Jackson County: Forests, Water and History

Black River State Forest combines extensive pine and oak forests with towering sandstone cliffs. At 68,000 acres, it forms a distinctive part of the Jackson County landscape. Those interested in geology will find another striking natural feature at Castle Mound: the sandstone butte rises 180 feet above the surrounding sandy plain and consists of approximately 400-million-year-old Cambrian sandstone. A hiking trail crosses Castle Mound Pine Forest; an observation tower stands near the center of the hill.

The protected areas along the Black River also showcase a variety of habitats. At North Bend Bottoms Wildlife Area, floodplain forest and hardwood stands in the river lowlands meet swampy oxbow lakes. Higher up along the river, hardwood stands, meadows and fields add to the landscape. There are access points for boating, canoeing and kayaking along Highway VV. Millston Sand Barrens provides habitat for rare butterflies; its oak savanna and barrens habitat is recognized for its ecological value. Black River Savanna, in turn, is home to a diverse flora of sand prairie and open oak stands on a sandy, semi-open river terrace along the Black River. Gullickson’s Glen is also designated a Wisconsin State Natural Area, but access is restricted.

Explore the outdoors: trails, rivers and lakes

Black River State Forest has 20 miles of cross-country ski trails, groomed for skating and classic cross-country skiing. The area also includes 34 miles of ATV trails connected to trails in Jackson County and Clark County. The two offerings have different focuses: cross-country skiing on groomed trails in winter, or riding a trail network connected across county lines.

On the water, the Black River and the East Fork of the Black River offer opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. Wazee Lake, a former iron mine site, attracts scuba divers for its clarity. Fishing, waterskiing, swimming and recreational boating are available at Lake Arbutus; East Arbutus County Park is located on the lake shore. The options range from stretches of river to activities at a lake. Which of these options shapes your stay depends on whether you’d rather paddle, dive or spend time on or by the water.

Places to explore history and culture

The Carnegie Library Museum is housed in a library building constructed in 1915 and listed on both the Wisconsin Register and the National Register of Historic Places. Its two exhibit levels focus on the early history of Jackson County. The Spring Creek Schoolhouse Museum offers a different historical perspective: the schoolhouse was built in 1885 and operated as a school until 1963. Groups, organizations and schools are welcome to visit for tours and educational programs.

The Silver Mound Archaeological District is of archaeological and prehistoric significance for the period from 7000 to 8999 BCE. It also has National Historic Landmark status. The Historic Keefe House adds an architectural dimension to these historical sites: the residence combines Queen Anne and Colonial Revival styles and was completed in 1910. The Charles Van Schaick Photo Gallery Building is associated with a photographic collection documenting Jackson County and the Ho-Chunk Nation from the 1880s through the 1940s.

Other institutions focus on the history of specific places and industries. Through its exhibits and historical collections, the Fairchild Area History Center offers a glimpse into the heritage of the Fairchild community. The Millston Area Museum preserves and showcases the way of life of pioneers from Millston, Knapp, Shamrock and Manchester. Rustic Mill Park offers a glimpse into the heritage of the regional milling industry; the Taylor Museum of History provides a look at Taylor’s past through curated collections and exhibits. The Historical Sawmill Memorial Monument commemorates the founding of Black River Falls and the city’s early lumber industry.

Discover more destinations: Hixton, Black River Falls, Pittsville, Portage County, Lincoln County, Trempealeau County, Marathon, Sauk County.

For the broader travel overview: Wisconsin.