2024 Burnett County Guide

ATTRACTIONS 17 BurnettCountyFun.com PHOTO: The Great Folle Avoine Fur Trade Rendezvous, Russell Estridge ATTRACTIONS awesome FORTS FOLLE AVOINE HISTORICAL PARK W hoever says history isn’t fun hasn’t been to Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park. This 80-acre park sits on the site of two early 1800s fur trade posts, which had been hidden for over 160 years before a group of people decided to look for it and found the ruins of two fur posts along the river. With the dedicated support of the Burnett County Histori- cal Society, the trading posts were reconstructed in the 1980s, giving residents and visitors a way to connect to Burnett County’s past. It is the only known instance of two compet- ing fur trading companies having trading posts in such close proximity to one another. The park offers tours of the site and Woodland Indian Vil- lage. Visitors can enjoy the 100 year-old log visitor center with a gift shop, fur trade and Native American exhibits, the black- smith shop, a one-room schoolhouse, the logging museum, or trek the nature trails year round. The Forts’ amphitheater, on the banks of the Yellow River, is a breathtaking backdrop for special events, and the facility is available to rent for weddings, reunions and other gatherings. Some of the most fun to be had at The Forts happens during their incredibly popular annual events. From delicious wild rice pancake breakfasts to The Great Folle Avoine Fur Trade Ren- dezvous, where re-enactors dress traditionally for demonstra- tions throughout the park, The Forts is truly the place to be. ST. CROIX NATIONAL SCENIC RIVERWAY B urnett County is home to not one, but two beautiful and scenic riverways. The St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers are most popular for camping, hiking, trail running, hunting, tub- ing, canoeing, fishing, paddling and boating. Burnett County is known for its natural spaces, and being home to one of only two National Parks in Wisconsin is certainly a point of pride. The County features 80 miles of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway - more than any other Wisconsin county. In total, the park spans 255 miles and is made up by both the Nameka- gon and St. Croix Rivers. As such, you’ll experience both quiet, backwater stretches and big-river experiences. Fishing is a popular activity on these two rivers. The St. Croix is known for its smallmouth bass fishing along with other spe- cies such as walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, sturgeon and catfish; while the Namekagon also includes exceptional brown and brook trout fishing. These protected waters remain as pristine as ever, thanks to the efforts of the National Park Service and their support- ing agencies. Not to be forgotten, however, is the stewardship provided by our river outfitters. With deep-seeded respect for the riverway, these outfitters help travelers navigate the river in a way that is both enjoyable and respectful to one of our greatest natural resources. These folks will help you plan a lei- surely float down the river or an overnight camping adventure on the shores of the Riverway, assisting in everything from Down a dirt road in the rolling pines of the bashaw valley is one of the one of the best kept secrets in the northwoods. 23396 Thompson Rd Shell Lake, WI 54871 715-468-4224 clovermeadow.com Blueberry Liqueur for Cordials & Liqueurs Blackberry Cordial for Cordials & Liqueurs Coffee Liqueur for Cordials & Liqueurs Cranberry & Blueberry Liqueur Rhubarb Moonshine Frontenac Brandy PHOTO: St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Fly Fishing, Nancy Herman kayak and canoe pick-ups and drop- offs, equipment rental and advice. The Namekagon River is arguably a world of its own. Dubbed “Wisconsin’s Moving National Park,” this exciting stretch of the St. Croix National Sce- nic Riverway calls to those looking for a more wild experience. The 100-mile river features exciting oxbows and stretches of rushing currents, while traveling through both high and low banks. It is well worth the trip for river enthusiasts. Find out more informa- tion at namekagonriver.org. PHOTO: Namekagon River Kayaking, Gayle Sheahen, northerngaylephotography