Pea Ridge Conservation Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Pea Ridge Conservation Area is a 1,500-acre protected area located in the state of Wisconsin that offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities.
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Summary
The area is known for its diverse natural habitats, including wetlands, savannas, and forests, which provide a home to a variety of plant and animal species.
One of the main attractions of Pea Ridge Conservation Area is its extensive network of hiking trails, which wind through the various habitats and offer visitors the chance to see a range of wildlife and plant species up close. Other popular activities in the area include fishing, birdwatching, and camping.
Some of the most notable points of interest in Pea Ridge Conservation Area include the scenic views from the top of the ridge, the diverse range of plant and animal species that can be seen throughout the area, and the historic remnants of the area's past as a logging camp.
Visitors to Pea Ridge Conservation Area should plan to visit during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the area's plant and animal life is at its most vibrant. However, the area is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy a variety of winter activities, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, during the colder months.
Overall, Pea Ridge Conservation Area is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Wisconsin, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and recreational opportunities.
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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.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Brazil Creek Trailhead
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Berryman
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Berryman Campground
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Hazel Creek
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Hazel Creek Campground
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Huzzah Conservation Area
Meramec State Park
Onondaga Cave State Park