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Rush River Wildlife Area

Rush River Wildlife Area is a 121-acre property in southern St. Croix County. The property was purchased in 2004 as a part of the Western Prairie Habitat Restoration Area and consists exclusively of grassland habitat. The wildlife area also protects 1.2 miles of Rush River shoreline, as the river bisects the property.

The wildlife area is approximately 4 miles southwest of Baldwin. Follow Highway 63 south for 2 miles, then turn west on 30th Avenue for 2 miles. Turn south on 190th Street for approximately 1/2 mile. The property is located on the east side of 150th Street. A walk-in public access easement is found on the northwest corner of the property off 190th Street.

Management Objectives

Rush River Wildlife Area is managed to provide opportunities for public hunting, trapping, wildlife observation and other nature-based outdoor recreation. Management objectives aim to maintain an open grassland community through prescribed fire, mechanical and chemical control of woody species and limited haying and grazing. Populations of invasive species are controlled by cutting, pulling, burning, herbicide treatment and/or bio-control.

Recreation

The Rush River Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:

  • Birding;
  • Cross-country skiing (no designated trail);
  • Falconry (by permit);
  • Hiking;
  • Hunting;
  • Snowshoeing;
  • Trapping;
  • Wild edible/gathering; and
  • Wildlife viewing.

Maps

Download [PDF] a map of this property.

If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.

Find out more about how to adopt this wildlife area.