GreatWisconsinBirding&NatureTrailLake Superior Northwoods Region

WelcomeWelcome to Wisconsin where a wonderful

world of wildlife watching awaits you.Environmental tourism has become an

important part of our diverse mix of outdoorrecreation. Extensive wetlands, millions ofacres of wild places, a broad range of naturalhabitat, and a commitment to environmentalstewardship have made Wisconsin an out-standing regional birding opportunity. Morethan any other state in the Great Lakes basin,Wisconsin is positioned to promote and enjoythis popular activity.

To that end, we have launched the GreatWisconsin Birding and Nature Trail. This proj-ect divides the state into five wildlife-viewingregions. Driving trails, linking importantwildlife sites within each region, are beingdeveloped. Over five years, the program willproduce a series of birding guides to theseregions – one each year. This is the first, aguide to the Lake Superior/NorthwoodsRegion.

We hope you enjoy it.

Jim Doyle, Governor

11

ContentsIntroduction __________________________________ 2Using the Guide________________________________ 3Code of Ethics ________________________________ 3Northwoods Region Map ________________________ 4-5Waypoint Index ________________________________ 6-7County Profiles

Ashland County ____________________________ 8-10Barron County______________________________ 11-13Bayfield County ____________________________ 14-19Burnett County ____________________________ 20-23Douglas County ____________________________ 24-28Florence County ____________________________ 29-31Forest County ______________________________ 32-34Iron County ________________________________ 35-38Langlade County____________________________ 39-41Lincoln County ____________________________ 42-44Oneida County ____________________________ 45-47Polk County________________________________ 48-50Price County ______________________________ 51-53Rusk County ______________________________ 54-55Sawyer County ____________________________ 56-58Taylor County ______________________________ 59-63Vilas County ______________________________ 63-66Washburn County __________________________ 67-69

More Sources of Tourism Information ______________ 72

22

Wing your waythrough Wild Wisconsin

The Great Wisconsin Birding Guide andNature Trail is your invitation to observe thefascinating and diverse world of wildlife thatexists in every corner of the state.

Over the next four years,the Wisconsin DNR EndangeredResource Program will developa series of five highway-basedviewing guides, eachhighlighting unique regionalecosystems of Wisconsin. Eachwill link a set of waypoints,refuges and wild places thatoffer the best birding and wildlife watchingopportunities.

This is the first of those five guides; theLake Superior/Northwoods Birding and NatureTrail. It covers Wisconsin’s eighteen northerncounties. Opened in 2004, it includes 88waypoints from the twenty-one pristine ApostleIslands to the one million acres of theChequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

In 2005, the Mississippi/Chippewa RiversBirding and Nature Trail will debut followed insuccessive years by the Lake Michigan, Central

Sands Prairie and SouthernSavanna Trails.

Waypoints on each trail willbe marked with the program’sdistinctive Sandhill Cranelogo. As you travel, watch forthese signs – they are yourinvitation to the fascinatingworld of Wisconsin wildlife.

Top photo, Clay colored sparrow by Mike McDowell. Bottom, waypoint marker.

Using the GuideInformation for this guide was gathered locally from

Wisconsin DNR and federal Forest Service personnel, from nat-uralists, birders, and a range of wildlife enthusiasts. Each sitewas nominated locally and evaluated as part of the regionalproject.

Site information includes a contact phone number,driving directions, a small locator map, a description of theproject, common and rare birds and wildlife, and a Web site ifavailable. Except as noted, admission to these properties isfree. Hours are included, even though most properties areopen 24/7.

As you would expect, most of these waypoints areremote, wild locations. While every effort has been made toprovide accurate driving instructions, we recommend that youbring a county map or gazetteer to help in finding these sites.Other prudent equipment would include a compass, flashlight,water, a granola bar, insect repellant, and a good pair of walk-ing/hiking shoes.

Code of EthicsThe Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail is your gateway

to the natural world of Wisconsin. The Code of Ethics serves toguide you as you seek your favorite waypoint sites across thestate.

● Treat birds and other animals with respect, never disturbingor collecting anything in their habitat.

● Trails, roads and paths found at the sites provide goodaccess to the property. Avoid leaving them unless you are ina wilderness area.

● Wisconsin has strict trespass laws. Private property does nothave to be posted or fenced in Wisconsin. Ask permission ifyou want to enter private land. Know where you are – payattention to posted property boundary signs.

● Dogs must be leashed on all state lands during the bird-nest-ing season from April 15 through July 31.

● Lead by example. Leave the property litter-free and in goodcondition for the next traveler.

● Give nature a voice. Thank the property owner, manager orstaff person for the opportunity to enjoy nature at their site.

33

44

BAYFIELD

ASHLAND

SAWYER

DOUGLAS

WASHBURN

BURNETT

RUSKPOLK

BARRON

TAY

ST. CROIX

DUNN

CHIPPEWA

CPIERCE

Hayward

SuperiorBayfield

St. Paul

Eau Claire

Chippewa

OweWithee

Prescott

River Falls

EllsworthElmwood Downsville

Menomonie

Hudson

Somerset

New Richmond

Osceola

St. CroixFalls

Turtle Lake

Knapp

Luck

Amery

Grantsburg Siren

Webster

Danbury

Cumberland

Rice Lake

CameronBarron

ShellLake

Spooner

Trego

Minong

Gordon

Solon Springs

Poplar

Brule Iron River

La Pointe

Red CliffPort Wing

Drummond

Cable

Odanah

Ashland

BloomerCornell Gilman

M

Melle

GlidClam Lake

WinterOjibwa

Couderay

Radisson

Stone LakeHertel

Holcombe

Cadott

Ladysmith

Ph

Bruce

Duluth

St.

Cro

ix

River

ChippewaFlowage

Apostle Isla

Washburn

Flam

beau

Rive

r

M I N N E S O T A

Chippewa Falls

70

64

7777

65 27

27

27

13

13

8

2

2

63

8

61

70

35

46

35

61

53

53

63

63

53

10

94

35

3

2

4

5

76

8

10

9

11

1

14

16

15

12

13

17

1819

20 21

22

23

25

27

28

30

29

2624

60 62

61

59

64

6869

67

70

71

72

73

77

78

8688

85

87

BayfieldCounty

Pgs. 14-19

DouglasCounty

Pgs. 24-28

BurnettCounty

Pgs. 20-23

PolkCounty

Pgs. 48-50

BarronCounty

Pgs. 11-13

RuskCounty

Pgs. 54-5

WashburnCounty

Pgs. 67-69

SawyerCounty

Pgs. 56-58

Great WisconsinBirding& NatureTrailLake Superior Northwoods Region

55

IRON

YLOR

MENOMINEE

FOREST

LINCOLN

LANGLADE

FLORENCE

MARINETTE

OCONTO

ONEIDA

VILAS

MARATHON

MARATHON

PRICE

Wis

cons

in

Ri

ver

Wausau

Rhinelander

Minocqua

EagleRiver

Lake Superior

River

Peshtigo

Riv e r

Wolf

Schofield

RothschildMosinee

Elderon

WittenbergBirnamwood

Aniwa

Antigo

Unity

Abbotsforden

Medford

MerrillPolar

Summit LakeElcho

Monico

ThreeLakes

Conover

Land O' Lakes

Woodruff

Lac duFlambeau

Manitowish Waters

Manitowish Boulder Jct.

Mercer

HurleyIronwoodontreal

en

dden

Fifield

Park Falls

Prentice

illips

Tomahawk

HeaffordJct.

Mountain

Lakewood

Townsend

Wabeno

Laona

Goodman

Pembine

Crivitz

Pound

OcontoFalls

Gillett

Shawano

Niagara

Florence

Lac Vieux DesertTurtle Flambeau

Flowage

ands

Crandon

Arbor Vitae

St.Germain

M I C H I G A N

64

29

64

13

70

32

32

55

139

8

2

2

51

8

51

45

45

141

141

39

31

32

34

33

35

37

36

39

38

44

45

42

41

43

40

47 4948

4650

5153

52

57

58

54

56

55

65

63

66

76

75

74

79

80 81

82

8384

AshlandCounty

Pgs. 8-10

y5

TaylorCounty

Pgs. 59-62 LincolnCounty

Pgs. 42-44

LanglageCounty

Pgs. 39-41

PriceCounty

Pgs. 51-53

IronCounty

Pgs. 35-38

VilasCounty

Pgs. 63-66

FlorenceCounty

Pgs. 29-31

OneidaCounty

Pgs. 45-47

ForestCounty

Pgs. 32-34

66

Waypoint IndexPage

Ashland County1. Big Bay State Park, La Pointe, Madeline Island________________________ 92. Copper Falls State Park, Mellen______________________________________ 93. Day Lake, Clam Lake _______________________________________________ 94. Fish Creek Slough, Ashland _________________________________________ 105. Mineral Lake, Mellen _______________________________________________ 10

Barron County6. Bear Lake Sedge Meadow State Natural Area, Haugen ________________ 117. Hemlock Creek Segment – Ice Age Trail, Birchwood ___________________ 128. Loon Lake State Wildife Area, Turtle Lake____________________________ 129. New Auburn State Wildlife Area, New Auburn _______________________ 1310. Yellow River State Fishery Area, Cumberland _________________________ 13

Bayfield County11. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Bayfield _________________________ 1512. Bark Bay Slough State Natural Area, Herbster ________________________ 1613. Marengo Overlook, Grand View/Clam Lake___________________________ 1714. Moquah Barrens Wildlife Area, Iron River ____________________________ 1715. Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, Ashland_________________________ 1816. Port Wing Boreal Forest State Natural Area, Port Wing________________ 1917. Rock Lake Trail, Cable/Clam Lake ____________________________________ 19

Burnett County18. Amsterdam Slough State Wildlife Area, Siren_________________________ 2019. Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area, Grantsburg _______________________ 2120. Governor Knowles State Forest/Brant Brook Pines State Natural Area,

Grantsburg ________________________________________________________ 2221. Kiezer State Wildilfe Area, Webster__________________________________ 2222. Namekagon Barrens State Wildlife Area, Danbury ____________________ 2323. Riverside Landing/St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, Danbury _________ 23

Douglas County24. Belden Swamp State Natural Area, Moose Junction ___________________ 2425. Brule River State Forest, Brule _______________________________________ 2526. Douglas County State Wildlife Area, Gordon & Solon Springs __________ 2627. Dwight’s Point & Pokegama Wetlands State Natural Area, Superior ____ 2628. Gordon Dam Park, Gordon__________________________________________ 2729. Pattison State Park, Superior ________________________________________ 2730. Wisconsin Point, Superior ___________________________________________ 28

Florence County31. Fox Maple Woods State Natural Area, Florence _______________________ 2932. Lost Lake Wilderness Area, Florence _________________________________ 3033. Spread Eagle Barrens State Natural Area, Florence ____________________ 3134. Whisker Lake Wilderness Area (Fox Maple Woods SNA), Florence ______ 31

Forest County35. Ed’s Lake National Recreation Trail, Wabeno _________________________ 3236. Franklin and Butternut Lakes Area, Eagle River _______________________ 3337. Giant White Pine Grove State Natural Area, Three Lakes ______________ 3338. Knowles Creek Impoundment and Interpretive Trail, Wabeno__________ 3439. Wabikon & Riley Lakes, Laona_______________________________________ 34

Iron County40. Carpenter Creek and Saxon Harbor, Hurley ___________________________ 3541. Lake Evelyn State Natural Area, Mercer ______________________________ 3642. Little Turtle Flowage, Mercer________________________________________ 3643. Penokee Iron Range/Gile Flowage, Hurley ____________________________ 3744. Turtle Flambeau Flowage Scenic Waters Area, Mercer _________________ 3745. Underwood Wildlife Area, Mercer ___________________________________ 38

77

Page

Langlade County46. Ackley State Wildlife Area, Merrill ___________________________________ 3947. Bogus Swamp State Natural Area, Summit Lake ______________________ 4048. Peters Marsh State Wildlife Area, Antigo_____________________________ 4049. Veterans County Park/Jack Lake, Summit Lake ________________________ 41

Lincoln County50. Council Grounds State Park, Merrill __________________________________ 4251. Hiawatha State Trail, Tomahawk (also Oneida Co.) ____________________ 4352. New Wood State Wildlife Area, Merrill_______________________________ 4353. Treehaven Environmental Learning Center, Tomahawk ________________ 44

Oneida County54. Almon Bog Trails at Almon Park /Buck Lake, Rhinelander______________ 4555. Bearskin State Trail, Woodruff_______________________________________ 4656. Plum Creek Forest Resources Trail, Monico ___________________________ 4657. Thunder Lake State Wildife Area, Three Lakes ________________________ 4758. Willow Flowage, Hazelhurst_________________________________________ 47

Polk County59. D.D. Kennedy County Park, Balsam Lake _____________________________ 4860. Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls __________________________________ 4961. McKenzie Creek State Wildife Area, Clam Falls _______________________ 5062. York Park, Amery __________________________________________________ 50

Price County63. Blockhouse Lake/Flambeau Trails/Hay Creek, Park Falls ________________ 5164. Kimberly Clark State Wildlife Area, Fifield____________________________ 5265. Popple Creek / Wilson Flowage & Riley Lake State Wildlife Area, Fifield 5266. Timm’s Hill County Park, Westboro __________________________________ 53

Rusk County67. Blue Hills/Moose Ear Creek, Weyerhauser ____________________________ 5467. Flambeau Mine Trail, Ladysmith _____________________________________ 5569. Potato Creek State Wildlife Area, Weyerhauser _______________________ 55

Sawyer County70. Chippewa Flowage, Hayward _______________________________________ 5671. Flambeau River State Forest_________________________________________ 5772. Lynch Creek State Wildlife Area, Clam Lake __________________________ 5773. Totagatic Lake State Wildlife Area, Sawyer ___________________________ 58

Taylor County74. Chequamegon Waters Flowage, Medford ____________________________ 5975. Kidrick Swamp, Westboro___________________________________________ 6076. Mondeau Dam Recreation Area, Medford____________________________ 6077. Pershing State Wildlife Area, Gilman ________________________________ 6178. Yellow River Ice-walled Lake Plain, Perkinstown ______________________ 62

Vilas County79. Catherine Wolter Wilderness Area, Presque Isle_______________________ 6380. Fallison Lake Nature Trail, Boulder Junction __________________________ 6481. Lumberjack Trail/Escanabe Trail, Boulder Junction_____________________ 6482. Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, Boulder Junction ____ 6583. North Lakeland Discovery Center, Manitowish Waters _________________ 6684. Powell Marsh State Wildlife Area, Manitowish Waters ________________ 66

Washburn County85. Beaver Brook State Wildife Area, Spooner ___________________________ 6786. Hunt Hill Audubon Nature Center & Sanctuary, Sarona ________________ 6887. Namekagon Visitor Center, Trego____________________________________ 6988. Sawyer Creek State Fishery Area, Spooner____________________________ 69

Ashland CountyWith just over 16 people per square mile, AshlandCounty is one of the least-populated counties innorthern Wisconsin. More than half of its 1,043square miles is either in the Chequamegon-NicoletNational Forest, or the Bad River IndianReservation.

The county seat, Ashland (population 8,695) isthe home of Timeless Timber (888/653-5647,www.timelesstimber.com), a uniquely Wisconsin

company that salvages, saws and sells 100-year-old logs fromthe bottom of Lake Superior. Nearby, the South ShoreBrewery (715/682-9199, www.southshorebrewery.com) offersfun tours; call for times. Just west of town, the Northern GreatLakes Visitors Center (715/685-9983, www.northerngreat-lakescenter.org) was made for travelers offering trip planning,an observation tower, video presentations, and cultural and his-toric exhibits.

Twelve miles west of Mellen you can visit Morgan Falls.The falls drop 80-100 feet in an elegant cascade, diagonally tra-versing a dramatic 70 foot granite face.

88

1 Big Bay State Park Located on Madeline Island, the largestof 22 Apostle Islands, this 2,418-acrepark sports rugged wooded cliffs withdramatic views of Lake Superior. It con-tains a State Natural Area that is openfor use by the public. Habitats includebogs, barrierbeach, boreal for-est and oldgrowth hemlock.Directions: Takecar ferry fromBayfield to LaPointe onMadelineIsland. Followsigns 6 miles tothe park. Pavedparking lot. Amenities: Flushtoilets, drinkingfountain, board-walks, viewing platform, visitors center,60 campsites.Activities: Camping, swimming, bik-ing, naturalist program, canoeing, fish-ing, X-C skiing, snowshoeing.

Phone: 715-747-6425 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.wiparks.netSignature Species: CommonLoon, Merlin, Broad-WingedHawk, Pileated Woodpecker.Rarities: Peregrine Falcon.Admission fee: State Park vehicleentry fee.Hours: 6am-11pm. Seasonality: Open all year.Accessibility: Fully accessiblecampsites and picnic areas,boardwalks. Nearest food & lodging: In La Pointe, 6 miles west.

13

Bayfield

La Pointe

FERRY

H

H

Big BayState Park

Lake SuperiorBasswood

Island

Madeline Island

Big Bay State Park.

AN

DY

KRA

USH

AA

R

99

Phone: 715/264-2511 (US Forest Service)Web site: www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnf/Rarities: Bald Eagle, Osprey. Admission Fee: Yes. Hours: 24/7. Accessibility: Yes. Signature Species: Waterfowl,warblers.Seasonality: Best in spring,summer & fall. Nearest food & lodging: InClam Lake, .5-miles southwest.

Day LakeThis 100-acre US Forest Service camp-ground area flanks 625-acre Day Lake.A variety of habitats, including floatingsphagnum-tamarack bogs, attract sea-sonal waterfowl, raptors, andNorthwoods mammals. Barrier-freeviewing platforms, two nesting struc-tures and shoreline hiking trails providegreat opportunities to watch ospreyand bald eagle.Directions: From Clam Lake take Cty.M west .33 miles, past Cty. GG. Followsigns to the boat landing and day usearea. Park in the paved lot near the pic-nic area. Amenities: Restrooms, drinking foun-tain, gravel trails, viewing platform, hik-ing trails, picnicking, camping (66 sites),boat landing, fishing, swimming beach.Notes: Bring your fishing gear; DayLake is loaded with small-to-mediumMusky.

