The Merrimac Preserve Trails are a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors in Sauk County, Wisconsin. Managed by the Riverland Conservancy, these trails add another 10 miles of hiking options to the southeast corner of Devil’s Lake State Park, including a 3.2-mile section of the Ice Age Trail.
Covering about 1,700 acres, the Merrimac Preserve is a unique blend of forest, prairie, savanna, wetlands, and streams. As an important wildlife corridor between Devil’s Lake State Park, the Baraboo Bluffs, and the Wisconsin River to the south, it offers an exceptional opportunity for visitors to experience nature up close. Additionally, 350 acres on the southern border of the preserve, including Gallus Slough, is managed by Groundswell Conservancy and boasts a shallow marsh area that connects to Lake Wisconsin and offers visitors a chance to spot a diverse range of waterfowl and other wildlife.
All the trails within the preserve are easy hikes and none are more than 3 miles in length. All the trails loop except for the Ice Age Trail section which extends the trail east, then south from Rozos Meadow within Devil’s Lake State Park itself.
Accessing Gallus Slough
Access to Gallus Slough is best by canoe or kayak from the Moon Valley boat landing. Most of the slough is no more than a few inches deep during the summer months. (Learn more: Paddle Lake Wisconsin) There are no trails leading to the water’s edge and the area surrounding the slough is marshy, muddy and brush-filled.
More Photos
Lookout Trail 
Sunset 
Boardwalk 
Wildflowers 
Old Bridge 
Winter 
Morning Fog 
Whitetail Deer 
Canoe Picnic on Gallus