Mild fall temperatures, changing leaves and migrating wildlife – all great reasons for you to visit a nature area right now in the Stevens Point area. Here’s where you should go.

Geese over Lake Joanis by Bob Mosier

  • Schmeeckle Reserve, Stevens Point. A 280-acre natural area on the UW-Stevens Point Campus. Features five miles of trails, the pristine Lake Joanis, and a diverse habitat that is home to more than 200 species of birds and 33 species of mammals.
  • Buena Vista Grasslands, Wisconsin Rapids. One of the most extensive grasslands east of the Mississippi River. Hosts the largest concentration of greater prairie chickens in Wisconsin, as well as a number of other grassland species like Henslow sparrows, short-eared owls and meadowlarks.
  • George Mead Wildlife Area, Milladore. 33,000 acres of land make this the third-largest wildlife area in the state. 268 species of birds have been observed here.