Day Lake

7777

ClamLake

To H

ayw

ard To Mellen

GG

GG

M

M

Day Lake

3

Copper Falls State ParkThis 2,700-acre state park is famous forits 30-foot waterfall on the Bad River.The park is mostly forested with north-ern hardwoods, aspen and spruce/fir. Itsriver valleys, canyons, waterfalls, smalllakes and bogs attract seasonal water-fowl, songbirds, and raptors.Directions: Two miles north of Mellenvia Hwy. 169.Amenities: 55 campsites, 13 with elec-tric hookup; restrooms, drinking foun-tain, showers, gravel trails, boardwalks,concessions, swimming beach, hiking,mountain biking & X-C ski trails.Notes: Early May is a great time to seenumerous wildflowers in bloom. It ispossible to hear howling wolf packs inthe wee morning hours. An elk herdhas been established 20 miles SE of thepark. The park includes severalCCC/WPA log structures, bridges andshelters. Its main trail was laid out andbuilt by the veterans of WWI.

2

Phone: 715/274-5123 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.wiparks.netAdmission fee: State Park vehicleadmission sticker required.Hours: Park open 6am-11pmdaily, all year. Office opens at 8amin the spring, summer and fall. Accessibility: Partial, with onerustic cabin for use by disabledpersons, some trail sections areaccessible, beach is partiallyaccessible, shower building isaccessible.Parking: Paved parking lots.Nearest food & lodging: InMellen, two miles south.

13

13

77

77

169

Mellen

To H

ayw

ard

To Hurley

To Ashland

P

GG

Copper FallsState Park

1100

Mineral LakeThis 1,000-acre US Forest Service camp-ground area flanks 225-acre MineralLake. Birds found here include manyinterior forest birds such as the Black-throated Blue Warbler, Winter Wren,Veery, Pileated Woodpecker, Ovenbird,Hermit Thrush, Great Crested Flycatcher,Northern Parula Warbler and woodlandraptors.Directions: From Mellen, 8 miles weston Cty. GG to Forest Road 187 (MineralLake Rd.). Turn right (north) on 187,then .2 miles to the boat landing.Launch canoe or boat to access wildand natural areas.Amenities: Camping (12 sites), rest-rooms, drinking fountain, boat landing,fishing.Notes: A great place to see almost allspecies of northern Wisconsin ferns,including rare ones. The PenokeeOverlook between Mellen and MineralLake on Cty GG offers a spectacularview of this portion of the Gogebicrange.

5

Ashland County

Phone: 715/264-2511 (US ForestService)Web site: www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnf Rarities: Bald Eagle, Loon, WoodTurtle, Timber Wolf, Elk, CanadaYew.Admission fee: A parkingpermit is required at the boatlanding: $3/daily or $10/annually.Hours: 24/7.Parking: There is parking at theboat landing for about 12 cars.Nearest food & lodging:Mellen 8 miles east, or ClamLake 13 miles south.

Mineral Lake

English Lake

FR 1

87FR

188

MINERAL LAKE RD

FR 184

To Mellen

To C

lam

Lak

e

GG

GGMineral Lake

Phone: 715/682-7071 (City of Ashland)Web site: www.visitashland.comSignature Species: Ducks,twenty species of warblers,shorebirds, wading birds, TundraSwan, Horned Grebe, HudsonianGodwit, Red-necked Phalarope,Black Tern, and Yellow-headedBlackbird.Rarities: Snowy Egret, TricoloredHeron, Little Gull, Bonaparte’s Gull.Hours: 24/7. Accessibility: Fully accessible. Parking: Paved Parking lot.

Fish Creek SloughA 700-acre slough close to LakeSuperior. Habitat includes marsh,lagoon, edge areas, second growthhardwood forest, and boreal forest thatattract seasonal waterfowl, songbirds,and raptors.Directions:Access theslough fromPrentice Parklocated on thecity’s west sidevia Hwy. 2. Amenities:Camping (nineRV sites withelectrichookup, seven tent sites), restrooms,drinking fountain, gravel trails, viewingplatform, Bayview Beach, and fishingpier. Notes: The fenced deer yard is worth-while any time of year for bird watch-ing.

4

13

13

13

112

137

A

2

22

Lake Superior

Ashland

To W

ashb

urn

To S

uper

ior

To M

ellen

To HurleyNorthern

Great Lakes Visitor Center

Fish CreekSlough

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

Bonaparte’s Gull.

1111

Barron CountyThe Dakota and Chippewa Indians valued the landthat is now Barron County for its clear shallowlakes ringed with wild rice beds. European settlersvalued it for its timber resources.

Rice Lake (population 7,998) straddles thebeautiful Red Cedar River. It is the southern trail-head of the Wild Rivers State Trail (715/635-4490, www.wiparks.net), a limestone-surfaced

railbed trail running north 40 miles to Solon Springs. Rice Lake isalso the home of the J.C. Bearpaw Co. (715/236-7300,www.thebearpawcompany.com), a retail sporting goods storewith a truly fascinating collection of bird, fish and mammalmounts from around the world. The Red Barn Theater(888/688-3770) presents a summer season of professional the-ater.

Just south of town, the Pioneer Village Museum(715/458-2841) is a recreation of a logging era town displayingmore than 400 items of historic interest.

In Chetek, visit Time & Again Antique Mall (715-924-4000, www.wisconsinantiques.com/timeandagain) or surroundyourself with luxury at Canoe Bay Resort (715-924-4594,www.canoebay.com).

Phone: 608/266-7012(Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/ snaSignature Species: Swamp andSong Sparrow, Yellow Warbler,Sora Rail, and Sedge Wren.Rarities: American Bittern,LeConte’s Sparrow, Yellow Rail.Hours: 24/7. Nearest food & lodging: InHaugen, 1 mile east.

Bear Lake Sedge Meadow State Natural Area

This 250-acre sedge meadow wraps alarge bay on the southern shore of BearLake. The meadow is open with scat-tered islands of bog birch, alder, blackspruce andtamarack closeto the lake.Much of themeadow isdominated bymarsh cinque-foil, cotton-grass, and bluejoint grass.Dragon’s mouthorchid, leather-leaf, bog-laurel, bog-rosemary and Labrador-tea are scat-tered throughout.Directions: From the intersection ofCty. SS and V in Haugen, go west on V0.3 miles, then north and west on Cty.VV 1.6 miles to a parking area south ofthe road.

To Sp

oo

ner

VV

Bear Lake Sedge MeadowSNA

53

V

V

V

ToRice

Lake

Bear Lake

Haugen

6

Sora Rail.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

1122

Hemlock Creek Segment, Ice Age TrailThis segment of the Ice Age Trail cross-es Pigeon Creek and passes through asmall stand of even-age aspen andbirch before reaching a prairie, whichgives way to a stand of old-growthmixed hardwoods. The climax viewingarea is at a large beaver pond with anOsprey nest and Great Blue Heron rook-ery consisting of more than 75 nests.The site offers some boardwalks.Directions: From Birchwood travel weston Hwy. 48 one mile, turn left on LochLomand Blvd. 2.5 miles to FinohornRoad (note large Ice Age Trail sign) andcontinue for 100 yards. Park on theshoulder of the road.Notes: This site includes several signifi-cant glacial geological formations aswell as a large beaver colony withlodge and dam.

7

Phone: 715/537-6295 (Ice AgePark and Trail Foundation)Web site: www.iceagetrail.orgSignature Species: Great BlueHeron, and Osprey.Hours: 24/7; but closed duringdeer hunting season.Nearest food & lodging: AtBirchwood, 4 miles north.

To R

ice Lake

Hemlock Creek Segment, Ice Age Trail

T48

48Cedar Lake

Balsam Lake Birchwood

Phone: 715/537-5046(Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlife

Loon Lake State Wildlife AreaThis 2,752-acre site is a good place forthe novice birder. A variety of habitatincludingforest, wet-lands andLoon Lakemake thisarea attrac-tive toRuffedGrouse,AmericanWoodcock,SandhillCranes and Bald Eagles.Amenities: Hiking trails.Directions: Located 5.5 miles north ofTurtle Lake via Hwy. 63, turn left (west)on 2-3/4 & 3-3/4 Streets. Follow thisroad and turn left on 1-1/2 Street to asmall parking lot and boat launch.

2-3/4 ST &

3-3/4 ST

1-1/

2 ST

To C

umber

land

Loon LakeWildlife Area

63

ekaLeltruT

oT

LoonLake

Crystal Lake

Echo Lake

8

Barron County

Grasshopper Sparrow.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

1133

New Auburn State Wildlife AreaThis 1,176-acre site offers marsh andforest uplands thatare great for ducks,deer, Ruffed Grouse,American Woodcockand Sandhill Cranes. Directions: Locatedtwo miles north ofNew Auburn onHwy. SS - parking isavailable on northand southeast partsof property.

9

Phone: 715/537-5046(Wisconsin DNR)Web site:www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlife

New AuburnWildlife Area

53

MM

SS

M

29TH

ST

New Auburn

To Chetek

To Bloomer

Yellow River State Fishery AreaThis 708-acre site is a great place tohike and enjoy berry picking, birdwatching,and troutfishing.Forestedupland,swamp andcreek bot-toms makethis greathabitat fordeer, rab-bits, andRuffed Grouse.Directions: Located 5 miles east ofCumberland via Hwy. 48. Parking isavailable on Hwy. 48, on 20th Avenueon the south end of the property, andon the access road at the end of 13thStreet.

10

Phone: 715/537-5046(Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlifeSignature Species: AmericanBittern, Virginia Rail andnumerous sparrow species.Rarities: The Snowy Owl visitsoccasionally in winter.

To S

po

on

er

To Turtle Lake

To Rice Lake

Yellow RiverFishery Area

48

63Beaver Dam Lake

Yellow

River

Cumberland

Killdeer.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

Virginia Rail.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

1144

Bayfield CountyBayfield County is the kind of place travelersdream about, from the picturesque Apostle Islandsto the solitude of the Chequamegon-NicoletNational Forest.

The City of Bayfield is the gateway to theApostle Islands National Lakeshore (715/779-3397, www.nps.gov/apis). The largest of theislands, Madeline Island, is the home of Big BayState Park (715/747-6425, www.wiparks.net) and

the Madeline Island Historical Museum (866/944-7483,www.wisconsinhistory.org/sites/madisle). The Madeline IslandFerry (715/747-2051, www.madferry.com) services the bigisland. The Apostle Islands Cruise Service (800/323-7619,www.apostleisland.com) offers excursions to many of the islandsand their lighthouses.

You can also visit the Bayfield Maritime Museum(715/779-9919, www.bayfield.org), Hauser’s Bayfield Winery(717/779-5404, www.bayfieldwine.com), or enjoy a summerperformance at Big Top Chautauqua (888/244-8368,www.bigtop.org).

In southern Bayfield County, the Cable area welcomes visi-tors with the Cable Natural History Museum (715/798-3890,www.cablemuseum.org). If you like biking, the CAMBA BikeTrails (800/533-7454, www.cambatrails.org) map 300 miles ofmountain and road bike trails in the area.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

TOU

RISM

PH

OTO

FIL

E

1155

11 Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Scattered over 750 square miles of LakeSuperior coastal waters, the NationalLakeshore includes 21 of the 22Apostle Islands, (69,372 acres), plus a12-mile stretch of mainland shorelineon Lake Superior’s south shore. Habitatis northern hemlock/hardwood forest,boreal forest, beaches, dunes, bogs,lagoons, and sandstone cliffs of LakeSuperior. The islands provide nestinghabitat for more than 150 bird speciesand serve as a rest stop for more than250 bird species during spring and fallmigrations.Directions: The Headquarters visitorcenter is located one block north ofState Highway 13 in Bayfield at 415Washington Ave. The Little Sand Bayvisitor center is located in the park’smainland unit 13 miles north ofBayfield, off Cty. K.Amenities: Primitive camping on theislands.

Phone: 715/779-3397 (NationalPark Service)Web site: www.nps.gov/apis Signature Species: PipingPlover. Rarities: Sub-arctic plants likebutterwort and bird’s-eyeprimrose.Hours: The headquarters visitorcenter is open May-Oct, 8am-5pm daily; Nov-Apr, 8am-4:30pmMon-Fri. The Little Sand Bayvisitor center is open daily June-Sep.Seasonality: Spring, summer &fall. The islands are onlyaccessible by boat. Excursionsoperate from Bayfield May-Oct.Public docks are found on 13 ofthe islands. Boat & Kayak launchfacilities in Bayfield and LittleSand Bay.Accessibility: Mainland visitorcenters are fully accessible. Nearest food & lodging: InBayfield.

To Superior

To A

shlan

d

FERRY

13

13

Bayfield

Big BayState Park

La Pointe

K K

Lake Superior

Basswood Island

Oak Island

Sand Island

York Island Raspberry

Island

Manitou Island

Hermit Island

Ironwood Island

Stockton Island

Michigan Island

Cat Island

Outer Island

Otter Island

Devil's Island

Rocky Island

South Twin Island

North Twin Island

Bear Island

Madeline Island

Apostle IslandsNational Lakeshore

Headquarters

A p o s t l e I s l a n d s N a t i o n a l L a k e s h o r e

Little Sand BayVisitor Center

Notes: The islands have six historic light stations, (guided tours avail-able June-Sep). The headquarters visitor center is located in the oldBayfield County Courthouse, a National Register building. StocktonIsland supports one of the densest populations of black bears in thecountry. The islands’ sea caves are spectacular in any season.Restrictions: Colonial nesting areas on Eagle, Gull, and Otter islandsare closed seasonally. Bald Eagle nesting areas are also closed season-ally.

1166

Bayfield County

13 Marengo OverlookThis 4-mile section of the NorthCountry Trail winds through theMarengo Semi-Primitive, Non-motor-ized Area (2,400 acres). The trail hasdifficult sections with some steepslopes. This northern mesic hardwoodforest is home to thrushes, vireos, war-blers, woodpeckers, flycatchers, andwoodland raptors.Directions: From Grand View travelsouth on Cty. D 3 miles to Forest Road377, turn east (left) on 377 and travel 4miles to Forest Road 202, turn south(right) on 202, the trailhead is 1.5 mileson the left with a graveled parking lotfor 3-4 cars. Notes: A rock outcrop along the trail,provides a spectacular view of theMarengo River Gorge (1,000 feetdeep). There is excellent trout fishing inthe Marengo River.

Phone: 715/634-4821 (US Forest Service)Web site: www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnfHours: 24/7.Nearest food & lodging: AtClam Lake, 10 miles southeast.The US Forest Service operatessmall campgrounds nearby atBeaver Lake (10 sites, 3 milesaway) and Lake Three (8 sites, 6miles away).

12 Bark Bay Slough State Natural AreaA 552-acre shore fen and open bogwith sand spit, lagoon, springs andwetlands along a bay between tworocky headlands of the Lake Superiorcoast. Directions: From Herbster go east 3.5miles on Hwy. 13, then north on BarkBay Road 0.5 miles to a boat landingand parking lot on the east side of theroad. The best access to the sand spitand bog is by canoe. Most of the sandspit is private.Notes: The small village of Cornucopiashould be a stop as you travel the area.Check the shoreline for interestingbirds. Stop where the Siskiwit Riverempties into Lake Superior to look forRed-Throated Loons. A small park onHwy 13 offers free spring water from awell tap to the public - bring your ownjug.

Phone: 715-372-4866 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/sna/Signature Species: Bald Eagle,Northern Harrier, Yellow Rail, andAmerican Bittern.Hours: 24/7.Nearest food & lodging: InHerbster, 3 miles west.

13

To Bayfield

To Superior Herbster

Lake Superior

Bark BaySlough SNA

BARK BAY

BARK

PO

INT

RD

SLOU

GH

RD

FR 377

FR 2

02

MarengoOverlook

D

ToG

rand

view

1177

14 Moquah Barrens Wildlife AreaThe area is a restored barrens. The veg-etation is a mix of open, upland jackpine barrens, red pine savanna, andmixed pine/oak forest. There are severalsandy-bottomed lakes at the southwestedge of the area. The area, well knownfor its blueberries, is managed with pre-scribed fire, and has a superb late sum-mer wildflower bloom.Directions: This 10,000-acre refuge islocated 16 miles west of Ashland in theChequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.From Ashland, travel 13 miles west onHwy. 2 to the junction of Forest Road236 in the small town of Ino. Turn right(north) on FR 236 and travel about 5miles north to the junction of FR 242.This is the southeast corner of thewildlife area. Another mile north on FR236 brings you to the south edge ofthe Moquah Natural Area, the nation’sfirst Research Natural Area (markedwith a sign). Numerous roads throughthe barrens, can be traveled by car. Notes: The site has a wolf pack andblack bears.

Phone: 715/373-2667 (US ForestService)Web site: www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnfSignature Species: Sharp-tailedGrouse (the spring dancingseason is tops).Rarities: The site is well knownfor its open grassland birdspecies.Hours: 24/7.Nearest food & lodging: In IronRiver, 5 miles southwest. TheForest Service operates 3 areacampgrounds: Wanoka Lake (5miles), Birch Grove (7 miles) andwalk-in only Bladder Lake (1mile).

FR 236

FR 236

FR 237

FR 238FR 419

FR 242

2

G

To AshlandTo Superior

MoquahBarrensWildlife Area

Ino

Whitetail deer.

