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Price County

Price County Attractions

Located in the heart of north central Wisconsin's great vacationland, Price County was the land of the Ojibway before European settlers came to the area. Discovered by French fur traders and explorers, this land and all of the territory west of the Great Lakes were claimed for France by Nicholas Perrot in 1686. For the next two centuries, the county's forests and waterways hosted a succession of itinerant hunters, trappers, traders, lumberjacks and adventurers.

The county's past is well remembered and preserved in area museums, historic sites, heritage and nature centers. Artifacts of the ancient and recent past are displayed in historic buildings. Visitors are encouraged to surround themselves in living history on pioneer farmsteads, in logging works and protected remnants of the great pine forest. Live in the past; stop in at an historic tavern, town hall, general store or post office; visit the offices of a century-old paper mill or relax in a Victorian-era family's living room.

Today, Price County is once again richly forested, filled with wildlife and alive with Northwoods music; bald eagles' cries, critters rustling through the underbrush, coyotes howling at the moon, owls calling and beavers working in their lumber yards at night, whitetail deer snorting softly and bounding away through the brush, woodpeckers drilling for grubs, songbirds marking their territory, grouse drumming-up their mates in Spring and loons calling in the morning mist. The forests are crisscrossed with miles and miles of hiking, cycling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ATV and equestrian trails. Motorists will find more than 2,000 miles of State, County, Town, and Forest roads winding through the forest wonderland.

No longer choked with millions of logs heading to market, the county's rivers, streams and logging ponds are prime recreational waters, full of fish, with hundreds of miles of canoe trails offering gently flowing stretches perfect for beginners as well as whitewater segments to challenge more experienced canoeists and kayakers.

Outdoor enthusiasts have many activities to choose from in Price County, including camping, hiking, nature study, cycling, swimming, boating, sailboarding, sailing, water skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ATVing, and horseback riding.

Price County is one of Wisconsin's favorite hunting destinations; it boasts more ruffed grouse habitat than any other place in the world, it has a large black bear population and many acres of public land open to hunting with dogs and bait stations. With more deer and fewer hunters per acre than almost any other location in the state, Price County is known for successful hunts and trophy racks. Small game is also abundant here, including rabbits, squirrels, fox, coyote and fur-bearing animals.

Price County's many lakes, rivers and streams provide great variety and abundance of fish, including Northern Pike, Walleye, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, and panfish. Lunker Muskies lurk in the county's many "Class All Muskie Lakes. The North and South Forks of the Flambeau River add Lake Sturgeon to the mix of species available here, and the county's ponds and streams are jumping with Brook, Brown and Rainbow Trout.

Vacationing golfers have three nine-hole courses to choose from in Price County, and more just a few minutes away. Course amenities include practice ranges, watered fairways, pro shops, dining and cocktails. The county also boasts two fine bowling centers and other indoor sports facilities, go-kart tracks, trail riding stables and pony rides.

Treasure hunters enjoy browsing Price County's many fine antique, gift, art, collectibles and specialty shops for truly unique, one-of-a-kind acquisitions. Local outdoors outfitters offer a wide variety of sporting goods, clothing and equipment suitable for every kind of outdoor activity.

Price County's supper clubs, family-style restaurants, inns, taverns, resorts and hotels, offer a wide range of menus served in a variety of settings, from fine ethnic cuisine served under the stars to made-to-order sandwiches and home made pizzas to picnic on along the water's edge.

Price County visitors also enjoy a variety of lodging choices, including housekeeping cabins complete with boats, motors, linens, and appliances available by the week or month; semi-wilderness campsites; full service RV Parks and Resorts; pioneer bed and breakfast rooms; and, modern full-service motels.

Located in the center of Wisconsin's great northern vacationland, Price County offers great outdoor adventures and activities for sports enthusiasts and vacationers alike!
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Museums and Historic Sites

Knox Creek Heritage Center
West Knox Road, Brantwood
800-269-4505
Wander back one hundred years through an authentic logging camp kitchen and bunk room laid out in the Center's Keto House. Then stroll through the Center's turn of-the century farmstead; visit the historic Spirit Baptist Church; view a collection of saunas built by 19th century Scandinavian immigrants; explore the Knox House, a log home built in 1898 by a Finnish immigrant; and celebrate area history at the Knox Creek Heritage Center's annual "Country Afternoon" festival. The Center's Heritage Trail, open to hikers and cyclists in summer and snowmobilers and cross-country skiers in winter, meanders through the Brantwood area's natural and man-made historical sites, a Christmas tree farm and a buffalo ranch.

