Plants and Animals of Mirror Lake State Park

Mirror Lake is surrounded by pine and oak woods, and beyond there are sandy prairies and former farm fields that are now rich natural wild flowers, shrubs, and trees.

Wild rice grows in some shallow areas of the lake.
DNR Photo by Diane Schwartz

The Mirror Lake Pine Oak Forest, in the northwest corner of the park, is designated as a state natural area.

Wildlife

Many kinds of wildlife are abundant and easily observed. Others are scarce or quite shy and require careful observation techniques to be seen.

A deer eats duckweed floating on the south end of Bluewater Bay.
DNR Photo by Bonnie Gruber

The most often seen mammals are deer, raccoons, squirrels, bats, chipmunks, and muskrats. Less often seen are beavers, mink, red foxes, cottontail rabbits, and coyotes.

The marshes, fields, open woodlands, lakeshore, and steep valleys are home for different types of bird life.

Black-eyed Susans and other prairie flowers abound in the open fields
DNR Photo by Paul Zajackowski

Walking quietly, stopping often, listening, and watching carefully are the best ways to view wildlife. Be sure to bring your binoculars!

For more information about Mirror Lake State Park, ask Paul Zajackowski , property supervisor, (608) 254-2333.