Lands_Content Page_Evansville Wildlife Area and Allen Creek Streambank Protection Area

Evansville Wildlife Area and Allen Creek Stream Bank Protection Area

View over a grass field on a sunny day

Evansville Wildlife Area is located outside the city of Evansville in Rock County and currently consists of 739 acres of state-owned land on the east side of Hwy 213. The Allen Creek Streambank Protection Area consists of 225 acres of state-owned land primarily located on the west side of Hwy 213. Allen Creek, a class 2 trout stream, flows north-south for approximately 2.5 miles through the properties. There are also 2 privately-owned easements open to the public located off the intersection of West Coon Island Road and Hwy M, and North Weary Road, respectively.  

Habitat types include native wet prairie, emergent marsh, sedge meadow, upland prairie, shrub, and cropland mixed throughout.

Together, these properties provide public access to hunting, fishing, trapping and other recreational opportunities.  

Common game species include pheasants, mourning doves, turkey, waterfowl, deer and other small game species.

Management Objectives

The Evansville Wildlife Area was established in 1964 and has primarily been known as a home for many game and non-game bird species, including pheasants, mourning doves, northern harriers, and a variety of migrant songbirds and waterfowl. The Allen Creek SBPA was established in 1995 as a buffer to the Allen Creek watershed.  

Prescribed burning, mowing, invasive species control, and agricultural practices are the most common management tools used on the landscape.

The department's wetland mitigation program completed an 80-acre wetland restoration in the Evansville Wildlife Area was completed in 2021 to increase the southern sedge meadow and wet prairie habitat. 

Visit the master planning for more information on this and other wildlife areas around the state.

Recreation

The Evansville Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:

  • Birding
  • Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
  • Fishing
  • Hiking (no designated trail)
  • Hunting (noted for: pheasants and mourning doves)
  • Trapping
  • Wild edibles/gathering
  • Wildlife viewing

Amenities:

  • Bathroom - None
  • Parking lot - Yes
  • Campground and size - None
  • Trails, Types and Lengths - Non-designated only

Maps

Download [PDF] a map of this property.

Map F Series: Evansville Wildlife Area and Stream Bank Protection Area and Allen Creek Fishery Area [PDF]

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.