Necedah

Plan Your Visit

National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Step into nature on one of six hiking trails that wind through the refuge’s unique landscapes that offer the chance to see both endangered and common species in a peaceful and serine area.

Unsure about where to go or what to do? Stop in the visitor center to find out more! The visitor center is a must see first stop for the most current things to do and hands on exhibits that engage all ages to learn about the hidden world nature holds.

Knowledgeable staff and volunteers that treasure this amazing place are always excited to share places to go and things to see on the refuge. They are always eager to hear how your visit is going!

Adventure awaits novices to outdoor enthusiasts with year-round activities. Experience the refuge by hiking, snowshoeing, ungroomed cross-country skiing, hunting, fishing, photography, nature and wildlife viewing as well as guided naturalist programs.

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Driving Directions

The refuge entrance is located off of Hwy 21, four miles west of Necedah, Wisconsin or 18 miles east of Tomah, Wisconsin. To reach the visitor center, turn onto Headquarters Road and travel two miles north into the interior of the refuge.

Navigation Note: There are many township roads that crisscross the 40,000 acres of refuge, not all are passable. This sometimes confuses navigation apps. The visitor center is located at N11385 Headquarters Road, Necedah, Wisconsin 54646. Please be sure you are routed from Hwy 21 onto Headquarters Road. Many local seasonal roads are dead ends.

The refuge is located 150 miles from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and 180 miles from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Most of the refuge lies north of Highway 21 and west of Highway 80, with all property in Juneau County.

Fees

There is no charge to visit.

Restrooms

There are two sets of restrooms on the refuge attached to the visitor center. Indoor restrooms are available in the visitor center when open. Afterhours restrooms are attached to the west end of the visitor center and are open sunrise to sunset year round.

To find the afterhours bathrooms, head towards the visitor center from the parking lot, walk past the kiosk on the left-hand side of the center and follow the sidewalks, just a few steps, to the end of the building. Exterior doors have restroom markers on them and there is a seasonal water fountain.

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Points of Interest ~ Seasons of Wildlife ~ Things to Do ~ Viewing Tips ~ Know Before You Go

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Points of Interest

Visitor Center

The visitor center holds hands-on, minds-on interactive exhibits and activities for all ages and a six-minute refuge video about the seasons and wildlife of the refuge. Staff and volunteers are on hand to answer questions, point you in the right direction and love to hear about your plans, visit and wildlife sightings! Plan to stop in the Karner Korner, while in the visitor center, for a memento, nature guidebook, local art or new refuge wear! Don’t forget to step outside and check out the patios, boardwalks and trails to spend a few moments in nature. Center and trails are all family friendly and ADA accessible.

Ducks Unlimited Overlook

Along Headquarters Road this observation deck immerses visitors in an active wetland complex. The deck includes a donated spotting scope to view the area and especially the eagle nest across the wetland. Waterfowl and wading birds await visitors starting in March and are active into November. Raptors and mammals like wolves, coyote, beavers and otters are also frequent visitors year round.

Observation Tower

A two-story tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps gives visitors a bird’s eye view to a back bay area of Rynearson Pool 1. The ground level of the tower has been updated to a cement pad with benches for visitors that would prefer not to climb to the top. Early birds can experience life on the wetland wake up and take off during spring and fall migrations. Be sure to stay a while! Visitors at all times of the year marvel at how natures reveals itself if you look and listen for more than 20 minutes. Black bears, deer, coyote, mink and weasels have all been spotted around the tower and trail.

Boghaunter Overlook

The center of Boghaunter Trail’s parking loop holds a slightly elevated deck. Don’t let its seemingly small stature fool you! Just a couple feet of elevation change reveal an intriguing landscape that is a mosaic of wetlands, sedge meadows, prairies and shrub edges bursting with life. If you adventure further along the Baordwalk Loop there is a photo blind and high sand ridge the trail traverses that also holds breathtaking views.

Photo Blinds

Wooden, year round photo blinds are located on Lupine Loop and Boghaunter Trail. Large enough for two people and two tripods. Bring your chair or stool, speed stick or tripod! The blind design has two heights of openings with sliding wooden panels to choose your set up. Upon entering, double check for wildlife, that call the refuge home, did not arrive before you! When done we appreciate the help to be sure to latch the door to prevent the wind from pulling it off the hinges!

Harvey’s Pond

Once a borrow pit for road construction, this little pond has been reclaimed by nature! Visitors can fish, hike, or simply sit and enjoy a little area of the refuge that has seemed to jump out of a fairy tale. Tall rushes and summer lily pads create a tranquil pocket away from everyday life. Trumpeter swans enjoy nesting and swimming here. River otters are also a common sight eating fish atop the beaver den. Sitting on the dock and watching the dragonflies hatch is also an amazing way to spend part of a day.

Benches and Tables

Visitors can find the occasional Aldo Leopold-styled bench placed around the trails. Recycled resin benches are found around the visitor center and its trail. Outdoor tables are placed near the visitor center, Lily Pad Outdoor Classroom and Harvey’s pond for educational groups. When not in use by naturalists, the public is welcome to use them. We ask that after use visitors leave it cleaner than they found it - pay it forward to wildlife and future visitors! Thank you!

Outdoor Amphitheaters and Tracking Pad

The refuge and Friends of Necedah National Wildlife Refuge are slowly adding elements into a natural play space and discovery area near the visitor center. Two outdoor amphitheaters and a bear paw tracking pad are available for visitors to explore. The amphitheaters are great for birdwatching, story time and watching wildlife. The bear paw has a sandy area that usually has real animal tracks left in it, can be used like a sandbox and if excavated in spots has real animal tracks imprinted in the base!

Goose and Sprague Pools

Slowly drive between these two impounded wetlands for waterfowl and wildlife viewing. Bring your camera and even stop and stay a while on the floating fishing and viewing platform. Listen for loons, whooping cranes, sandhill cranes, trumpeter swans and more.

Wildlife Drive

Many people ask about an auto tour or a wildlife loop. While no marked route exists, we can offer numerous township roads that cross the refuge to view wildlife from your car. Please call ahead to the visitor center for current road conditions and routes, as many township roads are seasonal or under construction. Call 608-565-2551 for the latest information.