Peshtigo River State Forest

Welcome to Wisconsin's beautiful Peshtigo River State forest.

Forest History: This is the newest State Forest in the Wisconsin State Forest system and was established in 2001. In the mid 19th century this area was still wilderness. After the Great Peshtigo Fire of 1871 (same year as the Great Chicago Fire, Coincidence?) a wave of new immigrants flocked to the area to seek adventure and help rebuild from the fire damage. The forests had become worn down from fires and over-logging. The Peshtigo River has more high class rapids than any river in the State of Wisconsin and both recreational enthusiasts and industrialists have taken advantage of this. To this day people still kayak the rivers rapids and the rivers dams help provide cheap and clean electricity to the people of the region. In 2001 the State began to purchase the land from the Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and all purchases were complete by 2004. Come on out and explore.