Deer Park Wildlife Area
Deer Park Wildlife Area is a 213-acre property located in northern St. Croix County on the Polk County line. Originally called Johnson Wildlife Area, the property is split into two parcels within 1/2 mile of each other — an 84-acre grassland/wetland complex and a 129-acre grassland/oak savanna complex. The land was purchased in 2001 as a part of the Western Prairie Habitat Restoration Area and consists primarily of grassland (262 acres) and wetland habitat (18 acres). A small remnant oak savanna is located on the eastern property, giving a good representation of the habitat historically located in the area. The property is managed as part of the Western Prairie Habitat Restoration Area, a landscape-scale wetland and grassland restoration project.
The property is located approximately 5 miles east of Star Prairie. Follow County Highway H east out of Star Prairie for 5 miles, then turn north on 185th Street for 1/2 mile. The western 84 acres are located on the west side of 185th Street. To access the eastern 129 acres, proceed east on 235th Avenue for approximately 10.5 miles. A parking lot is off 235th Avenue.
Management Objectives
The property is managed to provide opportunities for public hunting, trapping, wildlife observation and other nature-based outdoor recreation. A large-scale grassland restoration effort went underway in 2016 to convert a former pine plantation back to native prairie grasses. After the completion of the restoration, management objectives will aim to maintain an open grassland community through prescribed fire, mechanical and chemical control of woody species and limited haying and grazing. Populations of invasive species are controlled or eliminated by cutting, pulling, burning, herbicide treatment and/or bio-control.
Visit the property planning for more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state.
Recreation
The Deer Park Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:
- Birding
- Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
- Falconry (by permit)
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Snowshoeing
- Trapping
- Wild edible/gathering
- Wildlife viewing
Amenities
- Bathroom - None
- Parking lot - located on the Southern side of 235th Avenue.
- Campground and size - None
- Trails, Types and Lengths - None
Maps
Download [PDF] a map of the Deer Park East property.
Download [PDF] a map of the Deer Park West property.
If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.
