Fall Retreat...
Cool, comfortable and breathtakingly beautiful, the fall in Burnett County is not to be missed. With the kids back in school, quick weekend getaways are well spent at our farmers’ markets, fruit farms or simply navigating our Rustic Roads and backroads while admiring the vibrant leaves. Better yet, take a trek to the northern reaches of Burnett County to enjoy a canoe trip down the wild Namekagon River, surrounded by the fall foliage. Navigate the currents and the oxbows in one of the most scenic paddles in the region. While on the river, be sure to cast a line in for some excellent fishing.
Fall is the perfect time to check out a winery or stay at a cozy bed and breakfast, do some antique shopping and grab a warm latte at the local coffee shop. Join the local bike club on their scheduled rides down secluded country roads. Fall brings with it some excellent local events, including Grantoberfest, Siren’s Harvestfest, and Crex Meadow’s Fall Wildlife Festival.
On the River
Hundreds of Miles of Riverway
There is nothing like spending the day on the St. Croix, Namekagon or any of the other beautiful streams in Burnett County. Outfitters scattered throughout the area offer tube, canoe and kayak rentals as well as pick up and drop off services so you can enjoy a fun and relaxing float down the river with friends and family. Float lazily past the Sandrock Cliffs and through wooded passages, or get a glance of a majestic bald eagle and other wildlife. The fish are plentiful too – cast a line into the peaceful waters and patiently await your trophy catch. Campsites, available through the National Park Service, line the banks of the river, letting enthusiasts spend days, not hours, on these beautiful scenic rivers.
Our Rivers
- St. Croix River
- Namekagon River
- Yellow River
- Clam River
- Wood River
- Chase Creek
- Hay Creek
- Loon Creek
- Sand Creek
- Wood Creek
- Logging Creek
- North Fork Flowage
- Upper North Fork Flowage
- South Refuge Flowage
Find an Outfitter
ATVing
For folks looking for a faster-paced experience, enjoy 50 miles of summer trails, approximately 80 miles of frozen ground ATV/UTV trails (and 120 miles of winter usage ATV/UTV trails), Burnett County is a great place for motor sport enthusiasts.
In addition, our trails are connected to Douglas and Washburn Counties in Wisconsin, as well as Pine County in Minnesota. As one part of an incredibly extensive regional trail system, we know you’ll have a blast exploring all day long.
Hiking and Biking
The true beauty of Burnett County lies on back roads and trail heads. There is no better way to experience the great outdoors than biking or hiking down a secluded path. No matter the season, our trails do not disappoint.
For the silent sport enthusiast, our seven scenic trails offer something for every skill level. In the warmer months, try hiking the Hay Creek Trail in Grantsburg and enjoy the observation platform where you’ll see all types of wildlife.
Arguably, our most famous trail is the Gandy Dancer State Recreational Trail, which follows the path of an old rail line. The limestone surface stretches for 98 miles across multiple counties and is the perfect biking trail, stretching from south of Siren through Danbury.
A new mountain bike trail is being developed in the Keizer Lake Wildlife Area. This network includes logging roads, double and single track trails thus far, with more to be added in the future.
Fishing
Fishing is a favorite pastime for residents and visitors alike, no matter the season. Cast your line into our abundant waters and reel in bass, musky, northern pike, bluegill, walleye and other pan fish. Seek the massive, prehistoric sturgeons that swim the waters of Yellow and a few other lakes.
State Record Catches...
Hook and Line Sturgeon
79" | 170 lbs. 10 oz.
Yellow Lake, 1979
Catch and Release Muskellunge
53"
Warner Lake, 2017
Jake H.
Hunting
You’ll find some of the best hunting in Burnett County. With over 150,000 acres of public land, 14 rivers and streams and over 500 named lakes, this is a destination for visitors with a passion for the great outdoors. With storied history, Burnett County is home to the world-famous, record-breaking Jordan Buck, the Wisconsin record black bear, and the state record Hook and Line sturgeon. But these trophies aren’t just tales to tell around a fire at the hunting cabin - hunters and fishermen are still pursuing trophies. In 2017 alone, two bowhunters harvested once-in-a-lifetime bucks which were covered in local and regional news. Additionally, the state record catch-and-release musky was reeled in last year.
