Activities

The Legacy Prairie & Woodland offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors to enjoy year-round. Click below to learn about some of the popular activities available on this property.

Church-issued permit required. Archery deer hunting takes place in wooded areas during the months of October and November by Lottery. Learn more.

Although there are no groomed or tracked cross-country ski trails exclusively for skiers, skiers may travel anywhere on the property except the in the cemetery and on the ponds.

Many anglers come to the property for fishing Vermont Creek. The creek is home to brown trout. A fishing license is required for anyone age 16 or over and a trout stamp is required for trout fishing.  No fishing is allowed on the reflection pond, plunge pool or detention pond.

Vermont Creek is 6 miles long and joins the Black Earth Creek just west of the Village of Black Earth. Many of the banks of the creek are lined with wetlands and wet meadows. The creek has been evaluated as a cold water stream that supports the natural reproduction of brown trout, a class 2 stream. (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources)

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There are 5.5 miles of trails on the property. With several different trail segments, visitors can choose a hike of varying lengths that includes vistas, woods, prairie meadows, and ridgetop backwoods.
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Trails are open year-round to all non-motorized users, including skiers, hikers, and snowshoers but are not maintained for winter use. Trails are weather dependent regarding their condition and occasional restrictions may apply.
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Visitors also enjoy dog sledding, building igloos, geocaching, and orienteering.

Trails may be restricted to weather and trail conditions.

Sledding and snowshoeing are allowed anywhere on the property except in the cemetery and on the ponds.

Since the property includes 3 different ecological environments (Prairie, Woodland and Wetland), birders will find an abundance of species to identify and watch.

Property Use During Hunting Season

For your safety, it is recommended that you follow several guidelines while enjoying the Legacy Prairie & Woodland during the fall, winter, and spring. Some safety recommendations applicable to the use of the property include:

  • 1

    Know Before You Go: hunting season dates set by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

  • 2
    Wear “Blaze Orange” or other highly visible clothing.
  • 3
    IF YOU HIKE WITH A DOG, it should wear a blaze orange vest and be on a leash at all times, unless engaged in hunting activities.
  • 4
    USE EXTRA CAUTION AT DAWN and DUSK. Hunting activity may increase at dawn and dusk when animals are feeding. Please wear reflective vests if you hike during these times of low visibility. Using a headlamp is a good idea, too.
  • 5
    AVOID HUNTER INTERFERENCE. It is prohibited by Wisconsin law to interfere with people engaged in lawful hunting, fishing, or trapping (WI Statutes 29.083).
  • 6
    BE HEARD. Make sure you are heard, by whistling, singing, or talking while you hike.

If you encounter rule violations or become aware of an issue, please contact the church at (608) 767-3312.