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WISCONSIN'S NATIONAL TREASURES:
Exploring Lesser-Known Recreational Areas
MADISON, Wis. (April 2008) - Travelers looking for outdoor adventure, exploration and discovery can head to Wisconsin to experience globally significant, yet relatively unknown natural attractions. The state is filled with National Park Service, National Forest Service and other federally designated areas where quiet waters await paddlers, peaceful forests beckon hikers and scenic byways offer carefree road trips. With many national parks and recreation areas facing overcrowded conditions, these lesser-known gems offer great opportunities for authentic wilderness experiences. In fact, one of them - the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore - was cited by a 2005 National Geographic Adventure study as "the top park in the United States" because of its 21 picturesque, coastal islands, which are home to sea caves, hiking trails and six light stations.
Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail
Dividing Wisconsin into five wildlife-viewing regions, the Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail (608/266-0545; www.wisconsinbirds.org/trail) links important wildlife sites within each area. The entire driving trail will be mapped out by 2008, ultimately encompassing five regional trails. A cooperative effort between more than 100 organizations and the Endangered Resource Program, these trails blend existing roads with customized maps to guide nature travelers to Wisconsin's best wildlife watching areas, as well as historic sites and bike trails.
The first of the five regional trails, the Lake Superior/Northwoods trail is made up of 88 Northern Wisconsin hot spots and waypoints from the 21 pristine Apostle Islands to the one million acres of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. In the west, the Mississippi/Chippewa Rivers Birding and Nature Trail features 67 sites within 13 counties. Lake Michigan's Birding and Nature Trail features 64 hot spots in 11 eastern counties. The Central Sands Birding and Nature Trail maps 78 waypoints in 17 central Wisconsin counties including the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge; the final edition, the Southern Savanna Birding and Nature Trail, is expected to be finalized in 2008.
Travelers can receive free highway-based viewing guides for each trail in separate editions of the Great Wisconsin Birding Guide and Nature Trail. These publications, available from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, guide visitors with driving directions, maps, property bird and wildlife descriptions, as well as contact phone numbers and Web sites.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Travelers in the northern region of Wisconsin can cruise the waters or trek the trails at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (715/779-3397; www.nps.gov/apis). The area, located along Lake Superior's shoreline, was designated as a National Lakeshore in 1970. In 2005, National Geographic rated it as "the top park in the United States" because of its natural, breathtaking sites and close proximity to the town of Bayfield, which compliments the remote ambiance.
The lakeshore comprises a cluster of 21 islands and six historic light stations, which are considered one of the finest collections in the nation. Experienced kayakers can explore the sea caves and many of the area's secluded, unspoiled beaches. The islands are also a center for deepwater fishing and sailing. Those who prefer to see the islands on foot can traverse more than 50 miles of hiking trails, which used to house abandoned quarries, historic logging sites and old farmsteads.
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
Those who like to breathe in the distinctive scent of fresh pine will find hiking in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (715/762-2461; www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnf/) an excellent choice. Covering more than 1.5 million acres, the forest is located in Wisconsin's Northwoods, where dense stands of pine and hardwoods surround hundreds of lakes and rivers. Here, hikers can see rays of sunlight filter through a canopy of trees; observe wildlife such as white-tail deer, black bears, ruffed grouse and loons; and walk along riverbanks, feeling the cool spray from whitewater. The forest is immense, with more than 400 miles of hiking trails, including primitive wilderness areas, a 41-mile segment of the Ice Age Trail and a 60-mile segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Also running through the heart of the northwestern portion of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is the Great Divide National Scenic Byway, a 29-mile stretch between Glidden and Hayward where motorists can take in the scenery.
St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
Along Wisconsin's northwest border, the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (715/483-3284; www.nps.gov/sacn/index.htm), designated as a National Scenic Riverway in 1968, is one of the most picturesque and least-developed areas in the Midwest. The riverway is made up of more than 250 miles of the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers and was established to preserve the area's natural resources and provide outdoor recreation. Paddle-sports enthusiasts can hit the water in a canoe to explore the dramatic scenery, including islands, valleys, cliffs, bays and backwaters. Wildlife watching is another popular activity, as the area is home to thriving animal habitats. Visitors can get a glimpse of eagles, ospreys, owls and beavers, among other wildlife. Seven hiking trails are found along the river-way, many of which can be used year-round. Other recreational opportunities along the river include camping, boating and fishing.
