What’s Happening In Wisconsin’s State Parks, Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas

Right now, the Manitowish River near Boulder Junction offers the unique opportunity to paddle during winter months. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Meet Me In Minocqua

Few places have more lakes per square mile than Oneida and Vilas Counties. Their lakes were formed by glaciers that melted and retreated north during the last Ice Age. The lakes of the Minocqua area are well known for their fishing, beauty and recreation. Here are some of our favorite places to visit in the area.

Northern Highland – American Legion State Forest
With over 236,000 acres and more than 900 lakes within its boundaries, the Northern Highland – American Legion State Forest provides wonderfully scenic opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreation. It has everything from wild and remote campsites accessible only by boat to developed family and group campgrounds, beaches, boat launches and trails. The forest spans three counties near Woodruff, Minocqua and Boulder Junction. There are two main contact stations at Crystal and Clear Lake.

Hiking the trails is easy with little to no snow, and offers a different experience than in the summer months. Winter biking is also a great activity to do now!.

Clear Lake Day Use Area boasts a picnic area, shelter, outdoor grill and firepit for outdoor adventurers. While the shelter is not heated, it makes for a perfect gathering spot in any conditions – make it a day by hiking or biking the nearby Raven Trail System after lunch.

Nearby State Natural Areas embedded within the State Forest present a variety of hiking opportunities. Powel Marsh Wildlife Areas provide easy hiking and great birding. Warm weather also brings the rare opportunity to kayak open waters in winter. There are also endless night sky viewing opportunities in the area.

Willow Flowage
With limited development and access, the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area is a large, island-studded reservoir with a wild flavor. The property includes 73 miles of shoreline (95% is undeveloped), 106 islands and seven boat landings. There are 37 rustic campsites scattered along the flowage shoreline and islands and four rustic campsites along the Lower Tomahawk River. All campsites are accessible by watercraft and are clearly marked along the water’s edge.

Willow Flowage, Rainbow Flowage and the nearby Turtle-Flambeau Flowage offer spectacular night sky viewing.

White-tailed deer, bears, ruffed grouse, ducks, eagles, loons, wolves and occasionally moose roam the area. According to 2016 surveys, seven nesting pairs of ospreys on the flowage provided lucky visitors with dramatic fishing displays from April through October.

Bearskin State Trail
Named for the Bearskin Creek the trail follows, this former railroad corridor is an opportunity to experience the Northwoods. The railroad line was built to export white pine logs from the forests of northern Wisconsin to the cities of the Midwest. Today, the trail is a 21.5-mile recreation corridor between Minocqua and Tomahawk, surfaced with compacted granite suitable for walking and bicycling.

Council Grounds State Park
Located along the beautiful Wisconsin River near the site of Native American encampments, Council Grounds State Park is a favorite for water enthusiasts. The park offers many recreational opportunities, including family and group campsites, wooded trails, a beach area and an accessible fishing pier. A boat landing provides access to Lake Alexander and the Wisconsin River. Council Grounds also offers an adaptive kayak through its rental program! Call the property for more information on the adaptive kayak.

Council Grounds has an enclosed log shelter for rent with an outdoor fire ring nearby. A large picnic area is near the beach on Lake Alexander, along with picnic areas near the Big Pines Nature Trail.

Scenic vistas abound along the Wisconsin River, which can be accessed along the main park road.

We also recommend hiking the Ice Age Trail nearby.

Rib Mountain State Park
This billion-year-old hill is one of the oldest geological formations on earth. Rib Mountain State Park is a premier day-use property with picnicking, hiking trails and reservable facilities, including a scenic amphitheater, indoor gathering space and picnic shelters. Rib Mountain offers spectacular views of the Wausau area and the Wisconsin River. Granite Peak Ski Area is on the mountain’s north face and offers downhill skiing and snowboarding.

Rib Mountain offers amazing vistas from Sunrise Overlook. As the name suggests, we recommend arriving before sunrise to get the most out of the view.

Many picnic areas are available, along with reservable shelters. Shelters include the Friends Gathering Space, the Northern Vista Shelter and the CCC Gazebo. The amphitheater is also reservable! Make a reservation today through the Wisconsin Going to Camp system.

Looking for a challenge and bragging rights? Hike “up the mountain” on the paved walking path. It is a great workout! To see more wildlife, explore deeper into the surrounding forest. Take pictures of your findings and use #OutWiGo!

When it comes to night sky viewing at Rib Mountain, the North Observation Deck is a great choice. Find a cloud-free day and gaze into the universe.