{"id":135,"date":"2023-10-09T17:09:27","date_gmt":"2023-10-09T17:09:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indoors2out.com\/?p=135"},"modified":"2023-10-09T17:09:27","modified_gmt":"2023-10-09T17:09:27","slug":"wisconsin-wildlife-areas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.indoors2out.com\/wisconsin-wildlife-areas\/","title":{"rendered":"The 8 Best Wildlife Areas in Wisconsin: See Fascinating Animals Up Close"},"content":{"rendered":"
Wisconsin boasts 66 state parks and 84 wildlife areas, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. Most of these places are offer a variety of recreational activities, but only a select few are home to rarely-seen animals. <\/p>\n
In no particular order, I\u2019ve compiled the most scenic and memorable wildlife areas in the state. <\/p>\n
This list is based on the reviews and experiences of fellow wildlife lovers. Some popular recreational locations might be littered with visitors, but there are also hidden gems for those who prefer perfect serenity.<\/p>\n
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The Sandhill Wildlife Area<\/a> has white-tailed deer, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, beavers, and a small herd of bison. The area is pretty serene, embraced by jack pine forests, large marshes, and sandy acres of oak and aspen. <\/p>\n The bison herd is one of the main attractions. There are about 15 bison, all located in a 260-acre enclosure along the Trumpeter Trail. This trail is a seasonal route and is only accessible from May through October. It\u2019s closed during the winter. <\/p>\n For a good look at the bison, you\u2019d have to climb the Bison Barrens Tower, which overlooks the fenced bison range. Other observation towers on the trail include Gallagher Marsh and the North Bluff, which overlook the countryside and nearby buffs. <\/p>\n The area is open to hiking, hunting, biking, and cross-country skiing during the winter.\n<\/li>\n <\/p>\n The Horicon Marsh<\/a> is the United States\u2019 largest freshwater cattail marsh. This vast wetland is a paradise for bird watchers, as it is usually flooded by various bird species at specific times of the year. <\/p>\n In spring alone, it is possible to see at least 100 species of birds in the marsh. In total, up to 300 bird species have been sighted. Popular bird sightings during spring include red-winged blackbirds, sandhill cranes, great blue herons, giant Canada geese, and pretty rare species such as little blue herons and white pelicans. <\/p>\n Winter attracts bald eagles, snowy owls, northern harriers, and tundra swans. In summer, the marsh is populated by shorebirds, sandpipers, flycatchers, and summering ducks. <\/p>\n Wildlife photography is allowed, and there are bird observation blinds for this purpose.<\/li>\n <\/p>\n Located in southwestern Portage County, Buena Vista has Wisconsin\u2019s largest population of greater prairie chickens. The site is predominantly open grassland and thus contains several rare grassland bird species. <\/p>\n You\u2019ll find short-haired owls, sandpipers, woodcocks, and mourning doves. <\/p>\n A hot spot for bird watchers, the area also allows hiking and cross-country skiing. <\/li>\n <\/p>\n The Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area is a massive combo of wetlands, forest islands, and water bodies. These habitats are populated by over 150 bird species, including bald eagles, which are quite popular in the area. <\/p>\n On a visit, you might be lucky enough to see painted turtles, beavers, black bears, timber wolves, and even moose. <\/p>\n The flowage has a prime spot for those who want to appreciate wildlife in serenity\u2014a quiet area on the eastern part that prohibits lousy activities and noise-making devices. <\/p>\n Generally, the flowage has at least 66 remote campsites. All are accessible only by water and have a 10-day camping limit. These sites provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, but wildlife disturbance is strictly disallowed. So, take binoculars and cameras if you want to see the animals up close. <\/li>\n <\/p>\n Wisconsin\u2019s most popular state park<\/a> provides the opportunity to spot rarely seen mammals like the mountain lion and bobcat. The park is also home to striped skunks, gray wolves, the American badger, and river otters. <\/p>\n You may or may not see any of the mentioned animals during your visit, as they are typically reclusive. Animals you are far more likely to spot are turkey vultures or white deer. <\/p>\n To increase your chances of rare sightings, use binoculars or lens cameras, as the areas where you\u2019ll find these animals won\u2019t always be physically accessible or close enough. Other tricks include getting out at dawn or dusk and searching for tracks in the mud or snow. <\/p>\n The park abounds with recreational activities for nature enthusiasts. There are several habitats ideal for camping, canoeing, hiking, swimming, mountain climbing, and biking.<\/li>\n <\/p>\n This lowkey attraction is a great opportunity to see bison for free. There\u2019s not much more to the site than a large herd of bison grazing in a field, but it’s a worthy endeavor for those willing to learn more about the majestic animals. <\/p>\n The site is open all year, so tourists are always welcome.<\/li>\n <\/p>\nHoricon Marsh Wildlife Area <\/h3>\n
Buena Vista Wildlife Area<\/h3>\n
Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area<\/h3>\n
Devil’s Lake State Park<\/h3>\n
Buffalo Overlook<\/h3>\n
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore<\/h3>\n