In Chippewa County, glacially shaped landscapes, waterside trails and places with a layered history come together. In the north, the Chippewa County Forest shows just how striking a glacier-shaped landscape can be; farther south, state parks, museums and cultural attractions round out the picture. This makes it easy to tailor a visit to a wide range of interests.
Glacial Landscapes and Trails
The Chippewa County Forest covers about 34,500 acres in the northern third of Chippewa County. Its rugged terrain is characterized by lakes, streams, ponds and wetlands. The 14-mile section of the Ice Age Trail runs from Brunet Island State Park to Plummer Lake. Along the way, the route crosses glacial ridges and passes fast-flowing streams, three beaver dams and several undeveloped lakes. Most of this section is suitable for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing during the winter months.
Other trails have their own focus. The Old Abe State Trail is a 19.5-mile multi-use trail on a former railroad line, connecting Chippewa Falls with Cornell. The Hickory Ridge Cross-Country Ski Trail is about 27 kilometers long. For horseback riding, the Hay Meadow Horse Trail winds through northern hardwood forests and rolling moraine terrain, passing lakes, ponds and wooded streams. The Chippewa County ATV Trail offers more than 23 miles through the county forest, with small lakes, beaver dams, scenic views and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Lakes, Parks and Natural Areas
Chippewa County’s park system includes three campgrounds and four day-use parks on Long Lake, Otter Lake, the Holcombe Flowage and Round Lake. The parks offer opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and picnicking. Lake Wissota State Park is located on a man-made lake covering 6,300 acres. A boat launch and rentals of canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards offer a variety of ways to get out on the water. On land, the park has 20 miles of unpaved trails, two self-guided nature trails and a swimming beach.
The natural areas also vary considerably. Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area lies along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and features kettle lakes and numerous glacial landforms. The David R. Obey Ice Age Interpretive Center has exhibits on glacial, cultural and natural history. The Tom Lawin Wildlife Area near Jim Falls covers 2,282 acres of grassland, wetlands and wooded habitats.
The Lowell Ohmart Wetlands form an extensive complex of marshes and wooded wetlands between Long Lake and Chain Lake. Muskellunge and northern pike spawn in Cedar Creek. The best access to the Ohmart Wetlands is by boat via Chain Lake, launching from the boat ramp at Clear Lake. For a walk in the woods, Jean Brunet Woods offers a riverside forest of northern mesic woodland with seasonal pools. The Nordic Trail and Jean Brunet Trail provide access to the area.
Discover History and Culture
In Chippewa Falls, Leinenkugel’s offers tours of the original brewery, founded in 1867. The Leinie Lodge Taproom menu features seasonal Leinenkugel’s beers and small-batch releases from the Pilot Brewery; selections may change. The Chippewa Area History Center preserves the county’s history and makes it accessible to the public. At the spring and fall markets, visitors can shop from local vendors and at the museum store, as well as view museum exhibits.
The Cook-Rutledge Mansion is a restored and furnished 1887 lumber baron’s home and an example of High Victorian Italianate architecture. In Cornell, Mill Yard Park combines riverside recreation, local history and access to the Old Abe State Trail. Cornell is also home to a stationary log stacker, which the Wisconsin Historical Society recognizes as the only standing stationary log stacker in the world.
Hoofbeat began in Cadott in 1987. The three-day country music and camping event includes more than 7,500 campsites. Chippewa County brings together a wide range of experiences, from glacial landforms and forest trails to brewery history, local history and music events.
Planning Your Trip
Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, on the southern edge of Chippewa County, offers scheduled passenger and freight service. By road, USH 53 and State Highways 27, 40, 124, 178, 29 and 64 provide access across the county. The destinations you prioritize can shape the character of your stay: nature trails and lakes offer different discoveries from museums, architecture and event venues.
Discover more destinations: Lake Hallie, Chippewa Falls, Stanley, Cadott, Boyd, Bloomer, Marquette County, Winnebago.
For the broader travel overview: Wisconsin.
