Blackhawk Lake Recreation Area

Blackhawk Lake Recreation Area is a 5,038 acre property located in Iowa County. Find it 3 miles north of Cobb on Hwy 80. Then 2 miles east on Hwy BH. The property is comprised mostly of upland forest, wetlands, farm fields, prairie, lake, and abandoned croplands.

History of Property

Planning operations for the Blackhawk Lake Recreation Area began in 1960 when the Iowa County Soil and Water Conservation District applied for assistance from the USDA Soil Conservation Service (Now the NRCS) under the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. In 1964, the development of a recreational lake in conjunction with a flood retarding dam was added to the plan. The Otter Creek Watershed Project was approved in 1966. The co-sponsors were the Iowa County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Cobb-Highland Recreation Commission. Funding came from county, state and federal funds. During 1966 and 1969, 2,040 acres were purchased. These lands were deeded to the state as part of the requirements for financial assistance.

The State subsequently conveyed a perpetual easement to the Cobb-Highland Recreation Commission on 430 acres to be developed as an intensive recreation area.

Recreation Opportunities

The following recreational opportunities exist at Blackhawk Lake Recreation Area:

Hunting - No hunting allowed in campgrounds. Trapping Hiking Pets (Note) Camping Other lodging Swimming

Berry picking Auto travel Cross country skiing Wildlife viewing Fishing Bird watching Canoeing/boating

Additional Information

Useful Links:

• Hunting in Wisconsin
• Trapping in Wisconsin
• Hunting and Trapping Regulations
• Season Dates
• Iowa County Information [Exit DNR]
• Plan your trip to Iowa County [Exit DNR]

For more information on Blackhawk Lake Recreation Area contact the property manager.

Questions for Wildlife Management