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 (prior to 10th edition). | Page 27, C-5 (10th edition).

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.