Birding, Wildlife & Nature

Let's start with a little history lesson in Wisconsin Birding, Wildlife, & Nature. Wisconsin’s connection to the land plays out poetically in pioneering naturalist Aldo Leopold’s 1949 book “A Sand County Almanac”. This book chronicled his vision of a land ethic and how caring for people cannot be separate from caring for the land. He wrote it from his home in Baraboo, Wisconsin which you can still visit. It's now the Aldo Leopold Foundation, where you can learn how to be a better land steward in your own life.

Other Wisconsin conservation heroes who have come and gone before us include John Muir, who was an early advocate for national parks and a founder of the Sierra Club. Similarly, there's Owen Gromme, the “dean of U.S. wildlife artists”. He brought attention and action to important conservation issues through his paintings. Furthermore, we have Warren Knowles, the state’s 37th governor, who spent his entire life supporting conservation efforts. There's Gaylord Nelson, former governor and U.S Senator who chaired the Wilderness Society and founded Earth Day. Finally, there is George Archibald, co-founder of the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo. As a result, it is the only place in the world to see the complete collection of all 15 species of cranes.

All this brings us to today. Fascinating, diverse Wisconsin wildlife exists in every corner of the state!

A must-visit for any birder is the Horicon Marsh. It's the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States, hosting nearly 270 species of waterfowl. The marsh is also a major fall stopping point for Canada geese. Eagle watching in Sauk Prairie is spectacular! This is thanks to a section of the Wisconsin River that rarely freezes. Alma, along the Mississippi River, is known for the nesting ground for wintering bald eagles. Don’t overlook urban birding! The Schlitz Audubon Nature Center on the shore of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee is a stellar birding location. This is all thanks to its mix of woodland, grassland, wetlands and lakefront. Certainly climb the 60-foot-high observation tower for a panoramic view!

The Important Bird Areas program in Wisconsin, administered by the National Audubon Society, is a good starting point to map out birding locations. It points out 88 locations around the state. Likewise, The Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail brochure series from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is a set of five highway-based viewing guides. It offers the best Wisconsin Birding, Wildlife, & Nature watching opportunities in the state.

Along side birding, explore Wisconsin’s State Natural Areas, which protect outstanding examples of Wisconsin’s native landscapes and provide some of the last refuges for rare plants and animals. There are nearly 700 in all, giving you options spanning spring wildflowers to fall colors.

Start your search here on the Wisconsin Birding, Wildlife, & Nature page. Above all, you're certain to find the perfect fit in any corner of the state!

Crystal River Inn & Cottages

Waupaca, Wisconsin

We are a certified wildlife habitat and have an inn "life list" of nearly 90 species. A great blue heron owns the bend in the river by us. We see an otter slide on the other side of the river in winter... a great place to bicycle right from our front door. With over 20 lakes and several rivers, this is a fabulous place to get away and experience nature.

We are a certified wildlife habitat and have an inn "life list" of nearly 90 species. A great blue heron owns the bend in the river by us. We see an otter slide on the other side of the river in winter... a great place to bicycle right from our front door. With over 20 lakes and several rivers, this is a fabulous place to get away and experience nature.

LakePlace Bed & Breakfast

Dresser, Wisconsin

The St. Croix River Valley is a bird lover's paradise. Take a day trip to Wild River and William O'Brien State Parks in Minnesota, Interstate Park in Taylors Falls, MN and St. Croix Falls, WI, or the Oak Ridge Lake & National Waterfowl Production Area in New Richmond, WI. stay on Poplar Lake to spot our resident eagle and loon families, along with trumpeter swans and sandhill cranes. 

The St. Croix River Valley is a bird lover's paradise. Take a day trip to Wild River and William O'Brien State Parks in Minnesota, Interstate Park in Taylors Falls, MN and St. Croix Falls, WI, or the Oak Ridge Lake & National Waterfowl Production Area in New Richmond, WI. stay on Poplar Lake to spot our resident eagle and loon families, along with trumpeter swans and sandhill cranes. 

Honeybee Inn Bed and Breakfast

Horicon, Wisconsin

Take a pontoon boat tour, or take a private tour your choice or rent a canoe or kayak few blocks away.  We are located at the edge of the Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Area. Horicon Marsh, the largest fresh-water cattail marsh in the US, is a world renowned birding area with over 33,000 acres. The marsh provides habitat for endangered species and is a critical rest stop for thousands of migrating ducks and Canada geese. It is recognized as one of only 22 'Wetlands of International Importance' in the United States and is both a globally and state important Bird Area and a unit of the Ice Age...

