Avoca Prairie and Savanna State Natural Area

This 1,885-acre property lies within the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway on an extensive outwash sand terrace along the Wisconsin River. The prairie and savanna contains the largest natural tall grass prairie east of the Mississippi River. Frequent flooding has shaped the landscape into low sandy ridges and linear wetlands. The property boasts a plant list of more than 200 species. Its oak openings contain large, opengrown black and bur oaks looking much as they did during the original land survey of 1833. This large, native prairie is a great place to look for grassland species like the Upland Sandpiper and Bobolink.

Directions: From Avoca, go east 1.5 miles on Hwy 133, then north on Hay Lane across Marsh Creek 0.8 miles to a mowed parking area. If the Marsh Creek crossing is impassable due to high water, vehicles must park in the lot south of the creek. The site is also accessible by canoe from the Wisconsin River.

Gazetteer: Page 34, C-1 (prior to 10th edition). | Page 83, C-8 & Page 84, C-1 (10th edition).

Phone: 608/266-7012 (WDNR).

Web site: WDNR Avoca Prairie and Savanna State Natural Area

Signature Species: Eastern Kingbird, Sedge Wren, and Grasshopper Sparrow.

Rare species: Red-shouldered Hawk, Northern Harrier, Shorteared Owl and Blanding’s turtle.

Parking: Parking lots.

Nearest Food & Lodging: Avoca, Muscoda or Spring Green.