Nature Preserve
Erickson Conservation Area
Argyle, Wisconsin
Difficulty: Relatively flat, easy trails with some uneven tread.
Preserve Size: 220 acres
Located next to Argyle High School with access from the Argyle Legion Park, Erickson Conservation Area is a true community asset. The preserve is open to the public year-round for uses including hiking, bird-watching, nature observation, skiing, hunting, and fishing. Visitors will enjoy a variety of scenic vistas and habitat types, plus abundant wildlife!
Located next to Argyle High School with access from the Argyle Legion Park via a
narrow boardwalk, Erickson Conservation Area is a true community asset. The preserve is open to the public year-round for uses including hiking, bird-watching, nature observation, skiing, hunting, and fishing. Visitors will enjoy a variety of scenic vistas and habitat types, plus abundant wildlife!. NOTE: Hunters must avoid carrying or using firearms within 1000 feet of the adjoining school!
Explore the Preserve!
Features
- This is a foot traffic-only preserve, to be used for hiking, running, or snowshoeing.
- Wetlands, river frontage, oak savanna, prairie
- Fishing access
- Hunting is permitted in most of preserve (see Preserve Rules)
- Be on the lookout for cranes, pelicans, turtles, frogs, fox, deer, butterflies, and other wildlife.
Accessibility
- Argyle Legion Community Park seasonally provides picnic tables, a picnic shelter, and bathrooms
- The current entrance to Erickson Conservation Area follows a narrow boardwalk that does not enable wheelchair access. Driftless Conservancy is actively fundraising to install a new, more expansive, accessible boardwalk for access to this site. Please consider supporting these efforts by donating today!
Location & Parking
- The main entrance to the property is from the Argyle Legion Community Park. From the parking lot, walk west across the mowed area to the kiosk. Follow the boardwalk and start exploring the trails!
- Ample parking is available at the Argyle Legion Community Park, including accessible spaces.
Preserve Rules
- Preserve hours are dawn to dusk. Camping and building campfires are not allowed.
- Foot traffic only. The trails are designed for hiking, running, cross-country skiing (note that the trails are not groomed), and snowshoeing. Horseback riding, bicycles, and motorized equipment are not permitted on the preserve.
- Stay on the trails. Hiking off-trail disturbs vegetation and wildlife, and increases your chances of encountering natural hazards or trespassing outside of preserve boundaries.
- Keep dogs on a leash at all times. Off-leash dogs can stress, injure, or kill wildlife, and may create an unpleasant experience for other visitors.
- Leave no trace. Carry out everything that you carry in, including garbage and pet waste. Garbage cans are available at Legion Community Park.
- Hunters must comply with all applicable state and local regulations. In particular, please note that firearms are not permitted in Argyle Legion Community Park or within 1000 feet of the school.
Explore Our Other Nature Preserves
Highland, WI
Mineral Point, WI
Belleville, WI
Dodgeville, WI
Volunteer with Us!
Join us for monthly workdays to steward our beautiful nature preserves and trail systems. New volunteers are always welcome – no experience necessary!
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