In October and early November, 15 to 20 percent of the world’s population of sandhill cranes gather at Crex Meadows and surrounding areas in western Burnett. The exact timing of their migration depends on migration patterns and weather. If you want to plan your trip around this natural spectacle, don’t treat this period as a fixed date.

Wetlands and Trails at Crex Meadows

The Crex Meadows Wildlife Area covers 30,000 acres of wetlands, pine and oak barrens, and forests. It can be reached via Highway 70 in Grantsburg; the visitor center is at the intersection of County Road F and County Road D. The wildlife areas are open 24 hours a day, every day, with no admission fee; wildlife area rules still apply. Check current access information before you travel, as road and parking conditions may be affected by local conditions.

The trails vary in length and type: the Hay Creek trail system is about two miles long and includes a boardwalk. The Upper Phantom area has approximately 3.5 miles of hiking and cross-country ski trails; a trail about one mile long runs through the rest area. There is also an accessible archery course with 20 targets and a practice area north of the visitor center.

Crex Meadows also offers water-based recreation: canoeing and kayaking are allowed on the waterways and water diversion ditches, except in protected areas. Seasonal restrictions to protect wildlife may apply. Depending on your interests, you can explore the area on trails or from the water, while keeping protected areas off-limits when paddling.

Rivers and Other Outdoor Activities

The Namekagon River offers boat landings and opportunities for canoeing, kayaking and tubing in northern Burnett County. River conditions vary. On a broader regional scale, the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway offers more than 200 miles of clean water through forested landscapes. Activities there include paddling, boating, fishing and camping, as well as hiking and visiting historic sites.

Nearly 80 miles of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway lie in Burnett County, including sections of the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers. On land, Timberland Hills offers a 20-mile mountain biking trail network on Burnett County Forest land. Its trails are groomed for both classic and skate-style cross-country skiing. The section of the Gandy Dancer Trail in Burnett County is slightly more than 20 miles long. Trail activities in Governor Knowles State Forest include hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

In the Town of Webb Lake, the Big Bear Lake Association maintains a two-mile hiking trail. Together with the longer routes at Timberland Hills and Governor Knowles State Forest, it offers a range of ways to experience Burnett on trails, without treating the individual offerings as the same.

History and Local Discoveries

At Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park, an Ojibwe village offers insight into Ojibwe life during the fur trade era. The park also includes a logging museum and a one-room schoolhouse. Guided tours and an events calendar round out the offerings. If you’re planning a tour or event, check the schedule before your trip.

East of Webster is Sacred Grove, a 60-foot-diameter labyrinth intended for quiet reflection. Check local access information before you travel if you plan to visit. Burnett Dairy Cooperative, east of Grantsburg, offers a different connection to regional history and food culture: founded in 1896, it continues to operate as a full-service cooperative.

When planning your trip, consider what brings you here: crane migration is seasonal, while rivers, trails and historic sites each offer different experiences. For activities scheduled at specific times, such as guided tours, check the schedule; before driving to Crex Meadows, check current information about roads and parking.

Discover more destinations: Siren, Grantsburg, Wood County, Langlade, Juneau County, Green County, Racine County, Jackson County.

For the broader travel overview: Wisconsin.