Turtle Creek Wildlife Area
Turtle Creek Wildlife Area is a 1,035-acre property located in western Walworth and eastern Rock counties—the property snakes along 10 miles of Turtle Creek in four segments from Delavan to South O'Riley Road. Ten road crossings and/or parking lots are scattered throughout the property. Due to the many crossings, this property lends itself well to kayak and canoe adventures along Turtle Creek, although during drought years, the creek becomes shallow and challenging to traverse.
The habitat consists of sedge meadow, shrub carr, hardwood forest and small prairie remnants. Large fall and winter concentrations of Canada geese can be seen at Turtle Creek. It is also home to a number of rare fish and reptile species. Game species include deer, waterfowl, and small game.
Turtle Creek is featured in the Southern Savanna Region of the Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail as a property to see yellow, blue-winged and golden warblers, along with eastern meadowlarks, brown thrashers and lark sparrows.
Management Objectives
Turtle Creek management is primarily prescribed fire, timber management (harvest and regeneration), and some spot herbicide treatment. Because much of the property is wetlands or hard to access, large areas are passively managed.
Visit the property planning page for more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state.
Recreation
The Turtle Creek Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:
- Birding
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking (no designated trail)
- Hunting
- Kayaking
- Trapping
- Wild edibles/gathering
- Wildlife viewing
Note: Portions of this property are only accessible via the waters of Turtle Creek or adjacent private landowners. As always, be sure to have permission to cross private lands before you do so.
Amenities
- Bathroom - none.
- Parking lot - yes.
- Campground and size - none.
- Trails, Types and Lengths - non-designated only.
- Other amenities - primitive kayak and canoe launches.
Maps
Download [PDF] a map of this property.
If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.
