THE GREAT OUTDOORSBIRDING, continuedNortheast10. FLORENCESpread Eagle Barrens State Natural Area4842 Forestry Dr888/889-0049www.exploreflorencecounty.com/A 7,400-acre, upland barrens withnumerous small lakes, the area hasmany dirt roads and ample gravel parkingfor good access. The Pine River, astate-designated wild river, divides thearea. Species include the upland sandpiper,yellow-bellied sapsucker, greatcrested flycatcher, eastern bluebird,warbling vireo, prairie warbler, chestnutsidedwarbler, clay-colored sparrow andBrewer’s blackbird.11. GREEN BAYBay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary1660 E Shore Dr920/391-3671www.baybeachwildlife.com/700-acre urban wildlife refuge featuringlive animal exhibits, educational displays,miles <strong>of</strong> hiking/skiing trails andvarious wildlife viewing opportunities.12. MANITOWISH WATERSNorth Lakeland Discovery Center215 County Road W877/543-2085www.discoverycenter.net/overview.htmlDesignated one <strong>of</strong> the Great <strong>Wisconsin</strong>Birding and Nature Trail sites, thisnature-based education and communitycenter has over 12 miles <strong>of</strong> trails forviewing the rich variety <strong>of</strong> species theNorthwoods affords birding enthusiasts.13. SUAMICOBarkhausen Waterfowl Preserve2024 Lakeview Dr, Suamico 54173.920/448-6242. www.co.brown.wi.us/A 920-acre wildlife area on the westshore <strong>of</strong> Green Bay featuring waterfowland wetland birds with 9 miles <strong>of</strong> trails.14. TOMAHAWKTreehaven Environmental Learning CenterW2540 Pickerel Creek Rd715/453-4106www.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/treehaven/Birds commonly seen at this 1,400-acreforest and wetlands property, home tothe University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Wisconsin</strong>’s College <strong>of</strong>Natural Resources, include BlackcappedChickadees, Dark-eyed Juncos,Nuthatches, woodpeckers, Sapsuckers,eagles, hawks, owls, cranes, andherons.East Central15. APPLETONGordon Bubolz Nature Preserve4815 N Lynndale Dr920/731-6041www.bubolzpreserve.orgThe 8-mile trail system in this independent,non-pr<strong>of</strong>it 775-acre preserve is perfectfor bird watching. Also located onthe premises is an earth shelterednature center with natural historyexhibits, nature store, restrooms andauditorium for programs and meetings.16. CHILTONLedge View Nature CenterW2348 Short Rd920/849-7094www.ledgeviewnaturecenter.org/In addition to its excellent birding opportunities,this 105-acre preserve providesan observation tower, a nature center,and cave tours.17. KAUKAUNA1000 Islands Environmental Center1000 Beaulieu Ct920/766-4733www.1000islandsenvironmentalcenter.comHome to nesting eagles, herons, owls,bitterns, teal, coot, mergansers, andsong birds, this 350-acre refuge alongthe Fox River has a nature center withyear round educational programs.18. NEW LONDONMosquito Hill Nature CenterN3880 Rogers Rd920/779-6433www.outagamie.org/Three miles <strong>of</strong> birding trails (with scenicvistas from one <strong>of</strong> the highest elevationpoints in the area) include the .6-mileAll People’s Trail, a wheelchair accessibletrail. These 430 acres along the WolfRiver also feature year round exhibits,an art gallery, and an observatory.19. TWO RIVERSWoodland Dunes Nature Center3000 Hawthorne Ave920/793-4007www.woodlanddunes.org/index.phpUniquely located near an ecological“tension zone” between two distinct naturalvegetation areas, both northern andsouthern birds can be found here in this1,200-acre refuge; 260 species havebeen recorded. Over six miles <strong>of</strong> trailsand boardwalks pass through marsh,meadow, and wooded ridges.Central20. BABCOCKSandhill Wildlife Area1715 County Road