Northwoods Forest History Experience Trout Lake Area Tour - Clio

Entries on This Tour

1. Stevenson Farmstead

Arthur Stevenson's farm, along what is now Stevenson Creek, is one of the most complete and visible ruins of a farmstead in the Northern Highland American Legion Forest. The struggle of the Stevenson's buying a logging camp and attempting to farm the cutover is a typical Northwoods story from the early 20th century. Stevenson was unique in his attempt to grow cranberries, which has ultimately proven to be among the best crops to produce in Wisconsin's Northwoods. Sadly, the building was dismantled and sold as their farming venture failed. The chimney has been an iconic feature along Stevenson Creek and helped guide generations of canoeists on the journey between Trout and Pallett lakes.PLEASE USE THE ALLTRALS MAP LINKED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS CLIO ENTRY TO NAVIGATE THE ROUTE TO THE STEVENSON FARMSTEAD. THE GOOGLE MAP ROUTE IS LONGER AND LESS SCENIC.It is illegal to dig, metal dectect or take artifacts on public lands without a permit from the DNR Archaeologist and State Archaeologist. Stevenson Farmstead is a cultural site. Observing, taking photos and sharing stories around the this exciting destination are encouraged.

2. North Trout Lake Yawkey-Bissel Logging Camp and Railroad

Prior to Wisconsin’s newly formed Department of Forestry setting up their headquarters on Trout Lake in 1912, numerous lumber companies had been logging the region for decades. Yawkey-Bissell Lumber Company had a logging camp on North Trout Lake and operated a rail line that would ultimately be linked to Boulder Junction in 1913. The Yawkey-Bissell logging camp and railroad provided important logistical support for the fledgling Department of Forestry.Yawkey-Bissell operated a classic Northwoods second phase or railroad logging operation until 1912. The old logging camp, railroad and cutover land soon became part of Wisconsin’s Forest Reserves and ultimately the Northern Highland American Legion Forest.No real remnants of the Yawkey-Bissell logging camp remain, but the site of the camp is the current parking lot for North Trout Lake boat landing and the campground entrance.

3. Civilian Conservation Corps at Trout Lake Forestry Headquarters

Trout Lake Headquarters for Wisconsin Forestry began with big goals in 1911. Wisconsin conservation employees were often stretched thin, with challenges like fire prevention and suppression, replanting the recent cutover, and maintaining the property of the Wisconsin Forest Reserve. In 1933, this changed with the deployment of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “tree army,” formally known as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Trout Lake Headquarters had the CCC Crystal Lake Camp (on White Sand Lake) and CCC Star Lake Camp dedicated to helping to protect and improve what will become the Northern Highland American Legion Forest. The fruits of this collaboration between Wisconsin State Foresters, U.S. Army and federal government are still visible today across the Northwoods.

4. Wisconsin's First Tree Nursery

At the turn of the 20th century, the new Wisconsin Department of Forestry began to reclaim land devastated by the cutover and forest fires. Creating the first state tree nursery became a key part of reestablishing Northwoods forests. Trout Lake in Vilas County was selected for both the State Forestry Headquarters and the state tree nursery. Beginning in 1910, ground was cleared and construction of the nursery began. State Forester E. M. Griffith had a strong sense of urgency to begin replanting and demonstrating how modern forestry practices could rebuild Wisconsin's northern forests.Importantly, the Trout Lake nursery began to produce a variety of seedlings that were quickly planted by forestry crews. Wisconsin foresters and forest rangers monitored the emerging regrowth, and within a few years, replanting efforts yielded strong results. Over time, other tree nurseries were built across Wisconsin, and theTrout Lake nursery was closed in 1963.Today, visitors can see the old nursery space by visiting the Trout Lake Ranger Station and walking along the bike trail and Forest Headquarters Road. Please see maps attached below for specifics locations and respect DNR signs regarding access.

5. Trout Lake A Unique Northern Wisconsin Lake and Fisherys

Trout Lake stands out as one of the largest and deepest lakes in northern Wisconsin. People have been drawn to Trout Lakes' natural beauty and diverse resources for thousands of years. Trout lakes' fisheries helped support the Trout Lake band of the Ojibwe for generations at their traditional village at the outlet of the Trout River. Early non Indigenous visitors and residents were stunned by the fantastic fishing along Trout Lake that attracted both sport fishing and market fishing.With natural beauty, excellent fishing and close proximity to rail transportation, Trout Lake emerged as a leading resort destination. Resort owners, guides and local businesses discovered that local fisheries spurred tourists to flock to the Northwoods.Trout Lake stood apart from other northern lakes with a rare deep water fishery that held a genetically unique species of lake trout. Advertisers, promoters and magazines called these large, deep water fish "salmon trout,” and folks were drawn to fish Big Trout Lake. Actually, Trout Lakes' fishery has numerous complex elements that make this body of water a special destination.Importantly, scientists, tribal communities and state government have been conducting research to better guide fishery management practices.A DNR sign erected in 2023 details much of the content found in this Clio entry and is located on Cathedral Point on Trout Lake. See the map below.

6. Trout Lake Game Farm

At the start of the 20th century, Wisconsin Progressive policies created a Forestry Headquarters on Trout Lake to ensure Northwoods resources would be scientifically managed for future generations. In 1912, a game farm was created on the Trout Lake campus to protect and restore Wisconsin historic game populations. Ultimately, the game farm was dedicated to reintroducing elk, which proved to be difficult and expensive. This game farm was located on 300 acres between Allequash and Trout lakes. Those wishing to drive into the old game farm need to take Allequash Lake Road off of County Highway M toward the boat landing.

This Tour is a Driving or Biking Tour.

Northwoods Forest History Experience Trout Lake Area Tour

Created by Jim Bokern on July 9th 2024, 2:51:03 pm.

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Description

Please get out and explore the amazing Northwoods forest heritage. The Northwoods Forest History Experience has created this Clio tour to empower residents and visitors to drive, walk, bike or paddle themselves to historic sites. The number of geolocated destinations will continue to grow, so check-in for new opportunities! Trout Lake area is an amazing DNR property with rich historical roots. Much of Wisconsin's logging, early forestry and conservation legacies are present in this neck of the Northwoods. We hope you enjoy this tour. Be sure to check back for new entries and fun destinations. The North Lakeland Discovery Discover Center and Manitowish Waters Historical Society believe: The forests of Wisconsin’s Northwoods are magical, productive, abundant yet finite. From ancient times to today, the traditions and practices of those who have lived, worked and governed in the Northwoods make our forests what they are today. Understanding the historical uses of forest resources connects us to the land and to the legacy of those who came before us. By preserving, sharing and showcasing these stories, images and artifacts, and by directing visitors to actual historical sites in the forest, we become better informed stewards for future generations

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