Auglaize Wildlife Area wilderness guide
Wildlife Area · Wisconsin

Auglaize Wildlife Area

Auglaize Wildlife Area is a diverse natural preserve on Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula, offering abundant opportunities for hunting, birdwatching, and hiking across wetlands, forests, and grasslands.

Wildlife Area3,8614+ Trails

Designation

Wildlife Area

Total Wilderness Area

3,861

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Auglaize Wildlife Area

Auglaize Wildlife Area is a diverse natural preserve on Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula, offering abundant opportunities for hunting, birdwatching, and hiking across wetlands, forests, and grasslands.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Auglaize Wildlife Area spans nearly 4,000 acres in Door County, Wisconsin, characterized by an expansive mix of hardwood forests, wetlands, grasslands, and open fields. The area's terrain includes marshes and the nearby Ahnapee River, contributing to a rich variety of habitats that support an abundance of wildlife. Established in the early 1960s, Auglaize serves as an important conservation site for native species such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, and various songbirds. It provides critical habitats for migratory birds and seasonal wetland species. The area is managed primarily for wildlife habitat improvement and public hunting, making it a favored destination for upland game bird hunting, waterfowl hunting, and deer hunting during respective seasons. Additionally, the wildlife area has several miles of multi-use trails that allow visitors to hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski while experiencing scenic overlooks and diverse ecosystems. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching and nature photography, especially during spring and fall migrations. The area is open year-round, with wetlands and grasslands shifting colors with the seasons, providing changing scenery and wildlife activity. Its location on the Door Peninsula places it near Lake Michigan, adding to the regional outdoor appeal. Auglaize Wildlife Area is a well-managed public resource offering natural solitude, wildlife observation, and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities.

Field Guide · Wildlife Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Auglaize Wildlife Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Extensive wetlands supporting migratory waterfowl populations✦ Varied upland habitats rich in game birds and white-tailed deer✦ Multi-use trails providing access for hiking, skiing, and bird watching✦ Proximity to the Ahnapee River offering excellent fishing opportunities
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Auglaize Wildlife Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Auglaize Wildlife Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Auglaize Wildlife Area
Park Recreation

Hunting

Available in Auglaize Wildlife Area
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Auglaize Wildlife Area
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Auglaize Wildlife Area
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Auglaize Wildlife Area
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Auglaize Wildlife Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Auglaize Wildlife Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free public access; hunting permits required during hunting seasons.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Auglaize Wildlife Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Oconto, Wisconsin
⌖ 7.67 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Oconto, Wisconsin

Oconto, Wisconsin is a quiet waterside town perfect for paddling, fishing, hiking, and snowmobiling. Its river and forest settings offer year-round outdoor fun with a peaceful, welcoming vibe.

Late Spring through Early Fall for paddling and hiking; Winter for snowmobiling
Explore Town
Peshtigo, Wisconsin
⌖ 11.64 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Peshtigo, Wisconsin

Peshtigo, Wisconsin offers quiet access to hiking, paddling, snowmobiling, and fishing amid scenic forests and rivers. It’s a great choice for travelers seeking peaceful outdoor adventures with a rich local history.

Late spring through early fall for hiking and paddling; winter for snowmobiling
Explore Town
Marinette, Wisconsin
⌖ 15.06 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Marinette, Wisconsin

Marinette offers a refreshing outdoor getaway with river paddling, forest hiking, and winter skiing nearby. Surrounded by protected lands and scenic waterways, it’s ideal for travelers who enjoy nature and quieter adventure.

Late Spring through Fall for warm weather activities; Winter for skiing and snow sports
Explore Town
Menominee, Michigan
⌖ 15.82 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Menominee, Michigan

Menominee, Michigan, is a lakeside town ideal for outdoor lovers seeking quiet hiking, paddling, fishing, and snowmobiling. Enjoy peaceful trails, shoreline views, and seasonal adventures in the Upper Peninsula’s natural beauty.

Late Spring through Early Fall; Winter for Snowmobiling
Explore Town
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
⌖ 16.74 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

Sturgeon Bay, WI is a top pick for outdoor adventures with its stunning lake views, state parks, and year-round activities like hiking, biking, paddling, and fishing.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Forestville, Wisconsin
⌖ 17.74 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Forestville, Wisconsin

Forestville offers peaceful outdoor adventure with bluff trail hiking, cave exploring, paddling calm creeks, and cross-country skiing. A great spot for nature lovers seeking quiet and scenic variety year-round.

Late Spring through Fall; Winter for Cross-Country Skiing
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Auglaize Wildlife Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

A 1.5‑Hour Drift Down the Peshtigo: Easy River Tubing from Kosir’s
ADVEXPEDITION
Town of Silver Cliff, Wisconsin
River TubeADV Bookable

A 1.5‑Hour Drift Down the Peshtigo: Easy River Tubing from Kosir’s

A relaxed, 90‑minute tubing run on the Peshtigo River that floats downstream to the first boat landing with shuttle service back to Kosir’s Peshtigo River Office & Campground — a concise guide to what to expect.

River TubePT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Under Three Bridges: Tandem Kayak Days on Sturgeon Bay
ADVEXPEDITION
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
KayakADV Bookable

Under Three Bridges: Tandem Kayak Days on Sturgeon Bay

Paddle a tandem kayak from Door County Boat Rentals under three bridges, past Sturgeon Bay’s working waterfront and along the outskirts of Potawatomi State Park—this guide orients you to the route, logistics, and what to pack.

KayakPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Slide, Swim and Cruise: A 27' Funship Pontoon Through Sturgeon Bay
ADVEXPEDITION
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Boat TourADV Bookable

Slide, Swim and Cruise: A 27' Funship Pontoon Through Sturgeon Bay

A compact guide to renting Door County Boat Rentals’ 27' Funship Pontoon—equipped with an upper-deck slide and Bluetooth speaker—for scenic runs under bridges, stops at Waterfront Mary's, and afternoons of fishing and floating.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip