Castle Rock and Petenwell Lakes
The construction of the dams creating the two lakes (flowages) was started in l947 and completed in l950. Petenwell is the 2nd largest inland lake in Wisconsin and Castle Rock is the 4th. The counties of Adams and Juneau border the lakes in their entirety. The dams were built on sand and unique as the first such projects undertaken in the United States. The concrete dams are classified as "floating-type construction" with embedded cutoff walls that penetrate deep into the glacial sands; permanently anchoring them.
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
43,656 acres located Northwest of Necedah. This refuge was established in 1939 to provide a breeding and resting area
for waterfowl and is managed by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service. In addition to fulfilling its role as a refuge and
breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife, Necedah Refuge is also responsible for preserving natural
diversity and providing for the needs of threatened or endangered animals and plants.
On sight is a first class teaching Welcome Center. The Refuge provides opportunities for people to enjoy and
learn about our natural world through wildlife-compatible activities such as hiking, cross country skiing, hunting,
fishing photography, berry picking, and bird watching.
There are over 200 species of birds known to use the refuge at some time during the year.
They boast of the world's largest population of endangered Karner blue butterflies, as well as bald eagles,
timber wolves, Blanding's turtles and Massasauga rattlesnakes.
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge was the site
for the reintroduction for migratory flock of whooping cranes. The Whooping Crane is the rarest and tallest bird
in North America, often reaching 5' tall with a 7' wing span. Adults are snowy white with black wing tips and black &
white masks on their faces. Cranes are well adapted for life in wetlands with long legs, long necks and long bills.
They mate for life and have been known to live for up to 40 years. The story of the recovery of the whooping
cranes in Wisconsin is a miraculous one.
Take a trip to the Refuge which is located 4 miles West of Necedah on
State Highway 21. The Refuge is home to many other species of plants, birds and animals. Information: 608-565-2551
Necedah Walking/Hiking Trail
This trail runs along the Yellow River north of Necedah. There are several miles of trails and are only mowed or maintained once a year. Normally in the fall. It is used for hunting, hiking and a portion for snowmobiling in the winter months. The Sprague ridge crossing in on the north end of the trail system. This bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The trail winds through the river bottoms where a variety of wildlife can be found.
