Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve and Ulao Waterfowl Production Area

The Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve is a high-quality, diverse, coastal ecosystem. The 79-acre county property lies along an undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline. The northern part of the property holds a deep coastal ravine called the Lion’s Den Gorge. Dominated by white cedar and mixed hardwoods, it’s a place where one might find Northern Mockingbirds, Prothonotary Warblers and Orchard Orioles. Upland areas along the bluff are a mixture of grasslands, wet meadows, wetlands and bluff areas. The 100-foot bluff top provides majestic views of Lake Michigan and is a great vantage during spring and fall hawk migrations. The Ulao WPA is a 44-acre site to the north where you could find scoters, loons and most species of ducks.

Directions: At I-43, exit for Grafton (Hwy 60), turn east on Ulao Road for 1.5 miles, turn north on Lake Shore Road and east on High Bluff Road to entrance sign.

Gazetteer: Page 39, B6.

Phone: 262/284-8270.

Web site: Lion's Den Gorge (Ozaukee County) | Ulao Waterfowl Production Area (UWFWS)

Signature Species: Fall hawk migration, loons, and Clay-colored Sparrows.

Rare Species: Yellow-breasted Chat, LeConte’s Sparrow, and Canada Warbler.

Seasonality: Open all year.

Parking: Parking lot.

Nearest food & lodging: Port Washington and Grafton.