Area Attractions and Activities
 
Black River Country Cottages are located in the Village of Hatfield on Lake Arbutus. The Lake covers about 835 acres. The lake was founded in the early 1900’s by a dam impoundment on the Black River for a hydroelectric facility. Along its nine miles of shoreline, the lake has six public boat landings. Lake Arbutus produces walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, crappie and bass. The Black River, feeding the lake and below the dam, has catfish as well. There are several nearby trout streams.

The Hatfield area boast excellent hunting and trails for snowmobile’s and ATV’s.

A stay at the Black River Country Cottages provides you with the convenience of being within walking distance of all the activity, yet our cottages offer solitude and the feel of seclusion at the end of your day.

Other Area Activities

Boating

Water skiing, jet skiing, pontoon boat cruises and relaxing boat rides are the most popular activities on Lake Arbutus and the upper Black River flowage.  The upper Black River flowage combines a beautiful unspoiled shoreline with natural serenity.  You may even catch a glimpse of a bald eagle or a whitetail deer.

Canoeing / Kayaking

Jackson County has some of the finest streams and rivers in Wisconsin.  With few rapids, the Black River is an excellent river for family canoeing.  The river is dotted with sand bars, ideal for camping and sun bathing.  All along the Black River access points are conveniently located, from Hatfield all the way to the  Mississippi River.  You can plan a two-hour trip or a five day excursion.  Our creeks can offer a more challenging experience for the seasoned canoeist and kayaker.  Halls Creek, Morrison Creek, the East Fork and the Black River and Robinson Creek provide thrilling rapids and stunning scenery.  When you plan your trip be sure to call for the latest water conditions.

ATV & Motorcycle Trails

The  Jackson County Forest and Black River State Forest provide approximately 100 miles of trails.  One can go from Millston north to Lake Arbutus at Hatfield and from Black River Falls east to Pray.  Trails are clearly marked and adjoin private lands.  Please stay on designated lands.  No off-trail riding is allowed in Jackson County.

Parking Lots are provided for trail access at the following areas:

• Highway 12, west of Millston
• Junction County Highway O and North Settlement Road, east of Millston
• Highway 54 East of Black River Falls
• West Clay School Road near East Arbutus Campground
• Ott Trail parking lot on Airport Road east of Black River Falls
• Crawford Hills and East Arbutus Campground

Fishing

Jackson County features lakes and streams to accommodate a variety of fishing all year around.  The Black River is well known for musky, walleye and smallmouth bass.  Excellent summer and winter fishing can be found in both Lake Arbutus and the upper Black River Falls flowages located throughout Jackson County providing excellent fishing opportunities.  Merlin Lambert County Park provides boat access to flowages that hold large numbers of pan fish, northern pike, muskie, and bass. If you like to fish for trout, our county has many gentle trout streams that hide feisty brook, rainbow and brown trout beneath the tranquil surfaces.

Please refer to the county map for the location of some of the lakes listed below.  Frequently, people need more help finding a particular lake.  There are a number of maps available with varying levels of detail.  Although the DNR has some lake maps available at Madison and district offices, the DNR does not routinely print or stock lake maps for public distribution.  If you wish to inquire about the avaiability of maps from the DNR, you may call (608) 266-2621.  A more complete set of maps are available and can be purchased for about $2.00 each, plus tax and handling charges, from The Clarkston Map Company in Kaukauna, Wisconsin at (920) 766-3000.

Hiking

Jackson County and the Black River State Forest offers many opportunities for hikers.  There are over 100 miles or more of hiking trails across Jackson County for your enjoyment.

Breathtaking scenery and wildlife are abundant in Jackson County for the nature lover.

For more information about hiking in the area, please call the Black River Chamber of Commerce for more details, and you may also want to view our hiking trail map of the Black River State Forest where Cross-Country Skiers, Mountain Bikers and Hikers alike enjoy our trail areas.

Hunting

With approximately 200,000 acres of public lands and a bountiful supply of deer, it is not surprising that Jackson County is known as the "Deer Capital of Wisconsin."  The Jackson County Forest and Black River State Forest provide a perfect habitat for deer, ruffed grouse, squirrel and wild turkey.  Dike 17 and the Black River bottoms provide excellent waterfowl hunting for ducks and geese.
 
Be a responsible hunter and know whose land your are hunting, and always get permission of the owner before hunting on private land.
 
Horseback Riding

The Black River State Forest provides 35 miles of horse trails through rustic pine and oak forest.  The trailhead, near the East Fork Campground, is located in a twelve-site campground developed specifically for horse riders.

There are also two locations in the Black River Falls Area who offers Trail Riding.  Wilderness Pursuit is located outside of Neillsville contact them at 715-743-4484 or toll free at 877-896-4221.  M&M Ranch & Outfitters they are located outside of Sparta and their phone number is:  608-486-2722.

Mountain Biking

The off-road biker will find unique trail opportunities in Jackson County.  The Black River State Forest has 34 miles of designated mountain bike trails.  Trailheads can be found at Castle Mound and Pigeon Creek campgrounds and at the Smrekar and Wildcat cross-country ski trail parking lots.  Our trails take you through scenic pine and oak forests with terrain that will challenge you at every level.  Our Forestry and Parks Department has developed the Wazee recreational area which currently provides nine miles of mountain bike trail.  This trail follows the old Jackson county iron mine sites and provides breathtaking vistas of Eastern Jackson County.

Besides the designated trails, the Black River State Forest and Jackson County Forest have several hundred miles of forest and old logging roads which are open to mountain bike travel and will give you a one-of-a-kind off-road experience.

Cross Country Skiing

The Black River State Forest has 25 miles of the finest cross-country ski trails in Wisconsin.  The trails are groomed for skaters and traditional skiers and provide a variety of skill levels, from beginner to expert.  Forested, hilly terrain offering splendid scenic views is combined with stretches of level landscape.  Two candlelight ski events are offered each year.

Jackson County's Wazee Park now provides 11 miles of ungroomed cross-country ski trails, just east of Black River Falls.  The trails give the skier a beautiful view of Wazee Lake.

Snowmobiling

Jackson County has over 300 miles of groomed snowmobile trails which connect to 500 miles of trails in surrounding counties.  connections can be made to every trail in the state.  Our trails offer the unique experience of varied terrain.  On the west side of the county the trails wind through forest and agricultural land.  the rolling landscape is quite steep in places, which is characteristic of the Coulee country of Western Jackson County and certainly adds to the challenge.  In eastern Jackson county the trails meander through heavily wooded areas and a gentler, more level grade.  choose your path; the scenery is excellent and you will be sure to find well maintained trails which are groomed frequently, including weekends.

Scuba Diving

Wazee Campground and Recreation Area, the former site of an iron mine, Wazee Lake attracts scuba divers due to its clarity. 15 miles of hiking/biking trails may give visitors a glimpse of two endangered species that inhabit the park: the timber wolf and the Karner Blue butterfly. 12 campsites, drinking water, boating (no motors), hiking, scuba diving. Fee or park sticker required.

For more info call: 715) 284-8475
Directions: Exit # 116. Hwy 54 East 6 miles. Turn South on Brockway Road for 4 miles.