Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit in Eagle

Activities: Birding, Camping, Canoeing/Kayaking, Cross-Country Skiing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Mountain Biking, Nature Center, Picnicking, Running, Snowshoeing, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing

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Ottawa Lake Recreation Area beach. Photo by Phil Krejcarek

Over 22,000 acres of diverse, glaciated terrains sprawl across southwestern Waukesha County and into Jefferson and Walworth Counties. Hills, valleys, woodlands and prairies provide a great variety of natural habitats, plants and animals, including coyotes, red foxes, sandhill cranes and Cooper’s hawks. Includes nine State Natural Areas and two State Recreation Areas at Ottawa Lake and Whitewater Lake.

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail meanders through the entire park. There are numerous other trails. Trail Information Line available 24/7: 262-594-6202

There are several ebird hotspots identified for individual sections of the park.

Within the Southern Unit there are a number of distinct recreation sites, including:

Ottawa Lake Recreation Area

Paradise Springs Nature Trail

Location: State Forest Headquarters – S91W39091 State Road 59 – Eagle, WI 53119

Entrance fee or Wisconsin State Parks sticker required.

Links to more information on DNR website:

Other activities (Cycling, picnicking, boating, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, trapping, target shooting and pets)

Story links from The Natural Realm blog:

Scuppernong Springs Nature Trail: A Saunter Through History.

Photo essay: Ottawa Lake Recreation Area.