Nestled In Northwestern Wisconsin Is A Recreation Area With Scenic Hiking Trails, Lake Fun, And Primitive Camping

Glaciers once covered the entire northern and eastern parts of Wisconsin. Today, you can marvel at these prominent glacial landscapes by visiting state parks and forests with features carved by the ice sheets. If you're ever exploring northwestern Wisconsin, you'll discover a similar glacial environment at Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area. Comprising 4,400 acres of pristine nature, it protects unique geological formations, such as a 10-mile-wide moraine and kettle lakes formed by melting ice blocks. Whether you come to admire its geological history or enjoy fun outdoor pursuits, you'll be experiencing an "absolutely spiritual location," as one past visitor described on Google Reviews.

The state recreation area was officially established only in 1971 as part of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve. Home to more than 70 ponds and kettle lakes, this destination gives you the opportunity to go on calm canoeing and kayaking trips. You can cast a line in many of the quiet bodies of water to catch local fish species. When you're not near the water, hiking trails will beckon you with oak-maple woodlands and scenic wildflower displays. Not only is the scenery beautiful, but you'll also find yourself right on a historic national trail — the 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail runs through the land.

Staying faithful to the unspoiled surroundings, Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area offers back-to-basics camping. Ideal for backpackers and paddlers, the primitive campground has highly limited capacity, so book your spot early. If the glacial wilderness is calling, drive two hours and 15 minutes north of La Crosse to reach the recreation area. The drive is roughly the same from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area is located near the small village of New Auburn, a gateway town to northwestern Wisconsin's natural beauty. But for a truly secluded escape, spend the night at the campground. Don't expect anything fancy — or an abundance of sites, either. There are only three primitive outpost backpack campsites available, and advance booking is mandatory. The reservation window spans from same-day booking to 11 months out. The sites are only equipped with a fire ring and a basic outdoor toilet.

One campsite is canoe-in only and is situated 5 miles from the park's headquarters. The other two are relatively close to the park office, about a half-mile away from the David R. Obey Ice Age Interpretive Center. Although you're in for a primitive experience, check out our list of Reddit's best DIY camping hacks to improve your outdoor adventure. After you've settled in, pop by the interpretive center to get acquainted with the recreation area's glacial topography. With hands-on exhibits like fossil digs and tug-of-war activities, you'll learn about how the last glacier created the terrain.

You can go boating on a number of kettle lakes at the Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area. Whether you prefer kayaking or canoeing, you can set afloat on specific bodies of water. Launch your vessel on Knickerbocker, Plummer, and Jeanstow Lakes — Horseshoe and Townline Lakes are open for boating, too, as are North and South Shattuck. Similarly, you can enjoy shoreline angling at the numerous kettle lakes in the park, provided you have a fishing license. Set your rod on the 10-acre Little Plummer Lake to catch largemouth and rock bass, bluegill, and northern pike. There are a few other lakes here teeming with bass, too.

The historic Ice Age Trail, which passes through 30 counties in Wisconsin, traverses the Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area, allowing you to hike some of its portions. The point-to-point Chippewa Moraine Segment stretches for 8 miles — but despite its length and elevation, this portion of the trail only gains 505 feet in elevation. Expect it to take up to 3.5 hours to complete. You'll trek past several bodies of water, such as Payne, Horseshoe, and North Shattuck Lakes. The lush forest provides plenty of shade during the summer, while fall turns the hike into a colorful trip.

Another hike on the Ice Age Trail is the Harwood Lakes Segment. Rated moderate, this 7.9-mile point-to-point trail starts on the eastern edge of the recreation area and eventually leads you into the 33,000-acre Chippewa County Forest and around Baldy Mountain while ascending 656 feet. Along the way, you'll see open green fields, verdant woodlands, and calm lakes mirroring the surroundings. Just like the former route, set aside 3.5 hours to hike it all the way. Beyond the nature views, you'll be happy to know that at least one person on AllTrails found "no flying bugs to contend with" on the path.

Venturing out of the Ice Age Trail, you can explore the recreation area along the Circle Loop Trail. This trail spans nearly 5 miles, guiding you toward many of the kettle lakes. Although it's a relatively easy hike, multiple past hikers have mentioned that the trail features continuous rolling hills. Nevertheless, the views don't disappoint — and with benches scattered along the path, you can take frequent breaks to soak in the panoramas. For those who want a short yet rewarding walk, the 1.9-mile Dry Lake Loop is a great way to see the area's glacial features. When you're done exploring the recreation area, consider checking out the glacial potholes at Interstate State Park, the first state park opened in Wisconsin, just under an hour-and-a-half drive west.