X715/884-2437dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/reclands/sandhill/The 9,150-acre State Wildlife Area wasnamed for the series <strong>of</strong> gently rollingsandy ridges where a small herd <strong>of</strong>American bison, white-tailed deer, ruffedgrouse, Canada geese, ducks, loons,bald eagles, sandhill cranes, shorebirds,songbirds, hawks, owls and furbearersmake their home. A learning center andobservation tower enhance the adventure.21. MILLADOREGeorge W Mead Wildlife AreaS2148 County Road S715/457-6771www.meadwildlife.org/Nestled in the valley <strong>of</strong> the Little EauPleine River, this wildlife area containsover 33,000 acres <strong>of</strong> wetlands, forestsand grasslands with 35 miles <strong>of</strong> trailsthrough diverse habitats harboring morethan 270 documented species <strong>of</strong> birds.22. NECEDAHNecedah National Wildlife RefugeW7996 20th St W608/565-2551www.fws.gov/refuge/necedah/Located in Juneau County, this 44,000-acre refuge is home to the world’slargest population <strong>of</strong> endangered Karnerblue butterflies. Also observed, cranesand migrating waterfowl in fall; wildturkeys, bald and golden eagles in winter;and shorebirds and songbirds inspring. Two new boardwalks loopthrough a mosaic <strong>of</strong> habitats and a visitorcenter provides a variety <strong>of</strong> services.23. STEVENS POINTSchmeeckle ReserveConservation Hall <strong>of</strong> Fame2419 North Point Dr715/346-4992www.4.uwsp.edu/cnr/schmeeckle/The reserve features 5 miles <strong>of</strong> trailswithin 275 acres <strong>of</strong> wetlands, forests,prairies and lakes attracting an array <strong>of</strong>songbirds, raptors and waterfowl. Thevisitor center houses the <strong>Wisconsin</strong>Conservation Hall <strong>of</strong> Fame.Southeast24. KENOSHAHawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary &Arboretum880 Green Bay Rd262/552-8196www.hawthornhollow.org/See warblers, herons, hawks, woodpeckers,and flycatchers at this privatenature sanctuary comprised <strong>of</strong> a 12-acre arboretum, historic buildings and2.5 miles <strong>of</strong> nature trails windingthrough the woods and prairies <strong>of</strong> thePike River Valley.25. MILWAUKEESchlitz Audubon Nature Center1111 E Brown Deer Rd414/352-2880www.schlitzauduboncenter.com/More than 250 species <strong>of</strong> birds havebeen recorded within this 185-acresanctuary on Lake Michigan. Fiveponds, ravines, woodlands and prairiesprovide habitat for hawks, ducks, owls,warblers, finches and falcons. Of particularinterest are Interpretive Center anda special Birds <strong>of</strong> Prey Raptor Program.26. NEWBURGRiveredge Nature Center4458 W Hawthorne Dr800/287-8098www.riveredge.us/Ten miles <strong>of</strong> trails are found in this 397-acre sanctuary where 67 species <strong>of</strong>birds have been identified. Four seasoneducational programs and events are<strong>of</strong>fered at the visitor center.Buy local. Choosing to supportlocally-owned businesses takes4-17 times less oil compared tonon-local choices.Travel Green <strong>Wisconsin</strong> CertifiedSouth Central27. BARABOOInternational Crane FoundationE11376 Shady Lane Rd608/356-9462www.savingcranes.org.The only place in the world where youcan see all 15 species <strong>of</strong> crane includingthe rare whooping crane. A multimediapresentation and guided toursthrough the 100-acre restored prairieadd to this unique birding experience.28. HORICONHoricon National Wildlife RefugeW4279 Headquarters Rd920/387-2658.www.fws.gov/midwest/horicon/The 33,000 acre Horicon Marsh is one<strong>of</strong> the largest freshwater marshes in theUS, providing a habitat for endangeredspecies and a critical rest stop for