Visit Us
Iron River National Fish Hatchery is located in beautiful northern Wisconsin a few miles from Lake Superior near the town of Iron River. There are many things to do and see at the hatchery. Don’t miss the visitor center with aquariums, where large coaster brook and lake trout broodstock broodstock
The reproductively mature adults in a population that breed (or spawn) and produce more individuals (offspring or progeny).
Learn more about broodstock can be seen up close. Visitors can also tour the early rearing tankroom, broodstock building and production building. Take a stroll on the hatchery’s 3.5 mile Simpson Trail or test your archery skills on the 3D Archery Range. Trail maps are available in the visitor center and at the kiosk at both trailheads. From the main parking lot, visitors can also access the pavilion with grilling stations and playground.
Driving Directions
From Highway 2 in Iron River, WI, travel north 7 miles on County Highway A, turn right and travel 1 mile on Fairview Road to hatchery entrance. From Highway 13 Port Wing, WI, travel south 9 miles on County Highway A, turn left and travel 1 mile on Fairview Road to hatchery entrance.
Fees
There is no charge to visit.
Restrooms
Restrooms are located just inside the main office building to the left of the visitor center.
Points of Interest
When you arrive at the hatchery please park in the main building parking lot and check in at the main office. There are many things to see and do at Iron River National Fish Hatchery. Don't miss the visitor center and aquariums in our main building, the early rearing tankroom, broodstock building, production building, 3D walking archery range or the interpretive hiking and cross-country ski trails found on our property. Please call in advance to schedule group tours of our facilities. Group tours are generally provided between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Staff availability varies seasonally.
What To Do
If you have 15 minutes
- Explore the visitor center
- Take a self-guided tour
- Relax in the pavilion
- Watch you children play on the playground
If you have one hour
- Call ahead for a scheduled tour
- Hike, ski or snow shoe the Black Bear loop on the Simpson Trail
If you have half a day or more
- Hike, ski or snow shoe the Simpson Trail
- Bring a lunch and eat at the pavilion
- Bring your own charcoal and grill out at one of the grilling stations
Know Before You Go
When visiting the hatchery, please use foot baths and hand sanitizing stations and keep hands out of the raceways to prevent the spread of fish diseases. Please do not turn on the lights in any rearing areas and do not feed the fish. Dogs are not allowed in the buildings, should be on a leash at all times and be cleaned up after. No fishing is allowed.
Visitor Tips
Call ahead for a scheduled tour, bring plenty of drinking water, snacks, insect repellant, sunscreen and other necessities. Dress appropriately for the seasons and wear comfortable walking shoes
Activities
There are many things to see and do when you visit the hatchery. Whether you’re into archery, birding, hiking, hunting or photography, you’ll enjoy the hatchery’s 1,200 acres in beautiful northern Wisconsin. When the snow falls, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snow shoeing and can even tap maple trees! Plan your visit today and enjoy all that Iron River National Fish Hatchery has to offer.
Trails
Simpson Trail
Open season: Year round
Length: 3.5 miles
Location of trail: Can be accessed at the trailhead in main parking lot and on Weidenaar Road
Surface: Depends on the time of year Grass, wood chips, boardwalk or snow
Difficulty: Easy
Information: The trail is maintained in the winter for classic cross country skiing and snowshoeing. In the summer, the trail is mowed for hiking, birding and many other outdoor recreational uses. The trail is broken into three loops and can be accessed from the trailhead at the hatchery parking lot by the main office or on Weidenaar Road. Trail maps are available in the visitor center and at the kiosk at both trailheads. Snowshoes, located in the visitor center, are available free of charge for use on hatchery trails.
3D Archery Range
Open season: May to November, dawn to dusk
Length: 0.75 mile
Location of trail: Follow signs upon entering the hatchery
Surface: grass
Difficulty: easy to intermediate
Information: Archery trail is available for all ages and skill levels. There are 16 shooting lanes with an assortment of 3D animals and targets at varying distances. A 3D Advanced Loop has been added and is accessible between Lanes 15 and 16.
Rules and Policies
When visiting the hatchery, please use foot baths and hand sanitizing stations and keep hands out of the raceways to prevent the spread of fish diseases. Please do not turn on the lights in any rearing areas and do not feed the fish. Dogs are not allowed in the buildings, should be on a leash at all times and be cleaned up after. No fishing is allowed. Bring plenty of drinking water, snacks, insect repellant, sunscreen and other necessities. Dress appropriately for the seasons, wear comfortable walking shoes, etc.