Lake Mills Wildlife Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Mills Wildlife Area is a state-owned property located in Jefferson County, Wisconsin.


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Summary

It spans over 2,000 acres of wetlands, prairies, and forests. Visitors can enjoy hiking, bird-watching, hunting, and fishing in the area.

One of the main attractions of Lake Mills Wildlife Area is the large population of waterfowl that reside in the wetlands. Visitors can spot ducks, geese, and swans among other species. The area is also home to a variety of other wildlife such as deer, coyotes, and beavers.

In addition to the natural beauty of the area, there are a few points of interest within the wildlife area. These include the observation tower, a fishing pier, and a shooting range.

Visitors should note that the best time to visit Lake Mills Wildlife Area is during the spring and fall migratory seasons. During these times, visitors can witness the large flocks of waterfowl that use the wetlands as a stopover on their journey.

Overall, Lake Mills Wildlife Area provides a great opportunity for nature enthusiasts to experience Wisconsin's diverse ecosystem and observe a variety of wildlife.

       

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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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