State Forest Northern Highland park
State Forest Northern Highland
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.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- 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 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.
- 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.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of State Forest Northern Highland, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laurel Lake | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Laurel Lake Recreation Area | ✓ | ✓ | → |
| Seven Mile Lake Campground | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Anvil Lake Recreation Area | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| East Star Lake Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| West Star Lake Campground | ✗ | ✓ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save State Forest Northern Highland as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About State Forest Northern Highland
What can I do at State Forest Northern Highland?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to State Forest Northern Highland?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of State Forest Northern Highland.