Red Cedar Flowage Wildlife Area

Red Cedar Flowage Wildlife Area spans approximately 16,000 acres in Dunn County near the city of Menomonie, Wisconsin. The area centers around the Red Cedar Flowage, a shallow, impounded lake created by damming the Red Cedar River. This diverse landscape comprises wetlands, forests, and open water, providing vital habitats for waterfowl, deer, muskrats, and numerous bird species, including waterfowl and raptors. Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the area was established to enhance wildlife habitat, support public hunting and fishing, and offer outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hunting (especially waterfowl and deer), fishing for species like largemouth bass and panfish, canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife watching. The wetland ecosystem plays a critical role in flood control and water quality improvement for the downstream Red Cedar River. Seasonal water level management helps maintain optimal habitat conditions. The landscape supports a variety of plants including cattails, sedges, and hardwood forests on the upland edges. Due to the flowage’s slow-moving waters and abundant vegetation, it creates excellent viewing opportunities for bald eagles and great blue herons. Access points are available along county roads, with parking and boat launches for public use. While not highly developed for hiking trails, the area’s flat terrain and roads allow for easy exploration on foot, bike, or watercraft. Birders, anglers, and hunters visit throughout the year, with prime times in early spring and fall migratory periods. Red Cedar Flowage Wildlife Area offers a quiet refuge for outdoor enthusiasts looking for diverse wildlife in a natural wetland setting close to Menomonie.