Lands_Content Page_Lower Wisconsin Nature

Nature

Lower Wisconsin State Riverway

The Lower Wisconsin State Riverway contains a fantastically diverse resource with a wide variety of historical and archaeological sites, wildlife, fisheries and scenic beauty found nowhere else. You will enjoy your visit here and likely return again and again. The riverway boundary contains 95,000 acres, with over 45,000 in state ownership including several State Natural Areas and two state parks. 

Endangered Resources

The Lower Wisconsin State Riverway protects a fantastic array of endangered, threatened and uncommon plant and animal species. Twenty State Natural Areas covering over 6,000 acres provide an environment vital to the survival of several natural communities. State Natural Areas are established to protect examples of all types of biotic communities and other significant features native to the state for education, research and, most importantly, to secure long-term protection of the state's genetic diversity for the benefit of future generations.

The globally rare fame flower, Talinum rugospermum, is found in the valley. Other endangered or threatened plant species include pink milkwort, yellow giant hyssop, round-stemmed false foxglove, tubercled orchid and wild quinine. Threatened wildlife include bald eagles and red-shouldered hawks. Other wildlife species of special concern include the Cerulean warbler, bobolink, Arcadian flycatcher, Kentucky warbler and osprey.

Other endangered, threatened or special concern species include 13 types of fish, 10 mussels, two amphibians and seven reptiles. The Pecatonica River mayfly recently found in Grant County waters was thought to be extinct in Wisconsin.

In total, 62 species of endangered, threatened or special concern status exist within the riverway boundaries. Future protection and management will ensure we can all continue to enjoy unusual educational opportunities along the Wisconsin River.

State Parks

  • Wyalusing State Park: The last bluff west marks the western reaches of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway and the site of one of Wisconsin's most beautiful state parks. The park is accessible by boat and canoe from the Mississippi River. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the park concession. The park maintains a marked canoe trail through the backwater of the Mississippi River.
  • Tower Hill State Park: A picnic area, hiking trails, canoe landing and a small campground are available for park visitors.

State Natural Areas