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Things to Do

The Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit attracts approximately 1.5 million visitors a year. The southern unit spans over 30 miles long with more than 22,000 acres of glacial hills, lakes, kettles, prairie restoration sites, pine woods and hardwood forests. 

 Connector Trails

Connector Trails

There are two separate connector trails, each about 6 miles long, between the John Muir and Emma Carlin trail systems.

Fishing

Fishing

Ottawa Lake (electric trolling motor only), Lower Spring Lake, Rice Lake, & Whitewater Lake range from 28 to 640 acres and provide fishing for panfish, walleye, muskie, bass, & northern pike. Ottawa Lake & Whitewater Lake offer accessible fishing piers.

Hunting

Hunting

Hunting areas are open during established seasons.

John Muir Trail System

John Muir Trail System

Located near Whitewater in the Town of LaGrange, the trail system has loops ranging from 1.8 mi – 11.8 miles in length and varying degrees of difficulty from easy to difficult. Trail pass is required for all riders 16 & over.

McMiller Ski Trails

McMiller Ski Trails

Located south of Eagle, these five trails are groomed for skiing in winter.

Ottawa Boat Launch

Ottawa Boat Launch

The Ottawa Lake Boat launch offers access to a 17 acre lake with a maximum depth of 16 feet (electric trolling motor only). Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye. The lake's water clarity is very clear.

Ottawa Lake Canoe Trail

Ottawa Lake Canoe Trail

A self-guided nature trail where guide books are available for each trail.

Rice Lake Boat Launch

Rice Lake Boat Launch

The Rice Lake Boat Launch provides access to the 144 acre lake with a maximum depth of 10 feet. Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike. The lake's water clarity is low.

Scuppernong Springs Nature Trail

Scuppernong Springs Nature Trail

Across the street from Ottawa Lake Recreation Area Natural Springs, this self-guided nature trail spans 0.2 miles.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is permitted on the Ice Age Trail, Scuppernong, Emma Carlin, John Muir, and all nature trails.

Stute Springs Nature Trail

Stute Springs Nature Trail

Across from the Emma Carlin Trails, this self-guided nature trail meanders through a former 180-acre farm, spring house, and stone fences.

Whitewater Lake Beach & Recreation Area

Whitewater Lake Beach & Recreation Area

The Whitewater Lake beach is open 6 am to 11 pm year around. Picnic tables, grills and toilet facilities are available near the beaches.

Bald Bluff Nature Trail & Scenic Outlook

Bald Bluff Nature Trail & Scenic Outlook

A self-guided nature trail where guide books are available for each trail. Hike to the top of the bluff, a former Indian signal hill. 0.5 miles.

Hickory Woods Campground

Hickory Woods Campground

The Hickory Woods Campground has 7 non-electric group campsites. It is a primitive campsite with vault toilets and no showers. Reservations required.

Ice Age National Scenic Trail

Ice Age National Scenic Trail

The Ice Age Trail spans 1,000 miles across Wisconsin and includes 30 miles of trail from the southernmost to the northernmost point of the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit.

Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive

Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive

The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive meanders through the Southern Unit, continuing 115 miles up through the Northern Unit.

Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum

Visit the Natural History Museum at the Forest Headquarters and take part in a nature program, view a historical video or check out the Trading Post Gift Shop.

Ottawa Lake Beach & Recreation Area

Ottawa Lake Beach & Recreation Area

Ottawa Lake is a 17 acre lake located in Waukesha County. It has a maximum depth of 16 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing, a public beach.

Paradise Springs Nature Trail

Paradise Springs Nature Trail

Located west of Eagle, this self-guided accessible trail features Fieldstone spring house, former resort hotel, dam and former trout holding tank. Catch-and-release trout pond.

Rice Lake Nature Trail

Rice Lake Nature Trail

Located in Whitewater, this self-guided nature trail spans 0.5 miles and follows along the edge of a small pond.

Scuppernong Trail System

Scuppernong Trail System

This trail system features three hiking trails ranging from 2 to 5 miles.

State Natural Areas

State Natural Areas

State Natural Areas protect outstanding examples of Wisconsin's natural communities. Inquire about regulations before use.

Target Shooting

Target Shooting

Owned by the WI DNR and operated by a concessionaire, the McMiller Sports Center offers rifle and pistol ranges, trap range, sporting clays course and a biathlon course.

Whitewater Lake Boat Launch

Whitewater Lake Boat Launch

The Whitewater Lake Boat launch provides access to the 625 acre lake with a maximum depth of 40+ feet. Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye. The lake's water clarity is low.

Emma Carlin Trail System

Emma Carlin Trail System

Located in Palmyra, this trail system includes three color-coded trails ranging from 3.5 to 8 miles.

Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding

There are 87 miles of equestrian trails of varying lengths over a cross-section of the Kettle Moraine. The Horseriders' campground offers 56 horse campsites.

Ice Fishing

Ice Fishing

Visit one of the area lakes for ice fishing in winter - Ottawa Lake, Lower Spring Lake, Rice Lake, or Whitewater Lake.

Lone Tree Bluff Nature & Scenic Outlook

Lone Tree Bluff Nature & Scenic Outlook

Hike uphill on this self-guided nature trail for a bird's-eye view of the area's landscape.

Nordic Trail System

Nordic Trail System

Located south of Palmyra, this trail provides six hiking & skiing trails. In winter, these trails are groomed for skiing and hiking is not allowed.

Ottawa Lake Campground

Ottawa Lake Campground

The Ottawa campground has 97 campsites. 65 sites have electric pedestals. 2 are ADA accessible. A dump station for RV’s is located near the entrance to the campground. Reservations required. 1-888-947-2757 or www.wiparks.net

Pinewoods Campground

Pinewoods Campground

The Pinewoods Campground has 103 non-electric campsites and 4 group sites. This campground is a favorite for tent campers and those looking for solitude. Loop 1 is a “Quiet Zone” where pets and radios are prohibited.

Scuppernong River Habitat Area

Scuppernong River Habitat Area

This 3,000+ acre area is the largest wet mesic prairie east of the Mississippi River. Inquire about regulations before use.

Snowmobile Trails

Snowmobile Trails

When the 87 miles of horse trails are covered in snow, most are open for snowmobile use.

Stony Ridge Trail

Stony Ridge Trail

Behind the Forest Headquarters, this trail spans 1 mile with great views of the geological features of the Kettle Moraine.

Whitewater Campground

Whitewater Campground

The Whitewater Campground has 61 non-electric campsites. It is a primitive campsite with vault toilets and no showers.

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