Enjoy Gibson Island’s Easy Walking Trails

CLINTONVILLE – Easy trail walking for the legs and a pretty sight for the eyes await those venturing on Gibson Island near Clintonville. Formerly private, the 25-acre island is now public and accessible by all via a 270-foot-long boardwalk.

The undeveloped island sits between Grass and Pine lakes off Hwy. Y, about halfway between Clintonville and Shawano. The town of Belle Plaine-owned island offers great views of Cloverleaf Lake.

There is an information kiosk and a walking trail through the woods, over the boardwalk and an isthmus, and then onto the island. The island has several trails totaling more than a mile through pristine woods. The only challenge for hikers is a slight incline.

Access is free and the island is open year-round during daylight hours. But there’s no camping, fires, picnics, alcohol, smoking, pets, horses or motorized vehicles allowed. The other cautionary note is access may be limited during the time eagles are raising their young on the island.

Directions: From Shawano, south on Hwy. 22 about five miles, left on Hwy. Y for a mile, then turn left (east) on Cloverleaf Lake Road. There is a small parking lot about a mile east on Cloverleaf.