MO

LLY

RO

SE T

EUK

E

1188

Bayfield County

15 Northern Great Lakes Visitor CenterA 37,000 sq. ft, $7 million facility withan observation tower, viewing platform,100-seat theater, interpretive and his-toric exhibits, and regional visitor infor-mation & trip planning for Wisconsin,Minnesota and Michigan’s UP. TheCenter’s180-acre siteis comprisedof lowlandcedar andblack ash,open fields,uplandaspen, pine,spruce andbalsam. An accessible 2/3-mile board-walk trail system with two loops windsthrough the cedar and tamarack wet-lands. The Center property is adjacentto the Whittlesey Creek NationalWildlife Refuge.Directions: Located 3 miles west ofAshland on Hwy. 2. Amenities: Restrooms, drinking foun-tain, gift shop, boardwalks.

Phone: 715/685-9983 (US Forest Service)Web site: www.northerngreatlakescenter.orgSignature Species: Migratoryraptors, Bald Eagle, and springwarblers. Center staff canrecommend other area birdingspots.Hours: 9am-5pm daily.Accessibility: Center is fullyaccessible, as is the 2/3-mileboardwalk trail system.Nearest food & lodging: InAshland, 3 miles east.

13

13

13

112

137

A

2

22

Lake Superior

Ashland

To W

ashb

urn

To S

uper

ior

To M

ellen

To HurleyNorthern

Great Lakes Visitor Center

Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center.TO

URI

SM P

HO

TO F

ILE

DA

LE T

HO

MA

S

Boardwalk trail system at Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center.

1199

16 Port Wing Boreal Forest State Natural AreaThis natural area features two units ofnorthern dry-mesic forest on sand spitsinland from the Lake Superior shoreline.The forest has large white and redpines that form a super-canopy overwhite spruce, balsam fir, red maple,white birch, mountain maple, yellowbirch and white cedar. The ground layercontains blueberries, large-leaved aster,and several club-mosses. Between theforested sand spit and beach to thenorth is a sedge meadow, shrubswamp, and bog. The wetland area isan extension of the estuary of the FlagRiver, which separates the two units.Directions: For the eastern unit, fromPort Wing travel east 1.6 miles on Hwy.13, turn west 0.2 miles on LakeviewRoad, then north on Big Pete Roadabout 0.5 mile to Lake Superior. For thewestern unit, from Port Wing travelnorth 0.6 miles on Washington Ave,turn west 1 mile on Quarry Road, thennorth on Point Road 0.25 miles to theparking area.

Phone: 715/372-4866 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/sna/Signature Species: Blackburnian,Black-and-White, and NorthernParula Warblers.Rarities: Black meadowhawkdragonfly and bog copperbutterfly.Hours: 24/7.Nearest food & lodging: In PortWing one mile east or west.

17 Rock Lake Trail & Non-motorized AreaRock Lake Trail is a hilly hiking andmountain biking trail that windsthrough 2,000 acres of mature north-ern mesic anddry mesic for-est with somelarge whitepine. Portionsof the trailskirt severalsmall remotelakes. Birdsfound inthese habitatsinclude:ScarletTanager, Pileated Woodpecker,Common Raven, Eastern WoodPeewee, Black-throated Green Warbler,and Pine Warbler.Directions: Located 7 miles east ofCable on Cty. M. Parking for 25 cars ina graveled lot.Amenities: Restrooms.

Phone: 715/634-4821 (US Forest Service)Web site: www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnfRarities: Large, round-leavedorchid.Signature Species: Loons onisolated lakes.Admission fee: Parking fee forthe lot on Cty M is $3/day or$10/year. Golden Age Passportapplies.Hours: 24/7.Nearest food & lodging: InCable, 7 miles west.

RD

LAND

LAK

E

DA

M R

D

LOST

Rock LakeTrail

MTo Cable

To Clam Lake

Namekagon Lake

Rock Lake

Hidden Lake

Twin Lakes

BIG PETE RD

13

13

To B

ayfie

ld

To Superior Port Wing

A

Lake Superior

Port WingBoreal Forest

SNA West

Port WingBoreal Forest

SNA East

QUARRY LAKEVIEWRD

Scarlet Tanager.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

Burnett County

2200

18 Amsterdam Sloughs State Wildlife Area Phone: 715/349-2151 (WisconsinDNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlifeSignature Species: Herons andOspreys.Nearest food & lodging: InSiren, five miles southeast.

Amsterdam Slough is a beautiful 6,138-acre property with marsh, flowages,swamp, and forested upland. Birdwatching is good at Black BrookFlowage whereyou can seeGreat BlueHerons, Ospreyand Bald Eagles.Directions:From Siren,drive north onHwy. 35 twomiles to Cty. Dturn left on Dthree miles –the sloughs are on your left (south). Notes: This large complex of habitats isa good place to see AmericanWoodcocks in the spring, and furbear-ers such as bear, mink and coyotes.

Amsterdam SloughsState Wildlife Area

D

To Spooner

To Grantsburg

To D

anb

ury

70

70

70

35

35

Crooked Lake

Big Doctor Lake

Fish Lake

Siren

Burnett County is a wonderful study in recreationaldiversity. Glacial lakes pock the eastern half of thecounty near Webb Lake; prime vacation area withfishing and water sports for everyone.Highway 35 bisects the county from Siren in the

South to Danbury in the north. The GandyDancer State Trail (800/788-3164, www.bur-nettcounty.com), a 98-mile railbed trail from St.Croix Falls to Superior, parallels the highway. A

highlight is the 520-foot bridge over the scenic St. Croix Riverjust north of Danbury. On the Yellow River five miles south ofDanbury, you can visit Forts Folle Avoine (715/866-8890,www.theforts.org), an historic reconstruction of an 1800’s furtrading outpost and Indian village. The complex includes anindoor museum and interpretive center.

Prairie landscapes and picturesque wetlands distinguish thewestern half of the county. North of Grantsburg, the 30,000-acre Crex Meadows Wildlife Area (715/463-2739,www.crexmeadows.org) is the state’s largest remnant of theNorthern Wisconsin Pine Barrens. The western edge of thecounty is defined by the scenic St. Croix River. The 20,000-acreGovernor Knowles State Forest (715/463-2898,www.wiparks.net) flanks the river in a narrow band only a milewide, but about 50 miles long.

Green Heron.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

2211

19 Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area Phone: 715/463-2896 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlifeSignature Species: Sharp-tailedGrouse, Trumpeter Swans, Ospreyand Bald Eagles.Rarities: Tricolored Heron andWhite Ibis.Hours: The visitors’ center is opendaily 10am-4pm (except majorholidays). The property is openyear-round.Accessibility: Handicapped-accessible wildflower trail andduck blinds. The visitors’ centerand grounds are also accessible.Nearest food & lodging: InGrantsburg, a mile south of thevisitors’ center.

A 30,000-acre wildlife area featuringrestored wetlands and upland brushprairie habitats with oak/jack pineforests interspersed. The propertyincludes 6,000 acres of open water.270 species of birds use the propertyalong with every mammal found inWisconsin and a good variety of rep-tiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Theproperty supports breeding populationsof Osprey, Bald Eagles, TrumpeterSwans, Karner blue butterflies andBlanding’s turtles. In the fall migration,as many as 50 Bald Eagles, 7,000Sandhill Cranes and 12,000 Canadaand Snow Geese fly into the area.Directions: The Crex Meadows VisitorsCenter is located at the corner of coun-ty roads D and F just north ofGrantsburg. The property spreads northand east, covering 30,000 acres. Apaved parking lot is located at the visi-tors center, with grass parking areasscattered throughout the property.Amenities: Restrooms, drinking foun-tain, gravel trails, boardwalks, viewingplatform, visitors center and gift shop.Restrictions: Dogs must be leashedduring nesting season. A 2,400-acrerefuge is off-limits to entry at all times.

70 70

48

To Minnesota To Siren

To S

t. C

roix

Fal

ls

F

D

Crex Meadows

Grantsburg

Fall color along the Namekagon River in Burnett County.

DA

VID

HER

RIC

K

2222

21 Kiezer State Wildlife AreaPhone: 715/635-2101Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlifeSignature Species: Bald Eaglesand Great Blue Herons.Seasonality: Best in spring andfall.Nearest food & lodging: InWebster, 4 miles west.

Burnett County

Kiezer is 1,352 acres of water, marshand forested uplands with waterfowl,Ruffed Grouse, deer, AmericanWoodcock, snowshoe hares, BaldEagles andOsprey. You canalso fish BanachLake and BigLake.Directions:Located 6 mileseast of Websteron Cty. Rd. A, 4miles east ofHwy. 35. You’llfind a parkingarea as well aslogging roads throughout the property.Nearby attractions: Forts Folle AvoineHistorical Park is 7 miles west on Cty. U.

20 Governor Knowles State Forest/Brant Brook Pines State Natural AreaPhone: 715/463-2898 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/sna/Rarities: Black and White Warbler,and Yellow-throated Vireo.Hours: 24/7.Nearest food & lodging: InGrantsburg, 6 miles southeast.

A 190-acre stand of old growth redpines along the St. Croix River estimat-ed to have originated in the mid-1890s.The area includes many fine troutstreams as well as the St. Croix NationalScenic Riverway.Directions: Brant Brook Pines StateNatural Area is located within Gov.Knowles State Forest. From Grantsburg,go north on Cty. F 3.7 miles, then weston Bloom Road 2 miles, then north onGile Road 0.75 mile to the Brant BrookPines Ski Trail parking area at the right-angle corner. Follow the trail northwestinto the site.Activities: Camping, swimming, bik-ing, hiking and fishing in GovernorKnowles State Forest.Notes: The St. Croix River, which formspart of the Wisconsin/Minnesota bor-der, is a National Scenic Riverway; anarea of lush vegetation and movingwater that represents a diversity ofhabitat stretching 252 river milesthrough a narrow corridor of wild land.

35

To S

iren

To D

anb

ury

A

X

KiezerWildlife

Area

Webster

Devil's Lake

Johnson Lake

Brant Brook PinesSNA

To G

ran

tsb

urg

FCroi

x

St.

Riv

er

MI

NN

ES

OT

A

BLOOM RD

GIL

E R

D

Red-winged Blackbird.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

2233

22 Namekagon Barrens State Wildlife AreaPhone: 715/635-2101 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlifeSignature Species: Sharp-tailedGrouse.Rarities: Upland Sandpipers andBrewer’s Blackbird.Seasonality: Spring, summer andfall, with fewer viewingopportunities in winter.Nearest food & lodging: InDanbury, 10 miles southwest.

One of the largest pine barrens in thestate (5,200 acres) with some prairieand savanna, a few pockets of wet-lands and a smalllake. Among thescattered pinesare long stretchesof prairie. Theproperty is knownfor Sharp-tailedGrouse, UplandSandpipers,American Kestrels,Eastern Bluebirdsand Bald Eagles.Directions: The Namekagon Barrens liein two lobes. To get to the southernunit, drive north 5 miles from Danburyon Hwy 35, then east 4.5 miles onSpring Brook Tr. To get to the northernlobe unit from the southern unit, headnorth 2 miles on Namekagon Tr., then 1mile east on St. Croix Tr. You can parkat a small lookout site or alongside ofthe roads. This property is leased fromBurnett County.Amenities: Lookout post.

St. CroixNamekagonRiver

River

35

To S

up

erio

r

To Danbury

Namekagon BarrensWildlife Area

Northern Unit

Namekagon BarrensWildlife AreaSouthern Unit

SPRINGBROOK TR

ST. CROIX TR

Eastern Bluebird.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

23 Riverside Landing/St. Croix National Scenic RiverwaySignature Species: Osprey, BaldEagle, Common Mergansers,Canada Geese and owls.Hours: Daylight hours.Nearest food & lodging: InDanbury, six miles southwest.Seasonality: Best in sping,summer and fall.

This park is an entry and exit point forcanoe and kayak enthusiasts on the St.Croix National Scenic Riverway.Directions:Located sixmiles north-east ofDanburywhere Hwy35 meets theSt. Croix River.Paved parkinglot.Amenities:Restrooms,drinking foun-tain, foottrails. Restrictions: Pets must be on a leash.

St. Croix

River

35

To S

up

erio

r

To Danbury

Riverside Landing

SPRINGBROOK TR

Canada Geese.

TOU

RISM

PH

OTO

FIL

E

2244

Douglas County

Belden Swamp is a 1,862-acre wetlandcomplex owned by Douglas County. Itis located between two major water-sheds. This land mass forms the head-waters of the Spruce River which flowssouth to theMississippi, andthe Black River.The area fea-tures thelargest remain-ing undisturbedopen bog inWisconsin. Alarge area ofmuskeg givesthis area it’s distinctive northern feeland the conifer swamp add to thebeauty of this large wetland.Directions: From the intersection ofHwy 35 & M in Moose Junction, drivenorth 5 miles on Hwy. 35 to a parkingarea west of the road.

24 Belden Swamp State Natural AreaPhone: 608/266-7012 (WisconsinDNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/sna/Signature Species: LeConte’sSparrow, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher,and Northern Harrier.Rarities: A Timber Wolf pack.Hours: 24/7.Seasonality: Best in spring,summer & fall.

35

M

MooseJunction

To Superior

To US 53

BeldenSwamp

SNA

MOOSE RD

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

Douglas County’s unspoiled landscape beckonswith 431 lakes and the state tallest waterfall, 165-foot Big Manitou Falls in Pattison Sate Park(715/399-3111, www.wiparks.net), only a 12-miledrive south of Superior.

Superior is the county’s largest city (population27,134) and the county seat. With its sister cityDuluth, it is Lake Superior’s busiest port. You cancruise the harbor aboard Vista Fleet Harbor

Cruises (218/722-6218, www.vistafleet.com). On Barker’sIsland, you can tour the S.S. Meteor Museum (715/394-5712,www.superiorpublicmuseums.org), the last remaining whale-back freighter on the Great Lakes. Built in 1891 for local lumberbaron Martin Pattison, Fairlawn Mansion (715/394-5712,www.superiorpublicmuseums.org) is a 42-room Victorian jewelthat today is the city’s museum. On Harborview Parkway, visitthe Richard I. Bong World War II Heritage Center (888/816-9944, www.bongheritagecentere.org). It honors WWII “Ace ofAces” and Medal of Honor recipient Maj. Richard Bong of near-by Poplar, Wisconsin.

In eastern Douglas County, the Brule River State Forest(715/372-5678, www.wiparks.net) is famous for its canoeing,kayaking and trout fishing.

2255

25 Brule River State Forest Phone: 715/372-8539 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/landSignature Species: The area hasconsistently produced northernraptors and Saw-whet Owls,northern songbirds such as theCape May Warbler, CanadaWarbler, and Connecticut Warbler,as well as Black-backedWoodpeckers.Seasonality: Good for migrantsin spring and fall, breeding birdsin summer, and finches andsongbirds in winter, but viewingopportunities may be limited. Nearest food & lodging: InBrule, two miles north.

At 50,000 acres, this state forest isused by more species of birds andmammals than any other northernWisconsin acreageof similar size. Itshabitat includeshigh-quality stream,a mixture of borealand plantationforests, and somepine barrens on thesouth end of theproperty. This var-ied landscape supports deer, RuffedGrouse, geese, Bald Eagles, Osprey andsongbirds. It also offers wonderfulcamping, canoeing and trout fishing.Directions: From Brule, drive west 0.5mile on Hwy. 2 to South Ranger Road.Turn south 2 miles to state forest head-quarters at 6250 S. Ranger Rd. You’llfind a parking area at the ranger sta-tion and at entry points to the river.Caution: Roads may be hazardousafter spring melt or heavy snows.Activities: Camping, swimming, fish-ing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking.Amenities: Restrooms and drinkingfountain are located at the ranger sta-tion.

27

27

M

B

2

2 Brule

To Superior

Brule RiverState Forest

BoisBr

ule

Rive

r

To Superior

Cape May Warbler.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

Canoeing the Bois Brule River.

PHIL

IP O

LSO

N

2266

This 3,153-acre wetland lies at the con-fluence of the Pokegama & St. LouisRivers on the west side of Superior. Itincludes boreal forest, emergent marsh,and wet clay flats supporting shrubswamp and wet meadow. The St. Louisestuary, with its steep-sided ridges andboreal forest mix, is prime habitat forBald Eagles.Directions: This site is located withinthe Superior Municipal Forest. From theintersection of Hwys. 2 & 35 inSuperior, go south on 35 (TowerAvenue) 1 mile, then west on 28thStreet about 1.75 miles until it becomesBillings Drive. Access is from any num-ber of points along Billings Drive; you’llfind numerous parking areas. Severalhiking, biking, and ski trails windthrough the site. The natural area isalso accessible by water.

27 Dwight’s Point & Pokegama Wetlands State Natural AreaPhone: 608/266-7012 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/snaSignature Species: Bald Eagle.Hours: 24/7.Nearest food & lodging: InSuperior.

Douglas County

2

53

BUS

53

2

6135

535

35

St. Lo

uis Bay

Superior

Duluth

Dwight's Point &Pokegama WetlandsSNA

28TH ST

TOW

ER A

VE

BELNAP STTo Ashland

To Eau Claire

26 Douglas County State Wildlife AreaPhone: 715/395-6912Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlifeSignature species: Sharp-tailedGrouse.Hours: 24/7.Seasonality: Best in spring,summer & fall.Accessibility: The Club Houseand rest rooms are handicapaccessible.Nearest food & lodging: InSolon Springs, 5 miles north.

53

A

M

St. Croix River

SolonSprings

Douglas CountyState Wildlife Area

To S

up

erio

r

To G

ord

on

This 4,000-acre property is managedfor Sharp-tailed Grouse. It is a pine bar-rens habitat with several small, shallowlakes and wetlands.Directions: FromSolon Springs, trav-el south 4 miles onHwy. 53; then turnwest on Cty. M.The site beginsimmediately westof highway 53, andis both north andsouth of County M.Parking is availableat the Club House. Amenities: Clubhouse (can be rented)with restrooms, and gravel trails.Notes: The U.S. Chicken Championshipdog trials are held here each year – oneof the oldest dog trials in NorthAmerica. The clubhouse was built forthat event. There are horseback ridingtrails on the property. The NorthCounty Scenic Trail will soon passthrough the property.

