Once the world's largest propellant works, Badger sprawled across 7,400 acres below Devil's Lake, powering three wars before closing in 1997. The Army demolished nearly all of its 1,400 buildings during cleanup, and by the mid-2010s most land transferred to the Wisconsin DNR as Sauk Prairie Recreation Area, with parcels to the Ho-Chunk Nation and USDA. As of 2025 the recreation area is legally open for hiking and biking among foundations, bunker traces, and prairie restoration; interpretive signage covers the plant's history. Stay on designated routes, since some parcels remain under institutional controls from the remediation.
Vestige documents abandoned & historic places for education and preservation. Always obtain permission before visiting and follow local law.