Northeastern Wisconsin has an abundance of outdoor activities for your vacation pleasure. The gateway to this playground is Crivitz. Crivitz and the near north area are a short drive from most urban areas around the state, and close enough from neighboring Illinois for a great weekend getaway. So….what is Crivitz the gateway to? This area features more miles of trout streams than anywhere else in our state. Large water attractions are the Peshtigo River Flowage, which includes High and Caldron Falls and Lake Noquebay. The flowages are in excess of 3,000 surface acres of superb fishing water, sandy beaches, and pristine shoreline viewing. The state property surrounding the flowages provides a number of well-maintained boat landings for easy access to most locations. The Peshtigo River is also popular for rafting. White water rafting is located northwest of Crivitz and is considered some of the best in the Midwest. Rafting quiet water on the river is popular in and near the Village of Crivitz itself. Lake Noquebay is 2,300 surface acres, perfect for waterskiing & fishing. Spring pan fishing here is extremely popular and the bluegill season brings children of all ages to its shores. Marinette County and the DNR maintain several
boat landings for access to this big water playground. Besides the “Big Water,” hundreds of smaller lakes are spread throughout our backyard. Most have public boat landings to access the quiet water some look for in our North Country. Off the water, trails, both ATV/UTV and snowmobile, spread north and west of Crivitz accessing the vast public forests owned by Marinette County, State of Wisconsin, and National Forests. Over 300,000 acres, with trails zig zagging throughout. Maybe a sightseeing trip is of interest to you. The winding roadways throughout the area are attractive for a scenic drive on your way to the many waterfalls located throughout Marinette County. Known as the waterfalls capital of Wisconsin, several selfguided tours can be done in half day or full day trips. Well, there you have it, close by and easy access to nature's playground. Come for the day, weekend, or week. We are blessed with resorts, hotels and campgrounds throughout the area.
Public Service Info
Town of Stephenson Fire Department 715.927.2793
Emergencies: 911 All other numbers are Non-Emergency
Crivitz Village Hall
www.villageofcrivitz.com 715.854.2030
Town of Stephenson
www.stephensonwisc.com
715.757.2421
Crivitz Rescue Squad
www.crivitzrescue.com
715.854.7666
Twin Bridge Rescue Squad www.twinbridgerescue.com
715.927.1641
Crivitz Fire Department
www.crivitzfd.com
NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER
715.854.7201
Aurora Bay Area Health Center www.aurorahealthcare.org 715-854-3940
Bellin Health Center - Crivitz www.bellin.org 715.854.7477
Quantum Health Care www.quantumfamilycare.org 715.854.7050
Fire Permits Issued: T & B One Stop 715.854.3223
Corner Convenience 715.757.2373
Country Convenience 715.757.3629
Red Pine Amoco 715.757.2180
Crivitz Area School District www.crivitz.k12.wi.us | 715.854.2721
Crivitz Food Pantry Open 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month. 715.927.4663
Crivitz Area Museum Open June–September 12–4 pm, Wed. through Sat. Corner of Oak St. & South Ave. 715.854.3278
MAR-OCO Landfill N7785 Shaffer Road M–F 8 am–4 pm, 1st & 3rd Sat. 8 am-12 pm. April to October. 715.854.7530
Recycling Centers: Village of Crivitz (Town of Stephenson Garage) Wed. and Sat., 9 am–4 pm. August St. off Hall Ave.
