Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area

A 30,000-acre wildlife area featuring restored wetlands and upland brush prairie habitats with oak/jack pine forests interspersed. The property includes 6,000 acres of open water. 270 species of birds use the property along with every mammal found in Wisconsin and a good variety of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. The property supports breeding populations of Osprey, Bald Eagles, Trumpeter Swans, Karner blue butterflies and Blanding’s turtles. In the fall migration, as many as 50 Bald Eagles, 7,000 Sandhill Cranes and 12,000 Canada and Snow Geese fly into the area.

Directions: The Crex Meadows Visitors Center is located at the corner of county roads D and F just north of Grantsburg. The property spreads north and east, covering 30,000 acres. A paved parking lot is located at the visitors center, with grass parking areas scattered throughout the property.

Gazetteer: Page 82, B-3.

Amenities: Restrooms, drinking fountain, gravel trails, boardwalks, viewing platform, visitors center and gift shop.

Restrictions: Dogs must be leashed during nesting season. A 2,400-acre refuge is off-limits to entry at all times.

Phone: 715/463-2896 (Wisconsin DNR).

Web site: Crex Meadows | WDNR Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area

Signature Species: Sharp-tailed Grouse, Trumpeter Swans, Osprey and Bald Eagles.

Rarities: Tricolored Heron and White Ibis.

Hours: The visitors’ center is open daily 10am-4pm (except major holidays). The property is open 24/7/365.

Accessibility: Handicapped-accessible wildflower trail and duck blinds. The visitors’ center and grounds are also accessible.

Nearest food & lodging: Grantsburg, a mile south of the visitors’ center.