thousands<strong>of</strong> migrating birds. The northerntwo-thirds is managed by the US Fishand Wildlife Service. The southern third,called the Horicon Marsh State WildlifeArea, is managed by the <strong>Wisconsin</strong><strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> Natural Resources. TheInternational Education Center is locatedin this southern portion at N7725 StateRd 28 (920/3878-7860 www.horiconmarsh.org)and <strong>of</strong>fers an observationdeck, telescopes, naturalist programs,and floating boardwalks for accessibility.29. WAUPUNMarsh Haven Nature CenterW10145 State Road 49920/324-5818www.marshhaven.com/about-us.htmlDesigned to provide in depth informationfor visitors to the Horicon Marsh,this center educates and entertainsthrough hikes, presentations, exhibits,an art gallery, and a library.Southwest30. LA CROSSEMyrick Hixon EcoPark789 Myrick Park Dr608/784-0303www.mhecopark.org/The La Crosse, Black, and MississippiRivers converge at this trailhead to hundreds<strong>of</strong> miles <strong>of</strong> recreational trails. Inaddition to its excellent birding opportunities,the park provides adventure“playscapes,” innovative themed outdoorsettings designed for families <strong>of</strong> allages to learn through play.31. TREMPEALEAUTrempealeau National Wildlife RefugeW28488 Refuge Rd608/539-2311www.fws.gov/midwest/trempealeau/This 6,220-acre refuge is located on thebackwaters <strong>of</strong> the Mississippi andTrempealeau Rivers. Dikes create anisolated area facilitating essential resting,feeding, and breeding space formany waterfowl and other birds. 263species have been recorded by refugepersonnel and visiting ornithologists.Tundra swans and white pelicans arefavorite fall visitors.32 Find more fun at travelwisconsin.com or call 1-800/432-8747.
Horseback RidingLeave the Wild West to the west. Come to <strong>Wisconsin</strong> forhorseback riding that’s a bit more gentile, with guidedtrail rides through some <strong>of</strong> the prettiest scenery east<strong>of</strong> the Rockies. For the more serious rider, saddle upat an equestrian camp.Northwest1. FREDERICFrontier Trails11124 Whispering Pines Rd715/327-8572horserentals.com/frontiertrailsstable.htmlGuided trail rides, pony rides, boarding,training. Reservations required.2. HAYWARDSpider Lake Ranch Riding Stable10881 W State Road 77715/462-3386www.spiderlakeranch.comGuided trail rides on 20 scenic trailsspecializing in smaller groups to provideindividualized rides with a horsematched to your size and riding ability.Open year round except November. Callfor an appointment.3. HIGHBRIDGEBig Spruce Riding StableRR 1 Box 229715/274-2522www.bigsprucestable.comGuided, scenic trail rides along KrauseCreek into the foothills <strong>of</strong> the PenokeeMountains. Must be 10 years old for trailrides; corral rides available for childrenunder 10. All riders must weigh lessthan 195 lbs. Reservations required.4. HILLSDALETriple HHH Stables735 16 1/2 St715/458-4107www.triplehhhenterprises.comGuided trail rides on scenic, woodedtrails with pony rides, playground, pettingzoo and limited camping. Indoorfacilities available for large groups. OpenMon-Sat 4/1-11/15. Reservationsrequired.5. MASONBenson Ranch Riding Stable62895 E County Road H715/746-2490Horseback riding <strong>of</strong>fered May-October.Can accommodate groups <strong>of</strong> all ages.Call for reservations and rates.166. MILLTOWNOtter Creek Ranch2055 State Highway 46715/825-5059Over 6 miles <strong>of</strong> guided trails. Riding lessons,barn dances, petting zoo, concessions,clinics and seminars. 