Big Muskego Lake Wildlife Area in Muskego

This multi-parcel wildlife area protects approximately 1000 acres of land around Big Muskego Lake. It has about 2.5 miles of lake frontage and 0.2 miles of frontage along the Muskego Canal. The habitat of the wildlife area consists of lowland shrub, upland hardwood and oak forests, several areas with native and planted prairies, and several small wetlands. The diverse wildlife area provides excellent opportunities for hunting, fishing and trapping. This property also has an approximately 160-acre waterfowl refuge on the west shore of Big Muskego Lake, which is closed Sep 1 – Dec 31.

 

According to the WI DNR website, you can hike and/or cross-country ski. However, there are no designated trails. In addition to hunting, fishing and trapping, other recreational opportunities include birding, boating, snowmobiling, wildlife viewing and foraging.

 

The lake itself is very large and shallow, with a surface area of 2,260 acres and a maximum depth of 4 feet. It has a diverse marsh system with numerous islands of emergent vegetation and floating vegetation islands. The lake is fringed with extensive wetlands, including dense cattail marshes. These habitats are ideal for nesting water birds and marsh birds. The lake offers a unique opportunity to observe breeding Forster’s terns, yellow-headed blackbirds, eagles, ospreys, and many other resident and migratory wildlife species.

 

There are two public boat launches at the northeast end of the lake, off Boxhorn Drive and Durham Drive. Self-serve cash fee required ($8 last I checked). Both are outside of the Wildlife Area. While motor boats are allowed, the shallow depth of the lake limits them, making it a good place for kayaking and canoeing.

 

Numerous free parking areas are available to access the various parcels of the Wildlife Area. See map.

 

There are no amenities.

 

For more information, including hunting regulations and site maps, go to the DNR website.

 

Gallery (click to enlarge)