Summertime is in full swing here in the Northland, and Douglas County Forestry, Parks and Recreation encourages you to enjoy the local natural resources we have to offer! Douglas County is home to 280,000 acres of forest land. This is the largest county-managed forest in the State of Wisconsin.
Within the forest, the county maintains several campgrounds and day-use parks. The county also partners with several local organizations to maintain hiking, horseback and ATV/UTV trails. The purpose of this article is to provide a general overview of county-managed outdoor recreational resources. Additional information is available on the Douglas County Website – Departments – Forestry, Parks & Recreation homepage.
Douglas County Wildlife Area is more commonly known as the “Bird Sanctuary.” It is more than 4,000 aces in size, and is actively managed as a brush prairie habitat encompassing County and DNR-owned lands. The focal point of this area are the stables, corrals and clubhouse. The log clubhouse features a beautiful stone fireplace and peaceful, natural setting. It is available for rent, and is a popular gathering place for youth groups, family parties and educational activities. The Douglas County Wildlife area also features 14 miles of designated horseback riding trails and stable facilities, and hosts birddog field trail events every fall.
Campgrounds
Lucius Woods County Park hosts many hiking trails, a bateau shelter, playground, maintained swimming beach, log pavilion with fieldstone fireplace, picnic areas and grills and an open-air performing arts amphitheater. The amphitheater is home to Music in the Park, an annual outdoor concert series. Lucius Woods offers 29 total campsites – 23 electric and water hook-up and nine non-electric campsites, containing fire rings, picnic tables and benches. Amenities include showers, flush toilets and a sanitary dump station. The North Country National Scenic Hiking trail meanders through the park alongside Park Creek for approximately a half-mile, and offers hikers an opportunity to experience firsthand an old growth forest ecosystem.
Mooney Dam County Park is located on lower Eau Claire Lake, 13 miles east of Gordon on County Road Y. This park offers visitors 10 electric and 4 non-electric campsites containing fire rings, picnic tables and benches. Additionally, there is a boat launch with excellent fishing, newer vault toilets and grill areas. The Eau Claire river has long been a favorite destination for canoeing and kayaking. Put-in and take-out locations are located close to Mooney Dam.
Gordon Dam County Park offers 33 total camp sites – 22 electric hook-up and 11 non-electric campsites containing fire rings, picnic tables and benches. The park hosts opportunities for picnicking, boating, swimming, hiking, wildlife viewing and fishing. Additional amenities include a fish cleaning house, canoe and boat launch, handicap accessible dock, playground, newer vault toilets, picnic sites and grills, and an official “Watchable Wildlife” viewing area. Gordon Dam County Park is located at the headwaters of the St. Croix Scenic River, seven miles west of Gordon on County Road Y.
Day-Use Parks
Douglas County Forestry offers five day-use parks throughout the county. Camping is not permitted at any day-use park. Location maps are available on the Douglas County Website – Departments – Forestry, Parks, & Recreation homepage.
Anna Gene County Park is located on the north side of Lyman Lake. The park is 256 acres and offers a swimming beach, picnic area with tables and grills, playground and restrooms. A trail system is located in the wooded area from the parking lot to the lake, and a boat ramp with a doc is located outside the entrance gate.
Bass Lake County Park is two acres in size, located in the town of Solon Springs, approximately 35 miles south of Superior. Bass Lake Park offers a swimming beach, picnic area with tables and grills and fishing opportunities. Newer vaulted restrooms are available at the park.
Long Lake County Park is three acres, again located in the town of Solon Springs. Long Lake park includes a picnic area with tables and grills, and newer, vaulted restrooms. There are opportunities for fishing and swimming at the park.
Lake Minnesuing County Park is located on the north side of Lake Minnesuing, and is 30 acres. The park includes a swimming beach, a nicely shaded picnic area with tables and grills, and a boat launch approximately 1/4 mile west of the park.
Park Creek Pond This youth fishing area is an 11-acre pond located just west of Business Highway 53, and adjacent to the Douglas County Forestry Department in the Village of Solon Springs. The area is designated as a children’s fishing area. Fish are occasionally stocked in the pond by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. This facility is available for use by children under the age of 14. This is a cooperative effort between Douglas County, and the Village and Town of Solon Springs. Benches and picnic tables are located adjacent to the County Forestry office, on the north side of the pond.
