The Mississippi River at Merrick State Park
Fish, Fowl, Flowers, and Floods

In the Mississippi River valley surrounded by the hills of Wisconsin's Coulee Region, Merrick State Park is home to a variety of fish, birds, other animals, and plants. Rising and falling river levels, though controlled some by dams, are part of the natural environment.

Fish

The water is alive with bluegills, crappies, large and smallmouth bass, and other species.

Plants and Animals

Countless great blue herons, egrets [exit DNR], muskrats, ducks, and kingfishers [exit DNR] and an occasional otter make their homes in the park. At night, you'll hear crickets, frogs, and owls.

Black-eyed Susans are among the many wildflowers in the park
DNR Photo by Melody Walsh

There is poison ivy in the park, which can cause discomfort if you touch it. Learn to identify and avoid it. You can minimize exposure to poison ivy by staying in mowed areas and on designated trails.

Floods

In the spring or after unusually heavy rains there can be more water than we'd like and the river sometimes floods its banks. In flood conditions, almost a quarter of the park can be under water. When the river returns to its banks, the ground dries.

Large rocks have been set along the shore to halt erosion and protect campsites. Do not move these rocks.

For More Information

Cecilia Novinski, manager
Merrick State Park
S2965 State Road 35
P.O. Box 127,
Fountain City WI 54629-7814
Phone (608) 687-4936