Conditions at Chippewa Moraine
A unit of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve

Conditions as of Tuesday, September 8, 2009:

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• Camping
• Fishing
• Nature

Trails

With an early fall settling in, hiking conditions have been the best all year. Scarlet red sumac leaves and Virginia creeper along with golden aspen leaves are making for some colorful trail scenery. Purple asters, yellow goldenrod, and a mixture of coneflowers are making their presence known in the prairie. Bugs are at a minimum and a slow relaxing hike is possible.

The most popular trails within the park are the 3 loop trails that vary from .75 to 4.5 miles. For the more adventurous, the linear trail to the east ending just outside of Brunet Island State Park in Cornell provides a hike full of varying scenery.

See the trail map [PDF 110KB], also available at the visitor center.

Motorized vehicles, bicycles and horses are not permitted anywhere within the reserve. Well-behaved dogs are allowed, but please leash them when around the visitor center. Dog treats are available inside the visitor center.

Nature

Wildlife seen recently include broad-wing and sharp-shinned hawks, white-tailed deer and fawns, and a fisher. Our large population of Ruby-throated hummingbirds has dwindled down to a few, but other birds including sandhill cranes, crows, American goldfinches, and a wide assortment of woodpeckers have been seen. Ruffed Grouse populations on the Reserve are down this year.

Fishing and Boating

Fishing has been good within the Reserve and area lakes, even with the lower water levels. Reports of large muskellunge and northern pike have been received from fisherman on local lakes.

Camping

Three outpost campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites are scenic, private and on a small body of water. Register first at the Interpretive Center. Please be aware of fire conditions. Sites are $10 per night and a State Park sticker is required.

Please remember that no fireworks are allowed anywhere on park property.

More Information

Volunteers for both inside and outside work are always needed and greatly appreciated. A wide variety of duties are available. Hours are flexible and the regular staff fun to work with.

The interpretive center is generally open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. year-round. There are many hands-on and interactive activities inside the visitor center. Kids, if you are looking for something fun to do, complete an indoor scavenger hunt and win a prize. If you’re visiting on a rainy day, one of the many nature films will provide some enjoyable indoor time. Don’t forget to ask to hold a snake or baby turtle.

Park vehicle admission stickers are sold at the visitor center and are good at any Wisconsin state park. A sticker is not needed for the visitor center.

Weather [exit DNR]

For more information, ask Chippewa Moraine, (715) 967-2800.