Wildlife in Kinnickinnic State Park

Wildlife watchers in Kinnickinnic State Park can observe a wide variety of birds and animals in their natural environments.

Birds

The various ecosystems of the Kinnickinnic River Valley support a rich variety of bird life. As many as 85 to 90 species may be observed on any one day during the spring migration, and more than 140 species—about half of all Wisconsin nesting bird species—have been identified nesting in the river valley during the season.

Ringneck pheasants, partridge, and many other species of birds are commonly seen in the park's restored prairie savanna areas. Large numbers of waterfowl and other migratory birds use the marshy bottomlands during their fall and spring migrations.

The delta at the mouth of the Kinnickinnic River constricts the St. Croix River to about one quarter of its normal width. This constriction causes a substantial increase in the current and keeps this area free from ice. Bald eagles fish in this open water during the winter.

Wild turkeys were reintroduced in the park in 1989. Although near the northern edge of their range, they seem to be handling the cold winters quite well and are a frequent sight throughout the entire river valley.

Mammals

Deer are plentiful throughout the park and are commonly observed during the early morning and evening. You often can see many other smaller woodland, prairie, and water animals. Some of these include raccoons, mink, gray and red fox, squirrels, rabbits, weasels, and an occasional beaver.

For More Information

Darrel Richer, Manager
Kinnickinnic State Park
W11983 820th Ave.
River Falls WI 54022
(715) 425-1129