NORTHERN HIGHLAND-AMERICAN LEGION STATE FOREST
The Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest is an awe-inspiring natural treasure, encompassing over 225,000 acres of pristine wilderness. Its picturesque beauty is defined by majestic rolling hills, crystal-clear lakes, meandering rivers, and dense forests of towering pine and hardwood trees. This forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an extensive network of well-maintained hiking trails, perfect for exploring the diverse ecosystems and spotting wildlife. With its abundant recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, camping, and hunting, coupled with its peaceful ambiance and undeniable natural charm, the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest is an idyllic escape that captivates the hearts of all who visit.
- Pre-European Settlement: Before European settlement, the forest was primarily inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Ojibwe and Menominee tribes. They utilized the area for hunting, fishing, and gathering resources.
- Logging Era (late 1800s - early 1900s): The region experienced extensive logging operations during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The towering white pines of the forest were highly valued for their timber and were harvested on a massive scale. However, this unsustainable logging led to significant deforestation and ecological damage.
- Conservation Efforts (early 1900s): Recognizing the importance of preserving natural areas, conservationists and concerned citizens advocated for the protection and restoration of Wisconsin's forests. In 1925, the Wisconsin legislature established the Northern Highland State Forest as one of the state's first designated forest reserves.
- American Legion Partnership (mid-20th century): In the late 1940s, the American Legion formed a partnership with the state of Wisconsin to establish the American Legion-Merriam Park Foundation. The foundation purchased 14,500 acres of land within the forest, which was later transferred to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) to create the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. This collaboration helped expand the forest's size and improve recreational opportunities within it.
- Preservation and Recreation: In recent decades, the state forest has focused on preserving its natural resources and providing recreational opportunities for visitors. The forest covers approximately 232,000 acres and encompasses multiple lakes, rivers, and wetlands. It offers a diverse range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, and cross-country skiing.
- Natural Heritage: The Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest holds various natural highlights. It contains one of Wisconsin's largest contiguous stands of old-growth forest, hosting a variety of tree species. It is also known for its numerous glacial lakes, which offer exceptional fishing and water-based recreation.
A Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker is required on all motor vehicles stopping in state parks, forests and recreation areas, please visit the
VEHICLE ADMISSION STICKERS web page.
Day-UseFishingyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
1. Crystal Lake Campground offers spacious sites, swimming beach and boat access to the lake.
2. Firefly Lake Campground is a quiet option with non:electric campsites.
3. Carrol Lake Campground provides secluded camping spots near water for fishing enthusiasts.
4. Cunard Junior Group campsite caters specifically to youth groups up to 60 people in size.
5. Buffalo Lake Camping Resort has full hook:up RV sites, tenting areas and cabin rentals available year-round.