Sharp-tailed grouse.

RJ &

LIN

DA

MIL

LER

2277

28 Gordon Dam ParkPhone: 715/395-1330 (Douglas County)Web site: www.nps.govSignature Species: TrumpeterSwan, Osprey, Bald Eagle, rails,grebes, vireos, and CommonLoons. Rarities: Trumpeter Swans. Hours: 24/7.Seasonality: Spring, summer &fall. Hwy. Y may be impassable inwinter. Nearest food & lodging: InSolon Springs, 10 miles northeast.

The park is 80 acres. The Gordon Dammarks the entrance to the pristine St.Croix National Scenic Riverway. Itsflowage andmarshes provideexcellent habitat foraquatic and terres-trial Northwoods’wildlife includingwhite-tailed deer,bear, bobcat, snow-shoe hare, coyote,red fox, timberwolf, fisher, mink,otter and beaver.Directions: From Gordon travel west 7miles on Cty. Y. The park and dam areon the west end of the St. CroixFlowage. There is a gravel and pavedparking area. Amenities: Restrooms, drinking foun-tain, gravel trails, viewing platform, andboat launch. Activities: Camping, swimming, bik-ing, and hiking. Restrictions: Pets must be on leash.

29 Pattison State ParkPhone: 715/399-3111 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.wiparks.netAdmission: Vehicle admissionsticker required.Hours: Park is open daily 6am-11pm, year round. Accessibility: The trail to BigManitou Falls is partly accessible;the park also has accessible picnicareas, restrooms and campsites.Nearest food & lodging: InSuperior, 12 miles north.

The park encompasses 1,476 acres offorested land – mostly balsam fir, birch,aspen and spruce – wetlands, a lakeand rivers. It’s features include:Wisconsin’s highest waterfall, BigManitou Falls, at 165 feet, a 300-footbeach on Interfalls Lake, and LittleManitou Falls, a 31-foot twin waterfall.There are 62 campsites and 9 miles ofhiking trails.Directions: Located 12 miles south ofSuperior on Hw. 35. Paved parking lotsin the main park area, at Big ManitouFalls and Little Manitou Falls.Amenities: Restrooms, drinking foun-tain, gravel trails, boardwalks, scenicoverlooks, visitors center, gift shop,equipment loans.Activities: Camping, swimming, bik-ing, hiking, fishing and canoeing.Restrictions: Pets on leash.

53

53

Y

M

St. Croix Flowage

Barden Lake

Gordon

Gordon DamPark

To Sp

oo

ner

To Superior

BB

35

Black River

PattisonState Park

To S

up

erio

r

To D

anbu

ry

LittleManitouFalls

BigManitou

Falls

Tundra Swan.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

2288

30 Wisconsin PointPhone: 715/394-0270 (City of Superior)Web site: www.uncommondays.com/states/wi/places/wisconsinpoint.htmRarities: In the spring and fall,Jaegers and rare Sabine’s andFranklin’s Gulls visit the area. Hours: 24/7.Seasonality: Best during thespring and fall migrations.Accessibility: A paved road runsthe length of the point.Nearest food & lodging: InSuperior, 4 miles southwest.

2

53

Lake Superior

Allouez

Superior

To Eau Claire and Asland

To Duluth

Wisconsin Point

WISCONSIN POINT RD

MOCCASIN MIKE RD

The largest freshwater sand spit (3.5miles) in Wisconsin, the point formssheltered Allouez Bay and the St. LouisRiver Estuary on Lake Superior. It con-tains stands of old growth pine, beachdune communities and marsh openwater habitats. It is an important reststop for many migratory birds. Mostspecies of shorebirds are seen duringmigration, as are many uncommonsongbirds and raptors that rest on thepoint before continuing their journey. Directions: As you enter Superior onHwy. 2/53 turn east about 1.5 miles onMoccasin Mike Road, then northweston Wisconsin Point Road. There are anumber of parking areas in the 2.5-miles to the end of the point.Notes: The point also harbors severaluncommon dragonflies, the blackmeadowhawk and boreal snaketail.Franklin’s ground squirrels also live onthe point, but are not commonly seen.The beach can yield nice specimens ofLake superior agates.

Wisconsin Point Lighthouse.

TOU

RISM

PH

OTO

FIL

E

2299

Florence County

31 Fox Maple Woods State Natural AreaAn outstanding 41-acre northern mesicforest surrounded on three sides by theWhisker Lake Wilderness Area. Canopytrees include old-growth sugar maple,basswood,hemlock, andyellow birch.Herbaceousplants arevery rich andcover the for-est in abun-dant springephemeralssuch asspring-beauty,yellow trout-lily and Dutchman’sbreeches. Exceptional in undisturbedareas.Directions: From Florence travel 10.5miles west on Hwy. 70 to a parkingarea north of the road, (1.1 miles westof where Hwy. 70 crosses WakefieldCreek).

Phone: 608/266-7012(WisconsinDNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/snaSignature Species: Warblers andmany types of northern songbirds,hawks and owls.Hours: 24/7.Seasonality: Best in spring,summer, fall.Nearest food & lodging: InFlorence, ten miles east.

To Florence

Fox Maple Woods SNA

70

FR 2

150

Riley Lake

Camp Thirteen Lake

Whisker Lake

Boot Lake

Wa kefield

Cre ek

Ril

eyCr

eek

Black-capped Chickadee.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

Tucked into the far northeastern corner of the state,Florence County is about as wild and natural asWisconsin gets. With a countywide population ofjust 5,088 people (just over ten per square mile),Florence County is largely unpopulated.

Nearly half the county’snatural charm is preserved innational and county forests.The 7,400-acre Spread Eagle

Barrens State Natural Area is a birder’sparadise. The Pine, Popple and PeshtigoRivers are gems for whitewater canoeists.These exceptional wilderness componentscombine each autumn to produce one ofWisconsin’s best fall color opportunities.

The Wild Rivers Interpretive Center(888/889-0049,www.florencewisconsin.com) tells the storyof this unique corner of Wisconsin. Its dio-ramas, murals and interactive exhibits tellthe story of the county’s natural history.Stop at the center for driving directions, birding tips and tourisminformation.

Trillium.

TOU

RISM

PH

OTO

FIL

E

3300

32 Lost LakeSituated on a beautiful, clear lake andsurrounded by old-growth forest, this1,000-acre site is ideal for the bird-watcher. Trails, including the “AssessorsTrail” - an historic interpretive trail, leadaround the lake and through majestichemlock and maple/birch hardwoodforest. The lake edge is a good place tosee and hear Great Blue Heron, loonsand ducks. Lost Lake is a NicoletNational Forest Breeding Bird Surveysite.Directions: From Florence travel west17 miles on Hwy. 70, then south onForest Road 2450 one mile, then south-east on Chipmunk Rapids Road onemile, then east and south 2 miles onForest Road 2156 (Halsey Lake Road) toLost Lake. Access the campground onFR 3774. Access the OrganizationalCamp complex on the south side of thelake. Gravel parking lot for 6 cars at the“Assessors Trail.” Amenities: 16-site campground at LostLake (open May 1-Oct 20), as well ascabins that can be rented mid-May thrumid-October (contact the Eagle Riveroffice of the Forest Service). Restrooms,drinking fountain, gravel trails.

Phone: 715/479-2827 (US Forest Service)Web site: www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnfSignature Species: Blue-headedVireo, Pine Warbler, Black andWhite Warbler, and BlackburnianWarbler.Rarities: Boreal Chickadee, BaldEagle, Nashville Warbler, andOsprey.Admission: Fee to camp; if youdon’t camp, parking fee is $3/dayor $10 annual.Seasonality: Best in spring andsummer.Accessibility: Partial - one loop ofthe interpretive trail is wheelchairaccessible.Nearest food & lodging: InFlorence, 20 miles east.

Florence County

To Florence

Lost Lake

70

FR 2

450

CHIPMUNK

RAPIDS

ROA

D

Lost Lake Grub Hoe

Lake

LaSalle Falls in Florence County.

CH

ARL

ES C

OO

K

3311

33 Spread Eagle Barrens State Natural AreaA 7,400-acre, state-owned barrens; anarea of undulating terrain with manysmall, clear lakes. Managed by fire, thebarrens are interrupted with patches ofmixed hardwood and conifer. The PineRiver, a state-designated wild river,splits the acreage. There are many dirtroads, ample gravel parking, and goodaccess.Directions: The heart of the barrens isabout 8 miles southeast of Florence.(For a map, stop at the Wild RiversInterpretive Center in Florence at thecorner of Hwys. 2 and 70/101.) Youcan access the northern portion of thebarrens by traveling east of Florence onHwys. 2/141, turn south on CondroskiRoad (2 miles east of Florence), or onEllwood Lake Road (7 miles east ofFlorence). You can access the southernportion of the barrens by travelingsouth of Florence 7 miles on Cty. N,then east on Fire Lane Road.

Phone: 888/889-0049 (Wild Rivers Interpretive Center)Web site:www.florencewisconsin.com/wricwww.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/snaSignature Species: NorthernHarrier, Upland Sandpipers,Warbling Vireo.Seasonality: Best in spring,summer and fall; secondary roadsare not plowed in winter.Nearest food & lodging: InFlorence, 8 miles northwest.

To Spread Eagle

Spread EagleBarrens

CO

ND

RO

SKI R

D

2 141

N

Cosgrove Lake

Deadman

Creek

Florence

34 Whisker Lake Wilderness Area Phone: 715/479-2827 or715/528-4464 (US Forest Service)Web site: www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnfRarities: White-winged Crossbilland Pine Grosbeaks in winter,Boreal Chickadees year-round.

A 7,500-acre federally designatedwilderness heavily forested with severalstreams and seven beautiful lakes.Some Black Spruce and alder swamp,hardwoods, big White and Red Pine,Aspen, and wetland. This area is walk-in camping only; no motorized ormechanized vehicles are allowed. It is aplace of true natural solitude.Directions: Located 11 miles west ofFlorence on Hwy 70, the tract bordersHwy. 70 and Forest Road 2150. Severalgraveled parking areas.Notes: This is a true wilderness area.Be prepared; bring a compass. Accessvia three different trails that all lead toor pass lakes.Restrictions: No motorized or mecha-nized vehicles.

To Florence

Whisker LakeWilderness Area

70

FR 2

150

Riley Lake

Camp Thirteen Lake

Whisker Lake

Wa kefield

Cre ek

Ril

eyCr

eek

3322

Forest County

35 Ed’s Lake National Recreation TrailPhone: 715/674-4481 (US Forest Service)Web site: www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnfRarities: Loons on Ed’s Lake.Hours: 24/7.Nearest food & lodging: InCrandon, 8 miles west; orWabeno, 8 miles east.

To Crandon

Ed's LakeTrail

WLost Lake

Eds Lake

Roberts Lake

Enjoy six miles of hiking/skiing trail thatfollows several early 1900’s railroadgrades through a variety of foresttypes. The property’s 200 acres are hilly,rolling topography throughhemlock/hardwood forest that hassome scattered super-canopy whitepine, and spruce/tamarack/heath bog.Birds common to these communitiesinclude: Blackburnian Warbler, Blue-headed Vireo, Ovenbird, Hermit Thrush,Black-throated Green Warbler, PileatedWoodpecker, Brown Creeper, WinterWren, and Scarlet Tanager.Directions: From Crandon travel south-east about 8 miles on Cty. W. Look fora large sign on the north side of theroad. You’ll find a graveled parkingarea for about 12 cars.Amenities: Adirondack-style shelter atEd’s lake.

Forest County and its near neighbors are aptlynamed, for they encompass 650,000 acres of theChequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Fully 75% ofthe county is national forestland, home to some ofWisconsin’s finest wilderness. With a total of10,024, the county population is just under tenpeople per square mile.

The Forest County Potawatomi Museumand Cultural Center (715-478-7474, www.fcpotawatomi.com)in Crandon offers visitors fourmain sections to tour: theHistory of the Potawatomi, aninteractive language exhibit, adisplay of different traditionalelements, and a display of theheritage of the present daytribe. Just east of Crandon, atLaona, you can travel back intime at the LumberjackSpecial Steam Train &Camp Five MuseumComplex (800/774-3414,www.camp5museum.org). This authentic 19th century loggingcamp, farm and store also offers fun steam train rides, pontoonand surrey rides, an animal corral and nature center.

Chipmunk.

THO

MA

S A

CTO

N J

R.

3333

36 Franklin & Butternut Lakes Area

37 Giant White Pine Grove State Natural AreaPhone: 608/266-7012 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/snaSignature species: Blackburnianand Black-throated Blue Warblers,Pileated Woodpeckers.Rarities: Winter Wren, EveningGrosbeak, black bear and bobcat.Hours: 24/7.Seasonality: Best in spring,summer & fall.Nearest food & lodging: InThree Lakes, 12 miles west.

To Three Lakes

Giant White PineGrove SNA

32

GIANT PIN

E RD

FR 2414

JULIA

LAKERD

Julia Lake

Whitefish Lake

Phone: 715/479-2827 (US Forest Service)Web site: www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnfSignature species: Bald Eagles.Rarities: Red-shouldered Hawk.Admission: Parking fee stickerrequired at the trailhead - $3/dailyor $10/annually.Hours: 24/7. Campground openMay- Oct.Accessibility: A short loop at thebeginning of the nature trail isaccessible by wheelchair. Nearest food & lodging: InEagle River, 12 miles west.

To EagleRiver

Franklin & Butternut

Lakes Area

70

Franklin Lake

Anvil Lake

Upper Ninemile Lake Butternut

Lake

FR 2178

RD

MILITA

RY

BUTTERNUTLA

KERD

To Florence

A wonderful 1,000-acre site for thehiker/birder. A 13-mile loop of trailwinds around a number of beautifuland remote lakes. A one-mile interpre-tive nature trail (brochures available onsite) takes you through a 400-year-oldhemlock and pine forest. A boardwalkcrosses an open bog. Birds in these for-est communities include: Woodpeckers,Wood Pewee, Winter Wren,Blackburnian Warbler, Cape MayWarbler, and Ovenbird. Waterbirds onand near the lake include Loon, GreatBlue Heron, Mallard, SpottedSandpiper, and Willow Flycatcher.Directions: From Eagle River travel east7.5 miles on Hwy. 70, turn south 2.5miles on Forest Road 2178 (MilitaryRoad), then east on Butternut LakeRoad (FR 2181) to the parking area atthe Franklin Nature Trail trailhead. You’llfind a parking lot for about 10 cars. Amenities: Restrooms, drinking foun-tain, gravel trails, boardwalks.

One of the best examples of mature,northern mesic forest in northeasternWisconsin. Located in the ForestService’s Headwaters Wilderness Area,the forest canopy of this 30-acre sitecontains largehemlock, sugarmaple, yellowbirch, and bass-wood. Huge whitepines, some morethan 3’ in diame-ter, tower abovethe forest.Directions: FromThree Lakes traveleast 4.7 miles on Hwy. 32; then 0.6mile east on Julia Lake Road; thensouth and east 3.1 miles on Scott LakeRoad (FR 2183); then northeast 1.6miles on Giant Pine Road (FR2414) to aparking area west of the road. A hikingtrail loops around a wetland andthrough the site.

Barred Owl.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

3344

38 Knowles Creek Impoundment & Interpretive Trail

39 Wabikon & Riley Lakes

Forest County

Phone: 715/473-2602 (US Forest Service)Web site: www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnfHours: 24/7.Accessible: Yes.

Know

les

Creek

To Wabeno

KnowlesCreek Trail

RD

CR

EEK

KN

OW

LES

C

Otter Lake

Phone: 715/674-4481 (US Forest Service)Web site: www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnfSignature species: Yellow-belliedFlycatcher, Osprey.Rarities: Nashville Warbler.Hours: 24/7.Nearest food & lodging: InCrandon, 6 miles west.

To Laona

To Crandon

Wabikon &Riley Lakes

TR

POTAWATOMI 328

Wabikon Lake

Little Riley LakeIndian

Lake

This 170-acre wetland impoundment isa favorite with wildlife viewers. Openwater, marsh, old fields and forestscombine to attract many species includ-ing owls, hawks, eagles, loons, andwaterfowl. Enjoy a 0.75-mile hikingtrail.Directions: From Wabeno travel eastabout 7 miles on Cty. C, turn south onKnowles Creek Road (FR 2349). Watchfor Knowles Creek Impoundment signsand follow them to the graveled park-ing area and trailhead.

Search for aquatic birds and shy forestbirds by canoe. A large peninsula onthe west shore offers access to a nearlypure stand of old growth hemlock.Aquatic birds include Wood Duck, BlackTern, loon, Osprey, and Great BlueHeron. Birds in the hemlock forestinclude the Nashville Warbler, Golden-crowned Kinglet, N. Parula Warbler,Ovenbird, Canada Warbler, BrownCreeper, Yellow-rumped Warbler, andRose-breasted Grosbeak. There is awell-developed emergent aquatic plantcommunity on this shallow lake, largelyof wild rice. A stream on the south endleads to Riley Lake, an undeveloped,shallow lake. From there you can pad-dle the Indian River on the south endupstream to Indian Springs, anothermarsh community with spring ponds.Directions: This 1,000-acre site is bestaccessed by canoe. From Crandon trav-el east 5.5 miles on Hwy. 8/32, turnsouth 0.2 mile on Potowatomi Tr. to theboat landing on the south side of theroad. You’ll find a small, graveled park-ing area.Notes: Fish for brook trout on theIndian River and in the springs.

3355

Iron County

40 Carpenter Creek/Saxon HarborPhone: 715/561-2922 (Iron County)Web site: www.ironcountywi.comHours: 24/7.Nearest food & lodging: InHurley, 15 miles west.

