Wolf

Location: Northeastern Wisconsin (about 150 miles northwest of Milwaukee; about 250 miles northwest of Chicago).

Length of trips: Three miles in two hours; six miles in three hours; eleven miles in five hours.

Season: May through September. The water flow usually peaks in spring.

Weather: Spring comes late to the North Woods, so wet suits are usually necessary through May, when temperatures range from the 30s (F) at night to the 50s during the day. Summer temperatures rise into the 70s during the day but drop into the 50s at night. September temperatures cool off to the 60s during the day and the 40s at night. In spring you may encounter mosquitoes and blackflies on shore, so bring insect repellent.

Lodging: Private campground and lodges on the Wolf, private campgrounds in the area, public campgrounds in Nicolet National Forest, and motels and B&Bs in Antigo, Langlade, Shawano, and White Lake.

Boats: Kayaks, paddle rafts.

Rapids: Class I to IV. In summer the cold, clear water warms up into the 60s.

Special features:

  • Dense wilderness of tall pines and hardwoods.
  • Lots of spring wildflowers.
  • Spectacular fall color between late September and mid-October.
  • Famous for trout fishing.
  • Great swimming when the water warms up in summer.
  • Plentiful wildlife, including white-tailed deer, beavers, muskrats, minks, river otters, bald eagles, ospreys, ducks, and great blue herons.
  • Suitable for novices and families in summer.

Nearby excursions:

  • Nicolet National Forest.
  • Door County.
  • Green Bay.
  • Experimental Aircraft Association Museum in Oshkosh.

For a list of outfitters and more information:

  • Antigo Area Chamber of Commerce, 329 Superior Street, Antigo, Wisconsin 54409; +1 715 623 4134 or 800 288 6236, fax +1 715 623 4135. Try to book at least four to six weeks in advance for weekend trips, a week or two in advance for weekday trips.

  • Wisconsin Department of Tourism, 123 West Washington Avenue, Box 7606, Madison, Wisconsin 53703; +1 608 266 2161 or 800 432 8747. Try to book at least four to six weeks in advance for weekend trips, a week or two in advance for weekday trips.

For more information:

  • Door County story in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER, July/August 1990.

 
 
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