Brule River

Brule River State Forest protects 52,000 acres of pristine northern Wisconsin wilderness along the legendary Bois Brule River, one of the most celebrated trout streams in the Great Lakes region. Founded in 1907 when lumber baron Frederick Weyerhaeuser donated 4,320 acres to the state, it stands as Wisconsin's second oldest state forest and the birthplace of the state's forestry program. The forest offers exceptional recreational opportunities including world-class trout fishing, river paddling ranging from peaceful floats to challenging whitewater, a 23-mile stretch of the North Country National Scenic Trail, and 9 miles of Lake Superior shoreline. Five United States presidents have fished the Brule, earning it the nickname River of Presidents, with Calvin Coolidge famously spending the entire summer of 1928 here while conducting presidential business from a local high school. This storied river and its surrounding boreal forests represent an irreplaceable natural treasure of Wisconsin's Northwoods.

Brule River State Forest supports remarkable wildlife diversity influenced by its northern location and variety of habitats including wetlands, pine barrens, grasslands, shrublands, and boreal forest. More than 200 bird species have been recorded in the forest, including rare species such as black-backed woodpecker, white-winged crossbill, merlin, great gray owl, and goshawk that likely nest on the property. Bicknell's thrush, winter wren, Blackburnian warbler, northern parula, and Nashville warbler breed in the northern forests. The Bois Brule River itself harbors exceptional fish populations including resident brook, brown, and rainbow trout, plus migratory steelhead, coho salmon, and chinook salmon that run up from Lake Superior annually. Beaver, river otter, white-tailed deer, black bear, and numerous smaller mammals inhabit the forest. The extensive wetlands and bog complexes provide critical habitat for waterfowl, amphibians, and rare invertebrates adapted to these specialized environments.

The vegetation of Brule River State Forest reflects the transition between northern hardwood and boreal forest ecosystems characteristic of Wisconsin's Lake Superior region. The landscape surrounding the upper Bois Brule consists primarily of open marsh and northern boreal forest, with the river's headwaters beginning within a large coniferous bog complex of cedar, spruce, and alder swamps. Mature forests of balsam fir, white spruce, white pine, red pine, and paper birch create the characteristic Northwoods landscape. Northern hardwoods including sugar maple, yellow birch, and basswood occupy better-drained sites. The Brule River Boreal Forest State Natural Area protects an exceptional example of this threatened forest type. Wildflowers carpet the forest floor in spring, while the wetlands support specialized bog vegetation including sphagnum mosses, leatherleaf, and carnivorous plants. The diversity of plant communities provides habitat for the forest's rich wildlife populations and contributes to the scenic beauty that attracts visitors.

The Bois Brule River Valley was carved by massive meltwater floods flowing south from glacial Lake Superior and the surrounding ice-covered uplands as the last glaciers retreated approximately 10,000 years ago. These torrential flows carved the river valley and connected Lake Superior to the Mississippi River drainage through the nearby St. Croix River. Originally, the Brule served as an outlet for glacial Lake Superior, but as the glaciers retreated and the land rebounded from the weight of the ice, the flow reversed. Today, numerous springs along the river's course feed the Brule, causing it to flow northward into Lake Superior. The underlying bedrock consists of ancient Precambrian rocks overlain by glacial deposits that create the varied topography of the forest. The steady flow of cold spring water maintains the excellent trout habitat that makes the Brule legendary among anglers. This unique hydrogeological setting ensures consistent water temperatures and flows throughout the year.

Brule River State Forest experiences a cold, humid continental climate strongly influenced by proximity to Lake Superior. Winters are long and cold, with temperatures frequently dropping well below zero and annual snowfall exceeding 100 inches in some areas, creating excellent conditions for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The lake moderates extreme temperatures, keeping summers cooler than inland areas with average highs in the upper 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit. The cold climate maintains the conditions necessary for the boreal forest ecosystem and cold-water trout fishery. Spring arrives late, with ice-out on the river typically occurring in April. Fall brings spectacular color to the hardwood forests, typically peaking in late September. Fog and mist are common, particularly where the cold river waters meet warmer air, creating atmospheric conditions that add to the region's mystique. Visitors should prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions typical of the Lake Superior region.

