Grassy Lake Wildlife Area
Grassy Lake Wildlife Area is a 380-acre property located in Barron County. Find it by going east of Cumberland on Highway B for 3.25 miles. Turn north on 10th Street and go 1 mile. The property is northeast and can also be accessed from 11th Street on the east side. There is a gated trail on each end of the property.
This property provides a wide variety of habitat types, from hardwood forests to ponds/lakes, to tamarack swamps. Here, you will find deer, bear, turkey, grouse, etc., to hunt, trap, or enjoy viewing. With access from both sides of the property, you can easily explore what this area offers.
Management Objectives
The property was established in the 1980s to protect the many small, connected "chain lakes " and provide recreational hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities. As lands were acquired, marginal farm fields were converted to prairie to complement the existing native prairie community and provide additional wildlife habitat and hunting opportunities.
Current management objectives focus on protecting the Grassy Lake wetland basin and managing pre-settlement vegetation types. This includes maintaining existing prairies and savannas and seeking opportunities to increase these cover types. The property is managed on a landscape scale, creating smooth transitions between cover types.
The property is monitored for invasive species such as black locust and garlic mustard. Prairie and savanna areas are managed and maintained through prescribed burning, mowing and herbicide use to limit brush encroachment and encourage vigorous grasslands. Wetlands are managed through limited disturbance to prevent the spread of reed canary grass. Woodlands are managed to limit the spread of oak wilt and encourage regeneration of oak and hickory.
Grassy Lake has periodic timber sales to improve forest habitat for game and non-game species. The Ruffed Grouse Society improved the trail system to provide better access for forest management and hunting.
Visit the property planning page for more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state, visit the property planning page.
Recreation
The Grassy Lake Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:
Note: No bikes or E-bikes allowed.
- Birding
- Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
- Fishing
- Hiking (designated trail)
- Hunting (noted for: deer, waterfowl, pheasants, turkeys [Zone 3], rabbits, furbearers and squirrels)
- Trapping
- Wild edibles/gathering
- Wildlife viewing
Amenities
- Bathroom - None
- Parking lot - Yes
- Campground and size - None
- Trails, Types and Lengths - There are designated trails on the property
Maps
Download [PDF] a map of this property.
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.