Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit, located in southeastern Wisconsin, covers a varied glacial landscape characterized by kettles, moraines, and eskers formed during the last Ice Age. Spanning approximately 22,000 acres, the forest showcases steep hills, rolling terrain, wetlands, and numerous kettle lakes, supporting rich ecosystem diversity including hardwood forests, conifer plantations, and wetlands that provide habitat for deer, turkey, and various songbirds.
Historically, this landscape shaped by the Laurentide Ice Sheet has attracted naturalists and conservationists who helped establish the state forest in 1924 to preserve its unique glacial features. Today, the Southern Unit offers a wide range of outdoor opportunities across several trail systems, including the popular Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling, with campgrounds and picnic areas providing visitor amenities.
Key landmarks include the Scuppernong Trails system known for varied terrain and scenic views, and Thurecht Kettle, a notable glacial pothole. The forest’s terrain, featuring steep ridges and kettle lakes, makes it an outstanding destination for winter sports and trail running. Its accessibility from nearby Milwaukee and Madison adds to its appeal as a day trip or multi-day destination for outdoor recreation. The forest contributes to preserving Wisconsin’s glacial heritage and offers educational opportunities on glacial geology and natural history.
