Arena Boat Landing

The landing near Arena is an 18-minute drive from the Mazomanie Boat Landing; they are 14.6 miles apart from each other. This site along the river is perhaps the most secluded of all the tour stops. Located at the end of a long dirt and gravel road, which starts (look for large Arena Landing sign) at the junction of Village Edge Road and River Road, the site offers ample parking and viewing opportunities. A long sandbar, only about 25-30 yards away, runs perpendicular to the landing; in the background is a splendid vista of open water and trees that run for about a mile west to east.

From Arena down to Lone Rock, eagles spend the ice-free winter days along this stretch of river. The region has less access to the river and the wooded areas are thicker reducing human presence, especially in winter. Eagles will often congregate on sand bars in these open stretches of river. Like in agricultural fields, eagles are comfortable being on the ground here because they can see trouble coming from great distances. Unlike agricultural fields, eagles do not find carrion on these sand bars so they need to hunt elsewhere. 

The bluffs located along the river also provide good soaring habitat in winter. Even on cold days, the south aspects of bluffs are often snow free. In the sun, these slopes heat up while on the north aspects, snow abounds. The contrast between snow and shade on one side of the bluff with bare and sun on the other side of the same bluff creates thermals or the upward, rotational movement of air. Though eagles cannot see thermals, they actively seek them out and they can see other birds that are using the thermals. 

Watch for eagles soaring on the thermals along this stretch of river. While in a thermal, eagles will soar in circles with little wing flapping and gain altitude. When high enough, eagles will depart the thermal by gliding in a straight line. This is an energy-efficient mode of transportation and our Lower Wisconsin River Valley provides habitat conducive for thermally that eagles, and other soaring birds, take advantage of.

If the parking lot for the boat landing is not plowed, please park in the circular drive at the end of River Road and do not block the private driveway to your right. As with any outdoor activity in winter, please dress appropriately. You will need to walk a short distance through the snow from the parking area to view the river. There is an eagle nest that is viewable downriver of this site.