Land Recreation

​​​There are over 45,000 acres of state owned land within the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway. The vast majority of these lands are available for a variety of public uses including wildlife watching and hunting. Some areas may be closed to public access to protect endangered or threatened species. During the gun deer season, non-hunters are advised to exercise extreme caution and may wish to avoid venturing forth during that time.

  • Camping

    Camping along the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway is available on islands and sandbars, 2 state parks, and several private and municipal campgrounds.

  • Cross Country Skiing

    There are no groomed cross country ski trails in the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway. However, the existing trails for hiking or equestrian use may be used for cross country skiing.

  • Equestrian Trails

    There are approximately 20 miles of horseback riding trails in the Riverway. Trails are located at the Black Hawk, Millville, and Blue River Units. There are some beautiful vistas along the trails as they cross the ridges above the river valley. All these trails are open to hiking as well. Please keep horses on those trails marked for their use.

    Black Hawk Unit Map
    The trails in the Black Hawk Unit provide for a variety of habitat to ride through from open prairie to dense woods. 8.4 miles of this trail are available for horses.

    Blue River Bridle Trail Map
    The Blue River trail is flatter and follows a course along the valley however, caution is advised on this trail as it often follows gravel and paved roads that are also open to vehicle traffic. This trail provides 6.25 miles for horseback riding.

    Millville Bridle Unit Map
    The Millville trail provides a nice variety of habitat as well as elevation changes along the course of the trail. The entire 5.1 miles of this trial is open to horseback riding.

  • Hiking

    Hiking trails in the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway are available at Wyalusing State Park near Prairie du Chien and Tower Hill State Park near Spring Green. Hiking also is available on the multiple use trails at the Black Hawk Unit between Mazomanie and Sauk City and the multiple use high bank road/equestrian trail between Muscoda and Blue River. In addition, the large blocks of contiguous state ownership offer opportunities for hiking, often with the added challenge of no formal trails.

  • Hunting

    Prior to creation of the Riverway project, the focus of state ownership of lands within the lower Wisconsin River valley was public hunting. Large blocks of both uplands and lowlands have been managed for wildlife for decades. The diversity of habitat types means a variety of hunting opportunity exist for the sportsman.

    Hunters

    The bottomlands and sloughs around the river offer exciting opportunities for waterfowl hunting in the fall. Whitetail deer, turkey and small game are abundant in the Riverway in both the uplands and low lands. Local newspapers are filled with photographs of large deer and turkeys bagged during the hunting seasons.

    Maps of public hunting lands are available from the Department of Natural Resources website at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fl/RealEstate/PALApplication

    Always seek permission before entering private lands. Public lands within the Riverway are marked with signs indicating private lands are ahead. However, a hunter should be absolutely certain of the area in which he/she is hunting. Wisconsin’s new trespass law places the burden of responsibility on the hunter, not the landowner. KNOW WHERE YOU ARE WHEN HUNTING IN THE RIVERWAY TO AVOID TRESPASS PROBLEMS.

  • Snowmobiling

    There are hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails throughout southwestern Wisconsin. These trails are maintained by local snowmobile clubs and cross both private and public lands.

  • Trails

    There are over 45,000 acres of state owned lands within the boundary of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway. The vast majority of these lands are open to the public for use year round.

    For more information, please visit the Wisconsin DNR​ website.

  • Wildlife Watching

    The diverse habitats in the Riverway offer opportunities for viewing a myriad of creatures. Birds, mammals and reptiles are found throughout the Riverway. "WATCHABLE WILDLIFE" signs are sprinkled throughout the project to direct travelers to spots where viewing opportunities exists. The thousands of acres of state owned lands are available for the individual who wishes to take the road less traveled.