Town of Stephenson (Twin Bridge Site) Tues., Sat., & Sun., 9 am–4 pm. W11280 Cty Road X
Athelstane Presbyterian Church N12826 Davis Rd, Athelstane 715.854.5711
Corner Assembly of God Church N12102 Cty Roads A & C, Athelstane 715.854.5363
Faith Presbyterian Church 806 Fritzie Ave, Crivitz • 715.854.2222
Grace Ev Lutheran Church WELS 716 Henriette Ave, Crivitz 715.854.2216
Living Waters Lutheran Church Affiliated with LCMC W7842 Airport Rd, Crivitz 715.927.7084
Northwood's Apostolic Church P.O. Box 821 Crivitz • 715.938.4935
St. Mary’s Catholic Rectory Henriette, Crivitz • 715.854.2501
New Life Church
www.newlifechurchag.com 219 South Ave, Crivitz
The Peshtigo river flows into Green Bay some 7 miles south of the City of Peshtigo here in Marinette County. The river begins its journey about 80 miles to the north near Crandon WI. It flows through woodlands, farmlands, highlands, and lowlands. It has more rapids than any other river in Wisconsin. Over 100 years ago, in the early 1900’s (1907-1911) the High Falls Dam was constructed to produce electricity for the area. It began operating in 1911. The Johnson Falls Dam began construction in 1922 and began operating in 1924. The Caldron Falls Dam was built a bit later (1924-1926), and began operating in 1925. Happy 100th Birthday CFD! High, Caldron, and Johnson Falls are the 3 dams located west of Crivitz on the Peshtigo River Flowage. Besides performing the original goal of producing hydro-electricity, they contribute to the economic progress and recreational enjoyment for central Marinette County. Additional Dams have been constructed further east in Marinette County since that time and contribute to that area in similar fashion. Until 2004, most of the shoreline of these flowages was owned by Wisconsin Public Service. In 2004 the State of Wisconsin finalized a purchase of a great majority of that property. The state then owned 12,200 acres of land, 3,000 acres of which is under water. In 2019 the Peshtigo River State Forest was re-named Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest. On the west side of the flowages Governor Thompson State Park was constructed. Over the past decade improvements to the park have continued. Trails, camping and boat landings are just a few of the amenities available (check out the state park article in this guide). Each of the dams is an awesome sight to behold. Sightseers gather near the dams during spring high water and throughout the year to watch and hear the thunderous cascades rumble into the river below each dam. The locations of these dams is described in the Marinette County Waterfalls tours section of this guide.
Another dam vital to a Crivitz waterway is the outlet dam on Lake Noquebay. Lake Noquebay is Marinette County’s largest inland lake. It’s surface area is estimated to be 3.76 miles in size. Maximum depth is 51’. Unlike the flowage dams, the Noquebay dam does not generate electricity. The current dam was constructed in 1929. A more primitive dam was know to exist on the current site before this date but was blown up in 1915 in an effort to lower water levels surrounding the lake. This dam is used to help water levels on the lake and surrounding shoreline. The dam is currently owned by Marinette County and operated by the Lake Noquebay Rehabilitation District. The lake level is lowered each falls to help control shoreline erosion due to ice movement. Each spring the levels are increased to enhance the shoreline appeal of the lake. The Lake Noquebay outlet flows into the Peshtigo River just southeast of the Village of Crivitz.
Sources: Crivitz historical society
History
Water Falls
Waterfalls Capital of Wisconsin
Put on some good walking shoes and use caution, as some of the trails are rough and the rushing waters can be dangerous.
See pullout location map for more information.
Our waterfalls are the best!
Marinette County’s waterfalls are considered the jewel of the North. Indeed, we are officially the “Waterfalls Capital of Wisconsin.” This tour has been modified and improved over the years for all to enjoy. The tour consists of accessible falls in Marinette County. Crivitz provides the gateway to these falls.
The waterfalls tour begins just west of Crivitz and continues north, east, and again to the south. You can plan half-day trips to visit some of the falls or easily spend a whole day with adventure and awe. The natural wonders of the rivers and the sheer power of falls are here for your enjoyment. Once you have made the tour, you can return to your favorites and explore the trails up and down each river or flowage.
VETERAN’S FALLS
Take Cty Hwy W west out of Crivitz to Parkway Rd. north. Veteran’s Park is 3 miles north of W on Parkway. It has a new and easier access and is plowed during the winter.
McCLINTOCK FALLS
15 miles from Twin Bridge Park is the entrance to McClintock Park Campground. Short walk to water. Falls are actually a series of rapids beneath many bridges.
