Wauzeka Bottoms encompasses a massive floodplain forest near the confluence of the Kickapoo and Wisconsin Rivers. Parsed with numerous sloughs, channels, and oxbows, the site is best observed via canoe or kayak. A boat launch with parking is available on East Front Street in downtown Wauzeka. Paddle southeast under the railroad trestle to reach the bulk of the natural area.
A boat of some sort is necessary to reach this natural area, though once across the river, a small portion can be explored by foot. As it were, my visit was cut short by a rain, and a lot of it. What I was able to see was a beautiful floodplain forest with large, mature trees with water seemingly everywhere in between. Cardinal flower is known to be found here with a red color quite unlike any other flower. Most of what was in bloom on this day was woodland phlox, its subdued purple hues meshing well with the gray palette of the overcast sky above. This is certainly a place that I look forward to spending more time exploring, with, hopefully, a bit of sunshine along the way.
More of my photos (and full-res) from Wauzeka Bottoms can be viewed here.
Additional Information
| SNA # | 221 |
| County | Crawford |
| Natural Communities / Geology | Floodplain Forest, River, Slough, Oxbow |
| Size (Acres) | 879 |
| Parking | Boat Launch |
| Trails | No |
| Easy to Find | Yes |
| Best Seen By | Kayak/Canoe |
| Marked Boundaries | No |
| Ownership | Wisconsin DNR |
| Located Within | Lower Wisconsin State Riverway |
| Dates Visited | 5.29.11 |
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State Natural Areas of Wisconsin 