Welcome to the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
Explore the Northwoods
Explore the more than 1.5 million acres of waterways and woodlands.
Fireworks – including sparklers – are illegal on federal and state lands. Use of fireworks in national forests may result in penalties, including fines of up to $5,000 and/or up to six months in jail. (Code of Federal Regulations 261.52 (b and f)).
Celebrating Independence Day in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest? Here is what to know before you go.
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Smokey Bear Portraits on Display at Pioneer Park Historical Complex in Rhinelander, July 2-7, 2024
Enter the Smokey Bear 80th Birthday Dessert Competition during Opening Reception, July 2, 5 to 7 p.m.
About the Chequamegon-Nicolet
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest covers more than 1.5 million acres of Wisconsin's Northwoods. The USDA Forest Service manages the land for multiple uses including forestry, wildlife habitat, recreation, harvesting of forest products, fisheries, and wilderness and natural areas.
The Chequamegon side of the forest covers about 858,400 acres in Ashland, Bayfield, Sawyer, Price, Taylor, and Vilas counties, while the Nicolet side of the forest covers nearly 661,400 acres in Florence, Forest, Langlade, Oconto, Oneida, and Vilas counties.
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Plan Ahead for Your Trip
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Prescribed Burns
Find out where prescribed burns will be taking place on the Chequamegon-Nicolet in 2024.
David R. Obey Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
The David R. Obey Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center is closed to public 6/3-30, 2024 for a parking lot re-paving project
When the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center is open, hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday each week. Passes are available for purchase from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Recent News
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Celebrating Independence Day in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest? Here is what to know before you go.
Release Date: Jun 27, 2024
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Reduce wildfire risk in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest: Celebrate wisely, recreate responsibly.
Release Date: Jun 26, 2024
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Starting July 1, 2024, USDA Forest Service information, passes, and permits will be available to the public at the Great Divide Ranger District office in Hayward Monday through Friday
Release Date: Jun 25, 2024
Spotlights
Timber Sales
![Spotlight: Timber Sales](/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd1093004_tn.jpg)
View Timber Sales on the Chequamegon-Nicolet
Partnerships
![Feature: Partners](/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd1026487_tn.jpg)
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has a long history of working with partners.
Volunteering
![Feature: Volunteers](/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd1026488_tn.jpg)
We match your talents and skills with your work preference to select a role that satisfies you, while best meeting our mission and providing a safe but rewarding project for your experience.
Alerts & Warnings
- Forest Road 139 Closed over Shmuland Creek From Storm
- Valhalla Recreation Area Closed 6/18 - 8/1/2024 for site improvements
- Sections of FR 164 closed to vehicles until 8/1/2024 for culvert replacements
- Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center closed 6/3-30, 2024
- Recreation areas, trails, and roads open after recovery from 2019 windstorm
- Delayed- Moose River bridge closed to vehicular traffic 4/29 to 5/3
- Black Lake Campground To Re-Open 7/1/2024
- Prescribed Burning Planned for FY2024
- Closure on Forest Road 1666 (Black Lake Road) for motorized vehicles
- Safety reminders for hunting season
- Aquatic Invasive Species decontamination required at Lake Owen and Two Lakes