Dell Creek Wildlife Area

Lying very close to the Wisconsin Dells and the nearby Mirror Lake State Park, the Dell Creek Wildlife Area provides opportunity for quiet and remote recreational activities that contrast with the traffic and hectic commercialism of the Dells.  This 2,500+-acre state-owned and managed property borders 10 miles of Dell Creek in Sauk (and a little in Juneau) County, the county’s longest and most popular trout stream. Dell Creek has been managed for over 60 years as a fishery area and since 1971, the extensive property has been managed both for fishery and wildlife habitat.

A total of 14 parking lots provide access to this wildlife area.  Hunting (deer, turkey, ruffed grouse), trapping, wildlife viewing and, naturally, trout fishing are the common recreational activities on this public property.  There are no “formal” trails on the property, but plenty of footpaths lead the visitor to remote sections of this wildlife area.

The site provides a diversity of habitats, including restored oak woodland, prairie and grassland, and alder thickets attractive to ruffed grouse.  Its ease of access and relatively modest use makes Dell Creek Wildlife Area popular among bird watchers in spring.