Wood County: Forests, Wildlife and Cranberry Landscapes

In Wood County, nature ranges from rivers and wetlands to sandy ridges and old-growth forests. There is also art, regional industrial history and living history interpretation. Which vacation rental is right for your trip also depends on which of the county’s facets you would most like to experience.

Water, Forest and Wetlands

Seven recreation parks, three rivers and numerous lakes offer a variety of ways to connect with nature. The area also includes 38,000 acres of County Forest and 18,500 acres of Wood County State Wildlife Area. These figures give Wood County’s forests and protected areas a distinctive place in travel planning.

Wood County Wildlife Area lies in the bed of historic Glacial Lake Wisconsin. Expansive wetlands alternate with wooded hills and islands. At Ball Road Flowage, the area includes a 250-acre wildlife refuge where migrating waterfowl can be observed. Activities listed include birdwatching, canoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, kayaking and wildlife viewing. There is no designated ski trail or hiking trail for cross-country skiing and hiking; some activities are subject to seasonal or location-specific conditions.

Sand Ridges and Distinctive Birdlife

Sandhill Wildlife Area covers 9,150 acres in the bed of ancient Glacial Lake Wisconsin and features gently rolling sand ridges. Wildlife viewing, birdwatching and hiking are offered here. Animals mentioned in the area include American bison and bald eagles; thousands of sandhill cranes also arrive in the fall. The seasons bring different highlights for anyone particularly interested in landscapes and birdlife.

The 14-mile Trumpeter Trail runs through the area as a one-way driving tour. Vehicles, bicycles and walkers are welcome on the route. Opening and trail times are subject to seasonal conditions; check them before your drive.

Forest, Geology and Protected Habitats

Hog Island Tamaracks is a bog with a northern wet forest of tamaracks and black spruce. It provides habitat for the Canada warbler, Connecticut warbler and veery. These species occur there at the southern edge of their range and are among those most in need of protection. Hog Island Tamaracks was designated a State Natural Area in 2008.

Powers Bluff Maple Woods also brings forest and geology together in a distinctive way: mature southern mesic forest sits atop a 300-foot-high monadnock, an isolated remnant of quartzite that is 1.6 billion years old. This natural area offers a different focus from the wetlands and sand ridges. Powers Bluff County Park was originally home to the Potawatomi, Ho Chunk, Ojibwe and Menominee.

Local Art and History

The Alexander House brings together an art gallery and a history museum. Changing exhibits complement displays about local logging and papermaking. Those interested in the history of work and production in the region will find a different perspective on Wood County here than in its natural areas.

Point Basse brings history to life through a restored 1850s settlement. The site includes a restored house, trading post, blacksmith shop and schoolhouse. For information about tours and events, it is best to contact Point Basse directly in advance.

Cranberry Landscapes and Trip Planning

The Cranberry Highway is a nearly 50-mile, self-guided driving tour along centuries-old cranberry marshes from Wisconsin Rapids to Warrens, and between Pittsville and Nekoosa. The harvest landscape is seasonal and usually most prominent in the fall. The annual Cranberry Blossom Festival takes place on the fourth weekend in June, beginning on a Thursday. Check the current festival dates before your trip.

The natural areas offer distinct ways to choose the focus of your trip: wetlands and migrating waterfowl define Wood County Wildlife Area, Sandhill pairs sand ridges with diverse birdlife, and Powers Bluff is known for its forest and geology. Alexander House and Point Basse add art and history to these natural attractions. If you are looking for a vacation rental, this selection can help you first decide what kind of trip you want.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Wisconsin Rapids, Marshfield, Grant County, Burnett, Lincoln County, Pierce, St. Croix County, Marquette County.

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