Vernon State Wildlife Area in Mukwonago

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

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Located between Waukesha and Mukwonago near I-43, The 4,655-acre property consists of vast wetlands, some grassland and a few woodlots. The Fox River threads its way through, stitching the whole place together. There are many access points with parking on the roads that surround the area. See map.

The area is very popular for hunting waterfowl, pheasant, small game, turkey and deer. Within the large wildlife area there are two smaller wildlife refuges. These are seasonally closed from September 1 to November 30, except to gun deer hunters during the 9-day gun deer season. Handicapped blinds for waterfowl hunting are available off Frog Alley Road.

Outside the two refuges you will find many year-round recreational opportunities, including birding, canoeing, off trail cross country skiing, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, trapping, wild edibles/gathering and wildlife viewing. State Wildlife Areas do not have groomed trails like those in many State Forests, thus the experience can be more rustic. There are many maintenance roads that can be used as a trail system.

Identified as an ebird hotspot.

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

For WDNR map click here.

Story link: “Fall Foliage” at Milwaukee Magazine.