The 923-acre Sugar River Wildlife Area is a public hunting area that features more than 1.5 miles of stream frontage along the Sugar River and Badger Mill Creek. The property is a popular destination for waterfowl, turkey, and deer hunting, as well as trout fishing. It offers two canoe/kayak landings and opportunities for trapping, snowshoeing (undesignated trails), foraging, and ungroomed cross-country skiing. Visitors can access the property from four designated parking areas off Riverside Road to the north, Schaller Road to the south, Speedway Road to the west, and off State Highway 69 just south of Riverside Road to the east.
The landscape is a mix of wetlands, prairies, woodlands, and crop fields with several panoramic views. A gravel road runs through the property which provides a hard-surface walking route for most of the year and serves as a snowmobile trail in the winter. In addition to its natural features, the property is home to several cultural and historic landmarks, including the Davidson House, the Minch House ruins, and effigy mounds. Portions of the crop fields serve as research plots for Dane Demo Farms, which demonstrate and research leading edge conservation practices that improve water quality and soil health throughout Dane County.
Hunting is allowed on the property as well as on a 108-acre private property adjacent to the wildlife area (through an easement) after the crops are harvested. For more information on hunting and trapping in Dane County Wildlife Areas, please visit our Hunting webpage.
Other public lands on the Sugar River:
