Bluff Road access
The official trail map shows parking on Bluff Road and the Frankfurth Family Trail. This is the access area shown in Brian’s location reference. Check the map before setting out.
Places to Explore · Wisconsin
Winding water, oak-covered hills, and wildflower discoveries in the Mukwonago River headwaters.
Crooked Creek Preserve protects part of the Mukwonago River’s headwaters. The Nature Conservancy describes a landscape of steep ridges, kettle lakes, wetlands, and oak openings, with restoration work returning portions of the land to prairie and oak savanna.
Brian’s photographs move between broad views and close-up discoveries: a creek bending through green vegetation, quiet ponds, flowers on the slopes, and birds along the water and in the trees. Spring and later-season scenes show different sides of the preserve.
Grassy routes cross open ground and climb among widely spaced trees. The entrance sign confirms the preserve’s name; the official map below is the best reference for planning a route.
Clear shallows, winding channels, and still water each offer a different view of the wetland. A beaver lodge appears among aquatic plants, while seasonal changes in vegetation alter the appearance of the shoreline.
The collection includes wild lupine, columbine, kittentails, wood betony, prairie phlox, and smaller flowers that reward a close look. Arrowgrass photographs pair a flower detail with views of the plant in its wetland setting. Some photographs are captioned broadly where the species is uncertain.
A great blue heron stands near the reeds, while a towhee, rose-breasted grosbeak, and blue-gray gnatcatcher appear among the branches. The two heron photographs show both the bird and its waterside setting.
Plan a visit
The official trail map shows parking on Bluff Road and the Frankfurth Family Trail. This is the access area shown in Brian’s location reference. Check the map before setting out.
The preserve also has a Scout Road trail area. TNC’s visitor page gives directions to that entrance, so choose the access point that matches your planned walk.
Expect hills and natural footing, with wet areas beside the waterways. Follow current signs and the official map; photographs of paths or small structures are records of past visits.
Bring binoculars for birds and leave plants and other natural features in place. Consult TNC’s visitor guidelines and hunting information before your visit.
Official visitor information: The Nature Conservancy — Crooked Creek Preserve · Preserve trail map.
Photographs by Brian Woolman / Where’s Wildlife. Photographs document past visits; consult official sources for current access and conditions.