Recreation

Weekend Getaway Adventure Spots

four highly recommended locales outside the Chippewa Valley for recreation hounds

Brett Bachman |

Nice, eh?
 
Nice, eh?

The warm weather is almost here (god willing), and that means a few specific things for Wisconsin residents. The floods of melted snow will begin, sunscreen sales will begin to skyrocket, and people will be heading outside in droves. Things like swimming, fishing, boating, and camping are activities that we Wisconsinites hold very dear to our hearts. And, admittedly, with so many places to spend time outside in the Chippewa Valley and surrounding country, it becomes a little difficult to decide where to go and what to do there. Hopefully this list of adventure spots that are easily accessible from the Chippewa Valley can make these decisions a little less stressful, and leave your mind free to make more important decisions. Because as you know, it isn’t the heat that’ll get you this summer, it’s the gosh-darned humidity.

Sailing – it takes you away.
 
Sailing – it takes you away.
Apostle Islands
Bayfield Wis.
3 hours, 23 min. from EC 

The Apostles have long been revered as one of the sacred sites of Wisconsin recreation, with as many things to do as you have time to spend there. The 22-island archipelago is located off the southern shore of Lake Superior, in beautiful Bayfield County. The area has long been a favorite for sailors, and most of the islands contain at least one campsite. The crystal clear waters are also a favorite for area fishermen and scuba divers. And let’s not forget over 50 miles of hiking trails along the scenic lakeshore of northern Wisconsin, and more beaches than you could lie on in a lifetime. For those of you whose tastes of the outdoors have been satisfied, there are plenty of museums and lighthouses that beg to be examined firsthand. I challenge anyone to run out of things to do in the Apostle Islands.

Kayak attack!
 
Kayak attack!
Boundary Waters
Ely, Minn.
4.5 hours from EC 

I’ve repeatedly heard this section of northern Minnesota referred to as the “jewel of the north.” With that said, this is one place you don’t want to miss. If you enjoy canoeing or fishing, this is probably the closest thing you’ll find to heaven on earth. The 1.1 million-acre boundary water wilderness area is at your fingertips from the moment you arrive in the beautiful town of Ely. Set aside in 1964, this tract of wilderness is the most visited in the United States, which isn’t too shabby for an area covered in snow for almost half the year. Ely is the epitome of Americana, a small town with a big heart, and loads of amazing people. These are the places where things change slowly, if they even change at all. And why should they? We love things just the way they are.


Greenish waves of grass.
 
Greenish waves of grass.
Schmeekle Nature Reserve
2.5 hours from EC 

The Schmeekle Nature Reserve is described as an area “managed to protect and restore native ecological communities of central Wisconsin.” This 280-acre “island of green” is located on the campus of UW-Stevens Point, and is open to the public year-round. It was set aside as an area for college students to learn and apply knowledge outside of the classroom, and is one of the last remaining areas where northern and southern animals live together side-by-side. The 24-acre Lake Joanis in the southeast corner of the reserve is perfect for canoeing and fishing, or just plain relaxation. Also, there are around five miles of hiking and biking trails that meander throughout the reserve, creating a network of paths conducive to wildlife watching or photography. Don’t forget to stop by the visitors center for more information and to see the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame, which has been housed there since 1990.

Gorge-us!
 
Gorge-us!
Interstate Park
St. Croix, Wis.
2 hours from EC 

Being bored isn’t an option in Wisconsin’s oldest state park. Established more than a century ago, this peaceful paradise is nestled between the gorges of the scenic St. Croix River. Visitors have plenty of recreation options to choose from with two campsites, 98 miles of state trail, and just about anything you could dream of doing on the water. The site parallels Minnesota’s park of the same name, and you could hardly tell the difference if it wasn’t for the signs. During the summer, at least 10 different lava flows are visible across the border on the Minnesota side, which is sure to be an interesting sight for all visitors, regardless of age. The unique rock formations attract geologists from across the world, although you don’t need a degree to be intrigued by the geology of the region by any means. There truly is something for everyone here.