What are the operating hours of Richard Bong State Recreation Area?

The recreation area is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Is a fee required to enter the recreation area?

Yes, a vehicle admission sticker is required for entry.

Are there specific requirements for using trails?

Bikers, horseback riders, and skiers 16 years of age and older need a state trail pass.

What is the Molinaro Visitor Center's schedule?

The Molinaro Visitor Center is open occasionally on weekends during the winter months. It is advisable to call 262-878-5601 ahead of your visit to verify if the center is open.

Can I bring my ATV or off-highway motorcycle?

Yes, but ATVs and off-highway motorcycles need to be registered before arriving at the property.

What wildlife can be observed at the recreation area?

The wildlife preserve is known for nesting great egrets, sandhill cranes, and great blue herons.

Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Plan a trip to Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Region: Wisconsin
Country: United States
Best for: hiking, wildlife viewing, camping
Best season: Spring, Summer
Permits: Confirm permit and license requirements wi…
Managed by: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

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How to get there

Richard Bong State Recreation Area is located at 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville, WI 53139, United States. Directions can be obtained through mapping services.

Sources: dnr.wisconsin.gov · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.

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Wisconsin · United States · Season: Fall hunting seasons

Plan a trip to Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Known for

Hunting
Hiking
Wildlife Viewing

Region

Wisconsin

Country

United States

Coordinates

42.6368, -88.1409

Best season

Fall hunting seasons

Activities

Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Camping

Featured on

Top 10 Public-Land Bowhunting Units for Whitetails in the Driftless Area (#2)

Access point

Richard Bong St Rec Area, 26313 Burlington Rd, Kansasville, WI 53139, USA

Overview

While not traditionally 'Driftless' in the classic sense, Bong SRA, located in southeastern Wisconsin, offers a unique public land bowhunting opportunity for whitetails that often gets overlooked by hunters heading west. Its diverse habitats, including prairies, woodlands, and wetlands, support a healthy deer population. What makes Bong special is its controlled access and hunting structure, which limits pressure compared to open public land. You need to apply for a hunting permit through a lottery system, significantly reducing the number of hunters afield. This often leads to less disturbed deer. The area is relatively flat to gently rolling. Best access is directly off County Highway H. Early season and rut hunts can be excellent here. Fitness level required is moderate, as long walks are common. Permits are mandatory and competitive to draw. Trade-offs include the non-Driftless topography and the lottery system for permits, which means you might not always draw. However, when you do, it's a solid experience.

Why it stands out

Controlled hunter numbers via lottery system

Diverse habitat including woodlands, prairies, and wetlands

High deer densities

Close proximity to urban areas but feels remote

Excellent opportunities for stand hunting or still hunting

Know before you go

Lottery draw for hunting permits

Not truly 'Driftless' topography

Potential for high numbers of non-hunting recreational users

Mandatory check-in/check-out procedures

Planning notes

Where: Wisconsin, United States Best season: Fall hunting seasons Good for: Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Camping Featured on: Top 10 Public-Land Bowhunting Units for Whitetails in the Driftless Area (#2) Access point: Richard Bong St Rec Area, 26313 Burlington Rd, Kansasville, WI 53139, USA

Check current permits, closures and fire restrictions with the managing agency before you commit to dates.

hikingwildlife viewingcamping

Field notes

Controlled hunter numbers via lottery system
Diverse habitat including woodlands, prairies, and wetlands
High deer densities
Close proximity to urban areas but feels remote
Excellent opportunities for stand hunting or still hunting

Where on earth

Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Richard Bong State Recreation Area, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.

Coordinates

Decimal degrees: 42.6368, -88.1409
Latitude (DMS): 42° 38′ 12.5″ N
Longitude (DMS): 88° 8′ 27.1″ W

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Coordinates are an access-point reference for Richard Bong State Recreation Area, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.

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Topic summary

Key takeaways

Region: Wisconsin
Country: United States
Best season: Fall hunting seasons
Good for: hiking, wildlife viewing, camping
Coordinates: 42.637, -88.141

Intended uses

hiking
wildlife viewing
camping

Climate suitability

Fall hunting seasons

Keep planning

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Popular pursuits at Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.

Animals around Richard Bong State Recreation Area

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Introduction to Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Richard Bong State Recreation Area is a 4,515-acre unit of the Wisconsin state park system. It is situated in the town of Brighton, within Kenosha County. This expansive area is characterized by its managed prairie landscape, offering a variety of outdoor pursuits. The property operates year-round, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., providing ample opportunity for visitors to explore its diverse ecosystems and recreational facilities. The area serves as a significant natural resource, with a focus on providing space for activities that might be difficult to accommodate in other state parks, often due to their specialized nature or need for large open spaces. Visitors should plan their visit accordingly, especially when intending to use specific facilities like the Molinaro Visitor Center.

Recreational Opportunities

The recreation area supports a wide array of activities, catering to various interests. Outdoor enthusiasts can find 8.3 miles of mountain bike trails. Beyond cycling, the area is known for specialized recreational activities such as high-power rocketry, dog sledding, falconry, ATV sports, and land sailing. Traditional activities like swimming, horseback riding, hunting, and fishing are also popular. For those seeking a longer stay, camping facilities with various amenities are available. The property also accommodates ultralight aviation, making it a unique destination for aerial sports. Visitors should be aware of specific registration requirements for certain motorized vehicles and ensure they have appropriate licenses for hunting and fishing.

