Big Eau Pleine County Park and Dells of the Eau Claire River State Natural Area

This beautiful SNA occupies the southern part of the Dells of the Eau Claire County Park and includes a segment of the Ice Age Trail. The park protects a dramatic, narrow gorge where water cascades over rock outcroppings. The gorge and surrounding uplands are wooded with sugar and mountain maple, hemlock, and yellow birch. Canada yew is abundant and spring wildflowers are spectacular. Many species of warblers, sparrows, and thrushes as well as unusual hawks and owls live here including the Northern Saw-whet Owl, Northern Goshawk, Lincoln’s sparrow and Ruffed Grouse. Bring your camera; this is one photo-op you won’t want to miss.

Directions: Take Highway 52 east from Wausau 15 miles to Highway Y. Go south on Y for 1.5 miles to park.

Gazetteer: Page 77, D-6 (prior to 10th edition). | Page 46, F-4 (10th edition).

Phone: 608/785-9000 (La Crosse WDNR) .

Web site: Big Eau Pleine County Park | WDNR Dells of the Eau Claire River State Natural Area

Signature Species: Broad-winged Hawk and Blackburnian Warbler.

Rare species: Long-eared Owl, Scarlet Tanager and Cedar Waxwing.

Parking: Parking areas.

Nearest food & lodging: Wausau.