Black River State Forest & Dike 17

The Black River State Forest covers 67,000 acres in the heart of Jackson County. Unusual and unique geological features make the property unlike any other Wisconsin state forest. Unglaciated buttes, sandstone hills and bluffs like Castle Mound are fun and interesting to explore. Dike 17 is considered by many to be the jewel of this state forest. The 3700-acre area is nearly half wildlife refuge. It harbors some unusual endangered and threatened species including massasauga rattlesnakes, timber wolves and Karner blue butterfies. Ospery and Bald Eagles can be seen overhead.

Directions: From the intersection of I-94 and Cty. O in Millston, travel east on Cty. O into the southern part of the forest, then turn north to Dike 17 on N. Settlement Road. From Black River Falls, Hwys. 54, 27 or 12 can take you north or south into the property. Follow Hwy. 12 to Castle Mound Park.

Gazetteer: Page 50, B-4.

Phone: 715/284-4130 or 715/284-1400 (Black River Falls WDNR).

Web site: Black River State Forest Conditions | WDNR Dike 17 (#48)

Signature species: Bald Eagle, Timber Wolf and Karner blue butterfly.

Seasonality: Open all year.

Parking: Parking lots throughout property.

Nearest food & lodging: Black River Falls.