(Spring Green Preserve)
Is There Really a Desert in Wisconsin?
Yes. Kind of.
Near Spring Green there’s a rare landscape called a sand prairie, often nicknamed the “Wisconsin Desert.” It looks surprisingly dry, open, and sandy compared to the forests and hills surrounding it.
It’s not a true desert, but it absolutely feels like one by Midwest standards.
What Is the Spring Green Preserve?
Spring Green Preserve is a protected natural area managed by The Nature Conservancy.
Website
https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/spring-green-preserve/
Location
Near Spring Green, Wisconsin
This preserve protects one of the largest remaining sand prairie ecosystems in the state.
Why Does This “Desert” Exist Here?
The landscape formed from:
- ancient river deposits
- glacial-era winds
- sandy soil left behind as water levels changed
Because the soil drains quickly, it can’t hold moisture well. That creates dry, open ground that supports plants normally found in prairie or semi-arid environments.
This is one of the strangest geographic contrasts in Wisconsin.
What You’ll See When You Visit
Visitors often notice:
- open sandy ground
- short prairie grasses
- scattered wildflowers
- wide sky views
- fewer trees than the surrounding region
It feels completely different from the wooded hills nearby.
Hiking and Visiting
Spring Green Preserve is primarily:
- a nature viewing area
- a light hiking location
- a place for quiet exploration
Expect:
- simple trails
- uneven sandy footing
- limited facilities
This is more “walk and observe” than a full park experience.
Why It Matters Ecologically
Sand prairies are rare.
They support:
- specialized plants
- pollinators
- grassland species
- fragile soil ecosystems
Without protection, most of these landscapes would have been converted to agriculture or development.
Nearby Places to Combine With Your Visit
If you’re already in Spring Green, you’re close to:
Taliesin
https://www.taliesinpreservation.org
House on the Rock
https://www.thehouseontherock.com
Governor Dodge State Park
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/governordodge
This area makes an easy half-day scenic loop.
Tips Before You Go
- Check conditions before visiting (sand can get hot and exposed in summer)
- Bring water
- Expect limited shade
- Stay on marked paths to protect fragile plants
Related Guides
- Scenic Overlooks in the Driftless Region
- Hiking Trails in Southwest Wisconsin
- History of the Driftless Region
- Things to Do Near Spring Green WI
- Free Things to Do in the Driftless Region