Old Town Hall Museum
Fifield
715-762-4571
In 1893, a disastrous fire destroyed Fifield's business district, including the original town hall. In 1894, a second Town Hall was built out of the ashes today stands two stories tall, with a large meeting/social hall upstairs and local government offices on the main floor. In 1967, when the town built a third hall, the Old Town Hall was converted to a museum. Here, visitors will find artifacts and memorabilia of the area's logging and railroad history; logging camp equipment and tools, railroad implements and mementos. The museum also includes a Victorian-era kitchen and living room furnished with authentic 19th Century heirlooms; collections of everyday living items used by area families from the earliest pioneering days to the early twentieth century. The museum is open Fridays and Sundays, 1:00-5:00 p.m. June through Labor Day.

Round Lake Logging Dam
Forest Road 144, Pike Lake
Constructed in 1878 and fully restored in 1995, this wooden dam raised the winter water level of Round Lake where millions of board feet of timber hauled from the forest on sleighs over ice roads were deposited on the frozen surface of the pool. In spring, when the ice melted, the dam was opened and the logs were sluiced through to sawmills downstream along the Chippewa and Mississippi Rivers. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Round Lake Logging Dam is one of the last remaining structures of its kind and a testament to the skill and ingenuity of its makers. The Round Lake Dam is located 20 miles east of Fifield off U.S. Forest Road 144, which may be reached from State Highway 70.

Historic Places Listed on National Register Price County

Price County's history is also preserved in a number of architecturally and historically significant buildings and sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including:

Bloom's Tavern, Store, and House, located on Avon Avenue in Phillips
The Fifield Post Office in downtown Fifield
The Flambeau Paper Company Office Building in Park Falls
The Park Falls Post Office in downtown Park Falls
The Prentice Co-op Creamery Company, Town Street, Prentice

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Chequamegon National Forest
Price County
715-762-2461 or 715-264-2511
The Chequamegon National Forest, headquartered in Park Falls, has 855,000 acres of diverse landscapes and ecosystems. Located in Taylor, Price, Sawyer, Ashland and Bayfield Counties, the Forest offers rolling terrain dotted with crystal clear lakes, rushing rivers and meandering streams, a variety of scenic landscapes, rock formations, highland outlooks, varied forest environments, hundreds of wildlife species; and, hundreds of miles of easy-going to rugged hiking, mountain biking, cycling and snowmobile trails, five public and four private campgrounds.

Backcountry camping is permitted throughout the forest on public land located at least 30 feet from any trail or waters' edge. Families with young children, and others looking for short and easy paths through the forest will find several trails with interpretive stations. All are easily accessible and can be enjoyed in as little as half and hour.

Skyscraping towers, cliff-lined gorges and seventy foot waterfalls are found along the forest's more challenging trails, including the North Country National Scenic Trail, part of a 3,200 mile trail linking the Appalachian Trail in Vermont with the Lewis and Clark Trail in North Dakota.

Mountain bike enthusiasts will find hundreds of miles of mapped and marked trails developed and maintained by the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association. CAMBA trails are well marked, "impossible to get lost on," and follow a variety of paths including logging roads, firelanes, snowmobile trails, ski trails and single tracks.

Hundreds of miles of excellent trail systems allow snowmobilers to travel the uncrowded solitude of the forest, over well-groomed logging roads, firelanes and converted railbeds with 200 to 585 foot bridges. In the heart of the forest, the Forest Service maintains an extensive network of trails that are open for horseback riding. The 12-mile Horseshoe Lake Saddle Trail, suitable for riders of all abilities, has two adjoining loops of varying lengths to explore. The U.S. Forest Service also maintains a number of cross-country ski trail systems in the forest, groomed for both classical and skate skiing.

In the northern sector of the forest, families will enjoy canoeing the Namakagon River as it flows south from Lake Namakagon and the north flowing White River. The Namakagon offers light rapids with occasional picnic grounds and camping areas along the shore. The White is a slower, meandering river with a deeper basin. Forest lakes and streams provide angling thrills for novice and expert alike. Lake Namakagon is one of three Wisconsin lakes managed for trophy musky production; regularly yielding 40+ inchers. Lake Owen has walleye, too, and is known for its outstanding bass and northern yield. Forest streams yield brook trout, rainbows and browns. Crappies and other panfish are plentiful in all of the forests waters, including the many wilderness lakes that are only accessible by foot and best fished by belly boat. In winter, of course, the fish are available through the ice. Ice fishing equipment is available for rent in nearby boat, bait and tackle shops.

