The Pine River Trail in Richland County, Wisconsin is a 14.3-mile multi-use recreational trail located…
If you’re looking for accessible trails in central Wisconsin, or maybe just a nice place to walk with a stroller, don’t overlook a drive over to the MacKenzie Center in Poynette, WI.
Overlooked, But Awesome
The Mackenzie Center is one of the lesser-known DNR properties in central Wisconsin, and that’s too bad. Seen as an education center rather than a park, it doesn’t get much summer marketing “love”. It should. Although there are only about 4 miles of trails, they are enjoyable hikes through some surprisingly interesting landscapes reminiscent of more sandy northern locations like Black River Falls or Buckhorn State Park. (Sorry, no rock formations!) While there is no lake on the property, they do have massive picnic areas and a free zoo featuring Wisconsin wildlife including birds of prey, bison and wolves.
In addition, there is a unique 40ft high demonstration fire tower that visitors can climb for views of the landscape and a small logging camp area with a photogenic log cabin. There’s even a “Smokey The Bear” to get a selfie with! Oh yes, and then there’s that sculpture you’ll discover if you hike the nature trail out of the zoo! (Below)
Accessible Conifer Trail
But today, I mostly want to share information about the .6-mile accessible Conifer Trail. I’m asked regularly about accessible trails in the area, and for many, this one will be a nice surprise. The Mackenzie Center is in Poynette, WI about 40 minutes from Madison, Baraboo or Wisconsin Dells. (Google Map) Once you get to the center, you drive south through the main entrance just keep driving right past the busier office & zoo areas. In fact, you just keep driving until right before you see a road closed sign and gate. There you can turn left into the parking area for the trail.
Take The Right Trail
Here’s the trick, the trail is on the south end of the parking area and labeled “The Wildlife Trail”. In fact, we saw no mention of the Conifer Trail on the 4 trailheads leaving the parking area. Take the Wildlife Trail. That’s it. (Eventually, the actual Wildlife trail will break off from the main paved trail.)
Now, the blacktop paved trail looks rarely used, so you can expect some forest debris on the trail. The benches are often covered in moss and lichens as well. That said, the paved trail is in pretty good condition other than a small area where tree roots have pushed up the trail slightly, but that shouldn’t be too much of an issue. There’s also very little elevation on the shady trail making it a relaxing and comfortable hike. Along the way watch for a variety of birds including Redheaded woodpeckers who nest right by the trail.
I should note that the nearest restrooms are just a short drive away in the picnic area.
Below are more photos from the Conifer Trail
On the trail 
Bird Box Demonstration 
One of 2 boardwalks 
On the trail 
Rest Stop
At Makenzie, the grounds and trails are open dawn to dusk year-round. A vehicle sticker is NOT required according to the current DNR website. Visit the official Website.
Have you explored the Conifer Trail? What was your experience? Please share below for others who may be looking for accessible trails in our area.
For nearly 2 decades the Skillet Creek blog has focused on 3 main goals; To inspire you to visit and explore the Devil’s Lake region, to help you get the most your visit by sharing tips, events, and other helpful information. Lastly to advocate for our environment & wildlife and talk about how we can keep our natural areas amazing now and into the future! That last goal can sometimes cause controversy, but it’s the only way we can accomplish the first two. – Derrick Mayoleth, Owner.
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Grew up in the area of MacKenzie and was last there last weekend, so I’m pretty sure this is up to date.
There’s a wheelchair accessible portable restroom about 100 ft. W of the raven exhibit. (Which is where you enter the wildlife exhibit areas, just NW of the wheelchair accessible parking lot.) 🙂
Be warned, the park manager has a habit of closing the building restrooms before the park closes, so give yourself plenty of time if you need to use the restroom near closing.