In Langlade County, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail follows the terminal moraines of the Langlade and Green Bay glacial lobes. From there, the trail rises up to 250 feet above the gravel plain of the Antigo Flats. The landscape can thus be discovered not only as forest and water, but also as the result of geological formations.
Seven Sections on the Ice Age Trail
The trail crosses Langlade County for more than 66 miles and is divided into seven named sections: Ice Override is 0.8 miles long, Antigo Heights 7.2, Kettlebowl 9.9, Lumbercamp 12, Summit Moraine 12.2, Highland Lakes 12.8, and Parrish Hills 12 miles. The listed lengths therefore range from Ice Override to Highland Lakes. Comparing the sections lets you take their different distances into account when making your own selection, without combining them into a single continuous hike.
Other trails each offer their own highlights. In the Gartzke Flowage Recreation Area, trails wind through Weymouth pines, hardwood forest on higher ground, and cedar swamps along the flowage. The Ackley Wildlife Area encompasses 27 shallow water impoundments for waterfowl, with a total of more than 400 acres of water. Here, forest scenery and bodies of water offer distinct natural attractions.
Hiking, Biking, and Water
At Susan Lake, the Camp Susan Recreation Area provides public access for hiking and to the Ice Age Trail. Motorized access extends to the new gate. The trailhead at the Crocker Hills Recreation Area has parking, a vault toilet, an open shelter, hitching posts, picnic tables, and a hand pump for fresh water.
For mountain biking, the Jack Lake Mountain Bike Trail offers twelve miles of fast, flowing singletrack and doubletrack. There is also the Jack Rabbit Trail for children and beginners. If you prefer to stay by the water, Jack Lake has no motorboat traffic and a sandy swimming beach. The Jack Lake Trail in Veteran’s Memorial Park includes a loop around a lightly developed lake, as well as an arboretum with more than 500 plant species.
In eastern Langlade County lies the Wolf River: a wide, natural river characterized by boulders and featuring a strong current in many places. Another sporting highlight awaits at Kettlebowl Ski Hill. There, five rope tows serve eight runs for beginners through advanced skiers; amenities include a beginner practice slope and an area with terrain park features. Check winter operations and rental availability before your trip.
History and Local Encounters
The Langlade County Historical Society museum campus brings together different chapters of local history. These include a former Carnegie library that served the city as a public library from 1905 to 1997, a steam locomotive and railcar from the early 20th century, and the original log cabin built in 1878 by town founder Francis Deleglise. The museum is free to visit; most exhibits are self-guided. The Deleglise Cabin and the 440 Locomotive & Caboose can be visited under the supervision of a volunteer. Since tour arrangements may change, it’s a good idea to check what’s available before your visit.
The Langlade County Fair features local vendors, livestock shows, live entertainment, food, and carnival attractions. Check event dates before your trip. A seasonal addition is the Antigo Farmers’ Market: from June through September, it offers locally produced food on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All products offered for sale are made by the vendors themselves within a 50-mile radius; you should also confirm market dates in advance.
Explore more destinations: Antigo, Summit Lake, Jefferson County, La Crosse, Brown, Green County, Douglas County, Rock.
Return to the main travel overview: Wisconsin.
