Dunbar Barrens State Natural Area

Dunbar Barrens is a 1,330-acre pine barrens located on gently rolling glacial outwash. The area is predominantly open with scattered shrubs and trees, grasses and sedges. Logging, grazing and periodic fires have combined with frost pockets to maintain an open vista, quite uncommon in the wooded north. Because this area is so open and dominated by grasslands, it’s a great place to see Vesper, Field, and Clay-colored Sparrows, as well as Eastern Kingbirds, Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlarks and Upland Sandpipers. As you hike the area, enjoy the exotic smell of blueberries and sweet ferns that grow everywhere.

Directions: From the intersection of Hwy 8 and Cty U west of Dunbar, go west 2.1 miles on Hwy 8, then north on an unimproved access road 1.3 miles, then west 0.4 mile to the southeast corner of the site.

Gazetteer: Page 91, C7.

Phone: 715/856-9160.

Web site: WDNR Dunbar Barrens State Natural Area

Signature Species: Eastern Bluebird and Eastern Towhee.

Rare Species: Upland Sandpipers and Merlin.

Seasonality: Not accessible during winter and spring breakup.

Parking: Parking throughout property.

Nearest food & lodging: Goodman or Dunbar.