Northwest Wisconsin is best known for its serene lakes and immense forestlands. With a mix of mature hardwoods and pine along with the abundant wildlife such as deer, black bear, fox and ruffled grouse, Northwest Wisconsin is one of the most natural and majestic areas in the Midwest. Over 10,000 years ago, the glaciers began to recede leaving behind a landscape covered in lakes, marshes and rivers.

When you're in Northwest Wisconsin water is never far away. The Mississippi River borders to the west and Lake Superior, the world's largest body of fresh water, makes up the northern border between Wisconsin and Canada. Many major rivers flow through the region including the Brule, Chippewa, Eau Claire and St. Croix rivers along with literally thousands of lakes and trout streams.

The lumber industry was and still is a huge part of the region's economy and culture. Eighteenth century logging threatened to decimate the Wisconsin's lush forestlands and continued until its peak in 1920. To counteract the over-logging, in 1933 Herbert Hoover set aside over 660,000 acres of forestlands to be known as the Nicolet National Forest, named after Jean Nicolet, a European explorer who came to Wisconsin in the 1600's. Also in 1933, shortly after taking office, Franklin D. Roosevelt assigned the Civil Conservation Corp. to replant the ravaged Northwoods and established the 850,000 acre Chequamegon National Forest. Together these two National Forests make up over 1.5 million acres of protected forests where today you can view 300 year old trees.

On Wisconsin's northern tip, you'll find the Apostle Islands. Twenty-one forested Islands set in Lake Superior. Old-growth forests, spectacular sea caves and stretches of pristine sandy beaches are just some of highlights of these beautiful islands. The abundant forests and even more abundant waters of Northwest Wisconsin make it a recreational haven, perfect for all outdoor enthusiasts no matter what the season.