Climb Wooden Steps Into The Clouds On The Mountain Fire Lookout Tower In Wisconsin’s Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

Long before drones, planes, and infrared cameras were used to look for wildfires, fire spotters spent untold hours perched in lonely Wisconsin lookout towers. Some of these old towers still exist, and in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest there’s a tower that’s actually open to adventurous visitors. The Mountain Fire Lookout Tower offers one of Wisconsin’s best forest views, as long as you aren't afraid of heights. Here’s a look from the top of the tower.

The Mountain Fire Lookout Tower has been protecting the forest from fires for a very long time. It was built in 1935 by the U.S. Forest Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps as part of the effort to prevent and manage forest fires in the region.

The tower was taken out of service in 1970, but fortunately, it was not dismantled. It was restored twice, in 1994 and 2015-16. It’s on the National Historic Lookout Register and the National Register of Historic Places.

You’ll climb 132 steps on your journey to the top. It takes some effort, but the stunning views from the top are well worth the effort.

If you're afraid of heights, you may want to stay on the ground. The tower sways in the wind and it stands 100 feet tall. The cab at the top is seven feet square, and as you approach, the tower feels very narrow.

Stay with the climb, and it will take your breath away. The tower is located on a hilltop, and it offers panoramic views of the surrounding forest and countryside.

On a clear day, visitors can see for miles around and enjoy a view that extends to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Learn more about the Mountain Fire Lookout Tower on the Oconto County website. Interested in discovering more hidden (and not so hidden) gems in the Badger State? Be sure to check out some of the other top attractions in Wisconsin.