Burnett: Wetlands, Rivers and History

Wetlands, rivers and historic sites reveal different sides of Burnett County. In the western part of the county lies Crex Meadows Wildlife Area: this area of around 30,000 acres includes wetlands, pine and oak barrens, and forests. The season may also be a factor in your plans. In October and early November, 15 to 20 percent of the world's sandhill crane population is found at Crex Meadows and in the surrounding areas. Timing can vary depending on migration patterns and weather.

Crex Meadows: Trails, Wildlife and Water

Crex Meadows Wildlife Area is open 24 hours a day, every day, with no admission fee; wildlife area regulations still apply. You can reach the area via Highway 70 in Grantsburg. The visitor center is at the intersection of County Road F and County Road D. Roads and parking areas may be affected by current conditions; check the latest official access information before you travel.

There are several trail options of different lengths: the Hay Creek trail system is about 2 miles long and includes a boardwalk. The Upper Phantom area adds about 3.5 miles of hiking and ski trails; there is also a trail about 1 mile long in the rest area. North of the visitor center are an archery walk-through course with 20 targets and a practice range. This information can help you choose trails and activities for your stay.

There are specific conditions for activities on the water, too. Canoeing and kayaking are allowed on the waterways and water diversion ditches at Crex Meadows, except in the wildlife refuge areas. Seasonal restrictions to protect wildlife may apply. Check the current regulations when planning your water activities.

Trails for Different Activities

Burnett County offers other trails and routes with different features. The section of the Gandy Dancer Trail in the county is just over 20 miles long. At Timberland Hills, a 20-mile mountain biking trail network runs through land in the Burnett County Forest. The trails there are also groomed for classic and skate-style cross-country skiing. Hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are among the trail activities offered in Governor Knowles State Forest.

Another type of trail can be found in the Town of Webb Lake, where the Big Bear Lake Association maintains a 2-mile hiking trail. During your stay, you can choose among the 2-mile hiking trail in the Town of Webb Lake, mountain biking trails and winter trail activities.

Rivers and Waterways

Nearly 80 miles of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway lie in Burnett County, including sections of the St. Croix River and the Namekagon River. In the broader regional context, the Riverway offers more than 200 miles of clean water through a forested landscape. Activities mentioned there include paddling, boating, fishing and camping, as well as hiking and visiting historic sites.

There are boat landings on the Namekagon River in the northern part of Burnett County; the river is suitable for canoeing, kayaking and tubing. Water conditions can vary, so it's a good idea to check them before setting out. This makes a river visit distinct from trails on land: here, the focus is on current conditions on the water, while Timberland Hills, for example, has designated mountain biking and cross-country skiing trails.

History and Regional Culture

At Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park, an Ojibwe village offers a glimpse into Ojibwe life during the fur trade era. The park also includes a logging museum and a one-room schoolhouse. Guided tours and an event calendar are available; check the dates before your trip if you plan to visit.

Burnett Dairy Cooperative, east of Grantsburg, was founded in 1896 and continues to operate as a fully equipped cooperative. East of Webster, Sacred Grove—a labyrinth 60 feet in diameter—is a place for quiet reflection. Check local access options before visiting. These two examples illustrate different aspects of regional history and culture, and require different kinds of visit planning.

You can tailor your hotel search to your personal interests without combining these different experiences into a single route.

Explore more destinations: Grantsburg, Siren, Kewaunee County, Waushara County, St. Croix County, Oneida County, Outagamie, Chippewa County.

For the main travel overview: Wisconsin.