Hogback Prairie State Natural Area

Hogback Prairie is a narrow, steep-sided, limestone ridge rising 300 feet above the Kickapoo River and the Citron Valley. It is the dominant feature of this 971-acre site. To the north, west and east the ridge is flanked by dry prairie. To the south, the landscape blends into oak woods and brush prairie. The area supports an unusual mix of plants and animals including rare butterfly species, purple prairie-clover, bird’s-foot violets and side oats grama grass. Grassland birds include Sedge Wrens and Bell’s Vireo.

Directions: From the intersection of Hwy. 179 and Bridge Street in Steuben, go north on Bridge Street 0.5 mile, then west and north on Hughes Road 2 miles, then west on Citron Valley Road 0.8 mile. Park along the road across from the information kiosk.

Gazetteer: Page 32, B-4.

Phone: 608/785-9000 (La Crosse WDNR).

Web site: Hogback Prairie State Natural Area

Signature Species: Cranes, Sedge Wrens, and Yellowbreasted Chat.

Seasonality: Open all year.

Parking: Parking along road across from kiosk.

Nearest food & lodging: Boscobel, southeast of Steuben.