Lower Chippewa River State Natural Area

The Lower Chippewa River State Natural Area features the largest concentration (2,000 acres) of remaining prairies and savannas in the state. You’ll find this habitat on floodplain islands in the river channel and in the surrounding hillsides. The largest contiguous floodplain forest in the Midwest is located in Tiffany Bottoms State Wildlife Area, south of Durand. The birds found here reflect this rarity. They include the state-threatened Red-shouldered Hawk, Cerulean and Hooded Warblers and Yellow-crowned Night Herons. Seventy percent of all the fish species in the state find habitat in the Chippewa and Red Cedar Rivers including the rare paddlefish.

Directions: This State Natural Area totals 15,000 acres scattered among many sites along the Chippewa and Red Cedar Rivers in Pepin, Buffalo and Dunn Counties. Sites are marked with DNR State Natural Area signs. Two parking lots are found 3 miles south of Pepin on the east side of Hwy 35.

Gazetteer: Page 58.

Phone: 715/232-1517.

Web site: Lower Chippewa River State Natural Area

Signature Species: Paddlefish, Acadian Flycatcher and brittle prickly pear cactus.

Seasonality: Open all year.

Parking: Parking Areas throughout area.

Nearest food & lodging: Durand and Menomonie.