Cedar Creek Natural History Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cedar Creek Natural History Area is a 5,400-acre research site located in the state of Wisconsin.


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Summary

It is managed by the University of Minnesota and offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the natural environment and learn about ongoing ecological research.

There are several good reasons to visit Cedar Creek, including the chance to see a diverse range of plant and animal species, participate in educational programs and events, and enjoy outdoor recreation activities like hiking, bird watching, and fishing. The area is also home to a number of scientific research projects, making it an ideal destination for science enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Some specific points of interest to see at Cedar Creek include the oak savanna, prairie, and wetland ecosystems, which are home to a variety of rare and endangered species. Visitors can also explore the site's historic buildings and artifacts, including an 1860s-era cabin and a restored prairie schoolhouse.

Interesting facts about Cedar Creek include the fact that it is one of the longest-running ecological research sites in the world, with studies dating back to the 1930s. The area is also home to over 900 plant species, 230 bird species, and 50 mammal species.

The best time of year to visit Cedar Creek depends on personal preferences and interests. Spring and summer are popular times to visit, as the area is in full bloom and many of the research projects are underway. Fall is also a beautiful time to visit, as the leaves change color and the weather cools down. Winter can be more challenging, as the area receives heavy snowfall and many of the recreational activities are limited.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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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