Get Outside!

Conserving Wisconsin’s natural legacy for everyone, forever.

Visit Protected Properties

Landmark Conservancy works with partners to connect people to the varied landscapes of northwest Wisconsin by protecting lands for people of all ages to enjoy. We encourage you to visit these areas that provide public access to hike, birdwatch, cross-country ski, bike, and more. We will continue to add more information about recreating on these properties. Check back for updates!

Below you will find some of our featured projects for various activities. There’s something for everyone! Some properties have trails, and some do not. Please abide by posted user rules and respect private property. We invite you to GET OUTSIDE and engage with nature!

Wisconsin Fall Color Report!

Select an activity to view locations where that activity is available.

Big Ravine North & South

Featured Uses: Hiking, Birdwatching

Bluff Creek Nature Preserve

Featured Uses: Hunting, Birdwatching, Hiking

Brownstone Trail

Featured Uses: Birdwatching, Hiking

Cady Creek Caves Fishing Corridor

Featured Uses: Fishing

Chimney Rock Nature Preserve

Featured Uses: Hunting, Birdwatching, Hiking

Chippewa Glacial Lakes

Featured Uses: Hunting, Birdwatching, Fishing

Colfax Red Cedar Preserve and Recreation Area

Featured Uses: Fishing, Hiking, Canoe/Kayak Access, Birdwatching

David Hanson Memorial Landing

Featured Uses: Birdwatching, Canoe/Kayak Access, Fishing

Devil’s Punchbowl

Featured Uses: Birdwatching, Hiking

Dog Island Lake

Featured Uses: Hunting, Birdwatching, Hiking, Cross-Country Skiing

Eau Galle River Farm Fishing Corridor

Featured Uses: Fishing

Elk Creek Bottoms

Elk Creek Bottoms Preserve Permanently ProtectedFeatured Uses: Birdwatching, Hiking, Canoe/Kayak Access, Fishing, ...

Additional Resources

COVID-19 Use Guidelines

Brownstone Trail Updates

Feature: Tyler Forks

Feature: Devil's Punchbowl

Public Access Google Map

Bayfield Area Trail Guide

Landmark Conservancy Hunting Regulations

Recreate Responsibly 7 Step Process Diagram

Landmark Conservancy is part of an active coalition of more than 1,000 businesses, agencies, nonprofits, and influential voices who are working together to help everyone experience the benefits of nature.

Landmark Conservancy is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

500 East Main Street, Suite 307 Menomonie, Wisconsin 54751

715-235-8850 (All Offices)

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Use and Safety Guidelines during COVID-19

Our trails and preserves are currently open to the public; this is subject to change if overuse becomes an issue.

Please abide by social distancing and consider the following guidelines:

If the parking lot is full, the trail is full. Have a plan B and C. Consider waiting or seeking another place to be outdoors.
Do not use the trails if you have symptoms, have traveled recently, or have been exposed to a known or suspected case of COVID-19. Consider wearing a mask.
Stay six feet away from other people. Practice it and know what it looks like. Maintain this as you walk or hike.
Warn other trail users of your presence and step off trails to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times. Signal your presence with your voice or bell.
To reduce the risk of injury and potential stress to our local healthcare system if you are injured while hiking, be prepared for uncertain trail conditions. Wear sturdy footwear and consider using poles if you have them. Stay within your comfort zone; don’t be afraid to turn around. Stick to easy trails.
Keep dogs on the leash. This will prevent inadvertent close contact with others.
Practice Leave No Trace. Carry in, carry out.

Adapted from Loon Echo Land Trust and shared with permission

Tyler Forks Community Forest

Landmark recently acquired 590 acres adjacent to Copper Falls State Park that has been named Tyler Forks Community Forest. This project, located in Ashland County, is part of the Bad River Watershed and upstream from the Kakagon Slough estuary.

Features of the land include 3 miles of streams that support brook trout, diverse wildlife and migratory bird habitat, and distinct topography in the form of steep ravines, uplands and forested wetlands. Conservation of the land provides important protection for wildlife as well as water quality, and further protects the natural resources of Copper Falls State Park.

Landmark is working to develop public access for recreation, including hiking, hunting, fishing, trapping, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and wildlife viewing. Plans are underway for initial infrastructure, including the construction of parking areas, trail work and signage.

"Preserving large tracts of land is one of the most important things we can do for the greater, public good. Thank you Landmark Conservancy for preserving this 590 acre property adjacent to a 3068 acre state park, and for granting public access."

~ Sarah Johnson, Assistant Professor, Northland College

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Devil's Punchbowl Preserve

The Devil's Punchbowl is a 3-acre property located in Menomonie. The iconic preserve includes a unique natural rock amphitheater, 45-ft. waterfall, and fern-covered cliffs. This site is heavily visited by Dunn County residents and visitors.

In 2021, Landmark supporters came through to help fund a new lower stairway and contributed funds to seed an endowment at the Community Foundation of Dunn County to meet long-term needs of this property and other protected lands in Dunn County. The stairway was completed in August of 2022.

Learn More