About Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge
Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge is part of a large coastal wetland complex on the south shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin. The refuge was established in 1999 to protect, restore and manage coastal wetland and spring-fed stream habitat. Restoration of coaster brook trout populations, an anadromous fish native to Lake Superior, is a high priority for the refuge. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service currently owns 304 acres in fee title out of 540 acres authorized along lower Whittlesey Creek and 57 acres of easements out of 1,260 acres authorized in the 12,000-acre Whittlesey Creek watershed. The refuge is located entirely within the Town of Barksdale, Bayfield County.
How to Get There
The refuge is located along Wisconsin State Highway 13, just north of the junction with U.S. Highway 2, in Northern Wisconsin. It is easiest to access the refuge from the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, which is at the intersection of State Highway 13 and U.S. Highway 2. Signs direct travelers to the Center off Highway 2.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/4092) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge?
The refuge is located along Wisconsin State Highway 13, just north of the junction with U.S. Highway 2, in Northern Wisconsin. It is easiest to access the refuge from the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, which is at the intersection of State Highway 13 and U.S. Highway 2. Signs direct travelers to the Center off Highway 2.
How do I contact Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 715-685-9983 or email: whittleseycreek@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
