Merrick State Park

On the backwaters of the Mississippi River, Merrick State Park is a great place to bird watch any time of the year, but spring and fall migrations can be spectacular along this major migratory route. Though just 320 acres, the park offers canoe and kayak access to the extensive waters of the Whitman Dam State Wildlife area to the north and the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge to the south. Paddle up on ducks and shorebirds. The wooded uplands hold Yellow-throated Vireos, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Orchard Oriole and Cerulean Warblers. In the park’s old fields and prairie restorations, see Western Meadowlarks and Bobolinks as they sing from their grass
perches or “sky lark” overhead.

Directions: From Fountain City, drive north 3 miles on Hwy 35.

Gazetteer: Page 48, C-2 (prior to 10th edition). | Page 65, D-6 (10th edition).

Phone: 608/687-4936.

Web site: WNDR Merrick State Park

Signature Species: Green Herons, Great Egrets, and Wilson’s Snipe.

Seasonality: Open all year.

Parking: Paved parking lots throughout the park.

Nearest food & lodging: Camp at park, or in Fountain City 3 miles south on Hwy 35.

Fee: Park entry & camping fees apply.