Pearl River Wildlife Management Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pearl River Wildlife Management Area is a natural reserve located in the state of Wisconsin and is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

The reserve is situated in the lower part of the Pearl River valley, covering around 6,000 acres of land along the banks of the Mississippi River.

The area is popular among visitors for its unique and diverse wildlife, which includes a variety of bird species, deer, and other mammals. The reserve also features more than 30 miles of hiking trails, which offer visitors the opportunity to explore the area's natural beauty.

Some of the major points of interest within the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area include the observation towers, which provide visitors with a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, as well as the various lakes and ponds that are home to a wide range of aquatic species.

In addition to its natural beauty, Pearl River Wildlife Management Area also holds historical significance. The area was once occupied by Native American tribes, and several archaeological sites have been discovered within the reserve.

The best time to visit the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area is during the spring and fall seasons, as these times of year offer the best weather conditions and wildlife sightings. However, the reserve is open year-round and offers a unique experience during all seasons.

Overall, the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and anyone seeking to explore the natural beauty of Wisconsin.

       

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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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