Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit
Current Conditions

Conditions as of Wednesday, February 8, 2012:

Events and Programs

The Snowshoeing by Moonlight program scheduled for Thursday, February 9 at Greenbush has been cancelled due to icy conditions.

See the DNR Events Calendar for a list of all events at Kettle Moraine North and other state park properties.

Trails

Trail conditions are Greenbush are poor, but skiable with icy cover throughout. Club members are planning some grooming on February 10, but be prepared for ice.

Zillmer trails are a mix of ice and bare ground, and not conducive to skiing. Hikers are asked to stay off the ski trails for the time being.

The mountain bike and snowmobile trails remain closed. Each horseback and mountain bike rider age 16 and older needs a state trail pass. The 2012 state trail passes are on sale now, and are valid from date of purchase through December 31, 2012.

Camping

Mauthe Lake Campground and Backpack Shelters 1-5 will remain open through winter. The Mauthe Lake campground showers and flush toilets have been shut down for the season, but drinking water will remain available behind the entrance station.

Long Lake, Greenbush, and the New Prospect Horse campgrounds have all closed for the season. They will reopen in April 2012.

Reservations: Use the Web or call (888) 947-2757.

Backpack shelter camping is available year round. A camping permit is required, and you must camp at a designated shelter campsite. Reservations are recommended for backpack shelter camping in the spring and fall on weekends. If you do not have a reservation, you must stop at Forest Headquarters or the Ice Age Visitor Center to obtain a camping permit. We recommend calling ahead to determine availability for first-come, first-served backpack shelter camping. For more information, ask Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit, (262) 626-2116 or (920) 533-8322.

Firewood Notice: Due to the potential of carrying harmful tree pests and diseases, firewood from out of state or from more than 25 miles away is not allowed on Wisconsin State Park or Forest properties. Also, firewood that has been in the Wisconsin emerald ash borer quarantined area [PDF 102KB] is not allowed on properties outside of the quarantined area. Please buy firewood at or near the park or forest where you are going. Call the DNR toll-free Firewood Hotline, (877) 303-WOOD ((877) 303-9663) for information before packing for a trip.

Lakes

Long Lake beach houses, fishing pier and boat launch boarding dock have been removed for the season, however access to the lake for ice fishing will remain open through winter.

Mauthe Lake beach house and flush toilets have been shut down for the season.

Hunting

About 95 percent of the state forest [PDF] is open to public hunting during established open seasons. Firearms are not allowed in the Mauthe Lake and Long Lake Recreation Areas or the Greenbush Group Camp. The Zillmer Trail allows firearms during the spring turkey and fall deer gun seasons only.

Some seasons may be subject to change. Consult the Wisconsin Hunting and Trapping Regulations before going hunting. Target shooting is prohibited in all areas of the forest.

Office Hours

The Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturdays 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The Forest Headquarters is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed on holidays).

For more information, ask Jason Quast, Assistant Superintendent, or Deb Harder, Visitor Services, at (262) 626-2116.

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