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- Natural areas
- Contact information
- For information on State Natural Areas, contact:
- Thomas Meyer
Natural areas conservation biologist
Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program Cherney Maribel Caves (No. 48)
Photo by Thomas A. Meyer
Overview
Location
Located within Cherney Maribel Caves County Park, Manitowoc County. T21N-R22E, Section 13. 10 acres.
Description
Description
Located on the West Twin River, Cherney Maribel Caves contains a 50-foot limestone bluff, a rare occurrence within the glaciated region of Wisconsin. The "caves" in the side of the bluff are really shallow indentations caused by gaps in the black dolomite. A young beech-maple woodland dominates the uplands and contains a showy spring flora. Near the cliff edge hemlock joins the maple and beech in a narrow strip. The shaded cliff contains polypody, bulbet, and walking ferns. An endangered plant species is also present. At the cliff base and throughout the floodplain are large white cedars. The river bottom forest has many birds usually found farther north. Among these are winter wren, solitary vireo, blackburnian warbler, and yellow-bellied flycatcher. Cherney Maribel Caves is owned by Manitowoc County and was designated a State Natural Area in 1967.
Access
Driving directions
From the junction of I-43 and State Highway 147 one mile east of Maribel, go east on 147 0.3 mile, then north on County Highway R 0.6 mile to the entrance of Cherney Maribel Caves County Park, proceed 0.25 mile to a parking area, and hike east into the natural area. Guided tours of the cave are conducted periodically by a local volunteer group in conjunction with the Manitowoc County Parks and Planning Commission. Visit the Maribel Caves [exit DNR] website for more information.
Ownership
Cherney Maribel Caves is owned by:
- Manitowoc County
Maps
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.
Recreation
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.
Non-DNR lands
Hunting and trapping
This is a non-DNR owned SNA: Opportunities for hunting and trapping depend on the land owner. Please contact them directly to find out about their rules for hunting and trapping. You can find a link to other owner websites under the "Resources" heading above. More details regarding allowable uses of this non-DNR owned SNA may be posted, if available, under the "Access" tab above.
Other activities
Other allowable activities such as - but not limited to camping, geocaching and bicycling are determined by the landowner. Please contact them directly or visit their websites for details.
