The Northwoods

Now, I don’t care where you draw the line as to where “up north” begins. That’s not my prerogative. I care about the layout of nature and where game animals live. For this purpose, we’re going to draw the line at I-29, which cuts across the state from Green Bay to Wausau, meets I-94 just outside Eau Claire and continues into Minneapolis. Personally, I’ve spent a great deal of time in the norther third of the badger state. It’s home to vast forests, abundant wildlife, lakes dotted throughout its landscape, and a sense of relaxation you can only get in such a remote setting.

The Northwoods is obviously seen by some people differently than others. Locals enjoy their peaceful surroundings and are accustomed to a different pace of life than their counterparts in big cities like Milwaukee or Madison. I would say they have the right idea about how life should be lived. Some outsiders and locals alike focus on its plethora of bars, riding endless miles in between them on snowmobiles in the winter. Others use it as a summertime Lakeland getaway where waterskies and town bars rule the roost. Year round, outdoorsmen flock to the region for endless fishing opportunities, world class hunting, remote camping and a place where just about any conceivable outdoor adventure is able to be made reality. Northern Wisconsin is simply put, paradise.

Cities like Rhinelander and Wausau, give northern Wisconsin a character befitting of their logging and mining roots. From the late 1700’s through the 1800’s Wisconsin’s old growth forests provided structure for much of the foundation of American industrialism. By 1900, we were the nation’s leading timber producer. When white pine production slowed, jack pine paper production began to flourish. This gave way to Wisconsin becoming a major hub of the paper industry. Further north, towns like Hurley provided a central location for major iron mining operations, with a fascinating and somewhat tumultuous history.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the native cultures dotted throughout this region. Wisconsin’s native history is some of its most fascinating. Tribal land and reservations still dot the area and have no doubt had a major influence on how the state has grown culturally and financially.

Northern Wisconsin holds the state’s largest swaths of public land. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest boasts more than a million preserved acres of public access, along with the Northern Highland-American Legion, Brule River and Flambeau State Forests. These massive preserved forests provide more than ample opportunity for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and really any outdoor activity you can concoct.

Just about every game animal calls this part of the state home. Whitetail deer claim the region as the historical big game animal. As far back as our states founding, deer hunting has been our states biggest sporting tradition. Elk have been a recent reintroduction to the state near Clam lake with all outdoorsmen hoping their population accelerates in coming years. Predators flourish with the abundance of available wildlife. A very healthy bear population amongst bobcats, coyotes and the occasional mountain lion prowl the region. Wolves however are the most effective predator. In 2021, the states only recent wolf hunt was closed in just four days after nearly doubling the set quota.  Non game species may be its most majestic though. Bald Eagles have exploded in numbers recently providing an awe inspiring glance when you see them circling above. Loons also provide a moment of relaxation when their majestic call breaks the silence of an otherwise quiet evening. Even the occasional moose has graced the area with its presence.

Inland lakes host hordes of walleye, bass, muskie and other fish. A fishing culture dominates much of northern Wisconsin with Boulder Junction laying claim to being Muskie capital of the world. Seemingly every lake during the summer is dotted with fishermen out for their day’s catch. A great tradition topped off with a Friday fish fry keeps northern Wisconsin’s waterways healthy.

Waterfowl and other game birds hold strong numbers. Migratory patterns seem to have shifted further west in recent years, but local populations of ducks and geese hold strong and provide for an sufficient hunting season. Turkeys have made their way north in Wisconsin in recent years as well, but the ruffed grouse still holds king of the game birds in up here. The king of the upland game birds as they’re more affectionately known flourish as they dodge hunter and dog. A staple of Wisconsin, Park Falls lays claim being America’s Ruffed Grouse capital. The nongame birds of northern Wisconsin are just as fascinating. Large populations of cranes, herons, trumpeter swans and the mighty bald eagle have a stronghold on the territory. The shear majesty of bald eagles and trumpeter swans have gripped me since I was a boy.

Often overlooked, but one of Wisconsin’s more miraculous places are the apostle islands that crown northern Wisconsin. The might of Lake Superior is awe inspiring as you island hop during the summer. Winter is an unforgiving place in the Northwoods, but happening upon an extremely cold winter gives way to an opportunity to walk atop the ice and through the sea caves that form along the edges of these islands and the lakeshore. Lake Superior is truly a brute and traveling amongst the remoteness of this region you are reminded of it at every turn.

It might be seen as the great white north, and for a good part of the year it’s exactly that, but northern Wisconsin is one of the most diverse and beautiful places in the lower 48. I could double the length of this telling you all the great things about northern Wisconsin spanning all 4 seasons. From cranberry bogs as big and long as the eye can see to the dazling fall colors and lore behind stories from generations past, you now know why I call it my favorite place on earth.