The Bois Brule River has attracted human activity for thousands of years, serving as a vital transportation corridor for Native American peoples traveling between Lake Superior and the Mississippi River drainage via the Brule-St. Croix portage route. French voyageurs followed this ancient highway during the fur trade era, and the river's name derives from the French phrase for burnt wood. The region's exceptional fishing attracted wealthy sportsmen and eventually five United States presidents: Ulysses Grant, Grover Cleveland, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, and Dwight Eisenhower. Calvin Coolidge's summer of 1928 brought national attention when the sitting president conducted government business from a commandeered high school library while spending his days fishing the Brule. Logging operations in the late 19th century stripped the original forests, followed by wildfires and failed agricultural attempts that eventually led to state acquisition and reforestation efforts.

Brule River State Forest originated with a visionary gift in 1907 when Frederick Weyerhaeuser, a lumber baron who recognized the destruction his industry had caused, donated 4,320 acres along the river to the State of Wisconsin. This donation launched Wisconsin's state forest system and established the foundation for the state's forestry program. The Civilian Conservation Corps camp at Brule from 1933 to 1941 significantly advanced fire control and reforestation efforts, planting trees and building infrastructure across the recovering landscape. The forest expanded through additional land acquisitions over the following decades, reaching its current 52,000-acre extent. Development of campgrounds, trails, and river access points proceeded while maintaining the wilderness character that distinguishes this landscape. The designation of state natural areas within the forest protected exceptional examples of boreal forest and other rare communities. Today, the forest honors its heritage as a model of conservation and sustainable forest management.

Brule River State Forest offers exceptional recreational opportunities centered on the legendary Bois Brule River and surrounding wilderness. The river provides outstanding paddling experiences ranging from peaceful floats through wilderness reaches to challenging Class II-III rapids that test experienced canoeists. World-class trout fishing draws anglers seeking brook, brown, and rainbow trout, plus seasonal runs of steelhead and salmon from Lake Superior. The North Country National Scenic Trail traverses 23 miles through the forest, providing backpacking opportunities through diverse habitats. Nine miles of Lake Superior shoreline offer spectacular Great Lakes scenery. Two riverside campgrounds with developed canoe landings facilitate multi-day paddling trips. The Bois Brule River itself, with its gin-clear waters, abundant fish, and storied history, remains the primary attraction drawing visitors to experience this river of presidents. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with over 200 bird species and chances to observe beaver, otter, and other Northwoods wildlife.

Brule River State Forest provides facilities supporting diverse recreational activities throughout the year. Two family campgrounds offer developed sites with access to the river for camping and paddling adventures. Rustic camping options provide more primitive experiences for those seeking solitude. Multiple boat landings and canoe access points facilitate paddling trips of various lengths. The forest features no designated swimming beaches, though Rush Lake and Lake Superior offer informal swimming opportunities for those willing to brave the cold waters. The forest is located in Douglas County, accessible via US Highway 2 and State Highway 27 from Superior and other Lake Superior communities. The village of Brule offers basic services, with full services available in Superior approximately 25 miles away. State forest vehicle admission stickers are required. Winter visitors can access trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, though grooming is limited.

Conservation at Brule River State Forest protects one of Wisconsin's most significant natural areas while maintaining sustainable forest management practices. The Brule River Boreal Forest State Natural Area preserves exceptional examples of this increasingly rare forest type threatened by climate change and development. Protection of the Bois Brule River maintains water quality essential for the legendary trout fishery that has drawn anglers for over a century. The forest's extensive wetlands and bog complexes provide critical habitat for specialized species and contribute to watershed health. Sustainable forestry practices balance timber production with wildlife habitat and recreational values. Climate change poses emerging challenges, with warming temperatures potentially affecting the cold-water fishery and boreal forest communities. Invasive species management targets threats to native ecosystems. Research and monitoring programs track forest health and guide adaptive management. The forest's legacy as Wisconsin's pioneering state forest continues through contemporary conservation that honors Weyerhaeuser's original gift while meeting current challenges.