Crex Meadows Wildlife Area

Crex Meadows Wildlife Area is a 30,000 acre property of wetlands, brush prairies, and forests scattered across a gently rolling landscape. It is located in western Burnett County. Find it from Highway 70 in Grantsburg. Directional signs will guide you through Grantsburg to the Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center, which is located on County Road D. The Center contains a sales area, information center, library, auditorium, exhibits, and classrooms.

History of Management

Crex Meadows is part of the Northwest Wisconsin Pine Barrens. The “Barrens” extends from northern Polk County to southern Bayfield County and covers 1,500 square miles. This large, sandy plain was left when the glacier retreated about 13,000 years ago. The southern portion of the “Barrens”, where Crex is located, contains huge marshes. These marshes are “left-overs” from when the glacier carved out an ancient lake called Glacial Lake Grantsburg. When Euro-Americans first arrived, the sandy soil produced scattered red and jack pines, brush and a variety of prairie grasses and flowers. Naturally occurring wildfires maintained these plant communities. Since wildfires were no longer common after settlement, the landscape grew into an oakjack pine forest. Beginning in the mid-1800’s, settlers tried to farm the sandy soil, but most soon gave up. The lack of wildfires and clearing of the land for farming resulted in the near elimination of brush prairie. Large-scale drainage of wetlands in the 1890’s, caused a decline in the number of nesting and migrant waterfowl and other wetland animals.

In 1912, the Crex Carpet Company purchased 23,000 acres of what is now Crex Meadows. The carpet company was an eastern corporation that produced grass rugs. Three carpet “camps” were located in the area. The grass rug industry continued successfully until the development of linoleum for floor covering. The Crex Carpet Company went bankrupt in 1933, but the name “Crex” remained.

During the depression and drought years of the 1930s’, further drainage and agricultural attempts failed. By 1940, nearly two thirds of the land in the area was tax delinquent. In 1946, the state purchased 12,000 acres of this tax delinquent land to start the Crex Meadows Wildlife Area.

Today, management focuses on restoring wetland and brush prairie habitats.

Friends Group

The Friends of Crex was established in 1984 as a support group for the wildlife education program conducted at Crex Meadows. It is a private, non-profit corporation provides volunteer and financial assistance needed to expand the wildlife education program. For more information, visit Friends of Crex, Inc. [Exit DNR]

Recreation Opportunities

Crex Meadows is open year round, with something to do and see during every season. Crex receives more than 100,000 visitors each year. Most of the visitors come to view wildlife. The popularity of Crex is attributed to its large size, spectacular vistas, and great diversity of plants and wildlife. A system of well maintained roads, observation areas, and a rest area provide excellent access and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Some of the visitors come to hunt or trap. With the exception of the 2,400 acre refuge, the entire area is open to hunting and trapping. Crex provides abundant hunting opportunities for deer, bear, waterfowl, and a variety of small game. It is one of the few places in Wisconsin that offers good opportunities for sharp-tailed grouse hunting. Trappers have opportunities for nearly every furbearer found in Wisconsin.

The following recreational opportunities exist at Crex Meadows Wildlife Area:

Hunting - except in the 2,400 acre refuge Trapping Hiking Snowmobiling Trail Biking Pets (Note) Camping Other lodging

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

Additional Information

Download the full Crex Meadows brochure (PDF, 288KB) for more information.

Download [PDF 615KB] a map of this property.

Useful Links:

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

For more information on Crex Meadows Wildlife Area contact the property manager.

Questions for Wildlife Management