Langlade: Hiking Trails, Nature and History

Langlade County is known in Wisconsin tourism marketing as the “County of Trails.” Recreational opportunities also include culture, history and nature year-round. A distinctive landscape feature can be seen along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail: in Langlade County, it follows the terminal moraines of the Langlade and Green Bay glacial lobes. Along the way, it rises as much as 250 feet above the Antigo Flats gravel plain.

Trails and Landforms

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail stretches more than 66 miles across Langlade County and is divided into seven named segments: Ice Override, 0.8 miles; Antigo Heights, 7.2 miles; Kettlebowl, 9.9 miles; Lumbercamp, 12 miles; Summit Moraine, 12.2 miles; Highland Lakes, 12.8 miles; and Parrish Hills, 12 miles. The different segment lengths provide a practical guide for planning outings.

Crocker Hills Recreation Area combines trails with facilities at the trailhead: there is parking, a vault toilet, an open shelter, hitching posts, picnic tables and a hand pump for fresh water. At Susan Lake, Camp Susan Recreation Area provides public access for hiking and the Ice Age Trail. Public motorized access extends to the new gate. Charles De Langlade Recreation Area also offers hiking; check availability before your visit.

Forests and Waterways

Trails in Gartzke Flowage Recreation Area wind through a forest landscape of Weymouth pine, upland hardwood forest and cedar swamps along the impoundment. In eastern Langlade County, the Wolf River is a wide, boulder-strewn natural river with a steep gradient in many places. Ackley Wildlife Area includes 27 shallow water impoundments for waterfowl, with more than 400 acres of water in total.

Jack Lake is a lake where motorboats are not allowed and has a sandy swimming beach. At Veteran’s Memorial Park, the Jack Lake Trail loops around a lightly developed lake; the arboretum there also features more than 500 plant species. This brings together waterways, forest trails and an extensive plant collection as distinct nature experiences.

Cycling and Winter Activities

Jack Lake Mountain Bike Trail offers 12 miles of fast-flowing singletrack and doubletrack mountain biking. The trail system also includes the Jack Rabbit Trail for children and beginners. Kettlebowl Ski Hill has five tow lifts and eight downhill runs for beginner through advanced skiers, including a beginner practice hill and an area with terrain-park features. Check winter operating hours and rental availability before your trip.

History and Regional Events

The Langlade County Historical Society museum campus includes a former Carnegie library, which served as the city’s public library from 1905 to 1997. The campus also features an early 20th-century steam locomotive and railcar, as well as the original log cabin of town founder Francis Deleglise, built in 1878. The museum is free to visit, and most exhibits are self-guided. The Deleglise Cabin and the 440 Locomotive & Caboose can be visited under the supervision of volunteers. Tour arrangements may change, so confirm them in advance.

The Langlade County Fair features local vendors, livestock shows, live entertainment, food and carnival attractions. Check event dates before your trip. The Antigo Farmers’ Market also offers seasonal inspiration: from June through September, locally produced foods are available there on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All products offered for sale are produced by the vendors within a 50-mile radius. Confirm market days before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Antigo, Summit Lake, Waukesha, Richland County, Washington, Outagamie, Trempealeau County, Walworth.

For the main travel overview: Wisconsin.