Don't Miss - Hidden Valleys of Southwestern Wisconsin

u
JunEAu cOunty u
Rock is the fourth largest inland body of water in Wisconsin.
Several public boat-launching areas are provided.
The construction of the lake was started in 1947 and
completed in 1950. The Castle Rock and Petenwell Dams are
unique because they were built on sand and were the first such
projects undertaken in the United States. The concrete dams are
classified as “floating type construction” with imbedded cutoff
walls that penetrate deep into the glacial sands for anchoring.
On its way to merging with the mighty Wisconsin, the
Lemonweir River flows through New Lisbon and Mauston. In
Necedah, the Yellow River flows from the north of town. In the
county’s southwestern corner, the Baraboo River flows through
Union Center, Wonewoc, and Elroy.
Wildlife
Follow nature’s calendar and you’re likely to see many
examples of Wisconsin’s wildlife resources in their natural
habitat. Karner blue butterflies, eagles, partridge, pheasants,
gray wolves, coyotes, fox, sandhill cranes, and swans are just
some of the variety that can be seen in Juneau County.
In northern Juneau County is where you will find the
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, which was established in
1939. This 43,656-acre area is located about 4 miles west of
Necedah and is easily accessed from State Highway 21. For
more information call 608.565.2551 or visit the web site at
midwest.fws.gov/Necedah.
The refuge hosts the National Crane Count in April, which
overlook a camping and picnic area, hiking trails, and
a sand beach swimming pond. Climb the trail and
stone steps to the bluffs top of the Ice Age National
Scientific Reserve.
The southeastern access to Juneau County begins
at Rock Arbor State Park, which straddles the border
with Sauk County. Buckhorn State Park is located
between Mauston and Necedah off Highway 58 on the
western shores of Castle Rock Flowage.
The 160-acre Juneau County Castle Rock Park is
situated in a beautiful, wooded area along the lake’s
southwestern shore. In northeastern Juneau County,
you’ll find Wilderness County Park situated along
the west shore of Petenwell Flowage. North of New
Lisbon, Kennedy County Park hosts an annual bow
hunter’s bowshot.
Bass Hollow in south central Juneau County is
280 acres, ideal for picnicking or hiking on its five
miles of walking trails. There are also several private
campgrounds throughout the county.
Rivers & Lakes
If it’s sun and water fun you seek, Juneau County’s
lakes region is the place to be. The Wisconsin River
forms the county’s eastern boundary where eagles are
frequently seen.
All types of water recreation take place along the
Wisconsin River as well as on the Petenwell and Castle
Rock Flowages. Petenwell is the second, and Castle
is sponsored by the ICF (International Crane Foundation). The
third weekend in September, the Necedah Lions honor the
whooping crane with the Whooping Crane Festival. For more
information go to www.whooping-crane-festival.com
Bicycling At Its Best
Juneau County offers three great rails to trails bicycling
experiences. Elroy, once a prominent railroad center, is now the
hub of these groomed bike trails.
Most well known is the “granddaddy of all trails” the Elroy-
Sparta State Trail. It is the first official rails to trails conversion
in the United States. Thirty-two miles in length, the abandoned
Chicago & Northwestern Railroad bed passes through the
trail’s most unique features of three tunnels, dug by hand
in the 1870s.
Flashlights and jackets are recommended when walking
bikes through the tunnels. There are also 33 trestles along with
wooden bridges that have been planked over and fitted with
Hidden Valleys www.hiddenvalleys.com 1