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WI |
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The Governor Knowles State Forest is located in northwestern Wisconsin in Burnett and Polk Counties. It lies along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and encompasses approximately 34,000 acres (of which about 21,000 acres are state owned). The property's headquarters is located in the Village of Grantsburg. The forest is perhaps most well-known for its proximity to the St. Croix River. Most of the 55 mile length of the long and narrow property lies along the St. Croix which is designated a National Scenic Riverway. The National Park Service manages the majority of the recreational facilities directly along the river. Hunters will find whitetail deer, ruffed grouse, black bear, snowshoe hare, squirrel and woodcock on the forest. For visitors more interested in watching wildlife, the varied habitat on the forest afford opportunities to see a wide variety of animals, including a wide variety of song birds, bald eagles, mink and muskrat. This state forest also provides a variety of trail-based activities such as hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, both a family and equestrian campground, and other nature based activities such as nature study and wildlife viewing. |
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The Saint Croix Campground is located at 15419 Hwy 70, Grantsburg WI 54840. The Trade River Equestrian Campground is located at 2988 Evergreen Ave, St. Croix Falls WI 54024 |
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Electrical at disabled camp sites. Pit toilets for campers, drinkable water found at several sites throughout campgrounds. |
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Governor Knowles State Forest |
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63751 |
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http://www.reserveamerica.com/campsiteSearch.do?contractCode=WI&parkId=63751&cmp=39-32--joewils |
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A vehicle admission sticker is required for all family campgrounds. A trail pass is required for biking and skiing trails. Hunting and fishing licenses apply. Camping fees are updated annually. Certain groups and individuals may be eligible for waivers on vehicle admission, trail pass or camping fees. |
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Crex meadow Wildlife Area Crex Meadows is the largest wildlife area in Wisconsin. It contains 30,000 acres of prairie, wetlands, and forests. Since its purchase in 1945 work has been underway to restore the native plant and wildlife communities that were disrupted during settlement by wetland drainage and control of naturally occurring wildfires. Because of intense management conducted at Crex, native plants and wildlife are again flourishing. This wildlife showplace is home to 270 kinds of birds and numerous other wildlife plus an abundance of colorful prairie flowers that bloom throughout the spring and summer. To learn more about Crex Meadows, explore their website: www.crexmeadows.org St. Croix Scenic Riverway The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway includes the upper 200+ miles of river extending from its headwater source near Gordon, WI and along the Wisconsin/Minnesota border to St. Croix Falls, WI / Taylor's Falls, MN. The riverway is one of eight original rivers designated by Congress when the National Wild & Scenic Rivers Program was established in 1968. Forts Folle Avoine Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park is located on 80 wooded acres along the Yellow River near Danbury, Wisconsin. The park is a living history site where reconstructed fur trade posts occupy the actual sites where they were once operated from 1802 to 1805, alongside an authentic Woodland Indian Village. Grantsburg Golf Course Grantsburg maintains a beautiful 9-hole golf course located at 333 West St. George Avenue just north of State Road 70. The course is open to the public. Memberships, green fees and cart rentals are available at the clubhouse. Fishing opportunities for walleye, smallmouth bass among others exist on the St. Croix River. Anglers can find brook & brown trout on 12 different trout streams in the state forest. Campers can access many area lakes by use of public boat ramps. |
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The Governor Knowles State Forest provides recreational opportunities that are compatible with the forest's natural resources. Our recreational facilities and policies are designed to give visitors the best experiences possible while protecting safety as well as the health of the environment. Canoeing and kayaking The St. Croix River winds its way through a wild and scenic countryside from its origin in a spruce-tamarack swamp near Upper St. Croix Lake. The river system varies from swift and rocky whitewater to placid flowages. A typical day of canoeing will take you about 20 miles, that is, unless you decide to explore an island or two or wet a fishing line in some of the quiet bays and backwaters. Primitive campsites can be found along the shore and on many islands. Water must be purified before drinking and firewood is scarce. Horseback riding Trade River horse trails The Trade River horse trails consist of 40 miles of maintained and marked trails that wind through a variety of terrains and different forest types. They are located on the southern half of the Governor Knowles State Forest in northwest Polk and southwest Burnett counties. There are two trailheads. One is at the Trade River Campground on Evergreen Avenue, 5 miles west of Highway 87. The other trailhead is on 340th Street at the northwest parking lot, 4 miles south of County Highway O. Detailed maps and trail logs are provided at both trailheads. The main trail is the Barrens Loop. For a shorter ride there is the Sunrise Shortcut, which divides the Barrens Loop in half. The Wolf Creek Trail loops east from the main trails toward Wolf Creek. The Multiple Use Trail takes the rider towards Grantsburg for a distance of 18 miles. Trade River Campground The Trade River Campground has been used by horseback riders for over 45 years. Hiking Governor Knowles State Forest Hiking Trails The Governor Knowles State Forest Hiking Trail consists of two trails totalling 38 miles along the St. Croix River, a 22 mile trail on the north end of the property and a 16 mile trail on the south end. The trails meander along the top of the bluffs overlooking the St. Croix River and occasionally swing down onto the banks of the river. Both trails pass through scenic wilderness areas along the bluffs of the St. Croix River. Trails vary in difficulty. Parking lots are at major road intersections. Backpackers are allowed to camp at 8 designated sites but they must first get a Special Camp Registration Permit at the forest headquarters. This permit should be obtained seven days prior to occupying the site. The campsites are primitive and are located along both the north and south segments of the trail. Interpretive trails Governor Knowles also offers two interpretive trails that pass through unique biotic plant communities. These trails represent two of our six natural areas in the forest. Steep climbs or descents, short foot bridges and stairways may be encountered. Nature enthusiasts can also enjoy the Wood River Interpretive Trail a mile-long loop trail that overlooks the scenic Wood River. The trail originates at the St. Croix Campground. Winter recreation During the winter months, you can cross-country ski through rolling hills and river valleys on the Brandt Pines Trail. Users can also snowshoe, hike or fat tire bike the snow packed trails near the St. Croix Campground. Enterance point is at 23409 West River Road. The southern half of the state forest has 32.5 miles of snowmobile trail which serve as the main connection between Burnett and Polk county trail systems. For snowshoers, the primitive areas offer solitude and tranquility surrounded only by the forestâs winter inhabitants. |