Take a pontoon boat tour, or take a private tour your choice or rent a canoe or kayak few blocks away.  We are located at the edge of the Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Area. Horicon Marsh, the largest fresh-water cattail marsh in the US, is a world renowned birding area with over 33,000 acres. The marsh provides habitat for endangered species and is a critical rest stop for thousands of migrating ducks and Canada geese. It is recognized as one of only 22 'Wetlands of International Importance' in the United States and is both a globally and state important Bird Area and a unit of the Ice Age Scientific Reserve. Over 300 species of birds have been observed here, making it one of the premier birding areas in the entire United States. The interior of Horicon Marsh is home to a wide variety of marsh birds, from ducks and geese to giant white pelicans, herons, egrets and cormorants. However, the scattered woodlands also provide home to a great array of songbirds that can be found during migration times as well as all summer. 

Sheer Memories' Guest Cottage

Muscoda, Wisconsin

Located in the Driftless Area, our acreage is a great place to walk wooded trails and rolling hills where you can view many species of plants and animals native to Wisconsin. You won’t have to venture too far. Perennial gardens, fruit trees, wild berry bushes, and bird feeders attract many creatures for our guests to enjoy. Guests may want to venture a short distance to the Lower Wisconsin Riverway where 285 bird and 45 mammal species are found. The Avoca Prairie and Savanna Nature Area, the largest intact prairie in Wisconsin is just a short distance. The largest concentration of Indian bur...

Located in the Driftless Area, our acreage is a great place to walk wooded trails and rolling hills where you can view many species of plants and animals native to Wisconsin. You won’t have to venture too far. Perennial gardens, fruit trees, wild berry bushes, and bird feeders attract many creatures for our guests to enjoy. Guests may want to venture a short distance to the Lower Wisconsin Riverway where 285 bird and 45 mammal species are found. The Avoca Prairie and Savanna Nature Area, the largest intact prairie in Wisconsin is just a short distance. The largest concentration of Indian burial mounds in the U.S. are located here. Climb Frank’s Hill where Native American’s left their effigy mounds, you can view the landscape in every direction for 32 miles. Visit the many spring-fed streams in the valleys below. Slip into the hammock just outside the cabin door if you prefer not to venture too far. There you can relax and experience the calming sounds of nature. 

Silver Star B&B Inn

Spring Green, Wisconsin

It's a short drive to Bakkens Pond, where many types of waterfowl live, and eagles are often seen along the Wisconsin River.  Dozens of varieties of birds visit our feeders year round, including more hummingbirds than you've ever seen in one place.  You don't even have to leave the comfort of our shaded front porch!  You may also spy raccoons, possum, chipmunks, squirrels and deer as you walk along the paths that surround the 70 acre property.  

It's a short drive to Bakkens Pond, where many types of waterfowl live, and eagles are often seen along the Wisconsin River.  Dozens of varieties of birds visit our feeders year round, including more hummingbirds than you've ever seen in one place.  You don't even have to leave the comfort of our shaded front porch!  You may also spy raccoons, possum, chipmunks, squirrels and deer as you walk along the paths that surround the 70 acre property.  

Stewart Inn

Wausau, Wisconsin

One of the best bir watching spots in the state is the George W. Mead & MacMillan Marsh Wildlife Area.  It is an easy 20 minute drive from the Stewart Inn.

One of the best bir watching spots in the state is the George W. Mead & MacMillan Marsh Wildlife Area.  It is an easy 20 minute drive from the Stewart Inn.

Eagle Centre House Bed and Breakfast

Eagle, Wisconsin

Eagle Centre House B & B is in the Southern Kettle Moraine Forest, perfect for bird watching. We are located 3-miles from the Forest Headquarters building and are situated on 20-acres, most of which is in conservancy.

Eagle Centre House B & B is in the Southern Kettle Moraine Forest, perfect for bird watching. We are located 3-miles from the Forest Headquarters building and are situated on 20-acres, most of which is in conservancy.

