Buena Vista Grasslands

This 11,300-acre site is a mix of state-owned and leased lands scattered over 88 square miles. It is home to the largest concentration of Greater Prairie Chickens in Wisconsin. Buena Vista represents one of the most extensive grasslands east of the Mississippi River. The area has been developed by the DNR, the Dane County Conservation League and the Society of Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus. In the process of preserving the land for Prairie Chickens, habitat has been developed for a broad array of rare and uncommon birds. Also found within the project are wetlands and nesting Northern Harriers, Sandhill Cranes, Willow Flycatchers and Brown Thrashers.

Directions: From Bancroft, follow Cty W north and then west 7.7 miles to the kiosk/historical marker at the intersection of Cty W & Cty F.

Gazetteer: Page 52, B-4 (prior to 10th edition). | Page 69, B-6 (10th edition).

Phone: 608/339-3385 (Friendship WDNR).

Web site: WDNR Buena Vista State Wildlife Area | WDNR Buena Vista Prairie Chicken Meadow State Natural Area

Signature species: Greater Prairie Chicken.

Rare species: Cattle Egret, Golden Eagle, Snowy and Shorteared Owl, Acadian Flycatcher, Henslow’s Sparrow and Bobolink.

Seasonality: Open all year.

Parking: Parking along roads and parking lots – some roads impassable in winter.

Nearest food & lodging: Stevens Point or Wisconsin Rapids.