Wisconsin’s state parks often draw big crowds, but there’s one remarkable property that flies a little under the radar. Rush Creek State Natural Area is a Wisconsin preserve in Crawford County that offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River. It’s a beautiful western Wisconsin hiking spot, and it’s a place that’s unlike any other state wildlife area. Here’s why.

Rush Creek State Natural Area is located north of Ferryville, right along the Mississippi River, and it includes a towering 400-foot bluff.
Jianjun Jiang/Google
The preserve is an important cultural site. The area has a long history of human habitation, dating back more than 10,000 years to when Native American tribes hunted and fished in the area.
Google/Liz DeHaan
More recently, the area was used for farming and logging before being acquired by the state of Wisconsin and turned into a natural area.
Renner Anderson/AllTrails - Oct. 17, 2021 -
The area’s steep, rocky terrain preserved a type of native prairie that's all but disappeared from Wisconsin.

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Because this is a state natural area, it’s more rustic than many parks. There aren’t carefully paved and marked trails but there’s an old road that you can follow up, to a two-mile stretch of dry prairie, and you’ll find plenty to explore.
Aaron Carlson/Google
The parkland is teeming with native plants and wildlife, and it has a dramatic feature – sweeping views of the Mississippi River. On some days, you may have it all to yourself!
A Petrikas/AllTrails - Sep. 26, 2022
This protected natural area doesn’t allow some activities, like biking and camping, but if you want to take in some unique Wisconsin habitat and a spectacular view, this could be just the spot for your next outdoor adventure.
Kimberly Jacobson/AllTrails - Jul. 26, 2022

Learn more about the Rush Creek State Natural Area on the state Department of Natural Resources website. There are so many hidden gems in Wisconsin that are just waiting to be discovered. Here are some more great places to enjoy outdoor activities in Wisconsin. I think you may find some places you’ll want to explore.

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Rush Creek State Natural Area, De Soto, WI 54624, USA