Mecan Springs’ primary feature is the namesake springs, which are the headwaters for the Mecan River, one of the best trout streams in Wisconsin.  The site is easily reachable via a parking area off of 6th Lane between Chicago Road to the north and Cottonville Avenue to the south.  From this northeast corner of the natural area, the Ice Age Trail winds south and then east through the site.

I found Mecan Springs to be one of the easier sites to access and peripherally explore.  The large parkinga area and presence of the Ice Age Trail truly make this one of the more family-friendly natural areas.  Visitors are treated to a beautiful view of the springs from the parking area, which sits several dozen feet above the springs.  I ventured down the slope and into the fen-like area below.  The late spring meant fewer flowering species to observe than one otherwise might expect, with marsh marigold and skunk cabbage being the dominant species.  Back on the Ice Age Trail, I was treated to a fellow with a similar mindset, as a muskrat was out for a stroll on the trail.  Mecan Springs is a very photogenic site and is high on my revisit list as I would like to explore the northern shore in greater detail as well as catching this site in late spring or early summer.

Springs

Muskrat

Springs

Springs

Dry Prairie

Springs

More of my photos (and full-res) from Mecan Springs can be viewed here.

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