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Frequently Asked Question
General Information
Are ATV and snowmobiles allowed in the refuge?
All township roads are open for ATV and snowmobile use. A map of ATV routes are available at local gas stations and restaurants made available through the Castle Rock Family ATV Club. Check local laws for restrictions.
Are pets allowed in the refuge?
Pets are allowed in the refuge, but must be leashed at all times except hunting dogs used during the hunt seasons.
Are there any employment or volunteer opportunities available?
Summer employment opportunities do exist on the refuge. Inquire by calling 608-565-2551 or by email for further information beginning January through March. Permanent positions are advertised on USAJOBS or posted at the Visitor Center front desk.
Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year and consist of indoor and outdoor projects. View the Get Involved link for additional information on volunteering at the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge.
How can I contact you?
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
N11385 Headquarters Road
Necedah, WI 54646
Phone: 608-565-2551
Fax: 608-565-3160
For additional contact information view the Contacts page.
How much does it cost to visit the refuge?
There is no entrance fee to use the Refuge. However some National Wildlife Refuges do have an entrance fee. Inquire about the America The Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. If you are 62 or older or receive disability benefits, you may be eligible for the Senior or Access pass.
Is Meadow Valley Wildlife Area part of the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge?
Meadow Valley State Wildlife Area, a 90-mile area adjacent to the west boundary of the refuge, is owned by the federal government and leased to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for wildlife management. The Area is open to a number of public uses including primitive camping and was obtained at the same time as the refuge under federal relief programs involving the purchase of abandoned and tax-delinquent private farms.
Is there any lodging available near the refuge?
There are many Hotels / Motels to choose from within and outside of the Village of Necedah as well as in the Tomah area.
What is the best driving route to the refuge?
To reach the main entrance and Visitor Center, travel 15 miles east on Highway 21 from Interstate 94 at Tomah, Wisconsin; or four miles west on Highway 21 from Necedah, Wisconsin. Turn north onto Headquarters Road and travel two miles to the Visitor Center.
What is there for children to do at the refuge?
Check out the Things To Do page for children activities.
What is there to do in the refuge?
Check out the Things To Do page for activities.
What public programs are available in the refuge?
Check out the Events and Things To Do pages for refuge programs.
Where can I bicycle in the refuge?
Bicycling is only permitted on township roads.
Where is Necedah National Wildlife Refuge located?
Located in central Wisconsin, Necedah National Wildlife Refuge is 180 miles southeast of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and 150 miles northwest of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The refuge lies north of Highway 21 and west of Highway 80 in Juneau County.
Camping
Are there campgrounds or RV sites available in the refuge?
There are no campgrounds or RV sites available in the refuge. However, Meadow Valley State Wildlife Area located on the western edge of the refuge has several primitive campgrounds with pit toilets. You may also want to check out our local state park and private campgrounds in Adams County, Juneau County and Tomah area.
History
What is the origin of the name "Necedah"?
Necedah is a Ho-Chunk Indian word meaning "land of yellow waters." It refers to the tawny, yellow water, stained by minerals in the soil, which drains into the Wisconsin River some seven miles east of the Refuge. Besides the Ho-Chunk, this area was also occupied at various times by the Sauk, Fox, Potawatomi and Ojibwa.
Why is there a cemetery on the refuge?
Located in the Kingston Township, the Meadow Valley cemetery located southeast of the former town of Meadow Valley off of Finley Road is maintained by volunteers.
Is there a history page to the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge website?
Yes. Check out the History link to learn more about wildlife management that has taken place on the refuge since 1939.
Where can I learn more about the local history?
You can find local history at the Necedah Library and by visiting the following links:
Necedah, Wisconsin
Juneau County, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Historical Society
Weather
Are the roads in the refuge open all year round?
Yes.
How much snow does the refuge receive every year?
During the winter of 2008, the refuge received over 100 inches of snow; the annual average is 53 inches.
What is the annual rainfall?
28 to 32 inches annually
What is the best time to see fall foliage?
Beginning in mid September through early October.
What is the weather like in Necedah today?
For a live look at the weather for the refuge and Juneau County check out Juneau County Weather page.
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge is home to one of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) climatic monitoring stations where it collects data for the National Climatic Data Center.
Visit Necedah National Wildlife Refuge monitoring station for real-time information.
Wildlife
Are there black bears on the refuge?
Yes. Every year staff and residents in the Necedah area are seeing bears more frequently.
Is hunting and fishing allowed on the refuge?
Yes. Please refer to the hunting/fishing brochure for rules and regulations.
When are blackflies and mosquitoes the worst in the refuge?
During the months of May through September
Where can I see otter?
Sprague and Goose pools are the best places to see otter. See Refuge Map.
Where can I see whooping cranes?
The most reliable location to see whooping cranes are at the Visitor Center, Observation Tower, and at the Sprague and Goose pools. See Refuge Map for these locations.
I heard there is a Wetland Gem on the Refuge!
This Wetland Gem site features a large wetland complex in the refuge known as the Suk-Cerney Wetlands. It was designated a Wetland Gem by the Wisconsin Wetlands Association in the summer of 2009. ~more information~
Miscellaneous
Can I pick blueberries in the refuge?
You are welcome to search for berries from July 1 to August 15. A seasonal berry brochure (1.33Mb pdf) is available by request beginning in June of each year at the Visitor Center.
Most interest is in blueberries, but blackberries, raspberries, dewberries, huckleberries, and wild strawberries are also found on the refuge. The entire refuge is open except for the whooping crane rearing areas, which are marked with signs as closed.
Please note: A one gallon container is the maximum amount of berries that can be picked at one time.
Can I pick mushrooms in the refuge?
No. The only items that can be harvest from the refuge are berries and animals during the designated harvest periods.
Do you have any hiking trails?
Yes. Please visit the Trails Page for information on our five trails.
Do you have a cross-country ski trail?
Although no groomed trails exist, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted refuge-wide, December 15 - March 31.
What refuge regulations should I know?
Activities not expressly permitted are prohibited. If you have any questions, please check with refuge staff at the Visitor Center.
- The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset.
- Speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise posted.
- Vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles and bicycles are not permitted off township roads.
- Camping is not permitted on the refuge.
- Parking is permitted only in designated areas. Do not block gates.
- Open fires and charcoal fires are not permitted on the refuge.
- Pets must be leashed at all times.
- Visitor Center hours: 7:30am to 4:00pm, Monday through Saturday. Closed December 24-26, 31 and January 1-2, 2012, to observe federal holidays. Open seven days a week from April 1 through November 30. Please call ahead to verify as hours are subject to change (608-565-2551).
- Brochures are available for additional information / regulations on wildlife viewing, birding, hunting and fishing, and berry picking. Consult the appropriate brochures before participating in these activities.
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