Carpenter Creek/Saxon Harbor

A

To Hurley

To Ashland

169

2

HA

RBO

R D

R

Lake Superior

This quiet road is seldom used and thetraveler has many opportunities to parkalong the roadside and walk quietlylooking at the woodlands, ferns andwild flowers along the way. Manyspecies of northern birds such asthrushes, warblers, hawks and wood-peckers are numerous and easy to spot.Deer and bears may be seen in theearly morning or late afternoons asthey cross the road. At Saxon Harbor,loons and Bald Eagles are common andsunsets are spectacular.Directions: From Saxon in northernIron County travel west 4.5 miles onHwy 2, then turn north on Harbor Driveand continue to Saxon Harbor on LakeSuperior. Carpenter Creek runs alongand is crossed by Harbor Drive.

Long and narrow north-to-south, Iron County isblessed with a wealth of natural resources. From1850-1950, the northern half of the county was acenter of iron ore mining; rem-nants of those deep-tunnelmines can still be seen. Todaythe area is perhaps best knownfor its waterfalls. The county’s

fifteen waterfalls include Superior Falls,which drop 90-feet into the Montreal Rivernear its mouth on Lake Superior, and pic-turesque Potato River Falls, which drops aterraced 90-feet into the Potato Riversouthwest of Gurney. For a map of thecounty’s falls, call 715/561-2922, or visitwww.ironcountywi.com.

In the southern half of the county, theattraction is the Turtle-FlambeauFlowage (www.turtleflambeauflowage.com). With 14,300 acresof water and 214 miles of undeveloped shoreline, the flowageis perfect for fishing, boating, canoeing and wildlife observation.The Turtle-Flambeau encompasses 16 lakes, three rivers and sev-eral creeks, all beautifully free of pollution. There are 60 remotecampsites accessible by water only. A map with the campsitelocations is available by contacting the Mercer Ranger Station at715/476-2240.

Downy Woodpecker.

RJ &

LIN

DA

MIL

LER

Phone: 715/476-2240 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/snaSignature species: Bald Eagle.Hours: 24/7.Nearest food & lodging: InMercer, 12 miles south.

3366

41

Iron County

This 300-acre site contains Lake Evelyn,a soft-water seepage lake surroundedby wetlands and gently rolling foresteduplands of white and red pine, andaspen. The 55-acre lake has an unde-veloped shoreline and wilderness char-acter perfect for birding. It forms theheadwaters of Evelyn Creek, a tributaryof the Turtle River. A floating leather-leaf bog rings the lake on the north,while the southwestern portion con-tains a conifer swamp. Directions: From Mercer travel north 9miles on Hwy. 51 to Cty. G, then east4.5 miles; then north on Bass LakeRoad, and immediately west on anaccess lane 0.1 mile to a small grassparking area with a footpath to thelake.

Lake Evelyn State Natural Area

Lake Evelyn State Wildlife Area

To M

ercer

To H

url

ey

51

G G

LAKE RD

W BA

SS

Pine Lake

Lake Evelyn

42 Little Turtle FlowageA 640-acre marshland surrounded bygrassland (big bluestem prairie - quite ararity in the Northwoods) and edged byforest. Directions: FromMercer travelnorthwest aboutone mile on Hwy.51, turn south onCty. FF about 1mile, then southagain on PopkoCircle Rd. about 1mile to Joe’s ShackRoad. Take thisroad to the end(bearing right atthe fork) whereyou’ll find a gravelparking area for about 30 cars.

Phone: 715/476-2240 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.turtleflambeauflowage.comSignature species: TrumpeterSwans, Bald Eagles, and SandhillCranes.Seasonality: Best is spring,summer & fall.Nearest food & lodging: InMercer, about 3 miles away.

Little Turtle Flowage

To Hurley

To Minocqua

51FF

Little

Turtle POPK

O C

IRCL

E RD

Mercer

Little TurtleFlowage

Sandhill Crane.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

3377

Penokee Iron Range/Gile Flowage43Iron County was named for the “redgold” iron ore that was mined in therugged Penokee Iron Range from the1880s until the 1960s. The mostfamous mine in the range was theMontreal Iron Mine – the deepest ironore mine in the world. Montreal is atrue “company town” where many ofthe houses mirror each other in design.Urban birds are found in these smalltowns. The Gile Flowage is a 3,384-acre flowage. Waterfowl, loons andBald Eagles can be found in theflowage where they nest, feed and restduring migration.Directions: From Hurley travel westabout 3 miles on Hwy. 77 through Gileto Montreal where you turn left onKokogan and then right onto Giles FallsStreet. Proceed on street to the over-look of the falls. A bridge crosses thetop of the falls and can be accessed byfoot. Park in the paved lot.

Phone: 715/456-2240 (Mercer DNR)Hours: 24/7.Nearest Food & Lodging: InHurley, 3 miles east.

Penokee Iron Range/Gile Flowage

To Ashland

To M

ino

cqu

a

77

51

2

Gile Flowage

Mon

treal

River

Montreal

Hurley

Gile

Ironwood

M I C H I G A N

44

Phone: 715/476-2240(Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.turtleflambeauflowage.comSignature species: CommonLoon, Bald Eagle, Merlin, Ospreyand Black Terns.Rarities: Black Tern, Merlin(nests), timber wolves.Hours: 24/7.Nearest food & lodging: InMercer, 9 miles northwest, whichprides itself as the “Loon Capital.”

The 14,300-acre Turtle-FlambeauFlowage is the centerpiece of this stateproperty offering more than 2000 milesof undeveloped shoreline and 195islands. A truly wild area of water, wet-land and forest.Directions:From Mercertravel 1.3 milesnorth on Hwy.51, then onemile south onCty. FF, thenone mile toPopko Circle.Drive 7 miles toFisherman’sLanding on your left. Amenities: Restrooms and gravel hik-ing/nature trails.

Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area

Turtle FlambeauScenic Waters Area

To Mercer

To Hurley

51

FF

FF

Littl

e

Turtle

Turtle

River

Black Tern (immature).

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

3388

Iron County

A 1,602-acre site with forested uplandsand cedar swamp. The northern borderof this property is the State ofMichigan.Directions:From Mercertravel north 9miles on Hwy.51; turn east3.7 miles onCty. G. thennorth 3 mileson Bass LakeRoad. Parkalong theroadway.

Phone: 715/456-2240 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlifeSignature species: RuffedGrouse, Bald Eagles.Rarities: Snowshoe hares.Nearest food & lodging: InMercer, 16 miles south.

Underwood State Wildlife Area45

Underwood State Wildlife Area

To M

ercer

To H

url

ey

51

G G

LAKE RD

W BA

SS

Pine Lake

Lake Evelyn

JEFF

MIL

LLER

Potato River Falls.

RJ &

LIN

DA

MIL

LER

Red-winged Blackbird.

3399

Langlade County

46 Ackley State Wildlife AreaPhone: 715/536-4502 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site:www.dnr.wi.us/org/land/wildlifeHours: 24/7.Nearest food & lodging: InAntigo, 11 miles west.

Ackley State Wildlife Area

To Merrill To Antigo64

This 1,158-acre state-owned site islocated next to 20,000 acres of countyland. The property is managed with fireso it’s mainly grasslands with scatteredponds. This property is managed forSharp-tailed Grouse. It is also a goodplace to see grassland birds includingClay-colored and Henslow’s Sparrows.Yellow-headed Blackbirds use the cattailmarshes for nesting and there arenumerous species of ducks nestingthere.Directions: From Antigo, travel west11 miles on Hwy. 64. The property is onboth sides of the highway. You’ll findparking lots throughout the property.

Langlade County is a near perfect mix of woodsand water. Laced with more than 700 wildernesslakes, 400 miles of Class I trout streams, and thefabulous whitewater of the Wolf River, it’s a placefor kayaks and fly rods.

Antigo is the county seat and the home ofMepps fishing lures; tours of the plant and a dis-play of all 4,000 Mepps models are offered at

Sheldon’s, Inc. (715/623-2382, www.mepps.com).On the eastern side of the county, the pristine Wolf River

traverses the county north-to-south. The river is a powerfulmagnet that annually draws thousands of whitewater rafters,canoeists and kayakers. Several outfitters in the White Lake arearent all the gear necessary for a day of adventure on the river.Just east of White Lake, Bear Paw Outdoor AdventureResort (715/882-3502, www.bearpawoutdoors.com) offers aunique mix of sport shop, equipment rental, instruction, accom-modations and restaurant. You can mix canoeing, kayaking,mountain biking, X-C skiing, snowshoeing, trout fishing andoutdoor skills workshops in a variety of seasonal getaways.

4400

47

Peters Marsh State Wildlife Area

Langlade County

This 1,700-acre tract contains smallponds, marshland, grasslands andupland hardwood forest. It is an inter-esting mix of habitats that are attractiveto many mammals and birds. This is anexcellent place to find AmericanWoodcock in the early spring. SandhillCranes nest here and congregate in thefall. Hawks and a variety of owls can befound here, including the NorthernSaw-whet Owl.Directions: From Antigo travel northabout 3 miles on Hwy 45 to its junctionwith Cty. A. Follow Cty. A northeastabout 3 miles to a parking area. Thereare three parking areas on the property.

Phone: 715/536-4502 (WisconsinDNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlifeHours: 24/7.Nearest Food & Lodging: InAntigo, 8 miles southwest.

Peters MarshState Wildlife Area

A

Peters Lake

ICE AGE

SCENIC

TRAIL

To A

ntig

o

48

Bogus Swamp State Natural AreaPhone: 608/266-7012 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/snaSignature species: Palm Warbler,Lincoln’s Sparrow, NorthernHarrier, American Bittern.Rarities: Rare plants include lividsedge, hair-like sedge, andnorthern bog sedge.Hours: 24/7.Nearest food & lodging: InSummit Lake, 4 miles north.

Bogus Swamp SNA

4745

Summit Lake

Summit Lake

Greater Bass Lake

Deep Wood Lake

Bogus Swamp

RO

AD

FOR

EST

To Antigo

This 870-acre site owned by LangladeCounty is a combination of open wet-land types. The major feature is thebroad muskeg of stunted tamarack andblack spruce over a ground cover ofsphagnum mosses, sedges, and bogshrubs. Alongthe northernboundary flowsan intermittent,mineral-richstream linedwith emergentaquatic plantsand sedgemeadow. Southof this zone isan unusual“patternedbog,” one of only two well-developedexamples of this type in Wisconsin.Directions: From Summit Lake travelsouthwest 4 miles on Forest Road tothe western boundary of the site. Parkalong the road and walk east to thewetland.

Palm Warbler.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

4411

49 Veterans County Park & Jack LakeA county park on Jack Lake. Waterfowlcan be found on the lake in the spring,summer and fall. The pine and hard-wood forests are excellent places tofind northern birds like Golden-crowned Kinglets, NorthernWaterthrushes and Winter Wrens.Coyotes, red foxes, beaver and porcu-pine are often seen in the area.Directions: From Antigo travel 13 milesnorth on Hwy. 45, turn east on Cty. Jabout 2 miles and follow the signs tothe park entrance. Paved parking area.Amenities: The park offers 48 camp-sites (31 electrical & 10 non-electrical),picnic tables, a swimming beach, fish-ing, mountain biking trails, cross coun-try skiing and hiking. There is anarboretum with a well-marked, self-guided trail and a section of the IceAge National Scenic Trail.

Phone: 715/623-6214Web site: www.co.langlade.wi.us/Hours: Open daily; camping fromMay 1-Dec 1.Accessibility: One campsite isaccessible, as are the fishing pierand beach.Nearest Food and Lodging: InAntigo, 15 miles south.

47

45

Veterans County ParkJack Lake

J Jack Lake

ICE AGE

SCENIC TRAIL

To A

nti

go

Bobcat in winter.

JAM

ES C

HU

RCH

ILL

4422

Lincoln County

50 Council Grounds State ParkA 508-acre park adjacent to theWisconsin River. The park offers 55camp sites, restrooms, showers, swim-ming, a boatlaunch, fishing,biking and hik-ing.Directions:Located twomiles west ofMerrill on Hwy.107, turnsouth onCouncilGrounds Dr. tothe park atN1895 CouncilGrounds Dr.Park entranceis well signed with several parkingareas.Amenities: Restrooms, drinking foun-tain, gravel and paved trails.Restrictions: From Nov-April, cars andtrucks are barred from the majority ofthe park. Pets must be on a leash.

Phone: 715/536-8773(Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.wiparks.netRarities: An occasional bear canbe seen in the park as well aswhite-tailed deer and red fox.Admission: A daily or annualstate park vehicle admissionsticker is required.Hours: 6am-11pm.Accessibility: Accessiblecampsite, shelter buildings andrestrooms.Nearest food & lodging: InMerrill, 2 miles east.

Council GroundsState Park

6464

107

107

107

K

Wisconsin

River

To W

ausa

u

Merrill

Black bear cub.

JEFF

PET

ERS

The Wisconsin River flows through Lincoln County,nearly bisecting it into equal halves. Abundantwater resources web the northern half of thecounty with Lake Nokomis, Lake Mohawksin, andthe Spirit River Flowage all contributing to theWisconsin River system. The city of Tomahawkanchors the area – a natural vacation destinationfor boaters and anglers. On display at the localchamber of commerce office is a world record-set-

ting Black Bear and Muskellunge. Nearby, the Tomahawk AreaHistorical Center (715/453-2056, www.gototomahawk.com)displays local history in a log cabin museum and 1880’s school-house.

To the south, Merrill straddles the scenic Wisconsin River.Enjoy a walking tour of the city’s historic home district. TheLincoln County Courthouse displays many local historicalexhibits, as does the nearby Merrill Historical Museum(715/536-5652, www.ci.merrill.wi.us). West of town, CouncilGrounds State Park (715/536-8773, www.wiparks.net), tuckedinto a sweeping curve of the Wisconsin River, is a favorite ofwater enthusiasts.

4433

51 Hiawatha State Trail

52 New Wood State Wildlife Area

A state-owned, crushed-stonehiking/biking trail built on a former rail-road bed. The trail runs north six milesto the Lincoln/Oneida County line onthe south sideof LakeNokomis. Thetrail is a scenicwalk, offeringmuch wildlife.Directions: Thetrail begins atSARA Park inTomahawk;parking is avail-able.Amenities: Gravel trails, boardwalks,viewing platform, wildlife viewing.

Phone: 715/453-5334(Tomahawk Chamber ofCommerce)Web site:www.gototomahawk.comHours: 24/7.Nearest food & lodging: InTomahawk.

This 1,600-acre cedar swamp andforested upland holds deer, RuffedGrouse, snowshoe hare, and timberwolves. The area is ideal for hiking andbird watching. Hawks, Bald Eagles anda variety of thrushes and warblers canbe found here. The New Wood Riverruns through the northeastern side ofthe property. This attracts a variety ofwildlife from furbearers to many speciesof birds. Look for Le Conte’s Sparrows,Sedge Wrens, Alder Flycatchers, andSandhill Cranes.Directions: From Merrill travel north 11miles on Hwy. 107, turn west 5.5 milesand then south 2 miles on Cty E, turnwest on Conservation Avenue 3 milesto the center of the property. You’ll findgraveled parking areas. Hwy 107 fol-lows the Wisconsin River and there areseveral dams with impoundments onthis stretch of the road that make forinteresting stops to look for birds.

Phone: 715/536-4502 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlifeHours: 24/7.Amenities: A section of the IceAge Trail runs through this state-owned property.

New WoodState Wildlife Area

ERiver

New Wood

To Hwy 107

CONSERVATION AVE

HiawathaState Trail

A

51

88

A

To M

errill

To M

ino

cqu

a

Tomahawk

Lake Nokomis

RiverW isconsin

Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

4444

53 Treehaven EnvironmentalLearning Center

Lincoln County

Phone: 715/453-4106 (UW-Stevens Point)Web site: www.uwsp.edu/cnr/treehavenGPS: 45 29.967N; 89 32.989WSignature species: Northernwarblers, nesting Osprey, hawks,and Sandhill CranesRarities: The Northern Shrike inwinter.Nearest food & lodging: Foodservice and lodging are availableat Treehaven for program andconference use , call for moreinformation. Off-property foodand accommodations inTomahawk, 8 miles west andRhinelander, 15 miles northeast.

A 1,400-acre forest reserve operated byUW-Stevens Point. It is an excellentexample of northern Wisconsin wood-land with aspen, birch, pine, hardwoodand fir. Two cold-water streams andtwo beaver ponds, with several oldbogs and swamps, are accessible viaten miles of maintained grass trails.Treehaven’s public facilities includeclassroom/meeting space, dining andlodging, snowshoe rental, and viewingwindows for bird watchers.Directions: From Tomahawk, traveleast 8 miles on Cty. A to Pickerel CreekRoad, then south to Treehaven atW2540 Pickerel Creek Road.Amenities: Restrooms, food service,drinking fountain, viewing platform,visitors center, and gift shop.Activities: The College of NaturalResources undergraduate program isheld at Treehaven from mid-May tomid-August. Visitors are welcome.Educational courses and public pro-grams are offered throughout the year.Restrictions: No pets, trails may beclosed due to special programs orevents.

TreehavenEnvironmentalLearning Center

A

A

H

Wisconsin

River

Pickerel Lake

Red Squirrel in winter.

LYN

N R

OG

ERS

4455

Oneida County

54 Almon Bog Trails at Almon Park/Buck LakeThis 160-acre county park offers wood-land trails through old age mixed hard-woods,northernbog with aboardwalk,andlakeshoretrail. Pavedparkingareas withan adjacentpicnic area,restroomsand swim-ming beach.Directions: From Rhinelander, travelsouth about 3 miles on Cty. G to LassigRd., south on Lassig to Hixon Lake Rd.,then west on Hixon to the park. Amenities: Restrooms, picnic area,boardwalks.

