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Forest County

Forest County...Take a Breath.

Forest County is aptly named. The woodlands that cover the landscape of Forest County are some of Wisconsin’s largest and most beautiful. In addition, the county is home to more than 800 lakes and 850 miles of trout streams. It’s a year-round outdoor playground with many beautiful campgrounds,  70+ miles of ATV/UTV Trails, Hiking and Biking Trails, and outdoor festivals and concerts throughout Forest County.

The forests provides an inviting rustic roads and auto tour opportunity. Roll down Rustic Road 34 or 118, take a drive through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest along the Heritage Drive National Forest Scenic Byway, or fall in love with the fall colors on the 145-mile Nicolet-Wolf River Scenic Byway.

Water Activities

Take a paddle down the Wolf River, Brule River, Peshtigo River, Pine River and Popple River. Follow the Wabikon and Riley Lakes Canoeing Path. Go whitewater rafting on the Peshtigo River. Or, go swimming at the Crandon Municipal Beach, Laona's Silver Lake Beach, Crandon Veterans Memorial Park Beach (the Dam), Richardson Lake Beach and Ada Lake Beach.

Fishing

Anglers can fish hundreds of lakes for walleye, musky, bass, pike and panfish. Lakes range from 2,157-acre Lake Metonga to crystal clear ponds that get their cold water from underground springs. Hundreds of miles of trout streams present anglers, with a chance to catch one of Wisconsin’s native brook trout, are vastly located through out Forest County.

Hunting

Great hunting opportunities abound throughout the county and Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest; white tail deer, black bear, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, coyote and duck just to name a few. With the mass amount of National and Managed Forest Lands in Forest County it is the prime area for some untouched and vast hunting grounds.

Biking

Mountain bikers will love Forest County. Ride the Anvil Trail, Ed’s Lake Trail, Nicolet North Trail and Otter Springs Trail. Hiking is available on ten Forest County trails. Logging roads running through the national forest provide another opportunity for hiking. The national forest’s huge tracts of woodlands also make it the ideal place for wildlife sightings and birdwatching.

Cross-Country Skiing

Forest County is one of the best places in the state to go cross-country skiing. Groomed trails in the national forest include Ed’s Lake Trail, Nicolet North Trail and the Anvil Trail. County forest trails include Otter Springs Trail and Hemlock Lake Ski Trail.  Otter Springs Trail is open year-round for sport enthusiasts to enjoy biking, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobilers will enjoy over 400 miles of groomed trails in Forest County. Ride the 100 Mile Snow Safari through the Nicolet National Forest and enjoy a true winter adventure. Thanks to the Lumberjack Memorial Trail Club, Tombstone/Pickerel Trail Club, 100 Mile Snow Safari Club, Blackbear Sportsmen's Club  and Three Lake/Brule Club Forest County is home to some of the best riding in Wisconsin. Watch the Forest County Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page and the Travel Wisconsin Page for updated trail and snow conditions.

ATVing

The Forest County ATV Association and its Members provide Forest County with the best intertwined and maintained Trails in Northern Wisconsin. They Currently Manage 55 Miles of State trails and many more miles of trails in the Chequamegon-Nicolet national Forest and County Forest Lands. Most of the townships in Forest County allow ATV use on their public roads (both gravel and paved). If you combine all of the trails that are legal to drive on there are well over 100 miles of ATV/UTV trails in Forest County. Giving you the freedom to travel from one end to the other, and to various other Counties as well.

Golfing

Golf the Nicolet Golf Club in Laona and Maplewood Golf Course in Pickerel. You’ll enjoy a unique golf experience – deer and other wildlife are common sights on area courses. These Golf Courses have everything the average and advanced golfer needs, providing a fun and challenging course.

Unique Finds

The worlds biggest and best short-course off-road races happen twice a year in Crandon, WI.  Come join us for a day or a weekend of intense, dirt-slinging action, family friendly camping and live music.  It all happens at Crandon's International Off-Road Raceway's the "Big House".

Forest County offers more than just outdoor recreation. Experience a Powwow hosted by the Mole Lake Sokaogon Chippewa or the Forest County Potawatomi Community. Try your luck at the Mole Lake or Potawatomi Carter Casinos. Visit the various local Logging Museum in Wabeno or the Camp 5 Museum and Lumberjack Steam Train ride in Laona for a true reflection of Forest County History and where it all began. IN THE WOODS. Other Museums include the Hiles Museum, FCP Cultural Center Library and Museum, Forest County Historical Muesum and the Forest County Public Libraries

Stop in at the world Larges Soup Kettle in Laona, Located directly on Hwy 8 headed North in Soup Kettle Park, take a picture with Larry the Log Roller on your way through Wabeno, grab a cold drink from the Artesian Well located on Hwy 55 near Alvin, or stop by the Hiles Mural - a reflection of the Northwoods.

There are so many more amazing, exciting and adventurous things to do in Forest County. Plan your trip today to find more of what Forest County has to offer! It’s time you experienced Forest County for yourself!