Much of Northern Wisconsin can be described as a heavily forested, backwoods region. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is part of the great north woods that dominates much of the Great Lakes Region. It is divided into three large tracts that are connected by a patchwork of state forests. In the north, it is contiguous with the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan. Much of it is wilderness.

In warmer seasons, available activities include hiking, as well as paddling the many lakes and streams. The predominant activity, however is fishing.

The freshwater lakes and streams of the forest are famous for freshwater fishing and the area’s small towns owe much of their existence to the anglers who flock to the region. Brook, rainbow and brown trout fill the streams. Walleye, bass, northern pike and crappie are also found in the northern waters.