STRONG FALLS
On the Peshtigo River in Goodman Park between Hwy 8 and Cty Hwy C on Parkway Road (Cty I).
CARNEY RAPIDS
Continue east on Hwy 8 to Old Cty. Rd A; turn south and go about 2 miles to the first bridge. Carney Rapids is an area of rushing water that can be viewed from the road just to the west of the bridge.
FOUR FOOT FALLS
Just north of the bridge at Carney Rapids is a dirt road to the east. Drive or walk the road about 1/2 mile. A short walk along a path to the right takes you to the falls.
EIGHTEEN FOOT FALLS
Go north on Twelve Foot Falls Road and take the second sand road on the right. 1/2 mile to the falls.
Just downstream of Twelve Foot Falls. A short walk though the campground and down a path takes you right to the falls. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 13 14 11 9
TWELVE FOOT FALLS
Located on the Pike River just west of Hwy 141 off of Hwy 8. Take Lilly Lake Rd south from Hwy. 8 and follow the signs.
EIGHT FOOT FALLS
HORSESHOE FALLS
Take 12 Foot Falls Rd south past Trout Haven Road to FR510. Follow FR510 to the turn-off and parking area for the falls. The roads are sometimes in rough shape during frost out in spring and in muddy weather.
DAVE’S FALLS
Located at Dave's Falls County Park, on Hwy 141 just south of Amberg. Plowed for winter access.
BULL FALLS
Take Hwy K to the east just south of Amberg. 1/4 mile to the power lines. Short walk down the power lines to the river.
SMALLEY FALLS
Chute Falls peppered with boulders. Take 141 about 5 miles north of Pembine to Morgan Park Rd. Follow Morgan Park Rd.
LONG SLIDE FALLS
On Morgan Park Rd. continue until you see the sign. Falls drop about 50 feet through a chute filled with rocks and ledges.
PIER’S GORGE
Take Hwy 141 north to Hwy 8 east. Follow 8 east across the bridge and turn left at the sign. Follow the road to the end. There is a foot path that takes you back to the various vistas that the gorge offers.
amping in the Near North is easy, very accessible and great fun. Whether your choice is public campgrounds or one of our many private campsites, a trip to the Crivitz area is well worth the short drive. Many of the campgrounds are on or near waterways. Fishing, boating, skiing or just a good old boat ride are great ways to relax on your camping trip.
For county park camping reservations please call 715-732-7530. www.marinettecounty.com/parks/camping
Camping Park Lodges C
Need a place to gather with friends and family? Check out the lodges at several of the county parks in the Crivitz area. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, these rustic log buildings are large open buildings that have large stone fireplaces in them. Each has plenty of seating, and several have screen porches. The settings vary, but all are set in Marinette County’s beautiful North Country.
For more information, visit http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/ or to make reservations for using these buildings, please contact the Assistant Parks Administrator, 715-732-7530, Monday–Friday 9am–4pm.
PHOTO CREDIT: WILDMAN ADVENTURE RESORT
GovernorStateThompson Park
GOVERNOR
THOMPSON STATE PARK & GOVERNOR EARL PESHTIGO RIVER STATE FOREST
The Governor Thompson State Park is located just 16 miles northwest of Crivitz off of Ranch Road and Paust Lane, in the picturesque "Twin Bridge" area of Marinette County. Along with the Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest, the property covers 15,000 acres of recreational land along Caldron, High and Johnson Falls Flowages.
The park has a spacious wooded 100-site campground with a modern shower building, a small 16-site rustic campground on Old Veteran’s Lake, 6 boat-in campsites on Caldron Falls Flowage and 4 boat-in sites on the islands on High Falls Flowage. The water sites are rustic but ideally located to take maximum advantage of the scenic surroundings. Camping reservations are already being accepted for next season at www.wi.parks.net.
