Nature and History in Barron County

Barron County combines wetlands and distinctive geological formations with ski trails, trails, and museums. Which highlights suit your trip depends on whether you’re looking for natural habitats, outdoor activities, local history, or a mix of these. The different places and attractions give you concrete starting points for planning; you can search for a hotel that suits your itinerary.

Wetlands and Special Habitats

Bear Lake Sedge Meadow is a bog-like wetland with sphagnum moss, pitcher plants, tamaracks, and black spruce. It provides habitat for rare birds and covers 167 acres in Barron County. The area was designated a State Natural Area in 1997.

A different landscape characterizes New Auburn Sedge Meadow at the headwaters of Beaver Creek: an extensive northern sedge meadow with areas of shallow marsh and alder thicket. The area covers 325 acres within the New Auburn Wildlife Area in Barron County. Loon Lake Woods lies within the Loon Lake Wildlife Area and covers 59 acres; it was designated a State Natural Area in 2003. The areas therefore differ considerably in size, while each is defined by its own location and landscape.

Geology at Rock Creek Boulder Field

Rock Creek Boulder Field is one of only three known boulder fields in Wisconsin. It features a quartzite talus slope shaped by glacial transport and frost shattering. At the same time, cold air drainage creates a microclimate that supports mosses, lichens, liverworts, and two rare plants. Geology and special habitats thus meet directly at this natural area.

Access to Rock Creek Boulder Field is via the Felsenmeer Trail Loop; conditions on site can affect access. If you include this place in your plans, check current conditions in advance.

Trails, Ski Trails, and Outdoor Activities

The Cattail Trail runs 8.0 miles from Almena toward Polk County and is open to ATVs year-round. The Wild Rivers Trail runs 9.1 miles north from Rice Lake and is also open to ATVs year-round. It is therefore 1.1 miles longer than the Cattail Trail. The Wild Rivers Trail is open to snowmobiles when snow cover is present; official trail conditions apply. Seasonal conditions can change, so check them before your ride.

There are other, distinct options for cross-country skiing. The Cumberland Area Ski Trail Association maintains 25 kilometers of ski trails on County Highway H, nine miles north of Cumberland. Grooming and conditions can vary. The Barron Area Nordic Trail Association’s ski trails are in an oak-maple forest known locally as Rockman's Woods. The Barron County Forest provides a larger landscape setting: it covers more than 16,000 acres across 14 management areas.

The Tuscobia State Trail begins north of Rice Lake at its junction with the Wild Rivers State Trail. It offers opportunities for mountain biking and hiking; the section in Barron County is certified as part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. At the Tuscobia/Wild Rivers Trail Junction on Highway SS north of Rice Lake, Barron County provides parking and pit toilets.

Fishing and kayaking also have their own points of interest: the accessible Turtle Creek Fishing Piers let anglers of all ages and abilities access a trout stream. At Red Barn Landing, Barron County maintains a kayak launch on Highway 48 and CTH M.

Museums and Culture in Barron County

The Pioneer Village Museum in Cameron is laid out as a historic village with a church, school, jail, blacksmith shop, general store, railroad station, and caboose. It also includes historic log cabins and a farm. The ten exhibit buildings contain farm equipment, toys, outboard motors, and other historical memorabilia. The original county seat and the history of Barron County are also on display.

The Chetek Area Museum collects, preserves, and shares the local cultural heritage of Chetek in northern Wisconsin. Together with the collections at the Pioneer Village Museum, it offers another way to explore the region’s history and cultural heritage.

The Cameron Bluegrass Festival is held annually at the Pioneer Village Museum in Cameron. The festival features three days of music, bluegrass jam sessions, workshops, and vendor booths. Program details may change; if you’re planning your trip around the festival, check the dates and program information.

Discover more destinations: Rice Lake, Chetek, Turtle Lake, Oconto County, Chippewa County, Lincoln County, Green County, Milwaukee.

For the broader travel overview: Wisconsin.