Pilot Knob National Wildlife Refuge
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Pilot Knob National Wildlife Refuge is located in the state of Wisconsin and spans over 1,900 acres.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
It is a diverse habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including birds, reptiles, and mammals. There are several good reasons to visit the refuge, such as hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and hunting. The area is also a great spot for photography enthusiasts.
There are several specific points of interest to see at Pilot Knob National Wildlife Refuge, including the scenic overlook, which offers stunning views of the nearby Mississippi River and its floodplain. The refuge also features a variety of prairies, wetlands, and forests, which are home to many rare and endangered species.
Some interesting facts about the area include that it is home to the federally protected Topeka shiner, a small fish species that is only found in the Upper Midwest. The refuge was also once home to the Ho-Chunk Native American tribe, who used the area for hunting and fishing.
The best time of year to visit Pilot Knob National Wildlife Refuge depends on the activities that visitors are interested in. Spring and fall are great times for birdwatching, while summer is ideal for fishing and hiking. Winter is a great time for hunting and snowshoeing.
Overall, Pilot Knob National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful and diverse area that offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation. It is a great place to visit for nature enthusiasts who want to experience the beauty of Wisconsin's wilderness.
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
Elephant Rocks State Park
Conservation Area Ketcherside Mountain
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park