Browntown-Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area
West of Monroe, Wisconsin, south of State Highway 11

Southwest Wisconsin's driftless area, including the Southwest Savanna Landscape, is uniquely different from the rest of the state. Here the bogs, marshes and many lakes so characteristic of most of the state are replaced by rolling hills and valleys and spring-fed streams. The impoundment of one of these streams in Green County has formed two small lakes. The recreational demand that developed around the lakes led in 1970 to the establishment of Cadiz Springs State Park. In 1980, the Browntown Wildlife Area and Cadiz Springs Park were merged into a state recreation area.

The two lakes, Beckman and Zander, form the focal point of most activities at the recreation area. Fishing is very popular with both warm and cold water species of fish available. Both lakes contain fine populations of largemouth bass and an abundant population of panfish, provide an enjoyable challenge to many anglers who visit the recreation area. Anglers may catch brown or rainbow trout, northern pike, catfish and bullheads. Here they can swim and sun on the lake's sandy beach. Other water-based activities include canoeing, kayaking and sailing. The combined surface area of the two lakes is 95 acres.

Nature

Browntown-Cadiz Springs' 644 acres include the 40-acre Browntown Oak Forest State Natural Area, with its excellent dry and dry-mesic forests and sandstone outcrops.

Along a two-thirds-mile self-guided nature trail around Zander Lake, you may see and hear many songbirds and shore birds. You also may observe muskrats, five species of frogs, several kinds of non-poisonous snakes, and snapping, painted, and the endangered Blandints turtles.

In the Area

Browntown [exit DNR]—accommodations, activities, dining, events, and more

How to Get There

Browntown-Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area is about 1 mile east of Browntown and 8 miles west of Monroe on State Highway 11. From Highway 11, turn south on South Cadiz Springs Road and go about 1/2 mile. The road to the park office and parking areas will be on your right. Geographic coordinates are 42° 35' 2.6" N, 89° 46' 1.7" W.

More Information

Master Plan [PDF, 798KB]

Browntown-Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area
P.O. Box 805,
New Glarus WI 53574
Phone (608) 966-3777