State Natural Areas_Content Page_RockRiverPrairie_289

Rock River Prairie

No. 289

289_rockriver.jpeg

Photo by Thomas A. Meyer/DNR

 

Rock River Prairie is a dry prairie situated on the rolling terrace above the Rock River and contains large populations of prairie forbs and grasses including several rare and threatened plants. The prairie harbors over 50 native prairie species including the pasque flower, which carpets the steep east-facing slope in the spring. In May, large numbers of cream wild indigo and rock sandwort bloom while in September the hills are covered with prairie gentian. These species may reach their highest density in Rock County at this site.

The prairie also supports numerous rare plants including one that was recently rediscovered at the site after the reintroduction of fire and other management activities. Dominant grasses include little blue-stem and side-oats grama with prairie drop-seed. More common forbs present include silky aster, shooting star, prairie smoke, bird’s-foot violet, smooth yellow flax, fringed puccoon, and spiderwort. The site has a previous history of grazing and more recently has decreased in size due to woody species encroachment. Management activities such as brushing and burning will help maintain the openness and integrity of the native prairie. Rock River Prairie is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1999.

Very few State Natural Areas have public facilities, but nearly all are open for various 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. If a developed trail is present, it will normally be noted on the SNA map and/or under the Maps 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 a detailed topographic map are useful tools for exploring larger SNAs.

Entrance fees: Except for 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 fees. For more information, see Wis. Admin. Code NR 45 [exit DNR]. For non-DNR-owned SNAs, we are unaware of any vehicle or admission fees. However, please contact the landowner for more information.

Allowable activities: DNR-owned land

The activities listed below are generally allowed on all DNR-owned SNA lands. Exceptions to this list of public uses, such as SNAs closed to hunting, are noted above and posted with signs on the property site.

Prohibited activities: all SNAs

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.

  • Camping and campfires
  • Collecting of animals (other than legally harvested species), non-edible fungi, rocks, minerals, fossils, archaeological artifacts, soil, downed wood, or any other natural material, alive or dead.
  • Collecting for scientific research requires a permit issued by the DNR
  • Collecting of plants including seeds, roots or other non-edible parts of herbaceous plants such as wildflowers or grasses
  • Drones: Flying-related activities, including the use of drones, hang-gliders and model airplanes, are prohibited. Permission may be issued by the SNA Program for the use of drones for educational or research purposes
  • Geocaching
  • Horseback riding
  • Rock climbing
  • Vehicles, including bicycles, ATVs, aircraft, and snowmobiles except on trails and roadways designated for their use.

For rules governing state-owned SNAs and other state lands, please consult Chapter NR 45 Wis. Admin. Code [exit DNR].

Location

Rock County. T1N-R12E, Section 2. 37 acres.

Driving directions

From the intersection of U.S. Highway 51 and State Highway 81 in Beloit, go north on Highway 51 for 5.5 miles, then west on W. Town Line Road for 1.1 miles, then south on Walters Road one mile to a parking area east of the road.

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 custom map where you can zoom to a specific location, please use the DNR's Mapping Application.

Property Map [PDF]

Rock River Prairie is owned by: Wisconsin DNR