Wildlife and Natural Features

Richard Bong State Recreation Area encompasses a designated wildlife preserve, which is a vital habitat for various bird species. Great egrets, sandhill cranes, and great blue herons are known to nest within this preserve, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. The managed prairie environment supports a rich biodiversity, making it an important ecological site. The area is also identified as one of the centerpieces for the proposed Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, highlighting its significance for regional conservation efforts. Visitors are encouraged to observe wildlife respectfully and to maintain a safe distance from nesting areas.

Visitor Information and Facilities

The Molinaro Visitor Center at Richard Bong State Recreation Area serves as a central point for information and resources. While the property itself is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., the visitor center has more limited hours. It is open occasionally on weekends during the winter months, and visitors planning to stop there should call ahead at 262-878-5601 to confirm its operating status. The recreation area is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, which provides guidance and regulations for property use. A friends group, the Bong Naturalist Association, also supports the park through various initiatives and programs.

Route options

Mountain Bike Trails8.3 miles
Explore the park's managed prairie on designated mountain bike trails.

Sample itineraries

Weekend Camping and Recreation · 2 days
Spend a weekend camping at the recreation area. Engage in activities like hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. Observe wildlife in the preserve, and if visiting during winter, check for Molinaro Visitor Center hours. Plan for fishing or hunting with appropriate licenses, or explore specialized activities such as high-power rocketry or ATV sports.
Day Trip for Specialized Sports · 1 day
Dedicate a day to one of the recreation area's unique activities. Options include dog sledding, falconry, land sailing, or ultralight aviation. Ensure all necessary equipment and registrations are in order before arrival. Complement the main activity with a walk through the prairie or a visit to the wildlife preserve to observe nesting birds.

Seasonal conditions

Spring

March - May

The property is open, and wildlife becomes more active, including nesting birds. Trails will be available for hiking and biking. Check for potential wet conditions after snowmelt.

Summer

June - August

Ideal for camping, swimming, mountain biking, and general outdoor recreation. Full range of activities is typically available. Be aware of potential heat and insect activity.

Fall

September - November

Good for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing as migratory birds pass through. Hunting season may be active, requiring awareness of designated hunting areas.

Winter

December - February

The property remains open. Opportunities for dog sledding and other cold-weather activities. The Molinaro Visitor Center may have limited weekend hours; call ahead to confirm. Trails may be snow-covered.

Season	Window	Conditions
Spring	March - May	The property is open, and wildlife becomes more active, including nesting birds. Trails will be available for hiking and biking. Check for potential wet conditions after snowmelt.
Summer	June - August	Ideal for camping, swimming, mountain biking, and general outdoor recreation. Full range of activities is typically available. Be aware of potential heat and insect activity.
Fall	September - November	Good for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing as migratory birds pass through. Hunting season may be active, requiring awareness of designated hunting areas.
Winter	December - February	The property remains open. Opportunities for dog sledding and other cold-weather activities. The Molinaro Visitor Center may have limited weekend hours; call ahead to confirm. Trails may be snow-covered.

Permits, fees & closures

Confirm permit and license requirements with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources prior to your visit. Specific activities such as hunting, fishing, and operating ATVs or off-highway motorcycles require official licenses or registration.

Fees: A vehicle admission sticker is required. Camping rates vary based on residency, campsite type, and season. A state trail pass is required for bikers, horseback riders, and skiers aged 16 and older. Hunting and fishing licenses apply. All-terrain vehicles and off-highway motorcycles need to be registered.

Official source: Richard Bong State Recreation Area - Wisconsin DNR · Verified September 5, 2026

Hazards & regulations

Wildlife encounters
Changing weather conditions
Uneven terrain on trails
Encounter with high-speed specialized sports equipment (e.g., land sailing, rocketry)
Insects, including ticks and mosquitoes

What to pack for Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Essential Gear

Vehicle admission sticker
Appropriate licenses/registrations (hunting, fishing, ATV, OHM)
Water bottle
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Layered clothing
First-aid kit

Activity-Specific Gear

Mountain bike and helmet
Camping equipment
Binoculars for wildlife viewing
Fishing gear
Hunting equipment
Dog sledding equipment
Falconry equipment
ATV or off-highway motorcycle
Land sailing equipment
Ultralight aviation equipment

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Richard Bong State Recreation Area FAQ

What are the operating hours of Richard Bong State Recreation Area?: The recreation area is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Is a fee required to enter the recreation area?: Yes, a vehicle admission sticker is required for entry.
Are there specific requirements for using trails?: Bikers, horseback riders, and skiers 16 years of age and older need a state trail pass.
What is the Molinaro Visitor Center's schedule?: The Molinaro Visitor Center is open occasionally on weekends during the winter months. It is advisable to call 262-878-5601 ahead of your visit to verify if the center is open.
Can I bring my ATV or off-highway motorcycle?: Yes, but ATVs and off-highway motorcycles need to be registered before arriving at the property.
What wildlife can be observed at the recreation area?: The wildlife preserve is known for nesting great egrets, sandhill cranes, and great blue herons.