Oconto County is every outdoor enthusiast's dream. With the Nicolet National Forest in the north, the Bay of Green Bay to the east and hundreds of miles of ATV and snowmobile trails in between, there are endless opportunities for adventure in Oconto County. If you love the outdoors, you'll love Oconto County - here are 10 reasons why:
1) ATV & Snowmobile Trails
Oconto County is home to nearly 1,000 miles of trails, and local ATV and snowmobile clubs keep the trails maintained all year long. The extensive trail network extends through the county and beyond. In fact, you could ride from Oconto County all the way to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
2) Nicolet National Forest
Lose yourself in this gorgeous national forest that spans over six counties. Hike, bike, camp, fish and more in the nearly 140,000 acres that cover Oconto County.
3) Cathedral Pines
The majesty of the Nicolet National Forest is on full display when you visit Cathedral Pines. These towering trees evaded harvesting by the logging industry and have been preserved in their natural state. Visit in the early summer when great blue herons are nesting in the treetops.
4) Bagley Rapids
Set deep in the Nicolet National Forest, millions of gallons of water flow down the Oconto River and form Bagley Rapids. Hike out to the rock ledge for a stunning view.
5) Slippery Rock
Who needs an indoor waterpark? Slippery Rock is a natural rock formation in the Oconto River that forms a waterslide. Take a dip in the cool water during your summer hikes.
6) Copper Culture State Park
Located on the site of an ancient Native American burial ground, Copper Culture State Park is a must-see for all history buffs. The burial ground belonged to people of the Old Copper Tradition, who created copper tools and ornaments. Visitors will see artifacts and photographs from the burial ground, which dates as far as 5600 B.C.
7) Chase Stone Barn
Take a trip to the town of Chase for a tour of the Daniel E. Krause Chase Stone Barn. Built in 1903, this beautiful fieldstone barn is on the National Register of Historic Places.
8) Oconto Fly-In
Take to the skies at the Oconto Fly-In. Visitors can admire aircraft from every era, learn about different equipment used during World War II and the Vietnam War and even ride in a helicopter.
9) Water Recreation
Bring your boat for a day of fun on the water. The Oconto Harbor has boat launches and boat slip rentals for easy access to the area's lakes and rivers. Lakewood Ski and Sport has you covered with equipment for every activity you can think of. Tubing, skiing, paddle-boarding, biking - you name it, they've got it.
10) Fishing
With so many bodies of water, Oconto County is a renowned fishing destination. From world-class walleye on the Bay of Green Bay or wading through trout streams, it's the perfect place for every angler. Book a charter fishing trip for guidance on catching that trophy fish.
- Jennifer Ingish is a producer for the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.
1) ATV & Snowmobile Trails
Oconto County is home to nearly 1,000 miles of trails, and local ATV and snowmobile clubs keep the trails maintained all year long. The extensive trail network extends through the county and beyond. In fact, you could ride from Oconto County all the way to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
2) Nicolet National Forest
Lose yourself in this gorgeous national forest that spans over six counties. Hike, bike, camp, fish and more in the nearly 140,000 acres that cover Oconto County.
3) Cathedral Pines
The majesty of the Nicolet National Forest is on full display when you visit Cathedral Pines. These towering trees evaded harvesting by the logging industry and have been preserved in their natural state. Visit in the early summer when great blue herons are nesting in the treetops.
4) Bagley Rapids
Set deep in the Nicolet National Forest, millions of gallons of water flow down the Oconto River and form Bagley Rapids. Hike out to the rock ledge for a stunning view.
5) Slippery Rock
Who needs an indoor waterpark? Slippery Rock is a natural rock formation in the Oconto River that forms a waterslide. Take a dip in the cool water during your summer hikes.
6) Copper Culture State Park
Located on the site of an ancient Native American burial ground, Copper Culture State Park is a must-see for all history buffs. The burial ground belonged to people of the Old Copper Tradition, who created copper tools and ornaments. Visitors will see artifacts and photographs from the burial ground, which dates as far as 5600 B.C.
7) Chase Stone Barn
Take a trip to the town of Chase for a tour of the Daniel E. Krause Chase Stone Barn. Built in 1903, this beautiful fieldstone barn is on the National Register of Historic Places.
8) Oconto Fly-In
Take to the skies at the Oconto Fly-In. Visitors can admire aircraft from every era, learn about different equipment used during World War II and the Vietnam War and even ride in a helicopter.
9) Water Recreation
Bring your boat for a day of fun on the water. The Oconto Harbor has boat launches and boat slip rentals for easy access to the area's lakes and rivers. Lakewood Ski and Sport has you covered with equipment for every activity you can think of. Tubing, skiing, paddle-boarding, biking - you name it, they've got it.
10) Fishing
With so many bodies of water, Oconto County is a renowned fishing destination. From world-class walleye on the Bay of Green Bay or wading through trout streams, it's the perfect place for every angler. Book a charter fishing trip for guidance on catching that trophy fish.
- Jennifer Ingish is a producer for the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.