Photo by Thomas A. Meyer/DNR
Waukesha County. T5N-R18E, Section 36. 44 acres.
The Mukwonago River is among the cleanest and most biologically diverse streams in southeastern Wisconsin and provides critical habitat for a number of rare, threatened, and endangered species of fish and invertebrates. Between Eagle Spring and Phantom Lakes, the river is designated an Exceptional Resource Water, with clear, warm water and a maximum depth of 2 feet. The bottom is composed of sand, rocks and gravel and contains many large glacial boulders. At least 53 species of fish, including two state listed species, have been found here. In fact, the two-mile stretch of river from the natural area downstream to its confluence with the Fox River, contains the last known self-sustaining population of one of these rare fish in Wisconsin. Among the other fish inhabiting the stream are grass pickerel, rosyface shiner, sand shiner, banded killifish, tadpole madtom, rainbow darter, and brook silverside. Longnose gar are often seen patrolling the waters. Equally diverse is the freshwater mussel fauna. This reach of the Mukwonago is one of the most biologically-rich mussel habitats in the state. Sixteen species are found here, including Wisconsin's only remaining viable population of a state-endangered species. Rare dragonflies are also known from the stream. Beds of coontail and other submerged aquatics are common in the stream, while the banks contain bulrushes, sedges and other emergent plant species. The 44-acre State Natural Area lies within the larger Mukwonago River watershed corridor, a mosaic of natural communities including forest, savanna, wetlands, and lakes. This diverse landscape is home to a wide array of native plants and animals and is an important stopover site for a number of Neotropical migratory birds. Mukwonago River is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2005.
From the intersection of County ES and State Highway 83 in Mukwonago, go south on 83 0.8 mile to a park and ride on the north side of the highway.
Mukwonago River is owned by:
The DNR's state natural areas program is comprised of lands owned by the state, private conservation organizations, municipalities, other governmental agencies, educational institutions and private individuals. While the majority of SNAs are open to the public, access may vary according to individual ownership policies. Public use restrictions may apply due to public safety, or to protect endangered or threatened species or unique natural features. Lands may be temporarily closed due to specific management activities. Users are encouraged to contact the landowner for more specific details.
The data shown on these maps have been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability, and resolution. The data may contain errors or omissions and should not be interpreted as a legal representation of legal ownership boundaries.
To create your own custom map where you can zoom to a specific location, please use the DNR's mapping application.
Very few State Natural Areas have public facilities, but nearly all are open for a variety of recreational activities as indicated below. Generally, there are no picnic areas, restrooms, or other developments. Parking lots or designated parking areas are noted on individual SNA pages and maps. Trails, if present, are typically undesignated footpaths. If a developed trail is present, it will normally be noted on the SNA map and/or under the "Access" tab. A compass and topographic map or a GPS unit are useful tools for exploring larger, isolated SNAs.
The good majority of SNAs are isolated and have few or no facilities. Some SNAs have vehicle access lanes or parking lots, but their accessibility may vary depending on weather conditions. Parking lots and lanes are not plowed during winter. Hiking trails may be nonexistent or consist of undeveloped footpaths. A GPS unit or compass and detailed topographic map are useful tools for exploring larger SNAs.
Entrance fees: Excepting Parfrey's Glen, the Cambrian Outlook in the Dells of the Wisconsin River, SNAs within State Parks and some within State Forests, all other DNR-owned SNAs do not have any admission fee. For more information, see Wis. Admin. Code NR 45. For non-DNR-owned SNAs, we are unaware of any vehicle or admission fees. However, please contact the landowner for more information.
In general, the activities listed below are allowed on all DNR-owned SNA lands. Exceptions to this list of public uses, such as SNAs closed to hunting, are noted under the "Access" tab above and posted with signs on site.
Although a handful of sites allow activities like primitive camping (e.g. Lower Chippewa River on sand bars) or horseback riding (e.g. S. Kettle Moraine), the activities listed below are generally prohibited on DNR-owned SNAs.
For rules governing state-owned SNAs and other state lands, please consult Chapter NR 45 Wis. Admin. Code [exit DNR]