Visitors may cruise through the park without charge, but to stop, get out of their vehicles, or use the facilities, visitors must first purchase vehicle admission (park sticker) to use the park. The state park is open daily from 6 am to11 pm; admission may be purchased at the park office.
We have 16 miles of mowed hiking trails to explore; the park includes giant granite rock outcroppings, birds, wild flowers, animals and the amazing fall colors of the area. In the winter, the park has 6 miles of groomed ski trails for both classic and skate skiers and 2.5 miles of packed snowshoe trails to enjoy. The state forest has another trail system at Spring Rapids off
Kirby Lake Lane. Spring Rapids has 6 miles of hiking trail that is groomed in the winter for both classic and skate skiing.
Woods Lake is a popular area for family time activities in the park. The picnic area has a beach, changing rooms and restrooms, drinking water, tables, a fire ring and grills, as well as beautiful views of Woods Lake. Rentals of kayaks and paddleboards are available for use on the 48-acre non-motorized lake. The Woods Lake shelter building is open for picnics or to be used in winter as a warming shelter. The shelter is also available by reservation for social gatherings and meetings.
Shore fishing, ice fishing and non-motorized boating is permitted on Woods, Huber and Old Veteran’s Lakes.
The park and forest have 15 boat landings on Caldron/High/ Johnson Falls Flowages. South Bay (#13), Musky Point (#9), West Bay (#1), and Channel Landing (#5) all have restrooms, picnic tables and a boarding dock. All of these facilities of are ADA accessible. South Bay and Musky Point also have accessible fishing piers.
Every season brings another reason to make us one of your favorite destinations. For more information, call the park office at 715-757-3979.
Take a Northwoods adventure in Crivitz and the Marinette County area. We have everything from rock climbing, zip lining, ropes course, paintball and whitewater rafting for your choice of adventure.
The scenery is gorgeous. Granite outcroppings, huge facings and near-virgin timber forests line the banks of our whitewater paradise.
If a quieter type of rafting is what you are looking for, then check with your outfitter. There are several spots on the river where you won’t lose the cooler.
Parks
Avisit to the many parks in and around Crivitz is just the ticket for recreation on a beautiful day.
In the Village of Crivitz, visit Don Brooks Park, located on the Peshtigo River and County Road W. It features river access, a playground, picnic tables, restrooms and a beach area.
Littleland community playground is near the center of the village. It has an extensive playscape area that borders a baseball field and an incorporated disc golf course.
CLOSEST COUNTY PARKS
Lake Noquebay Park is on the south side of this largest inland lake in Marinette County. The park features a boat landing, a playground area, sand beach, outside showers, bathhouse, restrooms, and recreation center. The building can be rented for reunions and other gatherings.
Left Foot Lake Park is 5 minutes southwest of the village. This is one of the newly improved parks. As the name implies, it is located on Left Foot Lake. This park has a boat landing and an improved swimming area with a sand beach.
One step further, Twin Bridge Park is located on the west side of High Falls Flowage. High Falls is known for its pristine
shoreline, studded with granite outcroppings and attractive Northwoods forestland. Amenities include restrooms and dressing rooms, picnic tables, a sand beach and a playground. Camping is offered.
Thunder Mountain Park is a gently developed 160-acre park at the highest point in Marinette County. While it does not have immediate access to a body of water, this park features hiking trails with beautiful views and natural wonder.
Governor Thompson State Park is Northeast Wisconsin’s newest park attraction. It continues to evolve and improve.
This park is just northwest of Twin Bridge Park and is located on Caldron Falls Flowage. It boasts two inland lakes, flowage access, boat launches, picnic areas, sand beaches, wooded ski or hiking trails, and public use buildings. Camping is offered, with 87 rustic sites, 16 sites with electric, and 3 boat-in sites.
Camping is offered at many of the parks in this area. That information can be obtained in the camping section of this guide or online through “The Real North” or Governor Thompson State Park.
