THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Wildlife Area · WI

Perkinstown Wildlife Area

Perkinstown Wildlife Area offers extensive forested landscapes and wetland habitats in central Wisconsin, ideal for wildlife observation, hiking, and outdoor recreation.

Wildlife Area9,0004+ Trails

Designation

Wildlife Area

Total Wilderness Area

9,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Perkinstown Wildlife Area

Perkinstown Wildlife Area offers extensive forested landscapes and wetland habitats in central Wisconsin, ideal for wildlife observation, hiking, and outdoor recreation.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in Taylor County, Wisconsin, Perkinstown Wildlife Area encompasses a large tract of mixed hardwood and coniferous forests alongside expansive wetlands and bogs. The area covers a diverse ecosystem that provides vital habitat for numerous species including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, black bears, and a variety of migratory birds. Established to promote wildlife conservation and public outdoor recreation, the region is managed with a focus on habitat restoration and sustainable use. Popular activities include hiking, bird watching, hunting during regulated seasons, and winter snowshoeing. The forest is characteristically dominated by aspen, birch, and balsam fir, with smaller pine stands and marshes scattered throughout. Visitors enjoy a network of trails and forest roads, some of which follow old logging routes from the area's historic timber industry past. Wetlands within the area are home to rare plant communities and amphibians. Perkinstown Wildlife Area attracts nature enthusiasts seeking solitude and diverse wildlife experiences away from heavily trafficked parks. With its blend of upland woods and wetlands, it offers year-round outdoor opportunities backed by scenic natural beauty and rich biodiversity.

Field Guide · Wildlife Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Perkinstown Wildlife Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Riverside Tranquility at North Fork Eau Claire River★ 7.2⌖ 35 miHiking
North Fork Eau Claire River State Natural Area

Riverside Tranquility at North Fork Eau Claire River

Explore the serene North Fork Eau Claire River State Natural Area near Augusta, WI. Ideal for hiking and wildlife watching, with gentle rapids for canoeing. Best visited in spring or fall, the area promises tranquility and rich plant life for adventure seekers.

Discover the Colors of Chequamegon-Nicolet⌖ 54 miHiking
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

Discover the Colors of Chequamegon-Nicolet

Explore the vast Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest near Park Falls, WI. Ideal for hiking and admired for its vibrant fall colors and diverse wildlife. Quiet year-round and great for photography with a 9/10 rating.

Nature's Tranquil Escape: Lowes Creek County Park★ 4.2⌖ 55 miMountain Biking
Lowes Creek County Park

Nature's Tranquil Escape: Lowes Creek County Park

Explore Lowes Creek County Park near Eau Claire, Wisconsin, with its top-notch mountain biking and hiking trails. This serene area offers scenic routes for adventure seekers. Visit in spring or fall to capture the beautiful foliage. Vehicle access is available.

Mountain BikingView Details→
Nature's Pathway: Bearskin Trailhead Park★ 3.2⌖ 63 miCycling
Bearskin Trailhead Park

Nature's Pathway: Bearskin Trailhead Park

Explore the 18-mile Bearskin Trail at Bearskin Trailhead Park near Minocqua, WI. This easy and accessible path is perfect for biking and hiking, offering beautiful forest and lake views. Ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and history buffs. Best seasons: late spring and fall.

Copper Falls: Nature’s Spectacle in Wisconsin⌖ 87 miHiking
Copper Falls

Copper Falls: Nature’s Spectacle in Wisconsin

Explore Copper Falls State Park in Wisconsin, featuring moderate trails with stunning waterfall views. Ideal for hiking, camping, and fishing, the area offers scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. Best visited in spring and fall.

Brownstone Falls: A Hidden Gem in Wisconsin⌖ 87 miHiking
Brownstone Falls

Brownstone Falls: A Hidden Gem in Wisconsin

Explore Brownstone Falls in Copper Falls State Park, Wisconsin. Enjoy hiking trails with scenic views of the waterfall and lush surroundings. A paradise for photographers and nature lovers, it's best visited in spring or fall. Keep an eye out for local wildlife!

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Extensive forested trails offering excellent birding and wildlife viewing✦ Diverse wetland habitats supporting rare plant communities✦ Historic logging road corridors repurposed as hiking and horseback riding trails✦ Remote sections ideal for snowshoeing and winter solitude
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Perkinstown Wildlife Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Perkinstown Wildlife Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Perkinstown Wildlife Area
Park Recreation

Hunting

Available in Perkinstown Wildlife Area
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Perkinstown Wildlife Area
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Perkinstown Wildlife Area
Park Recreation

Bird Watching

Available in Perkinstown Wildlife Area
Park Recreation

Nature Study

Available in Perkinstown Wildlife Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Perkinstown Wildlife Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free public access with adherence to Wisconsin DNR rules; hunting licenses required for hunting seasons.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Perkinstown Wildlife Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Medford
⌖ 6.10 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Medford, Wisconsin

A peaceful gateway to northern Wisconsin's forests and lakes, offering a mix of calm waters, forest trails, and seasonal outdoor activities.

Spring through Fall for water and trail activities; Winter for snowmobiling and skiingExplore Town
Gilman
⌖ 17.15 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gilman, Wisconsin

A quiet, rural town offering access to tranquil outdoor experiences with woods, lakes, and trails perfect for peaceful exploration.

Late spring through early fall for most activities; winter for snowmobilingExplore Town
Rib Lake
⌖ 18.72 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rib Lake, Wisconsin

A quiet northern Wisconsin town offering lakeside adventures, extensive trails, and excellent seasonal recreation amidst lush forests and peaceful waters.

Late Spring through Early Fall and WinterExplore Town
Stanley
⌖ 25.67 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Stanley, Wisconsin

A peaceful small town offering easy access to river paddling, nearby forests for hiking, and seasonal snow sports in central Wisconsin.

Late Spring to Early Fall for water and hiking; Winter for snow sportsExplore Town
Spencer
⌖ 26.18 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Spencer, Wisconsin

A quiet, small-town gateway surrounded by rich forests and lakes offering accessible outdoor fun throughout the year.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiingExplore Town
Prentice
⌖ 30.68 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Prentice, Wisconsin

A quiet Northwoods town offering peaceful access to forests, rivers, and trails ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking paddling, hiking, and winter skiing adventures.

Late Spring through Early Fall for paddling and hiking; Winter for snowmobiling and skiingExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Perkinstown Wildlife Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.