The Boundary Waters Area of the Brule River

One can still find the magnificence of the northwoods in the Brule River area along the border separating Wisconsin from Michigan's Upper Peninsula. An area rich in lakes, rivers and streams and protected by two national forests as well as thousands of acres of state and county forestlands this is one of the last bastions of undeveloped lands in all of the upper Midwest.

With its headwaters originating in the Ottawa National Forest at Brule Lake the Brule River follows a forty mile course to its confluence with the Paint River to form the Menominee River near Iron Mountain, Michigan. Its entire length is part of the geographical boundary between Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula.

Canoeable throughout the year with a few small rapids, the scenery along the Brule River is a forested shoreline of hardwoods and pines with some marsh lands. Providing habitat for diverse wildlife, it is not uncommon to see eagles, great blue herons and ospreys. Bring some spinners and a frying pan for a shore lunch along this highly protected waterway; the Brule River is a Michigan 'Blue Ribbon Trout Stream' known for its populations of Brook, Rainbow and Brown Trout. Deep, calm pools provide good swimming.

The Brule River forms the southern boundary of the Ottawa National Forest and the northern boundary of the Nicolet National Forest. With nearly one million acres, the Ottawa National Forest extends from the south shore of Lake Superior down to the Nicolet National Forest. The Nicolet covers over six hundred thousand acres in northeastern Wisconsin. These two national forests are a recreational treasure trove for almost any type of outdoor enthusiast offering areas suitable for swimming, boating, canoeing, rafting, hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

For an even more remote experience, the Brule River forms the northern boundary of the 7,500-acre Whisker Lake Wilderness Area. Towering pine and hardwood forests are interspersed with crystal clear lakes and streams. This officially designated wilderness provides the opportunity for a primitive, non-motorized experience. Hikers and campers who are looking for peace and solitude can find haven in this remote setting.

Besides the canoeing and trout fishing on the Brule River this area offers many excellent lakes suitable for a wide range of water activities. Straddling both sides of the border are Brule Lake, Bass Lake, Stanley Lake, Hagerman Lake, Chicagon Lake, Indian Lake and Lake Stanley on the Michigan side and Big Sand Lake, Kentuck Lake, Franklin Lake and Butternut Lake on the Wisconsin side. Sixty-eight species of fish live in the lakes in this area including trout, pike, bass, muskellunge, walleye, and panfish. Beaches and picnic areas are maintained at many of the lakes.

Within a short drive, four seasons of recreation await you in the Boundary Waters Area of the Brule River. Whether it's spring, summer, autumn or winter experience all the beauty and recreational opportunities of one of the last hidden lands of Wisconsin.