Cameo Rose Victorian Country Inn

Belleville, Wisconsin

Cameo Rose's 120 acre private retreat provides guests with abundant wildlife viewing including deer, wild turkeys, sandhill cranes and a colorful assortment of birds at the feeders, pond and gardens. Observe Goldfinches, Chickadees, Cardinals, Nuthatches, Blue Jays, Doves and a variety of Woodpeckers year-round and Indigo Buntings, Scarlet Tanagers, Baltimore Orioles, Red Breasted Grossebeaks, Bluebirds and more joining them during warmer months. Window bird feeders give you an intimate look and great photo opportunities!

Cameo Rose's 120 acre private retreat provides guests with abundant wildlife viewing including deer, wild turkeys, sandhill cranes and a colorful assortment of birds at the feeders, pond and gardens. Observe Goldfinches, Chickadees, Cardinals, Nuthatches, Blue Jays, Doves and a variety of Woodpeckers year-round and Indigo Buntings, Scarlet Tanagers, Baltimore Orioles, Red Breasted Grossebeaks, Bluebirds and more joining them during warmer months. Window bird feeders give you an intimate look and great photo opportunities!

Fargo Mansion Inn

Lake Mills, Wisconsin

The Fargo Msnion Inn is located near many natureal wild life areas. Aztalan Stated Park, Korht Park, and the Glasial Drumlin State Bike Trail.

The Fargo Msnion Inn is located near many natureal wild life areas. Aztalan Stated Park, Korht Park, and the Glasial Drumlin State Bike Trail.

Inn at Wawanissee Point

Baraboo, Wisconsin

We're located atop the Baraboo Range in Sauk County, an ancient rock outcrop blanketed by the largest block of mostly unfragmented deciduous forest remaining in Wisconsin and the upper Midwest. The Baraboo Hills span 25 miles, providing habitat for 135 breeding bird species. Our 42-acre estate has several miles of wooded and prairie trails for birding and adjoins the Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area where you'll find the state-threatened Cerulean warbler and Acadian flycatcher. Hike seven state natural areas, three state parks, including Devil's Lake State Park, and several preserves a stone'...

We're located atop the Baraboo Range in Sauk County, an ancient rock outcrop blanketed by the largest block of mostly unfragmented deciduous forest remaining in Wisconsin and the upper Midwest. The Baraboo Hills span 25 miles, providing habitat for 135 breeding bird species. Our 42-acre estate has several miles of wooded and prairie trails for birding and adjoins the Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area where you'll find the state-threatened Cerulean warbler and Acadian flycatcher. Hike seven state natural areas, three state parks, including Devil's Lake State Park, and several preserves a stone's throw to 30 minutes away to find birds like the wood thrush; scarlet tanager; red-eyed and yellow-throated vireos; wood pewee; crested flycatcher; redstarts; Cerulean, hooded and Kentucky warblers; veery; hermit thrush; bald eagles (winter here); turkey vultures; blue herons (a rookery at Devil's Lake) and many others. Sandhill cranes nest in the marsh across the road from us. Bird from your car by driving past several of the 26 state natural areas in Sauk County and from rustic roads Orchard, Schara and Ruff in the heart of the wooded hills, and Levee Road along the 16,000-acre Leopold-Pine Island Important Bird Area along the Wisconsin River, 11 miles northeast of us. The International Crane Foundation in Baraboo is 20 minutes from here. We're in the southern savanna region of the Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail; www.wisconsinbirds.org/trail has more details. We provide directions, and have binoculars, a spotting scope and field guides at the Inn.

Cobblestone Bed and Breakfast

Birchwood, Wisconsin

Hunt Hill Conservatory is one of the finest Birding and Nature walk in the Northwoods.

Hunt Hill Conservatory is one of the finest Birding and Nature walk in the Northwoods.

Hidden Serenity Bed & Breakfast

West Bend, Wisconsin

Explore over three miles of gravel roads by foot or rent a golf cart. A must-see when traveling to the area, this zoo is right across the street from Hidden Serenity. You will experience herds of bison, deer, elk, wild sheep, wolves, cougar, the famous bears and much more, all in natural environments.  We are just a 1-minute drive away.

Explore over three miles of gravel roads by foot or rent a golf cart. A must-see when traveling to the area, this zoo is right across the street from Hidden Serenity. You will experience herds of bison, deer, elk, wild sheep, wolves, cougar, the famous bears and much more, all in natural environments.  We are just a 1-minute drive away.

Justin Trails Resort, LLC

Sparta, Wisconsin

Dusty and Rusty, our llamas, love being fed treats from the mailbox.

