More business resources
Open the Outdoors
- Governor Knowles State Forest
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- Contact information
- Property Superintendent
Governor Knowles State Forest
325 State Road 70
Grantsburg, WI 54840
715-463-2898
Wisconsin State Parks and ForestsGovernor Knowles State Forest
Hunters will find whitetail deer, ruffed grouse, black bear, snowshoe hare, squirrel and woodcock on the forest. For visitors more interested in watching wildlife, the varied habitat on the forest afford opportunities to see a wide variety of animals, including sharp-tailed grouse, common yellow throat, bald eagles, pocket gopher, mink and muskrat. This state forest also provides a variety of trail-based activities such as hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, both a family and equestrian campground, and other nature based activities such as nature study and wildlife viewing.
Property info
Location
The Governor Knowles State Forest is located in the northeastern part of the state along the St. Croix Riverway and covers portions of Polk and Rusk counties.
Fees
A vehicle admission sticker is required for all family campgrounds. A trail pass is required for biking and skiing trails. Hunting and fishing licenses apply. Camping fees are updated annually.
Certain groups and individuals may be eligible for waivers on vehicle admission, trail pass or camping fees.
Maps and pubs
Campground maps
Interpretive trails
- Brandt Pines Interpretive Trail [PDF]
- Cedar Interpretive Trail [PDF]
- Wood River Interpretive Trail [PDF]
Hiking and skiing trails
- North Trail
- South Trail
Other trails
- Horse trails [PDF]
- Trade River Horse Campground [PDF]
- Snowmobile trails [PDF]
- St. Croix Campground [PDF]
These maps were prepared by Amy B. Torrey, UW-Extension, Environmental Resource Center.
Management and business
Governor Knowles State Forest master plan
Completed in September of 2012, the Governor Knowles State Forest master plan reflects years of planning and public input. The final plan, maps, variances and amendments are included in the plan, as well as documents used during the plan's development.
Public involvement
Public involvement in state forest management, operations and monitoring is part of sustainable forestry. We seek public involvement because we believe people, communities, organizations and businesses realize the potential public benefits of state forests and are willing to work to further the goals of sustainable forestry.
Timber sale program
The state forests are managed sustainably for multiple uses. Active timber management is a part of that overall effort on many parts of each forest. Timber sales are advertised for sale typically from one to three times annually, depending on the size of the forest.
