Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Bergen Bluffs (No. 415)

Overview

Location

Vernon County. T14N-R7W, Section 4. 30 acres.

Access

From the intersection of State Highways 35 and 162 in Stoddard, go south on 35 2.2 miles to the scenic overlook east of the highway. Park in the lot and walk east into the natural area.

Description

Description

Bergen Bluffs features a good quality southern oak forest located on a scenic bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Large red oak and white oak dominate the canopy with black walnut, black cherry, hickory, white ash, and paper birch also present. As part of a larger tract of contiguous woodland along the river, the forest is an important stopover site for numerous migratory birds. This fact is particularly important given the forest’s location within the Mississippi River Flyway, a migratory bird corridor of global significance. Millions of birds use the river corridor during spring and fall migration each year. The natural area provides a high quality “rest area” where birds can stop, rest, and refuel before continuing their migratory journey. The forest also contains high quality breeding habitat for many native songbirds. A nearly vertical, scenic sandstone-limestone rock outcrop is found along the east central site boundary. As home development along the bluffs continues to increase, protection of these ecologically important and unique areas is becoming ever important. Bergen Bluffs is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2005.

Maps

The WDNR's State Natural Areas Program is comprised of lands owned by the state, private conservation organizations, municipalities, other governmental agencies, educational institutions, and private individuals. Therefore, while the majority of SNAs are open to the public, access may vary accordingly. Public use restrictions may apply due to public safety, or to protect endangered or threatened species or unique natural features. Lands may be temporarily closed due to specific management activities. Users are encouraged to contact the land owner for more specific details.

The data shown on these maps have been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability, and resolution. The data may contain errors or omissions and should not be interpreted as a legal representation of legal ownership boundaries.

• Detailed Map [PDF, 232 KB]

Activities

Please come prepared for your visit. Amenities vary from site to site with most SNAs being primitive and without facilities. See Guidelines for Visitation for details.

Allowable Activities

Most DNR-owned SNAs allow:

• Hiking
• Hunting
• Fishing
• Trapping
• Skiing

Some exceptions apply. Properties closed to the public or closed to specific use, such as hunting, will be posted.

***For non-DNR-owned SNAs: Additional use guidelines may apply. Please verify any use restrictions with the landowner or contact the SNA Program. Landowners may require additional permits or restrict the number of hunters at a given SNA to provide a quality hunting experience. SNA landowners can be found at the bottom of each SNA description page.

Prohibited Activities

• Horseback riding
• Rock climbing
• Vehicles, including bicycles, ATVs, aircraft, and snowmobiles except on trails and roadways designated for their use
• Collecting of plants (including fruits, nuts, or edible plant parts), animals, fungi, rocks, minerals, fossils, archaeological artifacts, soil, downed wood, or any other natural material, alive or dead

Please note that a permit is required for scientific collection and research on State Natural Areas. For more information, contact Thomas Meyer, State Natural Areas Program Specialist.

For more information on rules governing state-owned SNAs and other state lands, please consult Wisconsin's Administrative Code Chapter NR 45 (exit DNR)