Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area
Wander Wisconsin's largest and highest quality coastal prairie in southeastern Wisconsin, housing over 400 native plant species.
Step into Wisconsin's richest prairie—an over 700-acre tapestry of wetlands, dunes, and oak openings. Recognized as a National Natural Landmark, a Wisconsin Wetlands Association Wetland Gem and a Natural Area of Statewide Significance (NA-1) by the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. Chiwaukee Prairie protects what most people never expect to find in the urban corridor between Milwaukee and Chicago: delicate ridge and swale topography providing home to pockets of wet and dry prairie, calcareous fens, marshes, sedge meadows, and savanna remnants.
Owned and Managed by:
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), in partnership with the Chiwaukee Prairie Preservation Fund (CPPF), UW Parkside and the Village of Pleasant Prairie.
Where It Is
Address for GPS:
Entrance of the Al Kampert Trail (Unit 1)
2nd Ave and 121st St, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158
This Natural Area consists of eight units. South of 116th Street is Unit 1: an area of large, contiguous prairie. North of 116th Street are smaller prairie remnants until reaching the Kenosha Dunes Unit.
Directions:
Southern access: from the junction of State Highways 165 and 32 south of Kenosha, go south on 32 for 1 mile, then east on 116th Street for 0.7 miles, then south on 1st Court for 0.3 miles, then west on 121st Street for 1 block, then north on 2nd Avenue to 121st Street or 122nd Street.
The northern portion is reached via the network of roads between 116th Street and 85th Street. The Kenosha Dunes unit is located north of 85th Street.
Trails: Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area features naturalized, mowed paths and some crushed limestone trails. The terrain also includes wet swales that may have standing water. Come prepared for a true natural area experience. Stay on trials at all times and do not collect any materials from Lake Plain sites apart from photos and memories.
Ticks: Lake Plain Natural Areas have a significant tick population active from April through November. Take precautions: wear long pants tucked into socks, use insect repellent, and check yourself and pets thoroughly after visiting.
Limited Infrastructure: There are no designated parking lots (except the Al Kampert Trailhead at 2nd Avenue and 121st Street) and only one bathroom facility on site. This site includes a few marked trails, but is overall purposely maintained in its natural state.
Fragile Ecosystem: The globally rare plant communities here require careful stewardship. Stay on visible paths, avoid walking through wetlands, and never pick plants, dig roots, or collect seeds. Leave no trace.
What You Should Know
Recreation
Scientific Research
Outdoor Education
Trapping
Bathroom
Cross Country Skiing
Street Parking
Hiking
Hunting (with permit)
Fishing
Birding
Wildlife Viewing
Wild Edibles
Field Trips
Chiwaukee Prairie is a State Natural Area owned and managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in partnership with the Chiwaukee Prairie Preservation Fund, University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Village of Pleasant Prairie, Kenosha County, and others. For the most up-to-date information on allowed activities, rules, and permits, visit WDNR for the most up-to-date information and activity availability by area.