Phone: 715/369-6140 (Oneida County)GPS: 45.58 N Lat. 89.41 W Long.Signature species: CommonLoon and Pileated Woodpecker.Rarities: Warbler and kingletopportunities. Ringed neck snake.Seasonality: Best in spring,summer & fall.Accessibility: Paved but steeppath to lakeshore. Nearest food & lodging: InRhinelander, 5 miles north.

8

8

BUS

8

17

47

47G

C

G

Rhinelander

Almon BogTrails

HIXON

LASS

IGRD

LAKE RD

Buck Lake

Chestnut-sided Warbler.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

When you look at a map of Oneida County, you’llswear there’s more water than land. With 1,100lakes, it’s easy to understand why Oneida Countyhas been one of Wisconsin’s top vacation destina-tions for more than 100 years.

In the northwestern part of the county, thegreater Minocqua area is synonymous with familyfun. Tour the beautiful Willow Flowage aboard asightseeing or dinner excursion offered by

Wilderness Cruises (800/472-1516,www.wildernesscuises.com). Take the kids to Peck’s WildwoodWildlife Park & Nature Center (715/356-5588, www.peck-swildwood.com) where they can pet a porcupine, feed a deer,and see hundreds of other woodland creatures. Sheer’sLumberjack Shows (715/634-6923, www.sheerslumberjack-show.com) features exciting competition in log rolling, chop-ping, sawing and climbing. In the evening, enjoy a performanceat the Northern Lights Playhouse (715/356-7173,www.northernlightsplayhouse.com).

In the southeast, Rhinelander preserves its timber history atthe Logging Museum Complex (715/369-5004,www.rhinelanderchamber.com), a full-scale reproduction of a19th century logging camp with a narrow-gauge railroad. Inthe northeast, you can enjoy tours and tastings at the ThreeLakes Winery (800/944-5434, www.fruitwine.com).

4466

55 Bearskin State Trail

56 Plum Creek Forest Resources Trail

Oneida County

This 18-mile railbed trail offers apacked gravel surface for hiking/bikingin the warmer weather, and snowmo-biling in the winter. Excellent birding asthe trail tran-sects variedhabitats –northern hard-woods, bogs,old-field, marshand springs, andtrout stream.The south endof the trail isespecially pro-ductive.Numerous trestles and boardwalks pro-vide viewing stops. Fascinating interpre-tive signage.Directions: The north trailhead is locat-ed behind the post office in Minocqua;the south trailhead is about two milessouthwest of Harshaw on Cty. K. You’llfind paved parking at both trailheads.Amenities: Restrooms and drinkingfountain at the Minocqua trailhead,and at the halfway point at Blue Lake.

Phone: 715 /356-5211(Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.wiparks.netGPS: 45.88 N Lat. 89. 70 W.Long. for the northern trailhead;45.64 N 89.69 W. for thesouthern trailhead.Admission: A daily or annualstate trail pass is required.Hours: Daylight hours.Seasonality: Best in spring,summer and fall; heavysnowmobile traffic makes itunsuitable in winter.Nearest food & lodging: InMinocqua, Hazelhurst orRhinelander.

51

47

K

Harshaw

Minocqua

BearskinState Trail

Phone: 715/453-7952 (Plum Creek Timber Company)Signature species: ConnecticutWarbler, nuthatches, vireos,Winter Wrens, Clay-coloredSparrow and Ruffed Grouse. Hours: 24/7– may be impassablein winter.Nearest Food & Lodging: InRhinelander, 13 miles east.

To Rhinelander

To Th

ree Lakes

478

45

8

C

Monico

Plum CreekForest Resources

Tour

Creek

Haymeadow

Neptune Lake

Plum Creek is the second largest privatetimberland owner in the Unites Stateswith 548,000 acres in Wisconsin. This9-mile auto trail is well marked and hasa full color guidebook that is availableat the site. This logging road takes youpast creeks, marshes, spruce forest,aspen stands, hardwoods, and oldgrowth pine. Boreal species like BorealChickadee, Gray Jay, and Yellow-belliedFlycatcher can be seen. Many species ofwarblers can be found here includingGolden-winged, Mourning andCanada. Clear-cut areas attract flocksof warblers, thrushes and sparrows.Mammals include wolves, fishers, deerand bear. Directions: From Monico travel west 4miles on Hwy. 8/47 to Tower Road, turnnortheast and trace Tower Road 9 milesto Cty. C. You can park along the road-way.

Northern Cardinal.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

4477

58 Willow Flowage

57 Thunder Lake State Wildlife AreaPhone: 715/356-5211 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlifeGPS: 45.8136 N 89.1989 W.Rarities: Northern Hawk Owl,Yellow Rail, Short-eared Owl,LeConte’s Sparrow.Seasonality: Limited access inwinter and early spring. Nearest food & lodging: InThree Lakes, 3 miles southeast.

To M

on

ico

To

Eagle

River

32

32

45

45

A

ThreeLakes

Thunder LakeState Wildlife Area

Thunder Lake

Columbus Lake

Big Lake

Spirit Lake

Medicine Lake

RICE LAKE RD

Phone: 715/356-5211.Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.usSignature species: Bald Eagles,Osprey, loons, Sharp-tailedGrouse, shorebirds and owls.Great Gray Owls are occasionallyseen in winter.Nearest food & lodging: InHazelhurst, 14 miles northeast.

Y

Y

Willow Flowage

WILLOW DAM RD

WILLOW DAM RD

CEDA

R

RD

FALLS

Willow

Flowage

To US Hwy 51

2,700 acres of sedge meadow, barrens,bog lakes and tamarack forest. Thisarea is large, wild and filled with inter-esting birds.Known as ahotspot forbirds, one canfind HermitandSwainson’sThrushes, andNorthern Saw-whet Owls.Over 20species of war-blers nest inthe area and, in the winter, flocks ofgrosbeaks, crossbills, CommonRedpolls, and Pine Siskins can be seen.Directions: From Three Lakes travelnorth 1 mile on Hwy. 32, turn west onRice Lake Road – the property begins0.5 mile from Hwy. 32.

This area is known for attracting largeconcentrations of waterfowl duringspring and fall migrations. Shorebirdscan be seenalong mud flats.Great HornedOwl, EasternScreech Owls,Northern Saw-whet Owls andBarred Owls arefound here.Directions:From Hazelhursttravel southabout 3 mileson Hwy. 51,turn west andsouth about 6.5miles on Cty. Y,then west about2 miles on Willow Dam Road to theparking lot of Wilderness Cruises. Notes: The flowage offers exceptionalfishing.

Northern Hawk Owl.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

Bald Eagle.

RJ &

LIN

DA

MIL

LER

4488

Polk County

59 D.D. Kennedy County ParkA 106-acre preserve along the BalsamBranch that flows through central PolkCounty. A prairie restoration area fea-tures nativegrasses andwildflowers.The parkincludes a dam,millpond, andwell-maintainedtrails. It pro-vides a varietyof habitat for agood mix ofbirds.Directions: From St. Croix Falls traveleast 8 miles on Hwy. 8, turn south onHwy. 65 about 1.5 miles, turn east on115th Avenue about 1.5 miles to thepark. Watch for the small, brown signs.Amenities: Fishing from a bridge andhandicap accessible pier, interpretivehiking trails, a picnic area w/grills, shel-ter, and restrooms.

Phone: 715/485-9294 (Polk County)Web site:www.polkcountytourism.comSignature species: Black-throated Green and CanadaWarblers, Blue-headed Vireos,Yellow-bellied Flycatchers,Wilson’s Snipe and AmericanWoodcock.

D,D. KennedyCounty Park

To St. Croix Falls

To N

ew R

ich

mo

nd

To Turtle Lake

To B

alsa

m L

ake

46

65

46

88

120TH AVE150T

H S

T

Wilson’s Snipe.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

Wisconsin’s first state park, Interstate State Park(715/483-3747, www.wiparks.net), is located justsouth of St. Croix Falls in western Polk County.The park is famous for its stunning bluff-top viewsof the St. Croix River and its unusual glacial forma-tions.

St. Croix Falls is also the headquarters of theSt. Croix National Scenic Riverway (715/483-3284, www.nps.gov/sacn). The riverway traces the

St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers for more than 250 miles. Staffat the riverway’s new multi-million dollar interpretive center willhelp you plan an exciting canoe adventure on the river. The St.Croix Festival Theatre (888/887-6002,www.festivaltheatre.org) offers a professional, seven-showrepertoire.

Just a few miles south in Osceola you can visit CascadeFalls, a small but very picturesque waterfall located just a blockoff Main Street. You can also enjoy a ride along the sandstonebluffs of the St. Croix River aboard a steam or diesel-poweredtrain operated by the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway(800/711-2591, www.trainride.org).

4499

60 Interstate State ParkWisconsin’s oldest state park with 85campsites, showers, a nature center, aswimming area, a boat launch, andawesome views of the St. Croix Rivergorge. Three state natural areas arecontained within the park’s 1,400 acresprotecting unique glacial features andplant communities. Habitat typesincludeupland andlowlandforest, andbedrockglade. Thepark con-tainsnumerouswetlandareas andencircles Lake O’ the Dalles. A BaldEagle nest and Great Blue Heron rook-ery are within the park boundaries.Directions: From St. Croix Falls travelsouth one-half mile on Hwy. 35 to thepark entrance on the west side of theroad. There are several paved parkingareas within the park.Activities: Camping, swimming, bik-ing, fishing and hiking.

Phone: 715/483-3747 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.wiparks.netAdmission: A daily or annualstate park vehicle sticker isrequired.Hours: The park is open daily6am-11pm year-round. The IceAge Interpretive Center is opendaily 8:30am-4:30pm year-round,(the park is the western terminusof the Ice Age National ScenicTrail).Accessibility: The park offersaccessible campsites, restrooms,shelter and picnic areas, and anaccessible fishing pier. The Ice AgeInterpretive Center is accessible.Two of the park’s nine miles ofhiking trails are partally accessible.Nearest food & lodging: In StCroix Falls, .5 miles north; or inDresser, two miles south.

InterstateState Park

To O

sceo

la

To G

ran

tsb

urg

To Turtle Lake

S

95

35

87

35

95

8

8

St. C

roix

Riv

er

MI

NN

ES

OT

A

St. CroixFallsTaylors

Falls

Interstate State Park.

JOH

N E

IDSM

OE

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

Great Blue Heron.

5500

62 York Park

Polk County

The park offers 40 acres of urban,mixed hardwood forest on a hilly site,boggy wetland, and one-quarter mileof undeveloped lakeshore. Enjoy threemiles of graveled trails and a viewingplatform. Birds in the forest includeGolden-winged, Northern Parula,Magnolia,BlackburnianandMourningWarblers,EveningGrosbeaks,Red-eyed andBlue-headedVireos, andBrownCreepers. On the lake, one can findCommon Loons, Bald Eagles, Ospreyand a variety of ducks and herons.Directions: The park is located on thenorthern edge of Amery, on the westside of Hwy. 46. Paved parking andwell-maintained trails.

Phone: 715/268-7486 (City of Amery)Web site:www.polkcountytoursm.comSignature species: Springmigratory warblers, and loons onthe lake.Hours: Open 6am-10pm daily.Seasonality: Best in spring,summer & fall.Accessibility: One trail is paved,railed fishing pier.Nearest food & lodging: InAmery.

FF

46

46

York Park

Amery

Pike Lake

N. TwinLake

King Lake

Appl

e Ri

ver

61 McKenzie Creek State Wildlife AreaPhone: 715/537-5046 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlife

This 5,497-acre wildlife area has 4.6miles of hiking trails. There are exten-sive hardwood forests on the propertyalong with bogs and McKenzie Lake.Common species include AmericanWoodcock, waterfowl, Ruffed Grouse,Bald Eagles and Osprey. The areaincludes six lakes and McKenzie Creek,a fine trout stream.Directions: Located in the northeastcorner of Polk County, 8 miles east ofFrederic on Cty. W. Parking lots onnorth, south, and central part of prop-erty and at McKenzie Lake.Activities: Hiking, berry picking, andtrout fishing.

W

O

I

O

McKenzie CreekWildlife Area

ICE

AG

E

SCENIC TRAIL

Clam FallsClam Falls

Flowage

Clam

River

McK

enzi

eCr

eek

Blackburnian Warbler.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

5511

Price County

63 Blockhouse Lake/Hay CreekPhone: 715/762-3204 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlifeSignature species: TrumpeterSwans, Black-backedWoodpeckers, Gray Jays, BaldEagle, Common Raven, BorealChickadee and Sharp-tailedGrouse.Hours: 24/7.Nearest food & lodging: In ParkFalls, 8 miles southwest.

182

Blockhouse Lake

HO

FFM

AN

RD

To Park Falls

Blockhouse Lake/Hay Creek

Upland forest, conifers, streams, wet-lands and Blockhouse Lake combine tocreate abundant habitat for many birdsand mammals. Good concentrations ofwaterfowl are attracted to BlockhouseLake during migrations. Mammalsinclude fishers, timber wolf and bob-cats.Directions: From Park Falls travel 6miles east on Hwy. 182, turn north onForest Road 153 (Blockhouse LakeRoad). Continue north until you see asign for a boat landing. There is a grav-el parking lot at the site. This area is amatrix of DNR and US Forest Servicelands. The Flambeau trail radiates fromthe Blockhouse Lake parking area. HayCreek is a 13,424-acre state-ownedwildlife area north of Blockhouse Lakejust across the Iron County line. TheHay Creek Wildlife Area can beaccessed by traveling east of Park Falls8 miles on Hwy 182, then north onForest Road 153. You’ll find ampleparking throughout the area.Amenities: Restrooms.

With 300,000 acres of unspoiled public land, PriceCounty holds many attractions for visitors.

Park Falls in northern Price County is one oftwo headquarters for the 1.5-million acreChequamegon-Nicolet National Forest(715/762-2461, www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnf).

Just to the south, Fifield’s logging history ispreserved at the Old Town Hall Museum(800/269-4505, www.pricecountywi.net). Just

south of town, the Smith Rapids Covered Bridge on theSouth Fork of the Flambeau River is a popular recreation of thetown lattice design.

At Phillips in the center of the county, a fascinating collec-tion of folk art can be found at the Wisconsin Concrete Park(800/269-4505, www.pricecountywi.net); whimsical concretecreations festooned with stones, shells and bits of broken glass.

In the southeastern corner of the county, near Ogema,stands Timm’s Hill. At 1,951.5 feet above sea level, it is thehighest point in the state. The view from the observation toweris particularly stunning in autumn.

5522

64 Kimberly Clark State Wildlife Area

65 Popple Creek/Wilson Flowage & Riley Lake Wildlife Area

Price County

Popple Creek Trail leads wildlife watch-ers along a 266-acre glacial ridge to anexpansive vista of Wilson Flowagewhere waterfowl and wetland wildlifeabound. At Riley Lake you can seeSharp-tailed Grouse in courtship dis-plays in early spring. Schedule the useof blinds to observe the birds by con-tacting the Forest Service.Directions: These are two sites sepa-rated by about three miles; both lie inthe Chequamegon-Nicolet NationalForest about 12 miles east of Fifield.Popple Creek/Wilson Flowage: FromFifield drive east 12 miles on Hwy. 70,turn south for 6 miles on Riley LakeRoad (FR 137), turn west on Gates LakeRoad (FR136) for 0.02 mile to the park-ing lot. Riley Lake Wildlife Area: FromFifield drive east 14.5 miles on Hwy. 70,turn south for 3 miles on HemlockRoad (FR 505), then west on FR 536 for1.5 miles to the lake. You’ll find gravelparking areas at both locations.Amenities: gravel trails, viewing plat-form.

Phone: 715/762-2461 (US Forest Service)Web site: www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnntSignature species: Ring-neckedDuck, Wood Duck, HoodedMerganser, Osprey, Tundra Swan,Snow Goose, and the CommonLoon.Rarities: Osprey nest here.Hours: 24/7.Nearest food & lodging: InFifield, 16 miles west.

Riley LakeWildlife Area

Popple Creek/Wilson Flowage

To H

wy

70

HEM

LOC

K R

D

LAKE

RIL

EY

N GATES

FR 136

FR 1

37

FR 5

05

FR 536

LAKE RD

RD

Wilson Flowage

Riley Lake

This area is managed with fire forSharp-tailed Grouse that can be foundmost mornings eating gravel along theroads. Three small flowages have beenconstructed with associated bogs andmarshes. Deer, bears and fishers areoften observed along with SandhillCranes and a nice variety of waterfowl.Loons, Osprey and Bald Eagles also usethis area. Directions: From Fifield travel west 9miles on Hwy 70, turn south on PriceLake Road for 3.5 miles. Price LakeRoad forms the northwestern boundaryof the property with three access roadstracking east across the property. You’llfind ample on-road parking. There aregood walk-in roads along Cty. W atfour gated entrances.

Phone: 715/762-3204 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlifeSignature species: Golden-winged Warblers and Clay-coloredSparrows.Hours: 24/7.Nearest food & lodging: InFifield or Phillips – both about 12miles east.

Kimberly ClarkState Wildlife Area

To H

wy

70

W

PRIC

E

LAK

E

RD

Price Lake

Bass Lake

5533

66 Timm’s Hill County ParkThis 220-acre county park encompassesTimm’s Hill, the highest point inWisconsin. Hike the Timm’s Hill sectionof the Ice Age Trail to the observationtower. The park’s hardwood forest andthe surrounding countryside is spectac-ular in fall. Enjoy good looks at war-blers during spring and fall, woodpeck-ers, thrushes, deer and Ruffed Grouse.Directions: From Ogema travel 5 mileseast on Hwy 86, then south about 0.5mile on Co. C, then east on RusticRoad 62 for 0.5 mile to the parkentrance. You’ll find a paved parkinglot in the park. Amenities: Park shelter, restrooms,swimming, hiking trails, biking, obser-vation tour and boat launch.