Forest woodlands offer great hunting with little competition from others. In season, whitetail deer, black bear, ruffed grouse, and waterfowl are most commonly hunted. But, the forest also yields woodcock, gray squirrel, snowshoe hare, fox and coyote.

Private campgrounds located on the shores of the Forest's lakes offer boat ramps, sandy beaches, boat, motor and canoe rentals, electrical hookups, water, showers and flush toilets.

Flambeau River State Forest
W1613 Cty. Rd. W, Winter
715-332-5271
Located in Ashland, Iron, Price, Sawyer and Rusk Counties, this 90,000-acre state forest folds around the Flambeau River, the Midwest's "premier white water river". Richly forested and abundant with wildlife of every description, this park provides unique wilderness experiences for the whole family and people of all ages. Pack-it-in, pack-it-out semi-wilderness no-fee campsites are available along the North Fork of the River. Two rustic campgrounds are available in the park; and, on the north shore of Connors Lake, the park provides picnic facility, beach and boat landing. With 14 miles of hiking/mountain biking trails, 55 miles of snowmobile trails, 22 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, and 38 miles of ATV trails, the forest provides year 'round recreation for outdoor enthusiasts. Open to public fishing and hunting, the forest's lakes and streams offer musky, walleye, bass and panfish, while the woods and wetlands provide superior waterfowl, grouse, deer, black bear and small game hunting.

Timm's Hill County Park
Cty. Hwy. C and Wis. Hwy. 86, 6 mi. east of Ogema 715-339-4505
At 1,951.5 ft. above sea level, Timm's Hill is the highest point in Wisconsin and the vistas from the observation tower atop the hill are spectacular. In fall, the surrounding forest of ash, basswood, birch and sugar maple burst into a riotous show of crimson, gold, red, russet, and yellow foliage. Bordered by two deep spring-fed lakes, Bass Lake on the south and Timm's Lake on the north, this park is a favorite spot for panfish and Bass fishing. On Bass Lake, fishing is great from the park's public pier, and the beach is great for a family swim or a lazy day on the sand. In addition to the observation tower, the park provides walking and cross-country ski trails, a picnic shelter, drinking water, a children's playground, toilets and a memorial to the area's earliest settlers. The park also includes the Timm's Hill Trail, a non-motorized trail connecting to the Ice Age Trail.

Big Falls County Park
10 miles south of Kennan
715-339-6361
Aptly named for the rapids and big waterfall on the scenic Jump River, this park offers hiking adventure trails, fishing, four choice campsites, drinking water, vault toilets, playground, picnic tables, grills and a shelter.

Wildlife Adventure Areas
Price County
715-339-4505/800-269-4505

The U.S. Forest Service, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Price County Forestry Department manage nine wildlife adventure areas in Price County, each featuring different plant, bird and animal communities. The U.S. Forest Service also provides maps for auto touring the area's wildlife communities and scenic viewing spots. For Forest Service Tour maps call 715-762-2461. Price County wildlife adventure areas include:

Big Falls Park Steve Creek
11 miles south of Kennan
The Steve Creek area of this park, operated by Price County Forestry features both red and white pine stands, bald eagles, whitetail deer, views of the south fork of the Jump River, and dramatic evidence of the devastating 1991 windstorm.

Camp 5 Waterfowl Dam
10 miles northwest of Phillips
Operated by Price County Forestry, this area provides miles of non-motorized trails for up-close viewing of stately red pine, native fur-bearing animals, waterfowl, upland game birds and picturesque surroundings.

Cranberry Creek Waterfowl Dam
5 miles south of Phillips
Also operated by Price County Forestry, this area features large tracts of aspen, native fur-bearing animals, waterfowl and upland game birds.

Hogsback Ridge Trail
7 miles east of Fifield
Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, this area features a picnic/shelter at the Wintergreen Trail Chalet and abundant ferns, pine and birch ridges, songbirds and raptors, scenic trail climbs and rocky ridge walks.

