Having explored an SNA or two, one thing I have realized is that when a site is named something like Grassy Lake, sometimes the site is only the lake and sometimes its hundreds of additional acres. This is a case of the former. It is an easy site to find with a parking area on Fur Farm Road just north of Otsego Road.
From the parking area, you can venture along the shoreline in either direction. The southeast corner of the lake is very, very close to the road. Along the northeast side of the lake, the area is wooded and I happened upon a long-ago abandoned car. Cattails are quite prolific here and in many places preclude a good view of the lake. I’d recommend taking a canoe/kayak out if you are interested in some better lake vistas. An area of wetland just south of the lake is included in the SNA, though I wasn’t able to make it all the way there in just my hiking boots. Rubber boots or more may be necessary depending on the season and water levels. The lake is known for its abundant emergent aquatic vegetation so very little was observed during this early April visit. Grassy Lake is not what I would call a destination SNA, but worth a visit if you are in the area.
More of my photos (and full-res) from Grassy Lake can be viewed here.
Additional Information
| SNA # | 548 |
| County | Columbia |
| Natural Communities / Geology |
Lake |
| Size (Acres) | 292 |
| Parking | Parking Area (gravel) |
| Trails | No |
| Easy to Find | Yes |
| Best Seen By | Foot/Kayak |
| Marked Boundaries | No |
| Ownership | Wisconsin DNR |
| Located Within | Grassy Lake State Wildlife Area |
| Dates Visited | 4.17.10 |
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State Natural Areas of Wisconsin 