Rush River Delta State Natural Area

The Rush River Delta protects a floodplain forest at the mouth of the Rush River where it flows into Lake Pepin on the Mississippi River. Lowland hardwoods dominate the 325-acre property. These floodplain forest areas are very important to breeding birds like the Red-shouldered Hawk, Acadian Flycatcher, and Cerulean and Prothonotary Warblers. The delta also holds a small Great Blue Heron rookery. A sand spit extending into Lake Pepin provides nesting habitat for turtles and feeding and nesting areas for shorebirds including Forester’s and Common Terns. Mallard Ducks and Wood Ducks use the areas extensively.

Directions: From Maiden Rock, go northwest 1.3 miles on Hwy. 35 to a parking area at the junction with Cty. A. The natural area lies south of Hwy. 35.

Gazetteer: Page 59, D-5.

Phone: 608/685-6222.

Web site: Rush River Delta State Natural Area

Signature Species: Baltimore Oriole, Yellow-throated vireo and Acadian Flycatcher.

Seasonality: Open all year.

Parking: Parking area provided.

Nearest food & lodging: Maiden Rock just a mile southeast of the delta.