Photo: Wisconsin DNR
With over 236,000 acres and more than 900 lakes within its boundaries, the Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest provides wonderfully scenic opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreation from wild and remote campsites accessible only by boat, to developed family and group campgrounds, beaches, boat launches and trails. The forest is spread across three counties near the towns of Woodruff, Minocqua and Boulder Junction. There are two main contact stations at Crystal and Clear lakes. TheNorthern Highland-American Legion State Forest is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Northern Highland American Legion State Forest?
It depends on what you came for. Camping is best in June–September, fall color in September–October, swimming in July–August and boating & paddling in June–September.
What can you do at Northern Highland American Legion State Forest in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, mountain & fat biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): hiking, biking, mountain & fat biking, ATV / UTV / off-road and hunting. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, swimming, boating & paddling, biking, mountain & fat biking, ATV / UTV / off-road, horseback riding and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, biking, mountain & fat biking, ATV / UTV / off-road, horseback riding, hunting and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Northern Highland American Legion State Forest?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Northern Highland American Legion State Forest 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 Northern Highland American Legion State Forest 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 Northern Highland American Legion State Forest?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Bearskin State Trail (11 mi), Willow Flowage (15 mi) and Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area (29 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Boating & paddling
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Mountain & fat biking
- ATV / UTV / off-road
- Picnics & shelters
- Snowmobiling
- 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: Forest Headquarters 4125 Forestry Headquarters Rd. Boulder Junction, WI 54512
- Phone: 715-356-3668
Accessibility
- Accessible campsite -- every developed campground here has at least one
- Accessible fishing pier
- Accessible hunting blind
- Universal trail: Tom Roberts Nature Trail
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- Bearskin State Trail (11 mi)
- Willow Flowage (15 mi)
- Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area (29 mi)
- Council Grounds State Park (47 mi)
- Flambeau River State Forest (54 mi)
Closures and alerts for Northern Highland American Legion State Forest: 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.