THINGS TO DO

With its many amenities and activities, Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area  is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the great outdoors.

Visitor Tips

Welcome to Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area! Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit::

• Pack for the weather: Make sure to bring clothing and gear that is appropriate for the weather conditions. Be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and precipitation.
• Respect wildlife: Please do not feed or approach any of the wildlife. You should also be aware of your surroundings and the potential for encounters with wildlife.
• Stay on trails: To protect the natural environment, please stay on designated trails and paths.
• Leave no trace: Please take all of your belongings with you when you leave, and do not leave any trash or debris behind.
• Know the rules: Be sure to familiarize yourself with the park’s rules and regulations before you visit. We hope you enjoy your stay at Cadiz Springs!

Kids in Nature

Kids in Nature

Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area is the perfect place for kids to explore the outdoors. Located just outside Monroe, Wisconsin near Browntown, this park is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and other animals, as well as a variety of plants. The park features several miles of hiking trails and its lakes are perfect for fishing and swimming. Kids can explore the area on their own or join a guided tour to learn more about the area’s ecology. With its beautiful scenery and abundance of activities, Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area is the perfect place for kids to get out and explore nature.

School Groups

Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area is the perfect place for school groups to explore the great outdoors. Located in southwestern Wisconsin, the park offers a variety of activities to keep students engaged and entertained. From fishing, hiking, and biking to camping, swimming, and boating, Cadiz Springs offers something for everyone. There are also educational programs available to help students learn more about the park’s natural environment. With its beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and plenty of outdoor activities, Cadiz Springs is the perfect place for school groups to get away and have fun.

Volunteer Opportunities for School Groups

Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area offers a unique and rewarding volunteer experience for school groups. Located in southwestern Wisconsin, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, and hiking. Through our volunteer program, school groups can participate in conservation and stewardship projects, such as invasive species removal, trail maintenance, and beach clean-up. Our volunteer program provides a great opportunity to learn about the natural environment and gain valuable hands-on experience. We also offer educational programs and workshops, allowing school groups to gain a deeper understanding of the park's ecology and the importance of preserving our natural resources. Come join us and make a difference at Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area .

Self Guided Adventures

Swimming

Cadiz Springs offers a 150-foot sand beach for swimmers to enjoy. The beach is open and monitored from Memorial Day to Labor day. No lifeguards are present. Pets and fishing are prohibited in the swimming area year-round.

Picnicking

Cadiz Springs picnic areas offer a variety of cooking grills and picnic tables for day users. The park offers two large open shelters with lights and electricity.

Self Guided Adventures - Fishing

Fishing

Welcome to Cadiz Springs, an enjoyable fishing destination in Southwest Wisconsin! Both lakes, Zander and Beckman, are home to a variety of fish species, including fine populations of largemouth bass and an abundant population of panfish, providing an enjoyable challenge to many anglers who visit the recreation area. Anglers may catch brown or rainbow trout, northern pike, catfish and bullheads. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, Cadiz Springs has something for everyone. Fishing is very popular with both warm and cold water species of fish available. Our lakes are surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including wooded hillsides, marshlands, and open prairies. You can also take advantage of our boat launch to explore the lake and find the best fishing spots. So come out and experience the fishing at Cadiz Springs!

Fishing Regulations

All anglers 16 years and older must have a fishing license (purchase a fishing license). The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides fishing regulations for anglers in the state. These regulations cover topics such as the size and creel limits for various species, the types of tackle and bait that can be used, and the seasons and areas where fishing is allowed. The regulations also include information on special regulations for certain lakes, rivers, and streams. The regulations can be accessed through the DNR website at dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/regulations.

Type of Fish in Lake

Beckman Lake: -Largemouth Bass -Bluegill -Crappie -Yellow Perch -Brown Trout -Rainbow Trout -Northern Pike - Catfish -Bullheads 

Zander Lake: -Largemouth Bass -Bluegill -Crappie -Yellow Perch -Brown Trout -Rainbow Trout -Northern Pike - Catfish -Bullheads 

Self Guided Adventures - Hiking

Hiking

Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a scenic hike. Located in southwestern Wisconsin, the area is known for its serene woodlands, meandering trails, and tranquil lakes. With more than 8 miles of trails, there’s something for everyone. From the easy paths that wind around the lake to the more difficult routes that take you up and over hills, you’ll find a trail that suits your skill level and interests. The trails are well-marked and maintained, and you’ll find plenty of beautiful scenery along the way. With its peaceful atmosphere and picturesque views, Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area is the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy the great outdoors.