PHOTO CREDIT: DAN SMEISKA
Dining
or
options. Please call ahead for your
PHOTO CREDIT: LAKESIDE BAR & GRILL
Crivitz has the ultimate indoor sport: shopping! Top off a day in the great outdoors with an outing through our many boutiques and shops. As expected, you will find beautiful crafts and country made items mixed in with antique shops and sporting good stores. But perhaps what you didn't expect is the amazing variety of specialty shops featuring everything from jewelry to premier wines.
Lodging
WaterShowsSki
Founded in 1962 by Peter and Dan Bugarsky, the Crivitz Ski Cats Water Ski Team was the first of its kind in Marinette County.
The Ski Cats proudly hold five Division 2 State titles, including the unprecedented “three-peat” championships in 2011, 2012 and 2013. They are a family-based organization consisting of approximately 65 members, with several families providing three generations of skiers and non-skiing personnel. You can catch the Cats perform throughout the summer on Wednesdays and select Saturdays at Lake Noquebay County Park, which is about 6 miles east of Crivitz.
The Twin Bridge Water Ski Team was formed in 1971. Leon Popp was one of the founding members of the team and is still skiing in the shows. They bought their first boat for $850 and gas was under 50 cents. Times sure have changed in the past 50 years, but the team still has the same passion and love for skiing as back
then. The Twin Bridge Water Ski Team performs west of Crivitz on High Falls Flowage at the Stephenson Town Park Thursdays and Saturdays.
At both shows, food and refreshments are available for purchase. Bring your lawn chair or blanket to watch the show. These shows have a new theme every year and are excellent entertainment for the whole family. You will see some of the best skiers in the state of Wisconsin, including those who have skied professionally all over the world. You will see unbelievable barefoot pyramids, large ballet lines, mixed doubles, 4-tier pyramids, tricks and jumping that will have you asking, “how did they do that?!”
Fun in the sun here gives friends and families the chance to recreate outdoors together in a safe and enjoyable setting. Sandy beaches are plentiful throughout the Crivitz area. Here is a quick tour of popular beaches in and around Crivitz:
Let’s start at Left Foot Lake just southwest of Crivitz and one of the newer beaches to be improved by the Marinette County Park system. It has public parking and a sandy swimming area with a neighboring boat launch.
Lake Noquebay Park has a sand beach that is shallow enough for the youngsters to splash around. This is a 2,300-acre body of water that is a well-known water playground. The park has many other amenities that help add to its popularity, some of which include the boat landing, playground area, outside showers, bathhouse, restrooms and recreation center.
The beach at Twin Bridge Park is popular with boaters and skiers. The High Falls Flowage is 1,500 surface acres with wild shoreline and numerous boat landings. While the boaters boat and the skiers ski, the rest of the group wiggles their toes in the sandy beach area. There are restrooms and dressing rooms, picnic tables, sand beach and playground. Camping is offered.
Or consider the beach at Little Newton Lake. This beach was modified and improved by the Town of Stephenson some years ago for greater safety and a more user-friendly environment. A public parking lot is located just across the street. This beach has clean sand with a gentle taper of lake bottom. There are public restrooms and lots of sand to lie on along the shore.
On Caldron Falls Flowage, off of Boat Landing 9 Road, there is Musky Point Beach, which is a very nice sandy beach area with picnic tables and grills for your convenience.
If you want more to do in the water than just swim, maybe a raft trip is in order. The portion of the Peshtigo River located northwest of Crivitz has long been popular as a Midwest rafting destination. Whitewater rapids and waterfalls are mixed in with some quiet water that allows you to catch your breath after the first bout of excitement on this Northwoods treasure.
Back on the lakes, resorts provide boat rentals on the bigger bodies of water in our area. Rent a pontoon boat or a rowboat and tour the flowages or Lake Noquebay.
Summer is a busy time of year and activities and events are always scheduled in the area. Check out the calendar of events at crivitz.com or visitcrivitz.com.