Kimberly-Clark Wildlife Area
16 west of Phillips
Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, this area features a sharp-tail grouse observation blind. (To reserve the blind contact the DNR at 715-762-4684.) In addition to sharp-tail grouse, the area's inhabitants include sandhill cranes, eagles, osprey, herons, deer, black bear, grassland songbirds, roughleg and sparrow hawks.

Popple Creek Watchable Wildlife Trail
13 miles east of Fifield
Located near the Wilson Flowage, this trail brings viewers within close range of an active osprey nesting platform, a variety of songbird species, and active beaver colonies. Interpretive signs along the trail direct viewers' attention to significant wildlife features.

Riley Lake Wildlife Management Area
12 miles southeast of Fifield
Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, this area features sharp-tail grouse, black bear, deer, upland game birds and songbirds. A sharp-tail grouse viewing blind may be reserved by calling 715-762-2461. Good outdoor skills are useful here. The trail is open Spring, Summer and Winter.

Spring Creek Wildlife Area
3 miles south of Phillips
Operated by the Wisconsin Department of natural Resources, this area features extensive wild rice beds, ruffed grouse, spring creeks, various waterfowl including ducks and loons, ospreys, fur-bearing animals, deer, black bear, and songbirds.

Squaw Creek Waterfowl Dam
2 miles east of Phillips
Managed by Price County Forestry, this area features camping and picnic areas at nearby Solberg Lake County Park, tall virgin red pine, native furbearing animals, waterfowl and upland game birds.

North Fork Water Trail
Park Falls
One of the most popular wilderness river runs in the Midwest, the North Fork Water Trail flows for fifty miles across the northeast corner of Price County, from the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage in Iron County, through Park Falls and on to the Flambeau State Forest in neighboring Sawyer County. On the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage to Park Falls segment of the river, the river runs fast through twenty-three rapids, delivering challenging whitewater thrills. As it approaches Park Falls, the current slows and the river meanders on to the Flambeau Forest where it regains its momentum and rushes on through the forest. Resorts and outfitters located along the trail provide guides, equipment and shuttle services for day trips or longer excursions along the entire length of the river. Boat and canoe landings, picnic and camping sites are also found at about half-day intervals along the way.

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Wisconsin Concrete Park
State Hwy. 13, south of Phillips
715-339-6371
In 1950, 65 year-old former lumberjack, tavern keeper, farmer and dance hall musician Fred Smith began to create a collection of cement statuary depicting his view of local, national and worldwide culture. Building his figures on wooden frames wrapped with mink wire covered with hand-mixed cement and decorated with bits of colored glass, mirrors, metal and stone, Smith enlisted the help of friends and neighbors to transport and assemble the massively heavy pieces on their footings. Before his death in 1976, Fred Smith created more than 200 figures, including deer and other native wildlife, an eight-horse brewery wagon hitch, two larger-than-life lumberjacks, Ben Hur, Sacajawea, Paul Bunyan, Abraham and Mary Lincoln, friends and mythical and legendary creatures.

Widely acclaimed as one of America's most important folk art collections, Wisconsin Concrete Park was purchased by the Kohler Foundation shortly after the artist's death and later deeded to Price County. Maintained by the Forestry and Tourism Departments with assistance from the Friends of Fred Smith, Inc., the park is open daily during daylight hours year 'round. The site offers free parking, a nature trail and outdoor restrooms. Visitors and donations are welcome.

Timm's Hill
Wisconsin's Highest Geographic Point
East of Ogema on St. Highway 86 to Cty. C, South
Standing 1951.5 ft. above sea level, Timm's Hill offers unparalleled panoramic views of the spectacular countryside.

Smith Rapids Covered Bridge
U.S. Forest Rd. 148, northeast of Fifield

Built by the U.S. Forest Service using glue-laminated lumber and a diamond-shaped truss pattern designed by Ithiel Town in the 1820's, the Smith Rapids Bridge is the first Town Lattice Bridge to be constructed in Wisconsin in more than 100 years. Spanning 90 ft. across the South Fork of the Flambeau River, this picture-perfect covered bridge is a romantic reminder of the area's 19th century past.

Lidice Memorial
Sokol Park, Phillips
Price County's Czech-Slovak Community honors the memory of Lidice, a Czechoslovakian village leveled by the Nazis on June 10, 1942 with this monument erected in Phillips' Sokol Park.

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