Black River State Forest covers 68,000 acres. Pine and oak forests grow beneath towering sandstone cliffs. One distinctive rock formation is Castle Mound: the sandstone butte rises 180 feet above the surrounding sandy plain and is made of Cambrian sandstone that is about 400 million years old. A hiking trail crosses the Castle Mound Pine Forest; an observation tower stands near the middle of the hill.
Forests, River Floodplains and Rare Species
The habitats also vary: Millston Sand Barrens provide habitat for rare butterflies. Jackson County recognizes the ecological value of the oak savanna and barrens habitat there, as well as its importance as a habitat for rare species. Black River Savanna is home to diverse flora, including sand prairie and open oak stands on a sandy, semi-open river terrace.
North Bend Bottoms Wildlife Area combines floodplain forest and hardwood stands with swampy oxbow lakes. Higher areas also include hardwood stands, meadows and fields; the Black River borders the area to the north. The original release site of the central elk herd was in Dike 17 Wildlife Area. The remaining enclosure is still visible. Visitors interested in protected natural areas should also note the access restriction at Gullickson’s Glen: access to this Wisconsin State Natural Area is restricted.
Cross-Country Skiing, ATV Trails and Water
Black River State Forest has 20 miles of cross-country ski trails, groomed for skating and classic skiing. It also offers 34 miles of ATV trails, connected to trails in Jackson and Clark counties. The trail system in Jackson County Forest and Black River State Forest has eight access points; four trailheads are right off I-94. Cross-country skiing and ATV trails offer different options when planning an active stay.
The Black River and the East Fork of the Black River are ideal for canoeing and kayaking. North Bend Bottoms Wildlife Area has access points for boating, canoeing and kayaking along Highway VV. Activities at Lake Arbutus include fishing, water skiing, swimming and recreational boating. East Arbutus County Park is on the lake’s shore. Wazee Lake appeals to a different group of water sports enthusiasts: its clear water attracts scuba divers; the lake is on the site of a former iron mine.
History in Buildings and Collections
The Carnegie Library Museum is housed in a library building constructed in 1915 and listed in the Wisconsin Register and the National Register of Historic Places. Its two exhibit levels explore the early history of Jackson County. Spring Creek Schoolhouse Museum was built in 1885 and operated as a school until 1963. Groups, organizations and schools are welcome to visit for tours and educational programs.
Several sites focus on the history of individual communities. Fairchild Area History Center explores its subject through exhibits and historical collections. Millston Area Museum focuses on the way of life of pioneers in the Millston, Knapp, Shamrock and Manchester areas; Taylor Museum of History looks at Taylor’s past through its collections and exhibits. Historic Keefe House was completed in 1910 and combines Queen Anne and Colonial Revival architecture.
Charles Van Schaick Photo Gallery Building is associated with a photographic collection documenting Jackson County and the Ho-Chunk Nation from the 1880s through the 1940s. Rustic Mill Park recalls the regional milling industry. Historical Sawmill Memorial Monument commemorates the founding of Black River Falls and the city’s early lumber industry. The more distant past is also represented: Silver Mound Archaeological District is designated a National Historic Landmark; its archaeological and prehistoric period of significance spans 7000 to 8999 B.C.
Discover more destinations: Hixton, Black River Falls, Pittsville, Milwaukee, Vernon County, Taylor, Manitowoc County, Racine County.
For the broader travel overview: Wisconsin.