Observe the deer trails through the woods and in winter across the fields. Collect hickory or walnuts, sumac or red maple leaves, listen to the frogs and toads at any of three ponds.

Take farm tour with Donna aboard the Polaris Ranger.  Hike to the Rock Outcropping with a view of Sparta, Leon and Leon Valley, the Little La Crosse River and neighboring farm fields..

Dusty and Rusty, our llamas, love being fed treats from the mailbox.

Observe the deer trails through the woods and in winter across the fields. Collect hickory or walnuts, sumac or red maple leaves, listen to the frogs and toads at any of three ponds.

Take farm tour with Donna aboard the Polaris Ranger.  Hike to the Rock Outcropping with a view of Sparta, Leon and Leon Valley, the Little La Crosse River and neighboring farm fields..

Brisbane House

Arena, Wisconsin

The Brisbane House is on 18 wooded acres and is nestled against a bluff from which the stone for the house was quarried. There are English flower beds adorning the house and you're welcome to create your own bouquet to bring home. The screen porch is a wonderfully protected area to hang out all day long and listen to bird song.  Depending on the season, you'll see bluebirds, cedar waxwings, hummingbirds, and more. There are spring beds of narcissus poeticus, and asparagus, and in the summer, all you can eat black raspberries, and a grove of Turk's cap lilies. Hike the trails maintained by the...

The Brisbane House is on 18 wooded acres and is nestled against a bluff from which the stone for the house was quarried. There are English flower beds adorning the house and you're welcome to create your own bouquet to bring home. The screen porch is a wonderfully protected area to hang out all day long and listen to bird song.  Depending on the season, you'll see bluebirds, cedar waxwings, hummingbirds, and more. There are spring beds of narcissus poeticus, and asparagus, and in the summer, all you can eat black raspberries, and a grove of Turk's cap lilies. Hike the trails maintained by the Prairie Enthusiasts up to the expansive restored prairie and Rattlesnake Ridge overlooking the Wisconsin River Valley. It's gorgeous all four seasons of the year. This is THE place to get away in the middle of nature. Further afield you can explore Morton Forest and the Spring Green Preserve. If you like to fish, there are many trout streams designated as the best class 1 for brown trout. Looking to canoe down the Wisconsin River? Check out Wisconsin Canoe Co.

Red Forest Bed and Breakfast

Two Rivers, Wisconsin

Spanning 1,500 acres, the Woodland Dunes Nature Center & Preserve, located just west of Two Rivers is home to seven miles of scenic trails through varied landscapes, from open marshes to dense conifer forests.  Join in bird hikes and kayak from the end of Cattail Trail.

Spanning 1,500 acres, the Woodland Dunes Nature Center & Preserve, located just west of Two Rivers is home to seven miles of scenic trails through varied landscapes, from open marshes to dense conifer forests.  Join in bird hikes and kayak from the end of Cattail Trail.

Artha Sustainable Living Center Bed and Breakfast

Amherst, Wisconsin

Enjoy a serene retreat in this eco-conscious renovated farmhouse on 90-acres of woods, fields and organic gardens. Sustainably operated: organic linens, solar power and heat, experience this renewable energy oasis! Hands-on workshops and retreats in solar water heating, gardening, yoga, and more.

https://arthaonline.com/artha-yoga/yogaretreatsartha/

Enjoy a serene retreat in this eco-conscious renovated farmhouse on 90-acres of woods, fields and organic gardens. Sustainably operated: organic linens, solar power and heat, experience this renewable energy oasis! Hands-on workshops and retreats in solar water heating, gardening, yoga, and more.

https://arthaonline.com/artha-yoga/yogaretreatsartha/

White Lace Inn / Door County

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

There are many County Parks, State Parks and Conservation properties in our area for Hiking, Birding and Nature Experiences of all kinds: http://map.co.door.wi.us/parks/Park-Locations.htm , https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/findapark.html , https://www.doorcountylandtrust.org/preserves-of-the-door-county-land-trust-map/ .

There are many County Parks, State Parks and Conservation properties in our area for Hiking, Birding and Nature Experiences of all kinds: http://map.co.door.wi.us/parks/Park-Locations.htm , https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/findapark.html , https://www.doorcountylandtrust.org/preserves-of-the-door-county-land-trust-map/ .

