New Munster Wildlife Area
Rate this placeNearby: Lance Park Fox River Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
New Munster Wildlife Area is a 4,000-acre preserve located in southeastern Wisconsin, just south of the city of Burlington.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The area is famous for its diverse wildlife and unique landscape, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Some of the best reasons to visit New Munster Wildlife Area include its miles of hiking and biking trails, abundant birdwatching opportunities, and scenic views of the surrounding forests and wetlands. Visitors can explore the area's historic buildings and learn about its rich cultural and natural history.
One of the most popular points of interest in the wildlife area is the Fox River, which runs through the park and offers excellent fishing opportunities. Other highlights include the diverse array of bird species, including sandhill cranes, trumpeter swans, and great blue herons.
New Munster Wildlife Area is also home to several endangered and threatened species, including the Blanding's turtle, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, and the Hine's emerald dragonfly.
The best time of year to visit New Munster Wildlife Area is in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant colors of the changing leaves, as well as the numerous wildflowers that bloom throughout the area.
Overall, New Munster Wildlife Area is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Wisconsin's natural beauty and diverse wildlife.
Weather Forecast
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
North Branch Conservation Area (cyclists only)
Mud Lake West
RV Camping @ Big Foot Beach State Park
Tent Camping @ Big Foot Beach State Park
Lake Geneva Youth Camp
Lance Park
Fox River Park
County of Kenosha Fairgrounds
Schmalfeldt Park
Karcher Marsh Wildlife Area