Grassy Lake State Wildlife Area and State Natural Area

This 700-acre State Wildlife Area was established to provide hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife viewing opportunities for the public. Through the years, it has maintained its reputation as a reliable place to see Red- necked and Eared Grebes along with many other species of birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. Several hundreds of acres of federal Waterfowl Production Area land is to the northwest and northeast and contains approximately 400 acres of wetland, 200 acres of upland grassy fields, and 100 acres of woods. This property is also part of the extensive Northern Empire Prairie Wetlands Important Bird Area.

Directions: Located three miles southeast of Rio on Hwy 16. Take Erdman or Fisher Roads off Hwy 16 for further access.

Gazetteer: Page 36, A-3 (prior to 10th edition). | Page 86, A- 2 (10th edition).

Phone: 608/266-2621 (Madison DNR).

Web site: WDNR Grassy Lake State Natural Area

Signature Species: Black Tern, Sora Rail and Wilson’s Snipe.

Rare species: Red-necked and Eared Grebe.

Parking: Parking lots.

Nearest food & lodging: Rio and Columbus.