Seal of Dane County County of Dane
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Dane County Parks

Ice Age Reserve Wildlife Area

The 131-acre Ice Age Reserve Wildlife Area is a Dane County Wildlife Area within the Ice Age Complex at Cross Plains and the National Ice Age Scientific Reserve. The property consists primarily of crop fields and some small woodlots and contains glacial landforms, including a gorge carved by meltwater. A 1.5-mile long segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail goes through the property and offers exceptional views of the glacial features and surrounding landscape.

This property also includes a permanent "Art Rock" installation. The art was created by artists Tim Malzhan and Dean Bloedorn out of three stones found on the property. The art pieces were created to stimulate interest in the geologic ‘sense of place’ and the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and to engage visitors in the art and science of trail design and construction by providing a visual magnet featuring native stone that welcomes trail users, without the use of words. To see the art, visitors can access the trail at the Old Sauk Pass Trailhead.

The Cross Plains State Park managed by WDNR and the Cross Plains Interpretive Site managed by the National Parks Service are accessible from the Old Sauk Pass Road parking lot.

For more information on hunting and trapping in Dane County Wildlife Areas, please visit our Hunting webpage.

Special hunting regulations:

  • Areas within 100 yards on either side of the Ice Age Trail are closed to hunting.


Addresses

Google Maps are provided for reference. Trails, park boundaries, parking lots and other features on this map may not be up-to-date. Please check the official maps for up-to-date information.

Restrooms

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History