There are no designated trails in the Butterwort Cliffs SNA, so exploring the area alone is not recommended. Cascade River State Park occasionally offers interpretive walks through the Butterwort Cliffs Scientific and Natural Area (SNA). Please note that the area is closed from April 1 to July 15 due to its status as a bird sanctuary. It’s just nice to know it's there!
Alpine butterwort, the namesake of the area, is a carnivorous flowering plant that is endangered in Wisconsin and listed as “of special concern” in Minnesota due to its declining habitat. This plant is carnivorous because it traps small insects that crawl across its sticky, ground-hugging leaves. The insects become stuck, and the plant digests them using specialized enzymes.
Two brown SNA signs mark the location of the SNA, both located just off the shoulder of Highway 61: one at the northeast corner of the SNA and the other at the northwest corner of the property.