PHOTO
CREDIT:JAMIE NOLAN
Biking
Take on the terrain, pedal through the poplars, and ride the rocky runs of Marinette County’s new Strong Falls Mountain Bike Trail system. These boulder-strewn singletrack forest trails have something to offer riders of every experience level, whether that be smooth flowing, easy green routes or daring black diamond technical rock features, climbs, or jumps.
Nestled northwest of Crivitz, near Goodman Park and McClintock Park, in the heart of Marinette County’s 230-thousand-acre public forest, this trail system is delightfully remote, but close to pre-existing campgrounds, hiking trails, miles of gravel, ridable forest roads and waterfall viewing opportunities. Phase one of this trail system, completed by IMBA Trail Solutions and Rock Solid, boasts roughly eleven miles of trails.
Strap on your helmets and get your bikes ready, the Strong Falls Mountain Bike Trails are now open.
Quiet Water Horseback Riding
There are many quiet waterways in the Crivitz area that you can relax on. If you want to float down the river in a tube or paddle on a stand up paddle board, you will enjoy our quiet waters. Canoes and kayaks are most common on the flat waters.
Horse riding trails are becoming more and more popular in Marinette County due to the efforts of club riders. One of the newer trails is located on the east end of Lake Noquebay, just 5 miles northeast of the Village of Crivitz. The Clip Clop Trail Riders Club is a non-profit club serving this area. The new trail is nestled in a parcel made up of 3,200 acres of Marinette County Forest Lands. The trail winds through wooded upland areas and some lowlands and is just the right mix of gently rolling hills and level ground. The club secured donations and went to work improving, building and maintaining 20 miles of trails and a campsite area with picnic tables, fire rings and high lines used to tie up horses. A leisurely ride on the trail takes about 6 hours. Horseback riders and the general public are welcome. Hikers are encouraged to use this asset as well. A Marinette County Parks sticker is required if you decide to camp. Donations for trail improvements are accepted but not required. For additional trail information and information on joining the Clip Clop Trail Riders Club, email clipcloptrailriders@gmail.com.
The Crivitz area is not only the Gateway to the North; it is home to picturesque roadways designated as Rustic Roads. Two scenic roadways provide quiet beautiful trips through the local Northwoods.
The first is on the east side of Lake Noquebay; it travels through the wildlife area consisting of over 1,000 acres of county forest property. This road accesses a cross-country ski trail and connects with an even larger body of Marinette County Forest land. Noquebay’s Rustic Road (Right of Way Road) is beautiful and takes only about half an hour.
The second Rustic Road is west of Crivitz and starts south of the Marinette County line. A 10-minute drive west of Crivitz on County Road W will bring you to Parkway Road. Parkway Road (aka County Road I, north of County Road C) is a beautiful roadway that twists and turns along the west side of the Peshtigo River flowages when you are traveling north of County Road W. Several boat landings are accessed off Parkway, and a stop to take in the beauty of the pristine shores of the flowages is highly recommended. Continue your journey north of County Road C, and “rustic” becomes even more evident. North of County Road C, the road turns to a gravel roadway cutting through much of Marinette County’s wilderness forestlands. The Peshtigo River (now on the west side of the road) plays guest to a couple of the county’s most popular parks, Goodman and McClintock. Camping, hiking, biking and access to trailways are along your entire journey. The Parkway Rustic Road can absorb most of a day, depending on how many of the landings, camps and parks you may stop to enjoy.
Whatever your choice, a relaxing drive in the Near North is a great way to enjoy a vacation day.
ERustic Roads Fall Colors
ach fall, where the Dairyland turns to forest, the colors turn into a visual playground that attracts fall visitors looking to see nature’s handiwork. No two autumn scenes are alike. Each year brings a change in favorite tour areas.
You can do a little shopping and have a cup of coffee or a milkshake while you take your own fall colors tour.
ATV/UTV
The Crivitz area features over 400 miles of local trails for the ATV/UTV enthusiasts. Start here and ride trails to any part of the county and beyond.
