Way up in the northwest corner of the state, about 90 minutes from Eau Claire and Minneapolis, is Wisconsin’s newest state park. Straight Lake State Park is about 12 miles north of St. Croix Falls and is adjacent to a state natural area, meaning there are nearly 4,000 acres of pristine land just waiting to be explored.
But the best part about Straight Lake State Park is how well the state has worked to keep it pristine. It is open to foot traffic only. Boats are allowed on the many lakes and ponds, but only the boats that you can carry in yourself.
No motorized vehicles, boats or horses are allowed in the park, making it as peaceful a paradise as you could imagine.
Travel Wisconsin
Various volunteer groups have created walkways and boardwalks to help protect the area. It was once a Boy Scout camp, so there are many well-trodden hiking paths to be found among the woods here.
Travel Wisconsin
In addition, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail runs through the park, along Straight Lake and the Straight River. Because this was once prime logging area, there is also an abandoned logging road, The Clam Falls Trail, here. It runs roughly parallel to the Ice Age Trail and was once an important route in and out of this part of the state.
Travel Wisconsin
The beauty of this area is unmatched elsewhere in the state because it is so remote and has been so protected from the outside world. You’ll never find a more serene place in the state to fish, hike and enjoy our beautiful surroundings.
Facebook/Indianhead Chapter Ice Age Trail Alliance
Fishing is allowed and visitors can boat if they carry their boat in. So you may see a few folks in rowboats on the lake, but that’s it for disturbances to the placid calm of Straight Lake.
LuckWisconsin.com, WIDNR
The area is particularly gorgeous in fall when all the surrounding foliage starts to change color, but honestly, there’s no bad time to visit this tranquil oasis.
WIDNR
The park is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The state is in the process of developing parts of the park and adding some campsites.
Wikipedia/Ryanx469
This truly undisturbed land is home to some of the best bird-watching in the state, esecially for threatened species like the bald eagles, osprey and red-shouldered hawk and the endangered trumpeter swan.
Flickr/GSankary
Travel Wisconsin
Facebook/Indianhead Chapter Ice Age Trail Alliance
LuckWisconsin.com, WIDNR
WIDNR
Wikipedia/Ryanx469
Flickr/GSankary
Picture perfect hike, 2 seconds later the beagle was in the water. #cabin #endofsummer #10000steps A post shared by Keri Olson (@korinteriordesign) on Sep 3, 2016 at 11:14am PDT
Picture perfect hike, 2 seconds later the beagle was in the water. #cabin #endofsummer #10000steps
A post shared by Keri Olson (@korinteriordesign) on Sep 3, 2016 at 11:14am PDT
oh happy trails // ?? @millcityrunning #trailrunning #womensretreat #watchoutforthatrock A post shared by katiejedlicka (@katiejedlicka) on May 15, 2016 at 8:28am PDT
oh happy trails // ?? @millcityrunning #trailrunning #womensretreat #watchoutforthatrock
A post shared by katiejedlicka (@katiejedlicka) on May 15, 2016 at 8:28am PDT
Did some kayaking today. ? A post shared by Katie Davis (@chzykatertot) on Jul 4, 2016 at 6:26pm PDT
Did some kayaking today. ?
A post shared by Katie Davis (@chzykatertot) on Jul 4, 2016 at 6:26pm PDT
This park is a true gem of the Wisconsin state park system and one you have to put on your list to visit soon.
Looking for more state parks? Check out 11 Underrated Wisconsin Parks That Will Bring Out The Adventurer In You.
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