Conditions at Chippewa Moraine
A unit of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve
Conditions as of Wednesday, June 11, 2008:
Trails are in very good condition but with recent weather, wet in spots.
See the trail map [PDF, 110KB], also available at the interpretive center.
The reserve is not open to motorized vehicles, snowmobiles, or other mechanized vehicles.
Nature and Interpretive Center
Starflower [exit DNR], wild geranium [exit DNR], and blackberries are in bloom. This spring has given us a healthy mosquito population as well, so bring both your guide books and insect repellent. The naturalists on staff are always happy to answer nature questions.
Plants in the new rain garden, installed in October 2007, are starting to emerge and regularly hold much of the rain runoff from the roof and sidewalk.
A variety of songbirds have returned to the Chippewa Moraine including scarlet tanagers [exit DNR], eastern bluebirds, rose-breasted grosbeaks [exit DNR], and indigo buntings [exit DNR]. Other birds seen lately include red-eyed vireos [exit DNR], and veery [exit DNR]. The hummingbird feeders are a constant source of activity with ruby-throated hummingbirds [exit DNR] vying for the best perch. At the rookery, great blue herons are hatching out young, and at last count about 60 nests could be seen from the trail.
If you’re visiting the Chippewa Moraine, ask for a free plan for making your own bluebird, robin or wren nesting box.
Recently seen mammals in or near the park include black bears and white-tailed deer. Snapping turtles are laying eggs now, so please be careful and try to avoid them on roadways.
The kids in your groups may want to try some of our inside activities. The Interpretive Center provides many fun and educational hands-on activities with many of our younger visitors enjoying completing one of the nine indoor scavenger hunts. Kids -try finding all the animals and nature objects on your sheet and after a short and easy quiz by one of the rangers, you can pick a Smokey Bear prize. There are also 30 short movies to select from, ranging in length from 13 to 30 minutes. Topics include wildlife, historical, ice age geology, and nature based animated films.
Other hands-on activities could include holding a snake or turtle, exploring the "touch and guess" boxes, and digging for fossils.
The Interpretive Center is generally open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., depending on staffing availability. Please call ahead if you’re traveling any distance.
Fishing and Boating
Local anglers are having success with some nice pan and game fish being caught on lakes within the reserve. Water levels in area lakes have risen with recent rains and heavy snowfall this year, replenishing levels that were at a 10-year low. Please remember that vehicle admission stickers are required at boat landings, and are available at the park office.
Camping
Three backpack campsites that are available on a first-come/first-served basis. If you've never tried early spring camping, you may want to consider it. The North Shattuck and Unnamed Lake campsites are within a short walk of a parking area. The Townline Lake campsite can be reached by canoe or boat. All campsites are scenic and generally quiet except for the sounds of great blue herons, barred owls, and coyotes.
More Information
Volunteers are always appreciated. Iyou're interested in donating your time, please call the visitor center or stop by to pick up an application.
The interpretive center is generally open daily from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. depending on staffing availability. Please call ahead if you're traveling any distance.
Park vehicle admission stickers are sold at the visitor center and are good any any Wisconsin state park. A sticker is not needed for the visitor center.
For more information, ask Chippewa Moraine, (715) 967-2800.
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