Take a snaky trail or one of the wide forest ATV/UTV roads. This area is truly an ATV/UTV playground for all levels of riders. New trails and access roads offer access to lodging, dining, stores and campgrounds. We even have ATV/UTV campgrounds that cater to your every riding need.
UTVing is available during the winter months also. Village, town and Marinette county roads are open to ATV/UTVs year-round use unless otherwise posted. Please see requirements and restrictions on www.MarinetteCounty.com
Some of the most beautiful courses in Northeast Wisconsin are within minutes of Crivitz. Lush fairways, top-notch greens, pristine ponds and natural landscaping are just part of the golfing experience in the Crivitz area.
Seventy-two holes within 5 miles of the Village of Crivitz provide the variety and challenges of a favorite Wisconsin sport. The diverse nature of each of our courses will make golfing Crivitz an experience that will keep both the novice and advanced golfer enjoying our area season after season.
Whether you like the wooded setting or the open fairways, the rolling terrain or the flowerbeds, you will surely enjoy the affordable rates.
Where the great northern forests meet America’s Dairyland – this is where abundant wildlife has a chance to roam for miles and miles without coming in contact with people on a regular basis. Numbers of deer, upland game birds and waterfowl are seen regularly as you drive our winding country roads. If you are lucky and have a keen eye, you may get a glance at some of the more cautious wildlife hiding in the forest, like wolves, coyotes, bobcats, bear, and let’s not forget Bigfoot. We have to admit though, most of those reports are made anonymously. Take a short drive to public land. Then go for a walk in the woods with your dog and favorite shotgun, and you can let go of all of the stress that everyday life builds around you. Maybe you prefer sitting quietly in a deer stand waiting for the “king of the mountain” to stroll by. Hunters love our “Gateway to the North.”
Hunting Bird Watching
The Crivitz area – indeed all of Marinette County – is flush with bird watching opportunities. The abundant woods, forests, fields, wetlands, rivers and lakes offer ample places for birders, naturalists and others on ecothemed vacations to see multiple species of songbirds, birds of prey, upland birds, wading birds and waterfowl.
Hawks, osprey and bald eagles rule the skies from above, while perching/songbirds go about their daily business raising their young and filling the air with pretty songs. Our beloved loons are a common sight on the larger lakes and blue herons can be seen stalking the shorelines. Once you see (and hear) a pileated woodpecker, you’ll never forget that one! Nor the sound of a great horned owl during the evening hours.
Spring and fall are migration times, so you’ll see the most birds during those months. Bring the binoculars or spotting scope so you can observe them from a distance without disturbing them, especially during nesting times.
Fishing
By Mike Mladenik
From muskie to panfish, anglers will find ample opportunities in the Crivitz area. Lake Noquebay, encompassing 2,400 acres, offers productive panfishing opportunities year-round. Both bluegill and crappie demonstrate robust growth rates, with high-quality specimens available. During May and June, anglers focus on the shallows, utilizing finesse techniques and light lines to target the more selective larger bluegills. The lake also supports a healthy population of largemouth bass, providing consistent fishing action. Muskie, walleye and northern pike are also present.
The muskie fishery on High Falls Flowage and Caldron Falls Flowage is second to none with 50-inch plus muskies caught annually. While the flowages have historically produced trophy muskies the 50-inch minimum size limit has greatly enhanced the fishery.
If you're in search of a walleye dinner, High Falls Flowage should be your go-to spot. The prime time for walleye action is in May and early June, where walleyes can be found in 10-15 feet of water. A successful strategy involves fishing rocky points and emerging weeds with an orange or chartreuse jig tipped with a minnow. During the summer, focus on deep structures and use leeches or nightcrawlers. As the water temperature drops in fall, large walleyes gather and are eager to strike a red tail chub.
Smallmouth bass have long been a major draw at High Falls Flowage. In the spring, anglers should target the rocky shorelines using soft plastics and topwater baits. While smallmouth tend to hold tight to deep structures in summer, fishing weeds early and late in the day can be highly productive.