Hunters can take part in various seasons throughout the year including black bear, Canada geese, ducks, ruffed grouse, whitetail deer and wild turkey.
Find your trophy in Burnett County.
Questions?
DNR Customer Service
Toll Free 1-888-WDNRINF
(1-888-936-7463)
150,000 Acres of Public Land
Public Land Available to Hunt
- Burnett County Forest
- Governor Knowles State Forest
- 11 wildlife areas
- St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
Birding
Birders from all over the country flock to Burnett County to capture images of rare and elusive bird species at one of Burnett County’s 11 wildlife areas to explore.
If you’re looking for a guided birding experience, our very own wetlands gem, Crex Meadows Wildlife Area encompasses 30 thousand acres and is home to over 270 species of birds, including a number of endangered species. A haven for birding and wildlife enthusiasts, Crex Meadows’ unique topography of marshland, prairies, flowages and forests creates the ideal home for many migratory birds like the Sandhill crane.
Rare birds, including LeConte’s sparrow and yellow rail call the area just north of Grantsburg home, and entice birders from all over the region with the promise of a sighting. It is also the beginning of the Lake Superior Northwoods Region of the Great Wisconsin Birding & Nature Trail.
The Crex Meadows Visitor Center welcomes guests seven days a week from March through November. Travel the boardwalk and nature trail to the visitor center to listen to the history of Crex Meadows and experience museum quality artifacts including a replica of a 1930s hunting shack. Stop in the gift shop to get field guides, t-shirts and other souvenirs. Nature classes and events are offered year round by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Be sure to attend their Spring Bird Festival in May and Crex Crane Festival in October.
Follow the geese painted on Grantsburg’s throughways and be inspired by the wildlife at Crex Meadows.
11 Wildlife Areas
- Crex Meadows
- Fish Lake Wildlife Area
- Amsterdam Sloughs Wildlife Area
- Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area
- Keizer Lake Wildlife Area
- Danbury Wildlife Area
- Sand Creek Wildlife Area
- Sand River Wildlife Area
- Goose Lake Wildlife Area
- Clam Lake Widlife Area
Fresh, Organic Foods...
Scattered around the county from spring through fall shop at quality markets, organized by the Burnett County Farmers’ Market. Shoppers will enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade jellies and goods, plants and more.
In addition, Burnett County is home to multiple fruit farms, offering fresh fruit and a farming experience. Along the backroads of the county, seek out Squirrel Ridge Farm, growing organic blueberries and offering wood-fired pizzas and artisan foods. Lindy’s Berries is a family-owned and operated produce farm, operating for over 30 years. On Poquette Lake, try Smith’s Apple Farm, a 3200-tree apple orchard with a bakery and gift shop, making it the perfect fall destination. South of Grantsburg, Holmes Lake Apple Orchard offers an opportunity for u-pick from 12 varieties.
Market Locations and Times
Alpha and Grantsburg Markets are open from June through October. Siren's Market opens in May.
Alpha
Thursdays from 3 - 5 pm.
Located at Burnett Dairy Cooperative on Highway 70.
Grantsburg
Mondays from Noon-2 pm.
Located in the Village Hall/Library Parking Lot on Brad Street.
Fridays from 2 - 4 pm.
Burnett Medical Center parking lot
Siren
Saturdays from 1 - 3 pm.
Located one block south of the stop lights at the Tesora Restaurant parking lot on Highway 35.
Get Social
#burnettcountywi
Information
Burnett County Tourism Coalition
burnettcountyfun@gmail.com
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For County Tourism related inquiries:
Burnett County Tourism Office
715-349-5999 or 800-788-3164
bctour@sirentel.net
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For County Government related inquiries:
BurnettCounty.com
