The mainland shoreline of Douglas County along Lake Superior is about 103 miles long. Wisconsin Point covers 229 acres and has nearly three miles of shoreline. Together with Minnesota Point, Wisconsin Point forms part of one of the largest freshwater sandbars in the world. The nearly three miles refers to the shoreline of Wisconsin Point; the description as a freshwater sandbar applies to both points together.
Waterfalls, Rivers, and Geological Traces
At Amnicon Falls State Park, waterfalls and rapids line the Amnicon River. The park has long been known as a place where a significant geological event and the associated rock formations can be observed and studied. Here, moving water and a geological perspective on the landscape come together along the same stretch of river.
The Bois Brule River also offers different options for canoe trips: easy trips are possible on the upper river. More challenging sections include Little Joe Rapids, a moderate Class II rapid above the Bois Brule canoe landing. This distinction gives you a concrete point of reference for differentiating river sections by their stated level of difficulty.
At Lyman Lake Boat Landing, there is a concrete boat ramp and a pier outside the entrance gate to Anna-Gene County Park. Another canoe landing is located on the nearby Amnicon River.
Trails for Different Seasons
Douglas County has about 300 miles of multiple-use recreational trails. The state parks add specific trail information to this wider selection: Pattison State Park has more than seven miles of hiking trails. There, a 0.5-mile trail also leads to short paths with several views of Big Manitou Falls from both sides of the river.
For winter, there is the Douglas County Cross-Country Ski Trail System: it includes more than 10 miles, or 17 kilometers, of trails between the towns of Solon Springs and Gordon, east of Highway 53. The winter trail network is maintained, and a seasonal grooming program is also part of it. The length and named endpoints help distinguish this cross-country skiing option from the recreational and hiking trails.
Habitats and Horseback Riding Trails
The Douglas County Wildlife Area, also known as the Bird Sanctuary, covers more than 4,000 acres. It is managed for brush prairie habitat. Six or seven birddog field trial events are held each fall. The Douglas County Wildlife Management Area has about 14 miles of designated horseback riding trails.
Museums, Music, and Places to Stay
The Fairlawn Museum is a 42-room Victorian house museum built by Martin Pattison in 1889. At the SS Meteor, the tour route extends from the wheelhouse to the cargo holds. In Gordon, the Gordon-Wascott Historical Society Whalen House Museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Check seasonal hours before your visit.
Music is also part of the local events calendar: Music in the Park is held in the amphitheater at Gordon Dam County Park, an annual outdoor concert series on the shores of Lake St. Croix. For camping, Douglas County Forest has three developed campgrounds: Lucius Woods County Park, Gordon Dam County Park, and Mooney Dam County Park. Together, the museums, concert series, and named campgrounds show how nature experiences can be combined with cultural and practical travel interests.
Discover more destinations: Superior, Oconto County, Rock, Jackson County, Fond Du Lac County, Juneau County, Waukesha, Kewaunee County.
For the main travel overview: Wisconsin.
