Whisker Lake Wilderness

Facility · Wisconsin ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Nicolet National Forest (NF) · Open Access

1,436 ft
Elevation

Whisker Lake was designated as a wilderness on October 2, 1978. This 7,500 acre tract is located 11 miles west of Florence, Wis., on the Michigan-Wisconsin border in Florence County. The area got its name from the large pines near the shoreline of Whisker Lake. Old timers called these pines "chin whiskers". These "chin whiskers" somehow escaped being burned by wildfires that ravaged the area after it was railroad-logged in the early 1900's. The terrain within the Whisker Lake area ranges from rolling upland to beaver flooded wetlands. Trout fishing is available at Riley Lake, Edith Lake, Wakefield Creek and the Brule River. Berry picking, hunting, cross-country skiing and wildlife viewing are just some of the activities you can enjoy during your visit.

Getting there

45.95490, -88.46700 · 45°57'17.6"N 88°28'1.2"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 78°F in Jul, down to 22°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F222637506473787668543927
Low °F3414274050555345342311
Precip in1.01.01.42.63.34.13.73.13.53.41.91.4

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 10.1 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Whisker Lake Wilderness

Can you reserve a site at Whisker Lake Wilderness?
No. Whisker Lake Wilderness is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Whisker Lake Wilderness

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.