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.

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.

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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.

Plan Ahead for Your Trip

Get a Pass or Permit Find a Map Outdoor Safety

Prescribed Burns

Find out where prescribed burns will be taking place on the Chequamegon-Nicolet in 2024.

Read More and View the 2024 Plan

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.

Information

https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/cnnf/home