Where can you find history, nature, wildlife, unique geology, a lighthouse, an endless beach, surf and an ancient hemlock forest? You can find all of this and more at Wisconsin’s Point Beach State Forest.
The forest includes more than 2900 acres of land bordered by 6 miles of sandy beach along Lake Michigan. This is our second trip to Point Beach. Our first was for the State DNR Camp Ground Host’s Rally. That visit was filled with planned meals and activities, and this time we are on our own to explore the park.
The campground has 127 sites. The first time we stayed here we had our pop-up and used a site in the primitive area with no electric. This time we had our Airstream trailer and took an electric site which also had a water hook up which is unusual for a Wisconsin State Park. There are 70 electric sites. There is also a group camp which can accommodate up to 80 people and indoor cabins for group camping. All of the campgrounds are wooded with good sized sites.
Our site was large enough for our 32′ trailer, very clean and had a fire pit, and table. I had no problem backing into the site. The forest staff had done a good job in clearing the brush and trees which could block your turning while backing in a larger rig. We could not see the lake from our site, but we could hear it. The sound of the surf hitting the beach reminded us of our last trip to the Washington coast, and was very pleasant.
Point Beach State Forest provides a variety of recreational opportunities. There are eleven miles of hiking and cross country ski trails. One of these, The Ice Age Trail, is part of a thousand-mile trail starting in Door County and meandering through Wisconsin to the far northwest part of the state. Some of the trails are open to mountain biking and biking is allowed on all of the roads within the forest.
The beach and Lake Michigan offer opportunity for sunning, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Although be cautious when swimming since this area is prone to rip currents and there are no life guards. Dogs are allowed on the beach south of the lighthouse and there is a path from the office area which will lead dog beach.
The U.S. Coast Guard has operated a light house here since 1894. The brick building you see today, next to the steel tower is part of the original lighthouse built 116 years ago. Prior to the construction of the new lighthouse, more than 26 boats had been lost here. One of these caused the deaths of 36 crewmen. No tours are given of the working lighthouse but it can be photographed from the beach.
Aside from taking our dog, Cromwell for several long walks on the beach we hiked two of the trails. The first was the nature trail which starts at the Nature Center, a building built during the depression by the WPA. This short half mile trail leads you through an ancient Hemlock forest. Some of the trees are 70 to 80 feet tall and could be more than 500 years old. Be certain to look up into the canopy if you think the tree is dead, and you will see the leaves far above you.
Our second hike was along the three and half mile Ridge Trail. The land here was formed during the last ice age when the glaciers receded forming Lake Michigan. They left what is called “swales and ridges” here in the forest. The swales are deep depressions running along the ridges. They are wet bogs which dry out only at the end of summer. The Ridge Trail follows these swales through a beautiful forest of hemlock, paper birch, ash, oak, maple, and pine. An added bonus was the spectacular October color which we had during our visit.
Point Beach State Forest is located on Lake Michigan directly north of Two Rivers, Wisconsin. Follow the signs off of State Highway 43 or better yet take County Road O out of Two Rivers for a more scenic and direct route. Buy your firewood along the road from one of the many stands. Do not bring firewood into the forest from outside of a twenty-five-mile radius.
A Wisconsin DNR vehicle fee permit is required within the forest. You can purchase this at the forest office or on line. Campground reservations can be made through Reserve America. The campground is open year round but the water is turned off at the end of October. For information about the group camp and cabins call 920-794-7480.
Point Beach State Forest is on our return list for next year. We want to experience the Ridge Trail in spring when the swales are full of water and the frogs are croaking. This is an all seasons’ park and I am certain we will return to camp here in all of the seasons.
