Explore the Forest!
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest offers visitors many unique natural attractions and experiences. These range from hundreds of acres of lakes for swimming and fishing, to the historical Mountain Fire Lookout Tower, to the serenity of hiking in the wilderness. Discover what makes your National Forests special.
Mountain Fire Lookout Tower
The Mountain Fire Lookout Tower was built in 1935 by the U.S. Forest Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps. It was once a part of an extensive lookout tower network in the former Nicolet National Forest. The Mountain Fire Lookout Tower was the first tower in Wisconsin to be placed on the National Historic Lookout Register and the National Register of Historic Places.
Cathedral Pines
Cathedral Pines is a 40-acre grove of white pine, hemlock and red pine that escaped cutting by lumberjacks in the 1900s. Located in the Chequamegon–Nicolet National Forest’s Lakewood-Laona Ranger District, this dynamic and exceptionally scenic old-growth forest is one of the few remaining stands of towering pine and hemlock in Wisconsin.
Wilderness Areas
There are 5 Wilderness Areas on the Forest totaling over 44,000 acres. Sizes range from the 4,292-acre Porcupine Lake Wilderness to the 18,188-acre Headwaters Wilderness. They are located in northern Wisconsin. If you're looking for rustic, quiet place in the forest, whether for a one-day hike or a camping trip, make plans to visit one of our Wilderness Areas!