Recently my wife and I visited Navarino Wildlife Area. This is a small wildlife area west of Highway 47 and north of Black Creek, WI. Its got a nice sized visitor center with resources to teach classes. As well as plenty of paths for hiking.
Navarino State Wildlife Area:
A Quick Overview
Navarino State Wildlife Area is a substantial natural area spanning over 15,000 acres in Shawano and Waupaca counties, Wisconsin. Its diverse terrain, including sandy uplands, marshy depressions, and various forest types, supports a rich ecosystem.
Key Stats and Features:
- Size: Over 15,000 acres
- Location: Southern Shawano and northeastern Waupaca counties
- Habitat: Sandy uplands, marshy depressions, swamp conifer, lowland scrub, bog, bottom land hardwoods, pine plantations, aspen/oak forest, open fields
- Wildlife: Sand hill cranes, wild turkey, black terns, wood ducks, various waterfowl, migratory songbirds, and most Wisconsin fur-bearing mammals
- Recreational Activities: Hiking, hunting (deer, waterfowl, turkey, small game), fishing, bird watching, wildlife observation
Review
In mid-summer Navarino Wildlife Area has plenty of beautiful Flowers and wild life. Canadian Geese, Sand Hill Cranes, and other water fowl are easily seen in the flowage areas of the park.
If your patient you can even see the odd Green or Blue Heron.
Unfortunately the Deer flies were out in force the day we went. So make sure you stock up on bug spray. Also the visitor center is close to a mile away from the flowages. However there are a few parking lots right on the flowages.
With the area open to some hunting for safety you may want to avoid duck and goose hunting seasons in the fall.
So Navarino is definitely a great place for a hike but know that this is a wild area.
If you have visited Navarino Wildlife Area, please feel free to add your experiences by commenting commenting on Facebook.