on W for 1.5 miles to a small parking area south of the road.
Rising 200 feet above the surrounding landscape, Gibraltar Rock is a flat-topped butte, an outlier of the Magnesian escarpment. With a thin Platteville-Galena dolomite cap over St. Peter sandstone, the butte offers panoramic views of the Wisconsin River Valley and Lake Wisconsin. From Lodi, go north on State Highway 133 four miles, then west on County V one mile, then south on Gibraltar Rock Road 0.2 mile to a parking area and gated access lane. Walk south up the steep and winding lane 0.5 mile to the bluff top.
Lower Narrows State Natural Area is a very scenic and unique geological feature of the Baraboo Range. From the intersection of Highway 33 and County T in Baraboo, go east on Highway 33 for 4 miles, then go west on Man Mound Road 0.1 mile to a pull-off east of the road (into the old quarry).
Pine Hollow features a narrow, heavily wooded stream gorge with sheer cliffs and rock outcroppings of sandstone and quartzite cut into the Baraboo Hills. From Leland, go east on County Highway C about 1.5 miles, then north on Orchard Road 1. miles, then east on a driveway at S7594 Orchard Road. Park in the lot at the end of the drive. To access the hollow, go to the northeast corner of the field abutting the lot and follow a faint trail that leads down the slope.
Moely Prairie, pronounced May-lee, is a 23.5 acre, never plowed, remnant prairie. It is located along Hwy PF in Prairie du Sac WI across from Mueller Sports Medicine and can be accessed via the dead end of Alban Lane in the adjacent Westwynde Neighborhood.
Moely Prairie, previously known as Prairie Smoke Prairie, is the largest surviving remnant of the former 14,000 acre Great Sauk Prairie that extended west and northwest of Sauk City and Prairie du Sac. Barbara Moely owns the property, which has been in the Moely family since around 1880, and is now protected through a perpetual conservation easement held by Barbara. The prairie's coordinated and ongoing restoration work is managed by The Prairie Enthusiasts Empire-Sauk Chapter.
Moely Prairie blooms from April through October, including a large population of native Prairie Smoke, Rough Blazing Star, Indian grass and Big and Little Bluestem grasses. This native grassland provides tremendous habitat for the many butterflies, native Bumblebees, several species of grassland birds,
and other native animal species associated with treeless grassland/prairie ecosystems. The Moely Prairie prides itself in providing many educational opportunities for area students and the Sauk Prairie community.
Moely Prairie is open to the public from sunrise to sunset and mown paths guide hikers through the prairie year round. We ask that you please leave your pets at home as they can disrupt this sensitive plant and grassland bird habitat.We welcome everyone to explore the prairie in the following ways only:
Hiking, Wildlife viewing/appreciation, Nature study/photography, Cross-country skiing (without tracked trails), Snowshoeing, Research (with permit from The Prairie Enthusiasts only), Educational purposes
Prohibited on the property:
Vehicles (including bicycles), except to carry out approved management activities, Camping or picnic fires, Pets, Horseback riding, Collection of flowers, plants, rocks, or any other part of the natural landscape, Trapping (except as a management tool when necessary)Lower Wisconsin State Riverway - Helena Unit
The Lower Wisconsin State Riverway flows unimpeded 92.3 miles from below the dam at Prairie du Sac to its confluence with the Mississippi River near Prairie du Chien. It encompasses 40,000 acres of DNR land on both sides of the river. It was created in 1989 to protect and preserve the scenic beauty and natural character of the river valley. The Helena Unit centers on the Spring Green area. There are 285 bird and 45 mammal species found within the riverway. Signature species include the Bald Eagle, Osprey, Common Merganser and Common Goldeneye. Rare species include the Golden Eagle, Cerulean and Kentucky Warbler, and Yellow-breasted Chat. From Spring Green, travel south on Highway 23 or Highway 14 to access the Helena Unit.
Honey Creek State Natural Area
Honey Creek State Natural Area lies along a portion of Honey Creek, a Class II trout stream that flows to the Wisconsin River. The topography ranges from creek bottoms and boggy areas through steep slopes and rock escarpments to upland ridges. From the intersection of Highways 12 and PF, just west of Prairie du Sac, go west on County PF for 14.3 miles, then west on Lins Road for 0.5 mile to the site.
Pan Hollow
Pan Hollow is a large, flat-bottomed quartzite gorge that supports a diversity of southern forest community types. Being situated between the large forested blocks of Pine Hollow and Baxter's Hollow, it is an integral part of the larger Baraboo Hills complex. From the intersection of US Highway 12 and State Highway 78 in Sauk City, go west on Highway 12 for 7.6 miles, then west on County Highway C for 3.7 miles, then continue west on Freedom Road for 1.7 miles, then west on Hilltop Road for 0.3 mile. Park and walk north into the site.
Snow Bottom
Snow Bottom State Natural Area features a diverse and spectacular landscape encompassing the most significant remaining pine relicts in Wisconsin, as well as many other important and uncommon native plant communities. From the intersection of State Highway 18 and County G west on Montfort, go north on Highway G for 4.6 miles, then east on Bowers Road for 1.6 miles to a small parking area just west of the Blue River. Walk north into the site.
McGilvra Woods
Farview Rd. | North Freedom, WI | 53951
McGilvra Woods is one of the richest southern mesic forests in southwestern Wisconsin and noted for its display of spring wildflowers. From the intersection of Highways 12 and 136 in West Baraboo, go south on 12 for one mile, then west on County Highway W 3.25 miles, then north on Farview Road and park on the road. Walk east into the site.
