Necedah National Wildlife Refuge

by Tanya Rothe

Many years ago glaciers were beginning to form The Central Wisconsin Swamp that later became what is now a natural refuge that is home to many varieties of plants and animals.  This area of Wisconsin has a history that is rich in Native American culture.  In 1939, President Roosevelt declared 43,000 acres of land in Wisconsin as the Necedah Migratory Waterfowl Refuge.  Part of this area is now the Necedah Wildlife Refuge. It is a popular branch in the National Wildlife Refuge System that contains over 500 refuges consisting of a whopping 92 million acres!  If you are to get the chance to visit this amazing landmark, the best time to view the different wildlife is either during early morning and/or evening.

Main Page – Visitors Center | Visitors Center Trail | Suk Cernery Flowage | Sprague Mather Flowage | Observation Tower | Observation Tower Trail | Lupine Loop Trail | Observation Deck | Harvey’s Pond | Sprague Flowage | Goose Pool | Park Entrance | Boghauter Trail | White – Trail Loop | Refuge Area | Wildlife | Homes & Cabins | Land & Acreage | Photo Gallery

The Necedah Wildlife Refuge entertains and educates about 150,000 visitors each year.  It is a haven for waterfowl, deer, turkeys, song birds, & other species.  Every year it hosts, “The Whooping Crane Festival,” which features a pancake breakfast, bus tours of the wildlife refuge, and much more fun for the whole family! (The Whooping Crane Organization has moved to Baraboo) But more than that, it creates an awareness of the uncertain future and delicate existence of the Whooping Crane in nature.  It is crucial to support of the efforts of the folks dedicated to help keep this spectacular species flourishing.  This will help ensure they will survive for the enjoyment of generations to come.

Necedah Wildlife Refuge Photos & Pictures

The refuge is home to many endangered and threatened species including wolves, blanding turtles and the redheaded woodpecker.  Although camping isn’t allowed in the refuge, you are able to spend 8 ½ hours, 5 days a week because you can’t take in everything they have to offer in just a short amount of time.  Even better yet, feel free to bring your four legged family members along with you; as long as they are kept on a leash they are allowed to partake in the fun.  The only time you aren’t permitted to explore the various hiking trails is during gun-deer hunting season.  So, stop in and enjoy everything the Necedah Wildlife Refuge has to offer because it isn’t just there for the critters!
    
The park has atv routes and snowmobile trails that run right through the refuge and are open to the public as long as you don’t travel off of the marked trails.  If you would like to go fishing while you are in the area, it’s just a short drive to nearby lakes including Lake Petenwell, Castle Rock Lake and also the Yellow River.  Necedah is also home to various opportunities for lodging, delicious dining and fun!  So, next time you are in the area, stop and enjoy a taste of Wisconsin!

Necedah Wildlife Refuge - Central Wisconsin Public Land