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Wisconsin

When to catch Chequamegon-Nicoletat its best

Chequamegon-Nicolet through the year: argonne spring wildflowers (local timing: the first 3 weeks of May), butterflies at catwillow (local timing: July) and fall foliage (statewide: usually well under way by early October). Each has its own page with spots, sources and the latest reports.

About Chequamegon-Nicolet

What it is
A national forest in Wisconsin
A little history
The forest lies in treaty-ceded areas for 11 American Indian tribes, who keep hunting, fishing and gathering rights there.The two forests, established in the early 1930s, were officially combined in February 1998.
What you'll see
Argonne spring wildflowers · usual peak the first 3 weeks of MayButterflies at Catwillow · usual peak JulyFall foliage · Oct (statewide)
Before you go
Do pets need a leash at Chequamegon-Nicolet? In developed recreation areas, pets must be restrained or leashed at all times.Where's the parking for Catwillow, and can I drive in? Park carefully along the roadside without blocking the gate, then walk in: motor vehicles aren't allowed on the Catwillow Monarch Area trails, to protect the plants and the easily compacted soil.
Sources (3)

RIGHT NOW · OCT 2

  • Latest reportNo dated report this season; the posters below show each usual window.
  • This weekend (NWS)Sat patchy frost then partly sunny, 61°F · Sun chance rain showers then mostly sunny, 59°F
  • Park alertsCheck the managing agency before you go

When are you going?

Fall at Chequamegon-Nicolet

Next peak here after fall

BEST VIEWING · ARGONNE SPRING WILDFLOWERSChequamegon-NicoletArgonne spring wildflowersNational forestthe first 3 weeks of MayUSDA Forest Service ↗
Remind me →

Where to go at Chequamegon-Nicolet

Spots, visitor points and places nearby
  • Fall

Visitor points on this map: Anvil Lake Recreation Area (14.4 mi)

Places on this map, as a list
Map: approximate positions; state lines US Census.

Best spots

Where each event's source says to go
  • Catwillow Tier 2 opening (2E1a and 2E1b)Good for butterflies at catwillowA large two-part opening on the second tier with lots of milkweed and a scenic view: the Forest Service's pick if your time is shortUSDA Forest Service ↗
  • Catwillow Tier 4 bogGood for butterflies at catwillowAt the west end of Tier 4, a large bog with Labrador-tea, cranberries, purple pitcher-plant and sphagnum mosses; gray jays have been seen in the westernmost openingsUSDA Forest Service ↗
  • Natural History Auto TourGood for fall foliageUS 45 north from Eagle River, ending in Three LakesUS Forest Service ↗
  • East Twin LakeGood for fall foliageMaple, birch and hemlock forest north of Clam LakeUS Forest Service ↗
  • Lac Vieux DesertGood for fall foliage4,017-acre lake at the Wisconsin River's headwatersUS Forest Service ↗
  • Lauterman National Recreation TrailGood for fall foliageOld sugar maple, yellow birch and hemlock by Porcupine Lake, west of FlorenceUS Forest Service ↗

Next 7 days at Chequamegon-Nicolet

Forecast: National Weather Service
  • TodayPatchy Frost then Sunny57° / 32°–
  • SatPatchy Frost then Partly Sunny61° / 43°42% rain
  • SunChance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny59° / 32°31% rain
  • MonAreas Of Frost then Sunny58° / 33°–
  • TueMostly Sunny64° / 44°10% rain
  • WedMostly Sunny66° / –10% rain

Heads up: Freezing night (low 32°F): Friday Night, Sunday Night, Monday Night.

Today: sunrise 6:57 a.m., sunset 6:36 p.m., light until 7:06 p.m. · moon last quarter, 55% lit (our calculation)

Worth the drive, and when they peak

Straight-line miles; roads are longer

Also nearby: Black River Harbor 56 mi · Isle Royale National Park 74 mi · Keweenaw National Historical Park 83 mi

Towns nearby

Straight-line miles; each town page has frost dates and its nature year

Chequamegon-Nicolet in pictures

Illustrative photos, not current conditions
Cross-country skiing in Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in December 2017
Cross-country skiing in Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in December 2017. Photo: US Forest Service · public domain

Questions people ask

Which tribes have treaty rights in Chequamegon-Nicolet?

The forest lies in treaty-ceded areas for 11 American Indian tribes, who keep hunting, fishing and gathering rights there.Source: USDA Forest Service, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Do pets need a leash at Chequamegon-Nicolet?

In developed recreation areas, pets must be restrained or leashed at all times.Source: US Forest Service, East Twin Recreation Area ↗ (opens in a new tab)

When was the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest established?

The two forests, established in the early 1930s, were officially combined in February 1998.Source: USDA Forest Service, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Where's the parking for Catwillow, and can I drive in?

Park carefully along the roadside without blocking the gate, then walk in: motor vehicles aren't allowed on the Catwillow Monarch Area trails, to protect the plants and the easily compacted soil.Source: USDA Forest Service, Catwillow Monarch Area ↗ (opens in a new tab)

How we know

Every timing above, from these pages; checked Oct 1