The trail system has several unnamed loops that offer hikers wildlife watching opportunities as they travel through forests, along streams and around lakes. Cadiz Springs is one of the best places to view wildlife with its variety of forest, aquatic and meadow habitats.

In addition, Zander Lake nature trail is a 1-mile self-guided nature trail around Zander Lake. You may see and hear many songbirds and shorebirds, muskrats, five species of frogs, several kinds of non-poisonous snakes, snapping turtles, painted turtles and the endangered Blandings Turtle.

Interpretive Signs

Cadiz Spring State Recreation Area is a scenic outdoor oasis located in the heart of the Midwest. Visitors can explore the lush landscape and appreciate the beauty of nature while learning about the area's diverse wildlife and history. Interpretive Signs are located throughout the park, providing visitors with an engaging and educational experience. These signs provide information about the park's flora and fauna, as well as its cultural and historical significance. Visitors can also find out about the park's recreational activities, such as fishing, camping, and hiking. With its stunning scenery and informative signs, Cadiz Spring State Recreation Area is the perfect place to explore and learn about the great outdoors.

Trail Maps

Cadiz Spring State Recreation Area offers a variety of trails for hikers of all skill levels. Our trail maps provide detailed information so you can plan your outdoor adventure with confidence. Our trails range from easy, family-friendly strolls to more challenging trails. Each trail is marked to help you stay on the right path. Whether you are looking for a short, leisurely walk or a more challenging hike, you can find the perfect trail at Cadiz Spring State Recreation Area .

Self Guided Adventures - Boating

Boating - Canoeing - Kayaking

Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area offers a unique boating, canoeing, and kayaking experience for visitors of all ages. The Lakes are surrounded by the beautiful bluffs where the boaters, canoeists and kayakers will find plenty of opportunities for fishing, paddling, and exploring the shoreline. The two lakes at Cadiz Springs total 93 acres. Beckman lake has a boat landing for launching boats. Kayaks and canoes can be portaged into Zander lake. Both Beckman and Zander lakes have restrictions for electric motors only.

Self Guided Adventures - Hunting and Trapping

Hunting and Trapping

Hunting and trapping are permitted at the property during legal hunting and trapping seasons. No person may hunt or trap without first obtaining a property map identifying those areas closed to hunting and trapping within the property. Trapping is not permitted in closed areas as noted on the park hunting map or within 100 yards of any designated use area, including trails.

Cadiz Springs hunting and trapping map [PDF]

Self Guided Adventures - Animals in the Park

Birding

Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area is a great destination for birders looking to get up close and personal with some of nature's most beautiful creatures. With its diverse landscape of rolling hills, lush forests, and scenic lake, Cadiz Springs is home to a variety of bird species. Whether you're looking to observe a Bald Eagle or Osprey soaring through the sky, or spot a Red-tailed Hawk perched atop a tree, there is something for everyone at Cadiz Spring. With its abundance of wildlife, birders of all experience levels can find something to appreciate. From the novice looking to learn the basics of birding, to the expert looking to add a few more species to their life list, Cadiz Springs offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of nature and the wonders of birding.

Animals of the Park

Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area is a beautiful natural area and is home to an abundance of wildlife, including a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. The park is also home to a variety of animals, including deer, turkey, pheasants, fox, raccoon, and beaver. With its diverse wildlife and stunning natural beauty, Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area is the perfect place to explore and observe nature.

WINTER ACTIVITIES

Cross-County Skiing and Snowshoeing

Ungroomed, backcountry, cross-country skiing is permitted on all trails as snow conditions allow. The trail system provides relatively flat and rewarding skiing through mature forests and along the lakes. Snowshoeing and winter hiking are permitted on all trails as snow conditions allow.

Ice Fishing

Staff do not monitor or measure the thickness of the ice on the lake's surface. Ice thickness and safety can vary from day to day and from location to location. Use your best judgment about the safety of the ice. Sleds, shanties and motor vehicles choosing to enter onto the ice must enter through the boat landing. Entering onto the lake ice through the beach is prohibited.