Marion Bottoms Conservation Area park
Marion Bottoms Conservation Area
There are several good reasons to visit Marion Bottoms Conservation Area. First and foremost, it offers visitors the opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of Wisconsin. The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including several rare and endangered species. Visitors can expect to see a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, such as great blue herons, bald eagles, otters, and more.
Some specific points of interest to see at Marion Bottoms Conservation Area include the boardwalk and observation tower that offer stunning views of the wetlands, forested trails for hiking and birdwatching, and a kayak launch for water-based activities. In addition, the area has several picnic areas and a campground for overnight stays.
Interesting facts about the area include its designation as a State Natural Area and its importance as a resting and feeding area for migratory birds. Additionally, the conservation area is home to several rare plant species, such as the showy lady's-slipper orchid.
The best time of year to visit Marion Bottoms Conservation Area depends on personal preference. Spring and summer are ideal for birdwatching and wildflower spotting, while fall offers stunning foliage and great opportunities for hiking and camping. Winter provides a unique experience of the area covered in snow and ice, and visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Overall, Marion Bottoms Conservation Area is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Wisconsin.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- 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 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.
- 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.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Marion Bottoms Conservation Area, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carver Park Reserve | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Lake Auburn Campground | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Cleary Lake Regional Park | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Minnesota Valley State Park -Quarry | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Minnesota Valley State Park -Horse Camp | ✓ | ✓ | → |
| Minnesota Valley Rec Area | ✓ | ✓ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Marion Bottoms Conservation Area as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Marion Bottoms Conservation Area
What can I do at Marion Bottoms Conservation Area?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Marion Bottoms Conservation Area?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Marion Bottoms Conservation Area.