Paul Olson State Wildlife Area

The second-largest population of Greater Prairie Chicken in the state is found on Paul Olson. This 1,650-acre property is one of four core management areas for the Greater Prairie Chicken in central Wisconsin and ranks as an Important Bird Area. The property is broken into two locations: one in Wood County and the other in Portage County. The landscape is flat and mostly agricultural, but there are scattered sedge meadows, old fields, swamps and woodlands. This is also a great place to find Sedge Wrens, Clay-colored, Savannah, and Vesper Sparrows. While driving the many roads in the area, look for Northern Harriers hunting over meadows.

Directions: Parcel 1 is located 4 miles west of Rudolph via Cty C to Swedish Rd north. Parcel 2 is located 3 miles north of Rudolph via Cty O in Portage County.

Gazetteer: Page 52, A-2.

Phone: 715/421-7800 (Wisconsin Rapids WDNR).

Web site: WDNR Paul Olson State Wildlife Area (#37 and #38)

Signature Species: Greater Prairie Chicken, Bobolink and Upland Sandpiper.

Rare Species: Whooping Crane.

Seasonality: Open all year.

Parking: Parking provided.

Nearest food & lodging: Wisconsin Rapids.