Whittlesey Creek
Ashland, WI 54806-9339
Plan Your Visit
National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. When visiting Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge, you will have the opportunity to explore a variety of different habitats including wetland, riverine, forest and grasslands. The refuge has something to offer for everyone whether you are interested in checking off birds on your bird life list, harvesting wild game or simply burning some calories through outdoor silent sports. We encourage you to explore your public lands through different recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, photography, hiking, cross country skiing and seasonal programming.
Be sure to stop by the David R. Obey Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center where you can learn more about the historical, natural and cultural resources of the area through exhibits, murals, events, historical archives, trails and more.
Points of Interest
We encourage you to stop by the David R. Obey Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center to learn about the Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding public lands, including the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Explore the exhibits and murals or take a hike on the interpretive boardwalk trail.
What To Do
- If you have 15 minutes: Stretch your legs and tour the David R. Obey Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. Talk with staff and explore the exhibits, murals or historical archives.
- If you have one hour: Grab your binoculars and scope out the local wildlife. Hike the Visitor Center Interpretive Nature Trails (Boardwalk trail is 0.75 miles; Aldo Leopold Trail is 1.2 miles).
- If you have half a day or more: Explore your refuge lands through a variety of different recreational activities including hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, photography and seasonal interpretation programming.
Know Before You Go
When planning a visit, it is important to wear appropriate footwear. Consider bringing water, food, binoculars, field guides, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
There is no charge to visit.
Activities
More Activities
Get Involved
Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National wildlife refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community by doing what you love.
Services
Whittlesey Creek staff are stationed at the David R. Obey Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center along with U.S. Forest Service, Wisconsin Historical Society, Friends of the Center Alliance Limited and University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension. As an interagency center, we work along side our partners in the building to run and operate the center.
About
Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge is part of a large coastal wetland complex on the south shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin. Established in 1999, the refuge protects, restores, and manages coastal wetland and spring-fed stream habitat, with a high priority on restoring coaster brook trout populations. The refuge is located in Bayfield County and is managed as part of the St. Croix Wetland Management District complex.