George W. Mead State Wildlife Area

This large and diverse property is found in parts of Marathon, Wood and Portage Counties. At 30,000 acres, it boasts a bird list of 248 species. Most species of mammals and many species of reptiles and amphibians found in Wisconsin live here. The Little Eau Pleine River flows through the property. There are flowages, small lakes, marshes, grasslands, tamarack bog and woodland areas to explore. Good roads go to all parts of the property and hiking trails are numerous. Bring your canoe or kayak to explore the water resources. The new Stanton W. Mead Education & Visitor Center demonstrates state-of-the- art green building technology.

Directions: Exit I-39 at Hwy 34 south and west 4.5 miles to Cty C, then west 8 miles to Cty S, then south 2.5 miles to the visitor center.

Gazetteer: Page 64, C-2.

Phone: 715/457-6771 (Mead Wildlife Area).

Web site: George W. Mead State Wildlilfe Area | WDNR Mead Wildlife Area (#21)

Signature Species: Bald Eagle, Sandhill Crane, Ruffed Grouse and White Pelican.

Rare species: Greater Prairie Chicken, Sharp-tail Grouse and Loggerhead Shrike.

Parking: Parking lots.

Nearest food & lodging: Wausau, Stevens Point and Marshfield.