The state park system in Wisconsin is so good that frankly it’s a bit of embarrassment of riches. We have so many places we love to go that we get complacent and sometimes forget that there are tons of new and interesting parks we’ve yet to explore.
Brunet Island State Park seems to be less well known, but you definitely want to put this hidden gem on your to-visit list this year.
Located literally on an island in the Chippewa River, Brunet is about 45 minutes northwest of Eau Claire in Cornell.
Flickr/Amy Bayer
Formed by the confluence of the Chippewa and Fisher Rivers, the park is just more than 1,000 acres big.
Flickr/Jenni Konrad
The park is named for Jean Brunet, a French immigrant who was a fur trader in Prairie du Chien before moving to Chippewa Falls where he helped create the first dam and sawmill, opening the area up to logging.
Flickr/Katie Wheeler
There are tons of islets and branches of water to explore in and among the park.
Flickr/Mercedea
With all that water frontage, the 69 campsites all abut the water.
Flickr/WIDNR
That makes canoeing and kayaking all that much easier. Kayaks are available for rent on site.
Flickr/Amy Bayer
Firewood is for sale right on site, there are showers and bathrooms and even some electrical hookups.
Yelp/Two H.
And though you’re surrounded by water, the mosquitoes are reportedly no worse than any other forest in season.
Flickr/Jenni Konrad
The water is clean and gorgeous and just begging you to get out and explore.
Flickr/Jenni Konrad
There’s a boatlanding as well as a few pedestrian bridges over the water, meaning you might even be able to catch yourself some dinner.
Yelp/Two H
But even if you’re not up for all those activities, you can’t deny how peaceful this place looks.
Flickr/John W. Iwanski
There’s plenty of flora and fauna to check out on the many hiking and biking trails.
Flickr/Jon Iwanksi
Brunet is also home to the Chippewa River segment of the Ice Age. This area was highly affected by the Wisconsin glaciation and there are tons of kettles, lakes and formations to see.
Flickr/Amy Bayer
The park is also connected to Lake Wissota State Park via the Old Abe State Trail.
Flickr/Amy Bayer
There’s also horseshoes, a basketball court, a playground and a pool to help wile away the hours.
Flickr/WIDNR
Looking for Wisconsin State Parks to visit? Check out If You Live In Wisconsin, You Must Visit This Amazing State Park.
Flickr/Amy Bayer
Flickr/Jenni Konrad
Flickr/Katie Wheeler
Flickr/Mercedea
Flickr/WIDNR
Yelp/Two H.
Yelp/Two H
Flickr/John W. Iwanski
Flickr/Jon Iwanksi
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