Exploring The Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area

Wisconsin is a state filled with absolutely incredible natural areas - from state and national parks to locally run wildlife areas.

The Jackson Marsh Wildlife area near the village of Jackson, Wisconsin, is one such example of a beautiful natural area open to the public for a wide array of popular outdoor activities.

Located near the intersection of Highway 60 and Highway 45 by Jackson, you can get there directly by traveling on County Highway G which cuts through the area. Read on to learn more about this exceptional area.

Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area Basics

Spread out over a large 2,300 acre area in the eastern part of Washington County, locals appreciate the versatility of this outdoor area, which includes farmland, forests, wetlands, and patches of wood lots, ponds, and wetlands.

The area even is home to a wet forest that is comprised of silver maple and white cedar. Mix in some classic northern trees like black ash and yellow birch, and you get an idea of the diverse array of plants and trees that are found in the area.

The wetland conditions mean there is plenty of low level shrubs, moss, and other flora. Just a short list includes:

• Gay-wings
• False mayflower
• 3-leaf goldthread
• Bog orchids
• Twinflowers
• Sphagnum moss and more!

Owned by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) the Jackson Marsh was officially designated as a State Natural Area back in 1994. Aside from the incredible plant life, there are dozens of birds found throughout the area including the threatened Kentucky Warber.

Driving Directions - How To Get There

Finding the Jackson Natural Area isn't difficult. If you are traveling from the intersection of highways 45 & 60, turn onto Hwy 60 East and travel just a sliver over 3 miles.

From here you will want to turn onto County Highway G and then travel exactly 1.2 miles. At this point you will need to turn west to hit an access lane that leads to a graveled parking area. From there you can explore and enjoy the natural area at your leisure!

What You Can Do At Jackson Marsh

There are a wide variety of activities that are allowed in the Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area.

Generally speaking you can enjoy any of the activities that the DNR allows at any natural area throughout the state, but there might be times where some of these are prohibited. Always read the signs posted at the area and take those and any printed updates on site as the latest word on the subject.

Allowed activities include:

• Hiking
• Fishing
• Hunting
• Trapping
• Outdoor education
• Viewing wildlife
• Cross country skiing (in winter)
• Some scientific research (with permit from DNR)

Activities that are prohibited include:

• Horseback riding
• Rock climbing
• Any type of vehicle (including bikes and mountain bikes)
• Collecting animals (other than in-season hunting animals)
• Removing rocks, soil, or other natural material
• Collecting plants or seeds
• Geocaching activities
• Camping & campfires

This isn't necessarily a comprehensive list but it gives a good idea of what activities you can and cannot enjoy in this wonderful natural area.