State Forest Northern Highland
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
The State Forest Northern Highland, located in the state of Wisconsin, offers visitors a serene and captivating natural getaway.
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Summary
Spanning over 225,000 acres, this forest boasts numerous reasons why it is worth a visit.
One of the primary appeals of the Northern Highland is its abundance of recreational activities. With over 900 lakes and 18 campgrounds, it is a paradise for fishing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking enthusiasts. Additionally, the forest offers more than 50 miles of trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The State Forest Northern Highland is home to several points of interest that showcase the beauty and diversity of the area. The Crystal Lake Nature Center is an excellent starting point, providing educational exhibits and programs that highlight the forest's natural history. The Raven Nature Trail, located nearby, meanders through a diverse forest environment and offers stunning views of a bog and wetland area. For those interested in history, the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest Museum provides insights into the region's logging history and the impact it had on the area.
Interesting facts about the Northern Highland include its designation as a state forest in 1925, making it Wisconsin's oldest state forest. The forest is known for its extensive wetland areas, which are critical for maintaining water quality and supporting a diverse range of wildlife. These wetlands also serve as an important habitat for numerous bird species, including the rare and endangered Kirtland's warbler.
The best time to visit the Northern Highland depends on the activities you wish to engage in. Summer is ideal for water-based activities like fishing, boating, and swimming. Fall offers stunning foliage colors, making it a great time for hiking and biking. Winter welcomes snow enthusiasts with its ample opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Spring showcases the forest's vibrant wildflowers and is perfect for observing bird migration.
To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify this information by consulting multiple independent sources such as the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin State Parks, and local tourism websites.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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