Baxter's Hollow Preserve wilderness guide
Nature Preserve · WI

Baxter's Hollow Preserve

Baxter's Hollow Preserve offers a serene escape into one of Wisconsin's most pristine natural environments. Visitors enjoy hiking through old-growth forests and observing diverse wildlife throughout the year.

Nature Preserve5,0002+ Trails
DesignationNature Preserve
Total Wilderness Area5,000
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Baxter's Hollow Preserve

Baxter's Hollow Preserve offers a serene escape into one of Wisconsin's most pristine natural environments. Visitors enjoy hiking through old-growth forests and observing diverse wildlife throughout the year.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Baxter's Hollow Preserve is a stunning natural area located in the Baraboo Hills of central Wisconsin. The preserve spans approximately 5,000 acres, providing a sanctuary for a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. This wooded retreat is especially notable for its extensive forest of old-growth trees, rocky outcrops, and clear streams. Known for its biodiversity, Baxter's Hollow is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts looking to spot species such as the Acadian flycatcher and numerous varieties of warblers. The history of the preserve ties back to conservation efforts aimed at protecting the unique sandstone gorge formed by Otter Creek. Hiking is the primary recreational activity, with trails offering glimpses of beautiful wildflowers and ferns along winding paths. Baxter's Hollow is an appealing destination for those seeking quiet, solitude, and an intense connection with nature.

Field Guide · Nature Preserve
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Baxter's Hollow Preserve

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

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Otter Creek, known for its crystal-clear water and scenic beauty✦ Home to rare bird species, making it a favorite destination for birdwatchers✦ The remarkable old-growth forest with towering trees✦ The serene environment offering solitude and quiet reflection
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Baxter's Hollow Preserve

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Baxter's Hollow Preserve
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Baxter's Hollow Preserve
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Baxter's Hollow Preserve
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Baxter's Hollow Preserve.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access

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 Baxter's Hollow Preserve

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

North Freedom, Wisconsin
⌖ 0.98 miles
Gateway Basecamp

North Freedom, Wisconsin

North Freedom offers a quiet retreat with access to Wisconsin's natural beauty. From hiking in the Baraboo Hills to paddling at Mirror Lake, it's perfect for outdoor adventures.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Rock Springs, Wisconsin
⌖ 3.48 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rock Springs, Wisconsin

Rock Springs offers a peaceful retreat with access to hiking at Devil's Lake, biking through scenic landscapes, and paddling on the Baraboo River, providing a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Baraboo, Wisconsin
⌖ 5.28 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Baraboo, Wisconsin

Baraboo, WI is an adventure lover's haven with exceptional hiking, climbing, and paddling opportunities, especially around the iconic Devil's Lake State Park. A year-round destination with scenic charm.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Reedsburg, Wisconsin
⌖ 9.20 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Reedsburg, Wisconsin

Reedsburg, Wisconsin offers a welcoming outdoor escape with hiking, paddling, fishing, and cross-country skiing options. Surrounded by state parks and rivers, it’s an ideal spot for travelers seeking nature and small-town charm year-round.

Late spring to early fall for paddling and biking; winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Lake Delton, Wisconsin
⌖ 9.70 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lake Delton, Wisconsin

Lake Delton, Wisconsin is a vibrant lakeside town offering boating, fishing, hiking, biking, paddleboarding, and winter snowmobiling. With scenic parks nearby and lively seasons year-round, it’s a perfect base for outdoor adventure in the Dells area.

Late Spring through Early Fall for water sports; Winter for snowmobiling
Explore Town
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
⌖ 11.73 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Wisconsin Dells offers a mix of thrilling and relaxing outdoor activities. With its iconic sandstone cliffs and lush landscapes, this destination invites you to hike, paddle, and explore.

Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Baxter's Hollow Preserve

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

Caboose Rides
ADVEXPEDITION
North Freedom, Wisconsin
TrainADV Bookable

Caboose Rides

Hop aboard a vintage 1924 wooden caboose and enjoy a scenic 55-minute ride through Wisconsin’s countryside. Discover railroading history and explore fascinating restored trains at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum.

Train1 Hour • 7 mile ride • Ride in the Caboose • Museum admission includedCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Harvest Flyer
ADVEXPEDITION
North Freedom, Wisconsin
TrainADV Bookable

Harvest Flyer

Enjoy a charming 55-minute train ride through Sauk County’s stunning fall colors, complete with hot cider and donuts served at your seat. Discover the rich railroad history before or after your trip!

Train1 Hour • 7 mile ride • Evening Ride with Hot Apple Cider and a Donut • 1 Day only, Oct 18Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Holiday Flyer
ADVEXPEDITION
North Freedom, Wisconsin
TrainADV Bookable

Holiday Flyer

Celebrate the holiday season with a scenic 55-minute train ride through Sauk County, filled with festive music, decorations, and treats. Discover historic trains and seasonal magic at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, Wisconsin.

Train1 Hour • 7 mile ride • Festive Evening Ride with Hot Chocolate • 1 Day Only, Dec. 6thCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Santa Express
ADVEXPEDITION
North Freedom, Wisconsin
TrainADV Bookable

Santa Express

Step aboard the Santa Express in North Freedom, Wisconsin, for a festive 55-minute train ride with Santa himself. Enjoy holiday magic in early 1900s coaches and make lasting Christmas memories.

Train1 Hour • 7 mile ride • Meet Santa OnboardCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Broken Bottle Wine Tasting
ADVEXPEDITION
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
WineryADV Bookable

Broken Bottle Wine Tasting

Join Broken Bottle Winery in Wisconsin Dells for a private 30-minute tasting featuring seven unique dry and sweet wines. Learn the stories behind each pour while enjoying a cozy, relaxed setting.

Winery30 Minutes • Ages 21+ • Includes 7 wines, either dry or sweetCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Autumn Color - Coach Train
ADVEXPEDITION
North Freedom, Wisconsin
TrainADV Bookable

Autumn Color - Coach Train

Take a scenic 55-minute train ride through Wisconsin’s colorful fall landscape aboard restored vintage cars. Discover autumn’s vibrant colors and step back in time with a guided journey at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom.

Train1 Hour • 7 mile ride • Enjoy the Fall Colors by TrainCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Pasture-Quiet: A Self-Guided Stroll Among Casacampo’s Alpacas
ADVEXPEDITION
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
AttractionADV Bookable

Pasture-Quiet: A Self-Guided Stroll Among Casacampo’s Alpacas

A short, unstructured visit that gives you 40 minutes of pasture access to meet and feed alpacas, llamas, and other ranch animals—this guide helps you arrive prepared and move through the ranch calmly and safely.

AttractionPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip