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Mineral Lake
This 1,000-acre US Forest Service campground
area flanks 225-acre Mineral
Lake. Use a canoe to access several
small bays, where you can get up close
to prime wildlife habitat. The water
from Mineral Lake (the Brunsweiler
River) spills over a falls, and then tumbles
through a very steep gorge with
exposed cliff faces. Forest surrounding
and clinging to the rock faces is hemlock
and northern white cedar. The rest
of the uplands around this lake are
mature hemlock/hardwood forest. Birds
found here include many interior forest
birds such as the Black-throated Blue
Warbler, Winter Wren, Veery, Pileated
Woodpecker, Oven Bird, Hermit Thrush,
Creat-Crested Flycatcher, Northern Parula
Warbler and woodland raptors.
Directions: From Mellen, 8 miles west
on Cty. GG to Forest Road 187 (Mineral
Lake Rd.). Turn right (north) on 187,
then .2 miles to the boat landing.
Launch canoe or boat to access wild
and natural areas.
Gazetteer: Page 95, B-6.
Amenities: Camping (12 sites), restrooms,
drinking fountain, boat landing, fishing.
Notes: A great place to see almost all species of northern Wisconsin
ferns, including rare ones. The gorge at the outlet is dramatic. Fish for
musky in Mineral Lake and trout in the Brunsweiler River. A great
place for spring wildflowers (May-early June): trout lily, dutchman’s
breeches, trillium, and spring beauty. The Penokee Overlook between
Mellen and Mineral Lake on Cty GG offers a spectacular view of this
portion of the Gogebic range. A 700-acre slough close to Lake
Superior. Habitat includes marsh,
lagoon, edge areas, second growth
hardwood forest, and boreal forest that
attract seasonal waterfowl, songbirds,
and raptors.
Phone: 715/264-2511 (US Forest
Service).
Web site:
Mineral Lake Campground
Rarities: Bald Eagle, Loon, Wood
Turtle, Timber Wolf, Elk, Canada
Yew.
Admission fee: A parking
permit is required at the boat
landing: $3/daily or $10/annually.
Hours: 24/7.
Parking: There is parking at the
boat landing for about 12 cars.
Nearest food & lodging:
Mellen 8 miles east, or Clam
Lake 13 miles south.
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