New Wood State Wildlife Area

This 1,600-acre cedar swamp and forested upland holds deer, Ruffed Grouse, snowshoe hare, and timber wolves. The area is ideal for hiking and bird watching. Hawks, Bald Eagles and a variety of thrushes and warblers can be found here. The New Wood River runs through the northeastern side of the property. This attracts a variety of wildlife from furbearers to many species of birds. Look for Le Conte’s Sparrows, Sedge Wrens, Alder Flycatchers, and Sandhill Cranes.

Directions: From Merrill travel north 11 miles on Hwy. 107, turn west 5.5 miles and then south 2 miles on Cty E, turn west on Conservation Avenue 3 miles to the center of the property. You’ll find graveled parking areas. Hwy 107 follows the Wisconsin River and there are several dams with impoundments on this stretch of the road that make for interesting stops to look for birds.

Gazetteer: Page 76, B-1.

Phone: 715/536-4502 (WDNR Merrill Ranger Station).

Web site: WDNR New Wood State Wildlife Area (#59)

Hours: 24/7.

Amenities: A section of the Ice Age Trail runs through this state-owned property.