Oconto County: Nature and Culture by the Water

Oconto County combines diverse natural landscapes with defining chapters in Wisconsin’s history. The city of Oconto lies on the shore of Green Bay, a bay of Lake Michigan, in northeastern Wisconsin. This gives you a choice when planning your trip between wetlands and birdwatching, forests and rocky landscapes, historic sites, and special insights into early settlement and the logging industry. The Oconto County Parks Department operates six parks.

Nature Among Wetlands, Forests, and Rocks

The Oconto Marsh Unit is located in Oconto County about one mile northeast of Oconto on County Road Y. The area covers approximately 1,070 acres and offers an observation platform as well as a 2.8-mile trail through the wetlands. Migratory birds and numerous animal species are attracted to the Oconto Marsh Unit; at the same time, it is considered a destination for birdwatchers. Those who want to include open landscapes and wildlife observation in their trip planning will find a clear focus on nature here.

Hagar Mountain offers a different landscape experience. The 1,006-acre natural area is located in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Oconto County. Exposed habitats on igneous rock support unusual plant communities and rare plant species. The rock outcrops provide beautiful views, and the Hagar Mountain area is home to one of the few waterfalls on the Nicolet. The Cathedral Pines Hiking Trail is a loop trail through a stand of old-growth conifers and adds a distinctive forest landscape to the natural experiences.

The Nicolet State Trail is also important for orientation: it begins in the Town of Gillett near the border between Oconto County and Shawano County. No State Trail Pass is required for this state trail. When choosing a vacation rental or vacation home, you can therefore first consider whether wetlands, rocky and plant habitats, or a loop trail through old-growth conifers should be the focus of your trip.

History to See and Discover

Copper Culture State Park was the site of a prehistoric cemetery belonging to members of the Old Copper Complex, who inhabited the northern Midwest from approximately 4000 to 2000 BC. At the Copper Culture Museum, children can experience an excavation at a reconstructed archaeological dig site. For families who want to combine days in nature with tangible history, this topic offers a concrete complement to exploring the landscape.

The Beyer Home was built in 1868 by Cyrus and Kitty Hart and is considered one of the first brick houses in the county. Its interior was restored in the 1970s to reflect its 1890s condition. The Holt & Balcom Logging Camp was established in 1880 during the height of Wisconsin’s White Pine Era in the logging industry. According to the organization responsible for its care, it is considered the oldest logging camp in the United States that still stands on its original foundation. The Holt & Balcom Logging Camp Museum is open on Saturdays in summer from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and offers tours on request.

Oconto has more than 33 historic sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places. For days in nature, on the other hand, check which location suits the landscape destinations you have selected. You should check the prices, amenities, and availability of individual vacation rentals or vacation homes directly with the specific listing in each case.

More Destinations for Your Trip Planning

As a complementary destination page, you can visit Sobieski. More destinations for orientation: Trempealeau County, Dodge County, Iowa County, Oneida County, Iron County, Polk and Pierce.

For the higher-level travel overview: Wisconsin.