Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area is a recreation area in Wisconsin, characterized by its expansive prairie and grassland habitats. This landscape, situated on a flat outwash plain between the Baraboo Hills and the Wisconsin River, offers a diverse environment for outdoor activities. The area features rare remnant prairie and savannah sites, which are undergoing restoration to support grassland birds and other wildlife. Visitors can engage in several sports like jogging, hiking, road cycling, and touring cycling across its varied terrain.
…49
Routes
4.8
(74)
Average rating
1019
People visited

5.0
(3)
37
hikers
2.32km
00:50
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

17.8km
05:24
570m
550m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

5.10km
01:25
110m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

821m
00:22
100m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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23
runners
8.37km
01:02
270m
270m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

20
runners
12.2km
01:26
240m
240m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

11
runners
22.1km
02:41
460m
460m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

5
runners
6.27km
00:45
170m
170m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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10
riders
83.3km
04:31
770m
770m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4
riders
25.0km
01:22
330m
330m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4
riders
44.5km
02:09
200m
200m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

161km
08:31
1,270m
1,270m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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74.8km
04:41
650m
640m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
riders
16.3km
01:07
280m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

49.2km
03:03
360m
360m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
16
riders
23.7km
01:24
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area offers a range of outdoor activities including jogging, hiking, road cycling, and touring cycling. The area features varied terrain, from long gravel roads to the paved Great Sauk State Trail. Visitors have rated the area highly, with an average of 4.87 stars on komoot.
Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area is unique due to its history as the former Badger Army Ammunition Plant and its ongoing ecological restoration efforts. It preserves rare remnant prairie and savannah sites, creating diverse habitats for wildlife. The area provides a natural mosaic of prairie-savanna-woodland at a landscape scale.
Yes, jogging trails are available, including sections of the Devil's Lake Loop. The recreation area is popular for running, offering varied terrain. More information can be found in the Running Trails in Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area guide.
The recreation area is popular for hiking, with varied terrain including long gravel roads and trails. Guides such as Hiking in Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area provide detailed information. There are also options for Easy hikes and Family-friendly hikes.
Road cycling is a popular activity, primarily along the paved Great Sauk State Trail. This trail offers a smooth surface and gradual grades suitable for various skill levels. Additional routes and information are available in the Road Cycling Routes in Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area guide.
The paved Great Sauk State Trail is ideal for touring cycling, spanning 10.5 to 11.4 miles (17 to 18.3 km) through the heart of the recreation area. The property also features various roads, some gravel, open for biking. Explore options in the Cycling in Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area guide.
Yes, the recreation area offers options suitable for families and beginners. The Great Sauk State Trail has gradual grades and a smooth surface, making it accessible for all skill levels. Specific guides for Easy hikes and Family-friendly hikes are available.
The Great Sauk State Trail is a paved trail running through the heart of Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area. It is 10.5 to 11.4 miles (17 to 18.3 km) long, built on a former rail corridor, and connects Prairie du Sac and Sauk City. The trail parallels the Wisconsin River and is suitable for all skill levels.
The recreation area is characterized by wide-open prairie and extensive grassland habitats. It features rare remnant prairie and savannah sites undergoing restoration. Geologically, it lies on a flat outwash plain between the Baraboo Hills and the Wisconsin River, offering views of the distant Baraboo Hills.
Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 4,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The area's routes have received an average rating of 4.87 out of 5 stars, indicating high user satisfaction.
The official website for the Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area is maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Visit dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/saukprairie for detailed information. For trail-specific details, the Friends of the Great Sauk State Trail website is also a resource.
For information or assistance regarding the Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area, contact the Devil's Lake State Park office at 608-356-8301. Alternatively, the Wisconsin DNR customer service line is available at 1-888-936-7463.

