Explore the Newly Opened Sugar River Wildlife Area

October 16, 2025
Joleen Stinson, Dane County Parks
Land & Water Resources

Dane County Parks is pleased to announce the public opening of the Sugar River Wildlife Area in the Verona and Montrose Townships. The 923-acre property is located on more than a mile and a half stretch of the Sugar River and Badger Mill Creek and features a diverse landscape of wetlands, woodlands, prairies, and crop fields that support a wide range of wildlife.

The diverse mix of habitats provide exceptional opportunities for waterfowl, deer and turkey hunting, as well as trout fishing. Visitors may also hike, snowshoe, or use one of the two canoe/kayak landings to paddle the Sugar River. The property preserves two stone buildings, reflecting the lives of early immigrant settlers, while a Native American mound honors the legacy of those who inhabited the lands before them. Portions of the property also serve as a Dane Demo Farm site, a collaborative research initiative that demonstrates innovative farming methods and conservation practices to improve soil health and water quality.

“This property is a great example of how we can balance recreation, conservation, and agricultural use in ways that benefit both people and the environment,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “We’re excited to see the continued growth of habitat restoration here and provide a space for the public to connect with nature and the past.”

The wildlife area has expanded from an initial 60 acres acquired in 2018 to over 900 acres of public land and an additional 108-acre public hunting easement on private land. Over the last two years, Dane County Parks has completed several building removals, parking lots, canoe/kayak launches and installed property boundary signage to get the property ready for the public.

Future plans for the Sugar River Wildlife Area include continued prairie, woodland, wetland, and stream improvements to enhance biodiversity and wildlife habitat, along with continued efforts to improve public access. Adjacent units of the Sugar River Wildlife Area offer more than 500 additional acres of public hunting land.

For more information about the Sugar River Wildlife Area, visit: https://www.danecountyparks.com/WildlifeArea/Sugar-River-Wildlife-Area.