Crooked Lake Wetlands State Natural Area contains two seepage lakes, northern wet forest, southern dry-mesic forest, southern sedge meadow and an assortment of wetland natural communities straddling the border of Fond du Lac and Sheboygan Counties. Owned by the Wisconsin DNR, Crooked Lake Wetlands SNA is located near several other SNA’s in the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest (NKMSF), including Milwaukee River & Swamp SNA and Spring Lake SNA to the southwest, Kettle Hole Woods SNA to the south, and Milwaukee River Tamarack Lowlands & Dundee Kame SNA to the north. The Ice Age Trail (IAT) cuts through the natural area and can be accessed from a parking area/boat launch just north of CTH SS, south of Dundee. Additional access can be had via Division Rd, with a parking area located on the north side.
I first visited this site in the fall and was treated some of the most brilliant fall color displays that I have ever seen. After parking near the boat launch, I was admittedly transfixed by the beauty as I walked along the IAT and did not explore as deep into the natural area as I would have liked on that autumn day. My subsequent visits to this SNA were in the spring and focused on the wetlands in the northern portions of the natural area. There I was treated to nice populations of cuckoo-flower, which was then-listed as a species of Special Concern (a level below threatened). From what I can tell, the species is no longer a listed species in Wisconsin.
In reviewing information for this blog post, I noted that there are 3 bodies of water within the SNA, while the DNR’s webpage notes 2 lakes. Cedar Lake is found in the northeast portion of the natural area, while the eponymous Cedar Lake borders the southern portion of the SNA. Not being a hydrologist, perhaps the central bod of water is/was considered part of Cedar Lake before filling in with vegetation over the years. As noted, the IAT crosses into the natural area at its southern border before departing the SNA near Division Rd. Standard hiking boots/shoes will suffice for on-trail exploration here, but rubber boots or waders are recommended if venturing into the wetland areas.
This is an all-around great SNA to visit. A variety of natural communities, easily accessible, with a trail for those so inclined, and something to photograph at any time of the year. I look forward to visiting this site more often in the future.
Additional photos can be found on Flickr.
| SNA # | 255 |
| County | Fond du Lac, Sheboygan |
| Natural Communities / Geology | Northern Wet Forest, Southern Dry-Mesic Forest, Southern Sedge Meadow, Shrub-Carr, Open Bog, Lake |
| Size (Acres) | 288 |
| Parking | Parking Lot |
| Trails | Yes |
| Easy to Find | Yes |
| Best Seen By | Foot |
| Recommended Footwear | Rubber boots |
| Marked Boundaries | No |
| Ownership | Wisconsin DNR |
| Located Within | Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit |
| Date(s) Visited | 10.13.13, 5.9.15, 5.14.16 |
State Natural Areas of Wisconsin 
Beautiful images, Josh! What a lovely site.
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Thank you!
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