Wisconsin National Forests and Parks

The two National Forests, Chequamegon and Nicolet have been managed as one since 1993 with two headquarters offices, one in Park Falls and the other in Rhinelander. Nearly two million acres of US Forest Service holdings is teeming with wildlife and recreation opportunities. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore consists of 21 forested islands and 12 miles of mainland Lake Superior shoreline featuring pristine stretches of sand beach, spectacular sea caves, remnant old-growth forests, and the largest single collection of lighthouses anywhere in the National Park System. The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway protects and preserves 252 miles of the beautiful St. Croix River and its Namekagon tributary. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail winds over glacial moraines linking together six of the nine units of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve. The North Country National Scenic Trail is a land of hills and valleys, lakes and streams, displaying Wisconsin's glacially sculpted landscape. Historic sites along the way tell the story of how America was settled and grew as a nation.

Attractions - Attractions within Wisconsin's federal lands are limitless. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore offers extensive recreational opportunities from boating and hiking, to backpacking and viewing one of the National Park Service's highest concentrations of lighthouses within a single unit. The St. Croix and Namekagon rivers challenge the canoeist, power boater, and even the sailor. Campers and picnickers enjoy the shoreline while anglers harvest their limit of trout, bass, muskie and more. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail offer hikers 300 miles of nationally recognized pathway and an additional 250 miles of completed trail. Designated segments are open to bikers and horseback riders. The North Country Trail is the Midwest's equivalent to the East Coast's Appalachian Trail and the West Coast's Pacific Crest Trail. The Chequamegon-Nicolet has four season recreation awaiting the visitor. Users enjoy spring fishing and canoeing to summer camping, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Autumn offers hunting and beautiful fall colors. Snow season brings cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

Recreation - Recreational opportunities are abundant within the National Forests and Parks including hiking, camping, paddling, mountain biking, horseback riding, ATVing, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, backpacking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

Climate - Wisconsin experiences four distinct seasons with the average annual temperature varying from 39 degrees F in the northwest to 50 degrees F in the southeast. Great Lakes Michigan and Superior tend to make summers cooler and winters milder close to shore. Average January temperatures range from 12 to 16 degrees F (-11 to -9 degrees C) in the northwest to 22 degrees F (-6 degrees C) in the southeast. Average July temperatures in the northwest range from 70 to 85 degrees F (21 to 26 degrees C). However during the past several decades, average temperatures have risen in Wisconsin changing the imagery of the state. The winter economy has slowed considerable due to the lack of consistent snow, and where maples and aspens set the fall foliage a blaze, now duller elms, oak, ash and pine dominate the woodlands.

Location - Federal lands touch nearly all areas of Wisconsin.