Photo: Wisconsin DNR
Brunet Island State Park, on the Chippewa and Fisher rivers, offers more than 1,300 acres of scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Quiet lagoons and channels are excellent for canoeing and wildlife watching. The rolling landscape in Chippewa County is a product of the most recent Ice Age. The park links to the Old Abe State Trail which runs from Cornell to Chippewa Falls.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Brunet Island State Park?
It depends on what you came for. Camping is best in June–September, fall color in October, swimming in July–August and boating & paddling in June–September.
What can you do at Brunet Island State Park in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): hiking, fishing, biking and hunting. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, swimming, boating & paddling, fishing, biking and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, fishing, biking, hunting and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Brunet Island State Park?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Brunet Island State Park needs a Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker, daily or annual (from $13 a day with Wisconsin plates). Our Pass page has every price and which one to buy.
Can you camp at Brunet Island State Park in winter?
Camping here is seasonal, generally May–October. The DNR's pages for this property don't list winter camping.
What state parks and trails are near Brunet Island State Park?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area (12 mi), Lake Wissota State Park (16 mi) and Old Abe State Trail (16 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Boating & paddling
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnics & shelters
- Snowshoeing
- Swimming
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · May · June · July · August · September · October · November
Visiting
- Admission: A vehicle admission sticker is required.
- Hours: Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round.
- Address: 23125 255th St. Cornell, WI 54732
- Phone: 715-239-6888
Accessibility
- Accessible campsite -- every developed campground here has at least one
- Accessible fishing pier
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area (12 mi)
- Lake Wissota State Park (16 mi)
- Old Abe State Trail (16 mi)
- Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area (34 mi)
- Buffalo River State Trail (41 mi)
Closures and alerts for Brunet Island State Park: updates · RSS · JSON Feed
Text and park details on this page come from the property's DNR pages, checked every Monday; last change October 24, 2026. Closures and notices load live. Check current conditions before you go.