Wisconsin State
Park System

Council Grounds

Council Grounds State Park
Merrill, Wisconsin

Council Grounds is a park with something for almost everyone. This 508-acre park along the Wisconsin River in north-central Wisconsin hosts a variety of activities and sights year round. It's in Wisconsin's Forest Transition Ecological Landscape. A 21-acre area of old-growth forest in the park is designated as Krueger Pines State Natural Area.

Water-based Activities

Boating, fishing, swimming, and waterskiing are popular here. The Friends of Council Grounds State Park rents canoes.

Motorboat at pier

A pier is the starting place for boating, fishing, or waterskiing.
DNR Photo by Bonnie Gruber

The 217-foot beach has an expansive sunning area and picnic area. The best time for swimming is mid-June through mid-August. Lifeguards are not provided.

The park has numerous shore fishing opportunities.

Camping

A heavily wooded 55-site campground is popular with our warmer weather guests. The campground has showers and flush toilets and 19 electrical sites. Each site has a table and fire ring. The campground has a trailer dumping/fill station and recycling containers. There also is a new outdoor group camp, three sites which accommodate 32 people each.

Sites can be reserved 11 months in advance online or by phoning (888) 947-2757, or may be occupied on a first-come-first served basis. Reservations are available from late May to Labor Day and are recommended for holidays, weekends and for electrical sites.

Campground hosts are at Campsite 8. The friends group sells firewood.

Camping Rules

Raspberries on bush

Relax on the bench or fishing platform and reflect on the reflections..
DNR Photo

Picnicking and Events

Stone and log building in woods
The shelter is surrounded by tall trees.
DNR Photo by Bonnie Gruber

A log shelter is available to rent for reunions, parties and weddings. It has two fireplaces and plenty of sitting room. Ask at the office about availability and fees.

Hunting

Deer hunting is allowed in the fall by special permit only. The park’s deer management unit is 52A.


Views of the Park

Thumbnails link to larger images.

Tall pine trees Wild raspberries Fall colors on lakeshore Lakeshore Playground

How to Get There

Council Grounds is conveniently located just west of Merrill, a community of about 10,000, and 20 minutes from the Wausau area.

From U.S. Highway 51, exit onto State Highway 64 (Main Street) and go west about 2 miles through downtown Merrill. Turn right on State Highway 107 (Grand Avenue) and go about 1.8 miles. Turn left on Council Grounds Drive and go about .5 mile to the park entrance station.

Geographic coordinates are 45° 11' 4.0" N, 89° 44' 4.6" W.

More Information

 

For more information, ask Council Grounds State Park, (715) 536-8773.

Last Revised: Monday January 30 2012