Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area in Jackson

Activities: Birding, Cross-Country Skiing, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Snowshoeing, Wild Edibles Gathering, Wildlife Viewing

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Lone fisherman on Cedar Creek.

Located just east of the Village of Jackson in Washington County. The 2,600-acre property is large enough to support a variety of terrains and habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, woodlots, streams and small ponds. Cedar Creek runs the length of the property.

The core of the Wildlife Area is 590-acre Jackson Swamp, which is designated as a State Natural Area. This section features wet silver maple forest and white cedar and tamarack swamp, habitats that are more typical of northern Wisconsin.

Popular for hunting pheasants, which are stocked during hunting season, as well as turkey and deer. Other wildlife includes coyotes, mink, mourning doves, muskrats, rabbits, raccoons, waterfowl and woodcock. A wheelchair accessible hunting blind is available.

In addition to hunting and hiking the DNR advertises a variety of recreational opportunities, including birding, cross-country skiing (off-trail), fishing, trapping, wildlife viewing and gathering wild edibles. There is a designated snowmobile trail adjacent to Highway G, which bisects the Wildlife Area.

Identified as an ebird hotspot. Birders may find diverse species, including Osprey, Great Egret, sharp-shinned hawk, broad-winged hawk, northern waterthrush, white-throated sparrow, scarlet tanager, winter wren, veery, and several varieties of warblers.

For more information, including hunting regulations, go to Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area.

For WDNR map click here.

Story links:

Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area: Degrees of Wilderness … and solitude.

“Jackson Marsh: A local wildlife area for all seasons” at Milwaukee Magazine.

Gallery (click to enlarge)