Crex Meadows Wildlife Area
Rate this placeNearby: Memory Lake Park St. Croix State Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Crex Meadows Wildlife Area is an expansive wildlife reserve located in northwest Wisconsin, covering over 30,000 acres of wetlands, grasslands, and forests.
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Summary
The reserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including over 270 species of birds, 50 species of mammals, and 25 species of reptiles and amphibians.
Visitors to Crex Meadows can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, bird watching, fishing, and hunting. There are over 20 miles of trails throughout the reserve, as well as several observation towers and blinds, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
One of the main attractions at Crex Meadows is the annual Sandhill Crane migration, which takes place in the fall. Thousands of cranes stop at the reserve on their journey south, providing a spectacular sight for visitors.
Other points of interest at Crex Meadows include the Crex Visitor and Wildlife Education Center, which offers educational exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages, and the Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area, which is adjacent to the reserve and offers additional opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The best time to visit Crex Meadows depends on the activities you plan to participate in. The fall Sandhill Crane migration is a popular time to visit, but the reserve is also beautiful in the spring and summer, when wildflowers are in bloom and bird activity is high. Winter is also a great time to visit for those interested in snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Overall, Crex Meadows Wildlife Area is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its unique blend of wetlands, grasslands, and forests make it a haven for wildlife, and its extensive trail network and educational opportunities make it a great place to explore and learn.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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