Waupun Park Maple Forest features a mature southern mesic forest dominated by maple within the confines of Waupun County Park, on the northwest corner of the city of Waupun. Two parking areas are available on the delightfully named CTH MMM and yes, that’s 3 M’s. A trail begins from the northernmost of the two parking areas and winds through non-SNA forest before crossing the northern portion of the SNA, for a total of 1.6 miles.
I was relatively underwhelmed by this site, though that could be the horrendous mosquitoes talking too. I could barely stop to take a picture, even with all limbs covered in some fashion. With conditions as they were, I didn’t think it prudent to go off-trail and deeper into the forest, which lies on both side of CTH MMM. An adventure for another time. As noted, this is a county park and there are various amenities including picnic areas, shelters, restrooms, and campsites, though this is far from a rustic camping experience…more like tents in a field. Someday I will return here, but I am not in a rush.
More of my photos (and full-res) from Waupun Park Maple Forest can be viewed here.
Additional Information
| SNA # | 51 |
| County | Fond du Lac |
| Natural Communities / Geology | Southern Mesic Forest |
| Size (Acres) | 40 |
| Parking | Parking Area (paved) |
| Trails | Yes |
| Easy to Find | Yes |
| Best Seen By | Foot |
| Marked Boundaries | No |
| Ownership | Fond du Lac County; More info: Wisconsin DNR |
| Located Within | Waupun County Park |
| Dates Visited | 7.18.10 |
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State Natural Areas of Wisconsin 