Cherokee Marsh Natural Resource Area

Spring courtesy John Kalson

Trailhead Sign

Winter courtesy John Kalson

Autumn courtesy John Kalson

Autumn View

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The 208-acre Cherokee Marsh Natural Resource Area is located on the north shore of the Yahara River and is part of the extensive Cherokee Marsh wetland complex, the largest remaining wetland in Dane County.  The property offers hiking trails through woodlands, grasslands, and restored prairie with scenic vistas of the wetlands.

Cherokee Marsh is designated as an urban “Wetland Gem” by the Wisconsin Wetland Association and serves to provide wildlife habitat, water quality protection and flood attenuation for the City of Madison and Dane County. More than 2,000 acres at Cherokee Marsh, along both the east and west sides of the Yahara River, are protected by city, county and state agencies as well as non-profit conservation organization property owners.

Other public lands at Cherokee Marsh:

• Cherokee Marsh Wildlife Area (Dane County Parks)
• Yahara Heights County Park (Dane County Parks)
• Cherokee Marsh Fishery Area (WDNR)
• Cherokee Marsh State Natural Area (WDNR)
• Cherokee Marsh – North Unit (City of Madison)
• Cherokee Marsh – South Unit (City of Madison)
• Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park (Groundswell Conservancy Inc.)

This park is supported by Friends of Cherokee Marsh.