Both Caldron Falls Flowage and High Falls Flowage offer excellent largemouth bass fishing opportunities. Anglers can choose to fish the weed beds or focus on the shoreline wood cover for consistent action.
The Crivitz area is a winter wonderland. You can do everything from sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to snowmobiling, ice fishing and hockey. Winter is a beautiful time to explore Crivitz.
There are many ice fishing contests, winter fests, ice boat reggatta, ice bowling, outhouse races and radar run races in the Crivitz area during the winter. For winter event dates go to the calendar of events on www.Crivitz.com or VisitCrivitz.com
Governor Thompson State Park and the State Forest have packed and groomed cross country ski trails to the west of the Crivitz. There are also ski trails on the east end of Lake Noquebay.
The High Falls Dam, Veterans Falls, Dave’s Falls, and Twelve Foot Falls are some of the waterfalls which will remain open to visitors during the winter. The High Falls spillway is viewable from the road. The other three have parking lots that are plowed. Walkways may be a bit tricky, so use caution. But the promise of rushing water skirted by ice and snow can be worth the trip. Passes to the parks can be purchased online at marinettecounty.com.
Snowmobiling
Take a break from the mundane and come on up to Crivitz where endless miles of groomed snowmobile trails beckon you. Your starting point in the Crivitz area will take you and your buddies through thousands of acres of Marinette County forestland, Nicolet National Forest, and the new Peshtigo River State Forest.
There are special events for snowmobile and UTV riders throughout the winter in the Crivitz area, which are located right on the well-groomed trails.
Along the trails, you’ll find everything you need and desire for a great day of trail riding. Trailside services include supper clubs, various lodging options from budget-minded to deluxe condos, traditional Northwoods trail stops and more.
Don’t forget – Crivitz has winter ATV/UTV trails that are also a blast to ride! The trails are maintained by local snowmobile clubs: Iron Snow Shoe west of Crivitz, River Road Riders east of Crivitz, and Near North north of Crivitz.
For trail conditions, contact the Crivitz Recreation Association: 715-854-2101
Business & Service
Every year when Mother Nature so chooses, the northern lights provide natural fireworks in the north woods. The lack of city lights lets our visitors see the lights more clearly than in more populated home fronts. Find the south side of a lake or field and watch the show that is unmatchable by mankind.
Photo Credit: Dan Smeiska
Photo Credit: Jamie Nolan
PHOTO CREDIT: VICKIE GUARISCO
Photo
LODGING
PHOTO CREDIT: VICKIE GUARISCO
The Crivitz-Stephenson Museum focuses its collection on the rich logging, farming and tourism history of our area. The Museum is located one block west of McDonald’s in Crivitz, at the intersection of Oak St. and South Ave., just across from the High School.
A must-see at the museum is the restored logging camp building originally constructed in 1872 on the shores of Lake Noquebay for the Peshtigo River Lumber Co. The building has been lovingly restored and houses a collection of the tools used by the early loggers. An area of interest in the building is a hand carved replica of an early logging camp. Visitors can see how the loggers lived, worked, ate and slept in the early logging camps.
Two other buildings of interest are the Honeymoon Cabin and the Conley Cabin. Both were used by people visiting our area. The Honeymoon Cabin was originally constructed on the island in Lake Noquebay. In 1895 the building was moved to the northwest shore of the lake and was a part of Ahle’s Resort for over 100 years as a cabin for vacationers. The Conley Cabin was located at the intersection of Highways W and 141 (now Gateway Bar and Grill), representing an early motel for travelers to our area.
Our large collection of antique farm equipment lets you see how the early farmers turned the cutover country into productive farmlands. Museum members are currently reconstructing a 1909 dairy barn which will house our collection of antique farm equipment and allow visitors to explore the interior of an early dairy barn.
Inside our museum, browse through our displays showing how people lived in the early days of Crivitz. Look over our collection of Native American artifacts, along with being able to see what an early school room looked like.
