Cadiz Springs

Browntown-Cadiz Springs State Rec Area

 

Do you enjoy a liesurely walk in the park?  How about fishing?  A picnic lunch at a lake?  Viewing wildlife?  If you answer yes to any of these questions, then you should take a drive to Browntown-Cadiz Springs State Rec Area just outside Monroe, WI.  It's an hour west of the Janesville / Beloit area.

I go hiking often, and I see more wildlife at Cadiz Springs than I have at any other park.  Not just the ducks and geese that live by any lake or river, but great blue herons, pheasants, turtles and dragon flies.  Not just mourning doves and cardinals, but pileated woodpeckers, butterflies, beavers, chipmunks, squirrels, and frogs.  There is even a nesting platform for osprey.

Zander Lake

Beckman Lake

General Information

There are two lakes stocked with fish.  Beckman Lake (the larger lake) has a boat launch and a beach.  Zander Lake (the smaller lake) is circled by a nature trail.

Every time I visit this park I see people fishing from the shore and in a boat.  I don't fish myself, but I saw a lot of fish swimming in Zander Lake on my latest visit.

There is a bathroom at the parking area.  And there is a vending machine with drinks if you need it.

Great Blue Heron and Canada Geese

Turtle

Character of the trails

The nature trail circles Zander Lake with signs full of information and pictures about local plants and wildlife.  It is a fairly easy trail.  If you can walk in a city park, then you can walk this trail.

Every step of the way is an opportunity to view something  beautiful in nature.  The trail starts where the lakes come together forming an isthmus.  Turtles walk down the trail or rest on a stick in the lake.  Ducks, geese and other water birds swim from shore to shore.  Herons stalk their prey.  Birds fill the air with cheerful melodies.  Butterflies flit from flower to flower.  Wildflowers are scattered along the trails.  Wooded areas provide shade from the sun.

Follow the trail along the isthmus and observe.  There is wildlife every where if you only look for it.  (Note:  Please watch your step, geese use the trail as their bathroom.)

Another trail splits off the nature trail and loops around Beckman Lake. It passes through the woods before coming close to the shore again. It is only slightly more difficult than the nature trail: there is a hill on the far shore and this trail is longer than the nature trail. But if you want a quiet place to picnic with your date, then take this trail. There are several places that are ideal for a picnic.

Dragonflies



wildflowers

Red-winged Blackbird (female)

Beaver

Great Blue Heron



Great Blue Heron

Squirrel peeking out of tree

Dragonfly

Conclusion

If you want to fish, come to Cadiz Springs.  If you want a quiet picnic, come to Cadiz Springs.  If you want to see wildlife, come to Cadiz Springs.

Supplies

Suggested-Water (or gatorade or juice)
Snacks (trail mix, fruit, veggies, beef stick, cheese, anything besides chocolate)
Backpack (to carry everything)
Hiking boots (or a second pair of shoes to change into afterwards)
Optional-
Picnic lunch
Camera
Friend/date