Phone: 715/339-6371 (Price County)Web site: www.pricecountywi.netHours: Open daily 7:30am-9:30pm, May-Oct.Nearest food & lodging: InPhillips, 16 miles east.

Timms HillCounty Park

To Ogema86

C

C

To Tomahawk

Late autumn in northern Wisconsin.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

5544

Rusk County

67 Blue Hills/Moose Ear CreekPhone: 715/532-3911 (Wisconsin DNR)Signature species: Red-shouldered Hawks, Whip-Poor-Will, Golden-winged Warbler,and Louisiana Waterthrush.Hours: 24/7.Nearest food and lodging: InWeyerhaeuser, 3 miles east.

Blue Hills/Moose Ear Creek

To Weyerhauser

W

W

8

OLD 14 RD

OLD 14 RD

Creek

EarMoose

SCENIC

TRA

IL

ICE

AG

E

The Blue Hills are ancient mountainsthat were ground down to hills by thelast glacier that retreated fromWisconsin more than 10,000 years ago.The rugged landscape is covered bylush vegetation. The rugged landscapeis covered by lush vegetation and is tra-versed by the Ice Age Trail. Very fewpeople visit this area even though it isvery rich in bird-life.Directions: From Weyerhaeuser, takeOld 14 Road west for 2.5 miles to theIce Age Trail entrance on the north sideof the road. Park along the road andwalk north into the property. Or, con-tinue on Old 14 Road another mile to aboat ramp area on the south side ofthe road to find a parking lot and walkback to the Ice Age Trail.

Rusk County’s wealth of natural resources, ecolog-ical diversity and abundant wildlife have made thearea a top destination for outdoors enthusiastsand nature buffs.

The picturesque BlueHills in northwesternRusk County providerecreational opportuni-ties year-round, includ-

ing the 27-mile Blue Hills section ofthe Ice Age Trail.

The county’s rivers – theChippewa, Flambeau, Thornapple andJump – offer varied canoeing chal-lenges, great for both the pro and thenovice. Many of the crystal-clearstreams that feed these rivers areideal trout habitat.

At Ladysmith, the county seat, theRusk County Visitors Center is housedin the city’s old railway depot – com-plete with a static display of a diesellocomotive and several historic passenger and freight cars. TheRusk County Historical Society Museum (800/535-7875)includes eleven buildings with a little red schoolhouse and anold wooden jail.

Whitetail fawn.

RJ &

LIN

DA

MIL

LER

5555

68 Flambeau Mine Trails

69 Potato Creek State Wildlife Area

Phone: 800/535-7875 (Rusk County)Web site:www.miningmatters.org Fee: Suggested donations.Hours: Daylight hours.Nearest food and lodging: InLadysmith, 2 miles north.

8

8

27

27

Ladysmith

Flambeau Mine Trail

River

Flambeau

Phone: 715/532-3911 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlifeSignature species: RuffedGrouse, Barred Owl, and PileatedWoodpecker.Hours: 24/7.Nearest food & lodging: InBruce, 8 miles northeast.

40

F

D

D

FPotato Creek

State WildlifeArea

Creek

Potato

Island Lake

Potato Lake

This 181-acre site was an open-pit,copper and gold mine from 1991-1999.It is a good example of mine reclama-tion. Four miles of well-maintainedtrails along mostly flat terrain providefor good views of grassland birds suchas meadowlarks, Song Sparrows, andCommonYellowthroats.The marshesare home toCanada Geese,Great BlueHerons, andMarsh Wrens.Interpretivesigns educateand inform visitors about the reclama-tion of the mine and the restoration ofnative habitat. Directions: Located 1.7 miles south ofLadysmith on Hwy 27. You’ll find alarge, paved parking lot.

This 984-acre property includes marsh-es and streams, flowages and smallpothole ponds surrounded by grass-lands and upland forests. Four miles ofhiking trails give the bird watcher goodaccess to the property. Ruffed Grouse,Barred Owl and Pileated Woodpeckersare found in the forested part of theproperty.Grassland birdsincludingmeadowlarksand a variety ofsparrows arefound in themeadows.Eagles andOsprey huntfor fish in theflowages.Directions: From Bruce travel 8 milessouthwest on Hwy. 40, turn west 1.5miles on Cty. D to Dziemela Road andthe property. Three parking lots arelocated around the property.

Yellow Warbler.M

IKE

MC

DO

WEL

L

Eastern Meadowlark.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

5566

Sawyer County

70 Chippewa FlowageThe “Chip” is a 15,300-acre flowagewith 233 miles of rugged pine andaspen shoreline cut by numerous bays,channels, and float-ing bogs. The watersare dotted with hun-dreds of forestedislands. Travel byboat or canoe tofully appreciate theabundant wildlifethroughout thewarm months.Directions: From Hayward travel east12 miles on Cty. B, turn south on Cty.CC which cuts through the middle ofthe flowage 5 miles to Herman’sLanding. Stop for maps and informa-tion. There are several public boatlaunches on the flowage with gravelparking. Many resorts on the “Chip”will rent you a boat or canoe.

Phone: 715/634-2688(Wisconsin DNR)Web site:www.chippewaflowage.comSignature species: Bald Eagles,Common Loons, Osprey, warblers,waterfowl.Hours: 24/7.Nearest food & lodging: Severaldozen resorts on the flowage offergood food and accommodations.

CC

CC

ChippewaFlowage

Lake Chippewa

To Hayw

ard

FLOW

AGE RD

Least Bittern.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

Sawyer County is dominated by the waterresources in its northwestern quadrant, includingthe 15,000-acre Chippewa Flowage and 5,000-acre Lac Courte Oreilles.

Hayward, the countyseat, is perhaps bestknown as the home ofthe National FreshWater Fishing Hall of

Fame (715/634-4440, www.freshwa-ter-fishing.org). With lots of farm ani-mals, Northwoods animals, deer, acougar, a Siberian Tiger and more,Wilderness Walk Zoo & RecreationPark (715/634-2893, www.hayward-lakes.com/wildernesswalk.htm) isanother great family idea.

Bring your clubs; Hayward fancies itself the “Golf Capital ofWisconsin” with eighteen courses within an hour’s drive of thecity. To the east, Winter is the headquarters of the FlambeauRiver State Forest (715/332-5271, www.wiparks.net), 90,000acres of wilderness with ATV and biking trails, boating, fishing,hiking and 60 campsites.

American Elk.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

5577

72 Lynch Creek State Wildlife AreaThis 100-acre site begins with a short,1/4-mile trail that leads to a viewingplatform overlooking Lynch Creekimpoundment. Another trail to thesouth leads to a grass/forb/shrub penin-sula on Lynch Creek. The habitat ismainly cattail marsh, shrubby, bog wet-land, and stream with some red pineforest. Common avian species includethe Belted Kingfisher, snipe, flycatchers,swallows, warblers, rail, Great BlueHeron, bitterns, sandpipers, and manyducks. This is a site for a moonlit walk,since the trail is easy to follow andmany of the wetland birds are mostactive at night.Directions: From Hayward travel east20 miles on Hwy. 77, turn north for 5miles on FR 203, turn west for 1 mileon FR 328, turn south for 1/4-mile onFR 622. You’ll find parking for 3-4 carson the west side of the road; the trailto the viewing platform is on the eastside.

Phone: 715/748-4875 (US Forest Service)Web site: www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnfRarities: Elk were introduced nearhere – you may be lucky enoughto see one.Hours: 24/7.Nearest food & lodging: Thereare many area resorts andrestaurants. Hayward, 25 mileswest, offers all services

Lynch CreekWildlife ViewingArea

To Hayward

FR 2

03

FR 328

FR 622

77

Ghost Lake

Teal Lake

Lynch

Cree

k

Important goals guide the managementof this 90,000 - acre property locatedalong the Flambeau River. The princi-ples of sustainable forestry are used toassure that the forest can and will con-tinue to provide a full range of benefitsto the people and visitors of Wisconsin.Northern hardwood forests of sugarand red maples, yellow birch and whiteash create a beautiful color display infall. North and south forks of theFlambeau River offer 75 miles of whitewater canoeing and there are numer-ous lakes to fish in. Northern song birdsare found in good numbers throughoutthe property along with Bald Eaglesand Common Loons.Directions: 13 miles east of Winter viaHighway W, where the North Fork ofthe Flambeau River crosses Hwy WAmenities: Campsites are available fora fee and picturesque remote campsitesalong river are offered at no cost on afirst come, first serve basis.

71

Phone: 715-332-5271Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us Admission fee: Campgroundfees where applicable. Hours: 24/7Parking: Parking throughout thepropertyNearest food & lodging: InWinter, 13 miles to the west or inPhillips, 18 miles to the east.

W

M

Flambeau RiverState Forest

Rive

r

Flam

beau

Lake of the Pines

To Winter

Flambeau River State Forest

5588

73 Totagatic Lake State Wildlife AreaPhone: 715/634-2688 Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlifeHours: 24/7.Nearest food & Lodging: InHayward, 7 miles southeast.

Totagatic LakeState Wildlife Area

To H

ayward

27

T

Nelson Lake

Totagatic Flowage

This 2,719-acre state owned propertyincludes the Totagatic Flowage, createdby a dam on Nelson Lake. The dam islocated across the highway from theparking area. At the dam, there is awildlife viewing overlook adjacent tothe highway. Birders can find Red-breasted Nuthatch, warblers, Blue-headed Vireo and other uncommonspecies here. The lake is surrounded bymarsh, northern mesic and wet-mesicforest including the Totagatic HighlandsHemlocks, a stand of old-growth hem-lock on the area’s western edge. Canoeor kayak the flowage for good looks ata variety of waterfowl, eagles andherons.Directions: Property is located 7 milesnorthwest of Hayward on Hwy. 27. Youcan access a paved parking lot fromHwy. 27.Amenities: Restrooms at parking lot.Notes: The lake has excellent fishing(northern and panfish): there are boatlandings on each end of the flowage.

Sawyer CountyTO

URI

SM P

HO

TO F

ILE

Fall color near Hayward.

5599

Taylor County

74 Chequamegon Waters FlowageEasy roadside viewing of Northwoods’wildlife at this 2,714-acre flowage sur-rounded by northern hardwood forest.Drive, hike or canoe the area.Directions:From Gilmantravel east 0.5mile on Hwy.64, north 1.5miles on Hwy.73, east 3miles on Cty.G to ForestRoad 121,then east onFR 121 onemile to theBayviewWatchable Wildlife Site. You’ll find agraveled parking area.Amenities: Restrooms, gravel trails,and a viewing platform.

Phone: 715/748-4875 (US Forest Service)Web site: www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnfSignature Species: Osprey,Double-crested Cormorant, andBelted Kingfisher.Admission: A parking fee may becharged at various sites aroundthe flowage.Hours: 24/7.Seasonality: Tundra Swans,Canada and Snow Geese inspring.Accessibility: Viewing platformsand trails within the area areaccessible.Nearest food & lodging: InMedford, 20 miles east; or inCornell, 20 miles west.

ChequamegonWatersFlowage

G

M

Chequamegon Waters Flowage

Yell

owRiv

er

FR 121

To G

ilman

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest coversmore than one-third of Taylor County, providingunlimited opportunities for hiking, camping, birdand wildlife watching, fishing and hunting. Thecounty’s 100 lakes, including the MondeauxFlowage, add another dimension of water recre-ation.

In Medford, the county seat, you can visit theTaylor County Historical Museum (715/748-

3808, www.medfordwis.com) featuring local history, includinglogging and the military history of the 724th engineering battal-ion. The city is also the southern trailhead for the Pine LineRecreation Trail (800/269-4505, www.medfordwis.com), a 26-mile railbed trail that runs north to Prentice in Price County.

In Gilman City Park you can cross the Yellow River on aswinging bridge, the only surviving swinging bridge in the state.West of Rib Lake, visit the Gerstberger Pines for a look at a trueremnant of old growth forest. The county also boasts sixty milesof the Ice Age Trail, the trail’s longest unbroken stretch.

Belted Kingfisher.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

6600

Kidrick Swamp75

76 Mondeau Dam Recreation Area

Phone: 715/748-4875 (US Forest Service)Web site: www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnfRarities: Yellow-bellied Flycatcher.Hours: 24/7.Nearest food & lodging: InMedford, 25 miles southeast.

KidrickSwamp

D

FR 114

FR 1

13

To Jump River

FR 112

A 4,000-acre wetland with black spruceand tamarack swamp forest, largelyopen heath, with alder wetland shrubedges and smaller “islands” and penin-sulas of second-growth mixed uplandforest. Birds common to these habitatsinclude the Lincoln Sparrow, Golden-crowned Kinglet, White-throatedSparrow, Golden-winged Warbler,Sedge Wren, Alder Flycatcher, Blackand White Warbler, Chestnut-sidedWarbler, and Mourning Warbler.Directions: This site is within theChequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.From Jump River travel east 7 miles onCty. D, then south on FR 113 two miles– the swamp is on the east side of theroad; or, from Jump River travel east 10miles on Cty. D, then south 2 miles onFR 112, then southwest 2 miles on FR114 – the swamp in on the west sideof the road. Park along the road.

Phone: 715/748-4875 (US Forest Service)Web site: www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnfSignature species: CeruleanWarbler, and Bald Eagle.Hours: 24/7.Seasonality: Best in spring,summer & fall.Nearest food & lodging:Mondeaux Dam Lodge is aprivately operated concessionstand on the flowage.

Mondeaux DamRecreation Area

D

E

To Medford

FR 1

04

Mondeaux

Flowage

SCENICTRAIL

ICE AGE

The Mondeaux Dam and Flowage werebuilt in the 1930s. In succeeding years,the 400-acrerecreation areadeveloped inthe surroundingnorthern hard-wood forest. Itquickly becameone of the bestbirding oppor-tunities in theregion. Plentyof easy access.Directions: From Medford travel north15.5 miles on Hwy. 13, west on Cty. D6.5 miles, then south 1 mile on FR 104(Mondeaux Dr.) to the entrance of therecreation area. Park in the paved park-ing lot.Amenities: Restrooms, gravel trails,viewing platform, visitors center, giftshop.Restrictions: Pets on a leash only.

Lincoln Sparrow.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

Taylor County

6611

77 Pershing State Wildlife AreaEstablished in 1953, the PershingWildlife Area consists of two large andseparate tracts, encompassing approxi-mately 7,400 acres, which are inten-sively managed for the production ofSharp-tailed Grouse and waterfowl. TheFisher Riverand associatedtributaries,which supportseveral rare,threatened andendangeredspecies, runsthrough thearea. The prop-erty contains15 flowagesand graveltrails, as wellas an Osprey,cormorant andheron rookery.Directions:From Hannibalin westernTaylor County, travel two miles west onCty. M – the two lobes of the wildlifearea lie north and south of Cty. M.

Phone: 715/532-3737 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlifeGPS: 45degree 15’ / 90 degree50’Signature species: Sharp-tailedGrouse.Seasonality: April mornings justbefore sunrise to mid-morning arebest to observe Sharp-tailedGrouse dancing on their displaygrounds, known as “leks.” Blindsare available for reservation; blindsare very necessary to preventdisturbing Sharp-tails during theircourtship performances.Nearest food & lodging: InGilman, 7 miles southeast.Restrictions: Pets on leash duringspring and summer.

Pershing StateWildlife Area

M

73

Hannibal

Autumn birdwatching.

DO

UG

ALF

T

RJ &

LIN

DA

MIL

LER

Whitetail Deer.

6622

78 Yellow River Ice-walled Lake PlainPhone: 715/762-2461 (US Forest Services)Web site: www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnfRarities: Cerulean Warbler andSwainson’s Thrush. Rare springephemeral plants includedutchman’s breeches, squirrelcorn, trillium, trout lily, springbeauty, toothwort, hepatica,bulblet and goldies fern.Seasonality: Spring is best for birdwatching and seeing astupendous spring wildflowerdisplay (best during last twoweeks of May).Nearest food & lodging: InMedford, 20 miles southeast.

SCEN

IC

TRAIL

ICEAGE

Yellow RiverIce-walled Lake Plain

M

M

Perkinstown

FR 1

12

LAKE RD

FR 575

Kathryn Lake

Brush Creek

This 200-acre site is unique as an “Ice-walled lake plain”, a glacial featurewith a flat, rich, fertile plateau. Thearea is a rich, mesic hardwood forestwith mature stands of Sugarmaple/basswood and hemlock/yellowbirch, as well as Tamarack/black spruceswamp forest. Steep erosion ravines cutthrough the plain, where many fernspecies abound (including some rareones). Bird species here include theBarred Owl, Pileated Woodpecker,Hermit Thrush, Wood Thrush, WoodPeewee, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blackand White Warbler, Black-throated BlueWarbler, Magnolia Warbler, AmericanRedstart, and Yellow-bellied Flycatcher.Directions: From Perkinstown, which iswest of Medford, go north on Cty. Mto its junction with FR 112. Continuenorth on FR 112 about 1 mile to itsjunction with FR 575. Go west on FR575 about 1.5 miles to its junction withFR 1547. FR 1547 is a gated road; parkand walk past the gate, down the road.The site is on both sides of the road forabout 1 mile.Note: There are no established trails;but the woods are fairly open and easyto hike (bring a map and compass).There is a heron rookery one milesouth; it’s remotely located with noeasy access, but worth the hike.

Along the National Ice Age Trail.

TOU

RISM

PH

OTO

FIL

E

Taylor County

6633

Vilas County

79 Catherine Wolter Wilderness AreaThis 2,189-acre Nature Conservancyproperty includes 15 lakes and ponds.Common avian species includeneotropical migrant songbirds. Otter,fisher, black bear and timber wolves areknown to frequent the preserve.Directions: From Boulder Junction trav-el north 5 mileson Cty. M, turnnorthwest for 7miles on Cty. B,turn northeastfor 0.5 mile onEast Bay Road.The trailhead islocated on theeast side of theroad. There is asmall parkingarea (10-15 cars) at the trailhead.