100 head <strong>of</strong>gorgeous Appaloosas.85329 10 1211 1320715 194142940413924302527 26 2838 37362316173331 32351834217. OGEMAPioneer Park & CampgroundN1859 School House Rd715/767-5586, 715/767-5300Located on Ogema Millpond (16-acres,non-motorized, pan fish); this equestrian-friendlyrustic campground <strong>of</strong>fersnature trails, access to the 26-mile nonmotorizedPine Line Rail Trail, and horsehitching post.8. RIVER FALLSKinni Valley Riding Academy, LLC1171 30th Ave715/426-1321www.pressenter.com/~kvridingScenic trail rides on 150 acres along thebeautiful Kinnickinnic River. By appointmentonly. Lessons and summer ridingcamps also available. Horses for all agesand abilities. Groups welcome.9. SPOONERDugan Run Horse Trails & CampgroundHighway 70800/367-3306, 715/635-9696www.washburncounty.orgDugan Run featues 30 miles <strong>of</strong> equestriantrail loops. North trail head, includesparking, bathroom, well, pavilion, firering, grills and primitive camping. Southtrailhead includes parking, bathroom,well, fire rings, grills and 12 campsiteswith electrical hookup.10. SPRINGBROOKHay Lake RanchN10102 Hay Lake Rd715/766-2305www.washburncounty.org/tourism/service/116Horseback riding. Guided day trips andhourly rides available.22Above: Horseback riding, Southwest <strong>Wisconsin</strong>.Northeast11. ARBOR VITAERock Falls Riding Stable & Mini Golf10829 Hwy 70 East715/614-0157Guided horseback tours through 26acres <strong>of</strong> scenic wooded trails.Challenging 18-hole miniature golfcourse.12. BOULDER JUNCTIONGrassy Creek Ranch Trail Rides6350 Highway M North715/385-9389www.grassycreekranch.netYear round horseback riding in the scenicNorthern Higland State Forest,known for exceptional horses, scenictrails, personalized service, and courteousguides.13. EAGLE RIVERCircle C Family Ranch370 Squash Lake Rd715/479-4168Pony rides and horseback riding. Ridinglessons available.Pine Point Riding Stable2445 Hwy 45 N715/479-4394www.pinepointridingstables.comGuided horseback rides thru the woods.Rides are 40-45 minutes long; will dosome trotting if everyone on ride is willing.Advanced rides for experienced ridersby reservation only.Rocking W StablesPleasure Island Rd715/617-6779www.northwoodsattractions.comRocking W Stables features a 3-milescenic trail with guided horseback ridesfor single and double riders as well aspony rides for young children. Rides arebetween 45-50 minutes long.GLENN SANDERSON14. MERRILLBlue Haven Stables, IncW4853 County Road Q800/537-4210, 715/536-4210www.blue-haven-stables.comBeautiful countryside trails, gentle horses,cheerful and pleasant guides, ponyrides and lessons. Largest western wear,tack and gift shop in central <strong>Wisconsin</strong>.Chism Trail Ranch, LLCN1198 Liberty Rd715/432-7444www.chismtrailranch.comEnjoy the peace and quiet <strong>of</strong> Northern<strong>Wisconsin</strong> on horseback when you rideover 500 acres. Boarding, training, lessons,horse camps and group partiesalso available. Call for appointment.15. MINOCQUAHoliday Acres7994 US Highway 51 S715/356-4400www.holidayacres.info/Guided horse and pony trail rides on thehour (9am-5pm). Reservations appreciated.Go-karts, game room, and newminiature golf course.16. MOUNTAINMountain Meadows Horse Ranch13807 Whiffen Ln715/276-3860Affordable family trailrides through theNicolet National Forest. All ages andlarge groups welcome.Spur <strong>of</strong> the Moment Ranch, LLC14221 Helen Ln800/644-8783, 715/276-3726www.spur<strong>of</strong>themomentranch.orgThe ranch <strong>of</strong>fers rustic cabins; fullhousekeeping cabins; and independentcampsites available. Located on theOconto County Recreation Trail and onthe edge <strong>of</strong> the Nicolet National Forest.Stabling available for our horse guests;dogs allowed.continued...Find more fun at travelwisconsin.com or call 1-800/432-8747. 33
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