Buckhorn Barrens State Natural Area

Buckhorn Barrens is a large expanse of sand barrens and sand blows, flooded wetlands with shrub-carr and northern sedge meadow, and a second-growth forest. The barrens contains dense patches of Jack pine and oak with scattered openings of characteristic prairie grasses and forbs. Species include little bluestem, flowering spurge, puccoon, and lead-plant.

columbine (Photo: Joshua Mayer)

Ant lions, mottled sand grasshoppers, and the uncommon little white tiger beetle can be found on the sand blows. Osprey use the adjacent Castle Rock Flowage for nesting.

The Area is specifically managed as an oak/pine barrens reserve, as an aquatic reserve and wetland protection area, and as an ecological reference area. It also provides opportunities for research and education on the highest quality native oak/pine barrens.

Photo by Joshua Mayer

Buckhorn Barrens is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2002.

Source: WDNR

Destination Information

Website: DNR Web Page

Size: 1680 acres

County: Juneau County

Property Managed By: DNR

Google Map Directions (opens new window)

Driving Directions: From the intersection of State Highways 21 and 80 in Necedah, go east on Highway 21 about 1 mile, then south on County Road G 8.1 miles to the park entrance. Get a park map. Go south on the park road 0.35 miles to a sandblow vista or continue south 1.2 miles to a parking area. Numerous hiking trails traverse the Area. Access to the site is also available via a canoe interpretive trail

Additional Files:

Buckhorn Barrens SNA Map

Did we miss something? Please contact us with any corrections.