Ringling House Bed & Breakfast

Baraboo, Wisconsin

Do you like to fish or hunt, birdwatch, or canoe or kayak?  Sauk County hosts an abundance of wildlife areas, fisheries, forests and natural areas open to many activities, or just to enjoy the natural beauty.

Sauk County is home to the global headquarters of the International Crane Foundation, which offers live crane exhibits, guided and self-guided tours, nature trails, all while working to protect cranes and their habitats.

With thousands of acres in Sauk County, The Nature Conservancy – Baraboo Hills works to protect the land and water on which all life depends. The organization ...

Do you like to fish or hunt, birdwatch, or canoe or kayak?  Sauk County hosts an abundance of wildlife areas, fisheries, forests and natural areas open to many activities, or just to enjoy the natural beauty.

Sauk County is home to the global headquarters of the International Crane Foundation, which offers live crane exhibits, guided and self-guided tours, nature trails, all while working to protect cranes and their habitats.

With thousands of acres in Sauk County, The Nature Conservancy – Baraboo Hills works to protect the land and water on which all life depends. The organization has helped protect over 10,000 acres in the Hills.

The Sand County Foundation holds approximately 2,000 acres of Wisconsin River frontage, marsh, woodland and prairie in the Town of Fairfield. The land is maintained for landowner enjoyment, support of peer-reviewed quality research, long-term monitoring of savannas and grasslands, understanding of floodplain ecology and support of incentive-based effort to improve the deer herd and its habitat.

The Aldo Leopold Foundation surrounds Aldo Leopold’s original 140 acre farm and “shack,” where Leopold observed and wrote about the natural world.

Dedicated to conservation uses in the 1990s, the land known as the Riverland Conservancy’s Merrimac Preserve provides an integral wildlife corridor between the Baraboo Bluffs and the Wisconsin River.

Natural Areas protect outstanding examples of native natural communities, significant geological formations and archeological sites. There are over 25 natural areas located right in Sauk County. Most natural areas are unique areas for low-impact recreation, such as hiking or fishing, and many allow hunting.   

Sauk County is a nature lovers dream!

 

Miller's Daughter Bed and Breakfast

Green Lake, Wisconsin

All around Green Lake enjoy you can enjoy wildlife and nature with several hiking trails and conservancies. So bring your hiking shoes and binoculars!

Noregian Bay Wetlands, Assembly Creek and Springs, Winnebago Trail Conservancy, Sunnyside Conservancy, Guskey/Miller Prairies, Tuleta Hill Prairie, Tichora Conservancy and Wick Nature Preserve.

Please see Green Lake Visitor's guide for more information.

https://www.visitgreenlake.com/things-to-do/

 

All around Green Lake enjoy you can enjoy wildlife and nature with several hiking trails and conservancies. So bring your hiking shoes and binoculars!

Noregian Bay Wetlands, Assembly Creek and Springs, Winnebago Trail Conservancy, Sunnyside Conservancy, Guskey/Miller Prairies, Tuleta Hill Prairie, Tichora Conservancy and Wick Nature Preserve.

Please see Green Lake Visitor's guide for more information.

https://www.visitgreenlake.com/things-to-do/

 

Apple Tree Lane Bed and Breakfast

Waupaca, Wisconsin

Some of the best bird watching is right here! When you are done birding on our 7+acres & river frontage, nearby Hartman Creek State Park & Emmons Creek Fishery Area has over 2800 acres for birders to enjoy, including the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The mix of habitats including pine and hardwood forests, oak savannas, marshes, lakes and upland meadows,attracts lots of birds; the bird list has an impressive 253 species. Some of the signature species include, Scarlet Tanager and Least Flycatcher.

Some of the best bird watching is right here! When you are done birding on our 7+acres & river frontage, nearby Hartman Creek State Park & Emmons Creek Fishery Area has over 2800 acres for birders to enjoy, including the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The mix of habitats including pine and hardwood forests, oak savannas, marshes, lakes and upland meadows,attracts lots of birds; the bird list has an impressive 253 species. Some of the signature species include, Scarlet Tanager and Least Flycatcher.

Lake Ripley Lodge

Cambridge, Wisconsin

Enjoy the Lake Ripley Preserve for birding and wildlife. 

CamRock County Park trails will wind you through woods and along a creek. 

Enjoy the Lake Ripley Preserve for birding and wildlife. 

CamRock County Park trails will wind you through woods and along a creek. 

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