Great River Road National Scenic Byway
The 250 miles of roadway that follow the mighty Mississippi River in Wisconsin are steeped in natural resources, history, recreational activities and cultural opportunities. In recognition of this, the Federal Highway Administration named Wisconsin's Great River Road (1-800-658-9480; www.wigreatriverroad.org) a National Scenic Byway in 2001. It was Wisconsin's first National Scenic Byway and one of only 80 roadways in the United States to carry this designation. Running alongside the Mississippi and at the foot of towering bluffs, Wisconsin's Great River Road offers scenic beauty that is unparalleled. Visitors enjoy some of Wisconsin's most breathtaking views as they meander along the route and take in the river valley and the quaint river towns along the way, many of which boast restored Victorian buildings, historic sites and antique stores. The region is also a paradise for boaters and anglers, while its parks and nature preserves are extremely popular with hikers, bikers, campers and birdwatchers.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Spanning the state, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (1-800-227-0046; www.iceagetrail.org) is a 1,000-mile tour of Wisconsin's glacial history and one of only eight National Scenic Trails in the country. More than 600 miles of the trail, which traces the stopping point of Wisconsin's last glacier, are now open to the public. The trail offers hikers the chance to enjoy scenic vistas from atop glacially-shaped land features; cross what were once the beds of glacial lakes and streams; travel through marshes and remnant prairies; and visit the sites of former lumber camps. Here, 12,000 years ago, the retreat of mile-high sheets of ice and the rush of melt-water, left behind what is considered to be one of the nation's best glacial imprints. The trail meanders from Potawatomi State Park in Door County, continues south through the Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern and Southern Units, turns north reaching Devil's Lake State Park, continues to Antigo Falls and then winds west, ending at Interstate State Park in St. Croix Falls.
North Country National Scenic Trail
The North Country National Scenic Trail (608/441-5610; www.northcountrytrail.org ), a hiking path that links seven northern states, makes its way through northern Wisconsin with 115 miles of trails ready for exploration. Hikers along the route, which was designated a National Scenic Trail in 1980, will find no shortage of picturesque scenery and peaceful surroundings. Almost eight miles of trails go through Copper Falls State Park, home to a series of waterfalls and serene forest. Sixty miles of the trail also go through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, traversing the Penokee Hills, known for rocky outcroppings and overlooks.
National Wildlife Refuges
The 32,000-acre Horicon Marsh (920/387-2658; http://midwest.fws.gov/Horicon) in Dodge and Fond du Lac counties is the largest cattail marsh of its type in the United States. The marsh is also home to more than 265 species of birds, including egrets, blue heron, sandhill cranes and tundra swans, as well as deer, coyote, fox and mink. Popular auto tours include the 36-mile Wild Goose Parkway that follows the perimeter of the marsh and the three-mile Horicon Tern Pike Auto Tour inside the marsh. Hikers and bikers won't want to miss the 34-mile Wild Goose State Trail, which skirts the marsh's western edge.
Once a part of Glacial Lake Wisconsin, the 44,000 acres of Necedah National Wildlife Refuge (608/565-2551; http://midwest.fws.gov/necedah/) in Necedah are now a favorite sanctuary for a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors can spot geese, ducks and more than 220 other bird species; deer; wolves; porcupines; bears and badgers as well as view the training grounds for the Whooping Crane Reintroduction Project. Hiking trails, observation towers and automobile routes provide easy access to catch a glimpse of the wildlife.
Bordered by the Mississippi and Trempealeau rivers, the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge (608/539-2311; http://refuges.fws.gov) in Trempealeau creates a perfect resting area for migrating ducks, geese and American White pelicans. This 6,200-acre refuge is complete with a barrier-free observation deck and a five-mile drive, which showcases the different habitats of the refuge.
For free Wisconsin travel-planning guides and information, the public can call the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's live-operated toll-free number at 1-800-432-TRIP/8747 or visit TravelWisconsin.com. Visitors can also obtain guides and information at the Wisconsin Welcome Centers, located in select state-border cities.
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