Lands_Content Page_Lima Marsh-Storrs Lake Wildlife Area

Lima Marsh-Storrs Lake Wildlife Area

Snow over grass field on a sunny day.

 

Lima Marsh-Storrs Lake Wildlife Area consists of 2,864 acres of state-owned land located northeast of Milton in Rock County. With a mix of native prairie, wetlands, lakes, hardwoods and streams, the property provides a home to a variety of wildlife and fish species found in southern and northern Wisconsin. A segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail crosses through the western side of Storrs Lake and is heavily utilized by day and through-hikers. An 850-foot boardwalk was completed in 2023 just north of Storrs Lake along the trail segment to provide users a new vantage point between sections of hardwood forest, kettles, moraines and open wetlands.  

Another unique feature of the property is the Lima Bog State Natural Area (No. 219). Here you can find a remnant 4-acre southern alkaline bog lake surrounded by more than 100 acres of wet forest containing flora more typical of its northern counterparts, such as tamarack, bog birch, pitcher plants, sundew, small cranberry, and several species of orchids. Birders can even find species more typical of northern bogs, such as black-throated green warblers and white-throated sparrows, occasionally spending their summer here.    

The property provides public access for hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking and many other nature-based outdoor activities. Storrs Lake also has a boat launch and pier.

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

Management Objectives

This wildlife area started as 2 separate project areas. Storrs Lake Wildlife Area was established in 1949 to provide habitat for public hunting and primarily focused on waterfowl and pheasant. Lima Marsh Wildlife Area was created in 1956 as a Federal Aid in Fish and Wildlife Restoration project for the purpose of protecting wetlands, preserving pheasant and waterfowl habitat and providing public hunting. In 1988, Lima Bog was designated a State Natural Area to recognize and protect it as one of the largest bogs in south central Wisconsin. In 2009, both wildlife areas were merged into one due to their proximity and having the same management goals and prescriptions.  

With a variety of habitat types (grasslands, wetlands, savanna, oak woodland and lakes), the primary management objectives include prescribed burning, mowing, invasive species control and agricultural practices to best meet the goal of maximizing wildlife habitat.  

In recent years, more effort has been made to convert agricultural lands back to native habitat by planting oak trees and prairie grasses/forbs.

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

Recreation

The Lima Marsh Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:

  • Biking
  • Birding (look for northern species such as black-throated green warbler and white-throated sparrow during summer)
  • Boating (non-motorized)
  • Canoeing
  • Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting (noted for: pheasant, turkey, waterfowl, deer, other small game)
  • Kayaking
  • Snowmobiling trail
  • Trapping
  • Wild edibles/gathering
  • Wildlife viewing

Amenities

  • Bathroom - none.
  • Parking lot - yes.
  • Campground and size - none.
  • Trails, Types and Lengths - Ice Age Trail.
  • Other amenities - boat launch and pier.

Maps

Download [PDF] a map of this property.

If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.

Adopt a Fish or Wildlife Area

 

Find out more about how to adopt this wildlife area.