Phone: 715/682-5789 (The Nature Conservancy) Web site:www.tnc.org/northamerica/states/wisconsin/preserves/art5844.htmlSignature species: Black-throated Green and Black-throated Blue Warblers, AmericanRedstarts, Golden-wingedWarblers, Magnolia Warblers andMourning Warblers, CommonLoons, OspreyRarities: Bald Eagle.Hours: Daylight hours.Nearest food & lodging: InPresque Isle, 3 miles west.

Catherine WolterWilderness Area

B

B

To Boulder Junction

EAST

RD

BAY

M I C H I G A N

Oxbo Lake

Annabelle Lake

Lynx LakeCrab

Lake

American Redstart.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

Vilas County spreads across the top of Wisconsinlike a blue and green patterned-carpet. With morethan 1,300 lakes, 73 rivers and streams, and a halfmillion acres of forestland, the county is the heartof Wisconsin’s famous Lakeland Vacationland.

In Manitowish Waters, the North LakelandDiscovery Center (877/543-2085, www.discov-erycenter.net) offers skill programs and 20 kilome-ters of trails for hiking, biking, X-C skiing, snow-

shoeing and wildlife watching. The 200,000-acre NorthernHighland/American Legion State Forest (715/385-2727,www.wiparks.net) is headquartered in Boulder Junction. TheVilas County Historical Society Museum (715/542-3388,www.northern-wisconsin.com/museum/index.html) in Saynerdisplays the world’s first snowmobile.

In Eagle River, bring the kids to the Northwoods Children’sMuseum (715/479-4623,www.northwoodschildrensmuseum.com) for family fun in theirmin-log cabin and fishing pond. See chainsaw sculptures andmore at Carl’s Wood Art Adventure (715/479-1883,www.carlswoodart.com). Or visit the InternationalSnowmobile Racing Hall of Fame and Museum (715/542-4488, www.snowmobilehalloffame.com) in St. Germain.

6644

Vilas County

80 Fallison Lake Nature Trail

81 Lumberjack/Escanaba Trails

Phone: 715/385-2727 (US Forest Service)Web site: www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnfSignature species: Bald Eagleand Common Loon.Rarities: Osprey.Hours: 24/7.Seasonality: Best in spring,summer and fall.Restrictions: No pets.Nearest food & lodging: InWoodruff, 10 miles southwest.

This 2.5-mile loop trail rolls through amixed coniferous/deciduous forest ofbalsam fir, hemlock, red pine, whitepine, sugar maple, white birch, andlarge-toothedand tremblingaspen. Thetrail crossesbogs and ahemlockglade. Thelongest loopof the trailgoes all theway around50-acreFallison Lake.Directions: From Woodruff travel north4 miles on Hwy. 51, turn northeast for2.5 miles on Cty. M, turn east for 3.5miles on Cty. N to the trailhead parkinglot on the south side of the road.Amenities: Boardwalks and a rusticnature center nearby.

To W

oo

dru

ff

Fallison LakeNature Trail

51

N

N

M

Trout Lake

Little John Lake

Mann Lake

Vandercook Lake

Big Muskellunge Lake

Fallison Lake

An 11-mile trail system around WhiteSand and Escanaba Lakes. Habitat typesinclude forest, wetlands, lakes and ariver.Directions: There are two trailheads onthe Lumberjack Trail. West Trailhead:From Boulder Junction travel southeastone mile on Old K Road, then east onConcora Road to the trailhead. EastTrailhead: From Boulder Junction travelsouth 2 miles on Cty. M, then east 4miles on Cty. K to the trailhead justpast Nixon Lake Road. There are grav-eled/grass parking areas at both trail-heads.Amenities: Gravel trails and board-walks.Restrictions: Pets on leashes.

Phone: 715/385-2400 (US Forest Service)Web site: www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnfSignature species: RuffedGrouse, Woodcock, and BaldEagles.Admission: A state vehicleparking sticker is required forparking.Hours: 24/7.Nearest food & lodging: InBoulder Junction, 2-5 milesnorthwest.

Lumberjack Trail/ Escanaba Trail

M

K

K

White Sand Lake

Lost Canoe Lake

Escanaba Lake

Pallette Lake

BoulderJunction

OLD

K RD

NIX

ON

RD

LAK

E

CONCORA RD

Young Great Horned Owls.M

IKE

MC

DO

WEL

L

6655

82 Northern Highland - American LegionState Forest

At 223,283 acres, the NorthernHighland/American Legion State Forestis Wisconsin’s largest property. It offersmany campgrounds totaling 871 camp-sites; most offering water, showers,restrooms, swimming, fishing and aboat launch. The forest contains adiversity of northern timber types inter-spersed withgrasslands,marshes, andmore than900 lakes. Itis home toone of thelargest BaldEagle nestingconcentra-tions in thestate.Directions: Forest headquarters arelocated on Trout Lake about 4.5 milessouth of Boulder Junction on Cty. M.Stop for maps and information.

Phone: 715/385-2727 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.wiparks.netSignature species: AlderFlycatchers, Vesper Sparrow, andYellow-bellied Sapsucker.Rarities: Gray Jay, Nelson’s Sharp-tailed & LeConte’s Sparrows, BaldEagle, Osprey, and timber wolf.Hours: The headquarters is openMon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm. Theproperty is open 24/7.Accessibility: The forest offersaccessible campsites and picnicareas.Nearest food & lodging: This isprime Wisconsin vacation country– you’ll find many resorts andrestaurants.

Northern HighlandAmerican Legion State Forest

M

K

Trout Lake

Allequash Lake

To B

ou

lder

Ju

nct

ion

LeConte’s Sparrow.

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

RJ &

LIN

DA

MIL

LER

Canada Geese in flight.

6666

North Lakeland Discovery Center83

A community-oriented educational cen-ter dedicated to exploring, preserving,and enhancing the area’s natural, cul-tural, and historic resources. The Centeris a former YCC camp with main lodge,kitchen, men’s and women’s dorms,eleven rustic bunkhouses, beach andsauna. It offers a year-round programof environmental education, includingbird watching. The Center encompasses66 acres including 25-acre StatehouseLake and 20 miles of hiking trails.Common species include SemipalmatedPlovers, Savannah Sparrows, SandhillCranes, Yellow Warblers, Dunlins,White-rumped Sandpipers, LesserYellowlegs, and Least Sandpipers.Directions: From Manitowish Waterstravel northeast on Cty. Hwy W 1.25miles to the Center. Address is W215Cty. Hwy. W. Paved parking.Amenities: Restrooms, drinking foun-tain, gravel trails. Center provides cabinrentals for small or large groups up to100.

Phone: 715/543-2085 (NorthLakeland Discovery Center)Web site:www.discoverycenter.netRarities: Osprey, Rose-breastedGrosbeaks, and Red-shoulderedHawk.Hours: Daylight hours.Seasonality: Best in spring,summer & fall.Nearest food & lodging: TheCenter offers bothaccommodations and food service.Otherwise, Manitowish Waters,1.5 miles south offers all services.

North LakelandDiscovery Center

W

K

51

Rest Lake

Little Star Lake

To Woodruff

ManitowishWaters

84 Powell Marsh State Wildlife AreaThe marsh, developed in 1955, is a4,303-acre wetland complex of peat-land, open water lakes and flowages,northern sedge meadows, and grassyupland islands. It supports a variety ofwaterfowl, water birds, migrant shore-birds, open-area birds, mammals,amphibians and reptiles. Some speciesof special concern found at Powellinclude the Bald Eagle, Common Loonand Sharp-tailed Grouse.Directions: From Manitowish Waterstravel 1.5 miles southeast on Hwy. 51,turn south for 0.75 miles on PowellRoad to Marsh Road with transects themarsh. There are three graveled parkinglots.Restrictions: 1,800-acre no-entrywildlife refuge from Sep 1-Dec 31.

Phone: 715/ 358-9207 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlifeSignature species: Yellow Rail,LeConte’s Sparrow, and Nelson’sSharp-tailed Sparrow.Rarities: Yellow Rail, Short-earedOwl, Northern Harrier, AmericanBittern, and Merlin. Seasonality: Best in spring,summer and fall.Nearest food & lodging: InManitowish Waters, 3 miles north.

Powell Marsh Wildlife Area

W

51

Little Star Lake

Spider Lake

Alder Lake

To Woodruff

ManitowishWaters

MARS

H RD

POWELL

RD

ALDERLAKE

RD

Vilas County

6677

Washburn County

85 Beaver Brook State Wildlife AreaPhone: 715/635-2101 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlife

Beaver BrookWildlife Area

5363

63

70

70

253

Yellow

Beaver

River

To Rice Lake

Spooner

Bro o k

1,323 acres of stream, marsh and forestthat includes about 2 miles of BeaverBrook. The property blends woods andmarsh with tag alder thickets foundalong the brook. Ruffed Grouse,American Woodcock, waterfowl,eagles, Osprey, and furbearers call thisplace home.Directions: From Spooner travel southabout 1.5 miles on Hwy. 63, turn easton Wildlife Road one mile to the centerof the property. Amenities: 15 miles of hiking/ski trails,trout fishing

Some 900 lakes sparkle within the borders ofWashburn County in northwestern Wisconsin.

In Spooner, you can ride in elegant, refur-bished railroad cars dating from 1910-30 on theWisconsin Great Northern Railroad (715/635-3200, www.spoonertrainride.com). Spooner isalso the home of the Railroad MemoriesMuseum (715/635-3325, www.spoonerwi.com),displaying railway

artifacts, photos, videos, equipmentand model trains in the formerC&NW depot. You can tour thelargest musky-rearing hatchery inthe world; the Governor TommyG. Thompson State FishHatchery (715/635-4147,www.spoonerwi.com).

In Shell Lake, just south ofSpooner, the Museum ofWoodcarving (715/468-7100,www.washburncounty.com) dis-plays 100 life-sized carvings depict-ing the life of Christ, including“The Last Supper.” In Trego, justnorth of Spooner, arrange to canoeor “tube” down the scenicNamekagon River.

DO

UG

STA

MM

Wild Turkey.

6688

Washburn County

86 Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary and State Natural Area Phone: 715/635-6543 (Hunt HillAudubon Nature Center)Web site: www.audubon.org/local/sanctuary/hunthillRarities: Pileated Woodpeckers,Osprey, Red-shouldered Hawks,warblers, and Harris’s Sparrows. Admission fee: Voluntary entryfee for day use; established feesfor course offerings and programs.

53

253P

B

D

D

To R

ice Lake

Sarona AUDUBON RD

Hunt HillSanctuaryand State

Natural Area

Hunt Hill is a year-round environmentaleducation center with 500 acres ofmature northern forest (oak, birch,aspen, white pine, ash), five glaciallakes, bogs, prairie/oak savanna, andmarshy shorelines. The propertyincludes Dory’s Bog state natural areasand ten miles of hiking trails. Commonspecies include Bald Eagles, SandhillCranes, Loons, Green Herons, GreatBlue Herons, many warblers, songbirds,raptors, Ruffed Grouse, wild turkey,deer, otters, fisher, and bear. Self-guid-ed hikes are encouraged, or optional.Directions: From Sarona travel east 1mile on Cty. D (watch for small, whitesanctuary directional sign), turn north0.5 mile on Cty. P, turn east onAudubon Road 3 miles to Hunt HillRoad which is the gravel driveway intothe sanctuary (watch for entrance signon north side of road).Amenities: Hunt Hill offers a variety ofprograms and course offerings year-round. Paid, naturalist-guided hikes canbe scheduled. The Center’s dining facili-ties and dormitories can accommodategroups up to 75. Other amenitiesinclude a library, campfire rings, water-front/swimming beach and canoes.

Male Wood Ducks with male Hooded Merganser.

RJ &

LIN

DA

MIL

LER

6699

88 Sawyer Creek State Fisheries AreaFlycatchers, many species of warblers,Winter Wrens and thrushes are foundhere in good numbers. This property isdivided into two units and both areasare good places to go to for wildlifeviewing. There are lakes, trout streams,pine forest and mixed hardwood andpine forests.Directions: From Spooner travel west 3miles on Hwy. 70, turn south 2 mileson Greenfield Road to the property.Notes: Trout fishing on Sawyer Creek.

Phone: 715/635-2101 (Wisconsin DNR)Web site: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlife

Sawyer CreekFishery Area 63

70

253

Yellow

River

Spooner

GR

EEN

FIEL

D R

D87 Namekagon Visitor Center

The center is the best place for orienta-tion and trip planning informationabout the St. Croix National ScenicRiverway, which offers canoeists andkayakers 252 miles to explore. The riveris perfect for inex-perienced paddlersbecause there arefew rapids. Wildlifeseen along the cor-ridor includes BaldEagles, Osprey, por-cupine, wolves andmany species ofsongbirds includingwarblers, thrushes,and vireos. TheCenter includes alogging and fur-trading museum,restrooms anddrinking fountains.Directions: The Center is located onHwy. 63 in Trego just south of the junc-tion of Hwy. 63 and Hwy. 53.

Phone: 715/635-8346 (National Park Service)Web site: www.nps.gov/sacnHours: Open seasonally MemorialDay through Labor Day, weekendsin May and September.Accessibility: Building isaccessible. Nearest food & lodging: InTrego, 0.1 mile south.

53

63

53

63

E Trego

NamekagonVisitor CenterNam

ekagon

River

MIK

EM

CD

OW

ELL

Fox Sparrow.

7700

County ContactsThese contacts, in each of the eight-een counties in the LakeSuperior/Northwoods region, areready to help you plan you outdooradventure. They can suggestaccommodations and restaurants, aswell as attractions and other histori-cal, cultural and environmentalopportunities.

Ashland Area Chamber ofCommerce715/623-4134, 888/526-4523www.visitashland.com

Bayfield County Tourism &Recreation715/779-3335, 800/447-4094www.bayfield.org

Barron County Clerk’s Office715/537-6200www.co.barron.wi.us/tourism.htm

Burnett County Department ofTourism & Information715/349-7411, 800/788-3164www.burnettcounty.com

Superior-Douglas County CVB715/392-2773, 800/942-5313www.visitsuperior.com

Florence County Visitor Center715/528-5377, 888/889-0049www.florencewisconsin.com

Forest County AdvertisingCommittee715/478-2212, 800/334-3387www.forestcountywi.com

Iron County Development ZoneCouncil715/561-2922www.ironcountywi.com

Langlade County/Antigo AreaChamber of Commerce715/623-4134, 888/526-4523www.antigochamber.com

Lincoln County/Merrill AreaChamber of Commerce715/536-9474, 877/907-2757www.merrillchamber.comorLincoln County/Tomahawk RegionalChamber of Commerce715/453-5334, 800/569-2160www.gototomahawk.com

Oneida County Visitor’s Bureau715/365-7466, 800/236-3006www.oneidacountywi.com

Polk County Information Center715/483-1410, 800/222-7655www.polkcountytourism.com

Price County Tourism Department715/339-4505, 800/269-4505www.pricecountywi.net

Rusk County Visitors Center715/532-2642, 800/535-7875www.ruskcounty.org

Sawyer County/Hayward Lakes VCB715/634-8662, 800/724-2992www.haywardlakes.com

Taylor County Tourism715/748-4729, 888/682-9567www.medfordwis.com

Vilas County Advertising & PublicityDept.715/479-3649, 800/236-3649www.vilas.org

Washburn County/Spooner AreaTourism715/635-9696, 800/367-3306www.washburncounty.org

State & National ContactsWisconsin Department of Tourism800/432-8747www.travelwisconsin.com

Wisconsin Department of NaturalResources608/266-2621www.dnr.state.wi.us

Wisconsin Indian Head CountryTourism715/924-2970, 800/826-6966www.wisconsinindianhead.org

Chequamegon-Nicolet NationalForest715/362-1371www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnf

National Audubon Society800/542-2748www.audubon.org/states/wi/

More Sources of Tourism Information

7711

10987654321

Top Ten Things Birdersmight want to bring ontheir next Wisconsin foray

10. Your clubs – Wisconsin hasmore than 400 golf courses availablefor public play. Can you say “Teetime?”

9. Your Creel – To put the trout inyou’re gonna catch on any ofWisconsin’s 2,444 cold waterstreams.

8. Your Camping Gear – You’llneed it at any of the 5,535 campsitesin Wisconsin’s 60 state parks andforests.

7. Your Swimming Suit – There’s amillion acres of water in Wisconsin.If that’s not enough, you may stay ata hotel with a pool. And if you’vebrought the kids/grandkids… canyou say “Waterpark?”

6. Your canoe – The better to besilent on any of Wisconsin’s 15,000lakes.

5. Your Bike – More than 1,000miles of surfaced bike trails through-out Wisconsin.

4. Your Antiquing Guide – Whoa,better bring the credit card too.

3. Your Camera – It’s gonna be gor-geous out there.

2. Your Appetite – For a cuppa Joe,a slice of pie and a little ala mode ata home-cookin’ café.

1. Your Gazetteer and Compass –Two things John Muir never forgot.

We’ve got our ducks in a row.

Hudson

Superior

Hudson

Hurley

Marinette

La Crosse

Prairie du Chien

Grant County

Kenosha

Genoa CityBeloit

travelwisconsin.com • 800/432-8747

Well, in a circleactually. Visit a WisconsinTravelinformationcenter near youfor expert travelplanning andhundreds of freebrochures aboutevents,attractions,accommodations,and outdooractivities.

The Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail benefits from andis supported by contributions to the Endangered Resources Fundthrough your Wisconsin income tax form, through the purchaseof wolf license plates for your vehicle, or by direct donations to

the Endangered Resources Program at; Endangered Resources Program

WDNR P.O. 7921

Madison, WI 75707 (608) 266-7012.

The Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail Guide ispresented in part by the following sponsors.

For more information visit travelwisconsin.com