OUTDOOR RECREATION
There are many great outdoor recreation opportunities in the area from enjoying the lake whether fishing, boating, swimming, water sports, or enjoying ATV trails, biking, hiking, etc. Here are a few suggestions and links. Since the Lookout is located in Barron county, but on the border of Polk county, we’ll offer some links to a few county resources from both counties that, combined, may help give added detail you’ll find useful, especially for trails.
As a friendly reminder, no ATV or snowmobile use is permitted on our or our neighbors property (county law). You will need to trailer your ATV’s or snowmobiles to and from any trails.
Cattail State Trail - https://www.traillink.com/trail/cattail-state-trail/
Great for ATV’s in the summer and snowmobiles in the winter. This runs 18 miles between Almena and Amery.
Gandy Dancer Trail - https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/gandydancer
Hiking and biking trail along an old train bed, this is a great day trip to combine with a stop to one of the great stops along Highway 8 on the way back for some food or drink.
Various access points starting in St. Croix Falls and northward. See map at above link for details.
Stower Seven Lakes Trail - https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/stower
A 14 mile trail that runs between Amery and Dresser. This is a great trail for biking in the summer and cross country skiing in the winter.
Barron County Bike Routes - https://www.co.barron.wi.us/misc%20docs/maps/bikeroutes.pdf
Courtesy of Barron county, this is a helpful map for local bike routes and distances
Ice Age National Scenic Trail - https://www.nps.gov/iatr/index.htm
Part of this 1,000 mile long trail winds through Polk & Barron counties. The start of the trail is in Interstate Park in St. Croix Falls. While you’re there, it’s worth walking through the “pot hole” section easily accessible behind the parks visitor center. The pot holes are massive holes worn in the rocks that are a sight to see - some are over 30 feet deep!
For a comprehensive list of Barron County trails (snowmobile, ATV, mountain bike and cross country ski, etc) please use this link.
For a comprehensive list of Polk County trails (snowmobile, ATV, mountain bike and cross country ski, etc) please use this link.
You can access added details, regulations and current openings for ATV’s, snowmobiles, mountain bikes and cross country ski trails, etc at the Barron County website.
Barron County ATV Playground - 1450 8 ¾ Street Almena, WI 54805
30 acres of trails open to the public for having fun with your ATV’s.
Terrain park fun for multiple skill levels
Owen Anderson Public Shooting Range - 760 9th Ave, Clayton, WI 54004
A free to the public gun range for .22, pistol, rifle and shotgun. Cleaning up after yourself is a must and of course gun safety is too.