Places to Explore / Wisconsin

John Margis Jr. Wildlife Area

A small stop with plenty to notice: a marsh boardwalk, lily-covered water, and quiet encounters with wildlife near Burlington, Wisconsin.

Burlington • Racine County, WisconsinMarsh • Boardwalk • Wooded edgesPhotographs from Brian’s visit
Wide boardwalk entrance narrowing into the marsh beneath a blue sky at John Margis Jr. Wildlife Area.
An open view along the marsh boardwalk.

A small place worth exploring

Follow the boardwalk into the marsh

John Margis Jr. Wildlife Area offers the kind of visit that rewards slowing down. The wooden boardwalk brings the marsh close, with tall vegetation on either side and water tucked among the greenery.

Racine County identifies the property as a former state fish hatchery. Today, the wetland setting gives visitors a reason to stop, look, and listen—even when there is only time for a shorter outing.

Lily pads cover a wetland pool bordered by leafy trees at John Margis Jr. Wildlife Area.
Lily pads and a wooded shoreline add another layer to the wetland.
White-tailed deer standing in sunlit grass beside trees at John Margis Jr. Wildlife Area.
A white-tailed deer pauses at the wooded edge.

Seen during the visit

Watch the water and the wooded edges

Brian’s photographs include a white-tailed deer standing beside the trees and a mourning dove perched on a log near the water. They are reminders that a smaller wildlife area can still offer memorable moments.

Pause along the boardwalk, scan the edges of the vegetation, and let wildlife go about its day. These photographs document one visit; sightings will vary with the season, conditions, and a little luck.

Through Brian’s lens

Eight photographs from John Margis

Explore the boardwalk, wetland, wildlife, and entrance sign. Select any photograph to open the slideshow.

Wide boardwalk entrance narrowing into the marsh beneath a blue sky at John Margis Jr. Wildlife Area.
An open view along the marsh boardwalk.
Lily pads cover a wetland pool bordered by leafy trees at John Margis Jr. Wildlife Area.
Lily pads and a wooded shoreline add another layer to the wetland.
White-tailed deer standing in sunlit grass beside trees at John Margis Jr. Wildlife Area.
A white-tailed deer pauses at the wooded edge.
Mourning dove perched on a weathered log above water and aquatic plants at John Margis Jr. Wildlife Area.
A mourning dove beside the wetland.
Wooden boardwalk with curved railings between tall marsh plants at John Margis Jr. Wildlife Area.
A quiet path through the marsh.
Straight wooden boardwalk flanked by tall reeds and railings at John Margis Jr. Wildlife Area.
The boardwalk leads into a green corridor of reeds.
Long wooden boardwalk between dense reeds under a clear blue sky at John Margis Jr. Wildlife Area.
Railings and reeds frame the route through the wetland.
Wooden John Margis Jr. Wildlife Area sign with yellow lettering beside a metal gate.
The sign welcomes visitors to John Margis Jr. Wildlife Area.

Plan a visit

A quiet Wisconsin nature stop

Find the wildlife area

Look for John Margis Wildlife Area on Fish Hatchery Road near Burlington in Racine County. The county’s current parks directory lists 7516 Fish Hatchery Road; some map listings use 7401. Check the official county listing and the entrance sign when planning your route.

Take your time

Bring binoculars or a camera and allow time to pause along the boardwalk. This is a place to enjoy small details, from bird activity near the water to the changing textures of the marsh.

Prepare for a wetland walk

Wear footwear with good traction and bring insect protection and drinking water. Wooden surfaces can be slippery when wet. Stay on designated routes and give wildlife plenty of space.

Check before you go

Consult Racine County Parks for current access information, rules, and any closures. Boardwalk photographs show the setting during Brian’s visit; they do not establish current trail conditions or accessibility.

Visitor information: Racine County — John Margis Wildlife Area and county parks directory.

Photographs by Brian Woolman / Where’s Wildlife.

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