Grantsburg in Burnett County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Crex Meadows

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, September 12, 2013

1. Crex Meadows Marker

Inscription. During the last Wisconsin glaciation the advance of the Grantsburg sublobe blocked drainage, resulting in the formation of Glacial Lake Grantsburg. Natural succession eventually formed the extensive peat marshes known today as Crex Meadows.

Prior to white settlement in the mid-1800’s, the Fox, Dakota and Chippewa Indians used Crex extensively. Large scale commercial drainage, begun about 1890, upset the entire ecological pattern. The vast operations of the Crex Carpet Company, started in 1911, involved harvesting and shipping the native wire grass, Carex stricta, from which Crex probably derived its name. For two decades this industry was economically important to this area.

Exploited to the fullest, Crex has withstood the ravages of time. Today, under the ownership of the State of Wisconsin, prescribed burning and water management are restoring the prairie flora and fauna of Crex meadows.

Erected 1977 by Burnett County Audubon Society. (Marker Number 241.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Environment • Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.

Location. 45° 52.885′

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N, 92° 37.523′ W. Marker is in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, in Burnett County. Marker is on North Refuge Road, half a mile east of Currey Road, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located in the Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, on the north side of the preserve. Currey Road runs off County Hwy F, about 8 miles north of Grantsburg. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Grantsburg WI 54840, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A Room With A View (approx. 6.8 miles away in Minnesota); Governor Knowles State Forest (approx. 10½ miles away); Canute Anderson (approx. 10.9 miles away).

More about this marker. The marker is located adjacent to the Crex Meadows Wildlife Refuge, which is a no admittance area. Please observe postings.

Regarding Crex Meadows. When visiting the site, you should plan to stop into the visitor center, 102 E Crex Ave, Grantsburg, WI, which is on the south edge of the preserve. Follow the goose emblems spray painted on the roads.

Also see . . .
1. Welcome To Crex Meadows Wildlife Area. The Friends of Crex Meadows web page. (Submitted on September 25, 2013.)

2. Crex Meadows Wildlife Area. The Wisconsin Department

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, September 12, 2013

2. Crex Meadows Marker

of Natural Resources page for Crex Meadows, including a history. (Submitted on September 25, 2013.)

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, September 12, 2013

3. Crex Meadows Marker

Looking southeast over some of the restored wetlands

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, September 12, 2013

4. Crex Meadows Marker

Looking southwest over the restored prairie, a part of the Crex Meadows Wildlife Refuge.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2013, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 841 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 13, 2013, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.