Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Northern Highland – American Legion State Forest this Saturday

The Northern Highland – American Legion (NHAL) State Forest is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors and Northwoods residents alike enjoy hunting, fishing hiking and both motorized and nonmotorized activities on this 236,000-acre property. Indeed, over 3 million visitors take part in all the NHAL has to offer every year.

Established in 1925, this was the first state forest, with Edward Merriam Griffith appointed as the first state forester, originally created to protect the headwaters of the Wisconsin, Manitowish and Flambeau Rivers. All are invited to come to celebrate its centennial and to learn about not only the foresight of early conservationists but also the NHAL’s rich history rooted in forestry management and innovation.

The celebration kicks off at 9 a.m. as exhibits are opened and guests are welcome to the Crystal Lake Day Area in Boulder Junction. At 9:30 a.m. there will be a centennial tree planting ceremony at Crystal Lake beach. 

The Natural Resources Foundation bike tour will head to Boulder Junction at 9:45 a.m. Those interested should register with the Natural Resources Foundation on their website Wisconservation.org.

There will be two family-friends programs, with the first at 10 a.m. titled, “The how, what and where of fishing the NHAL,” presented by area fishing guide Bob Bertch. The second program, “An inside look at Forest Soldiers of the NHAL: A CCC tribute,” will be put on by local author Mary Schueller. Both programs run 45 minutes.

The Boulder Junction Lions Club will hold a fundraiser, serving brats, hot dogs, chips and cookies from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to come hungry and support a good cause. 

Smokey Bear will also make an appearance at the 100th anniversary celebration. He will stop by from noon to 2 p.m. He will be ready to take photos with all who are interested. 

There will be all day activities as well. There will be free bandana stamping and ornament painting, and exhibitors will be on hand to talk with visitors about various types of outdoor recreation as well as the state’s natural resources. Visitors are also encouraged to pick up an NHAL Centennial Bingo Card and start to explore the forest. Prizes will be available for all those who complete a bingo card.

Exhibitors will include Trout Lake Station, snowmobile and ATV clubs, Northwoods Land Trust, North Lakeland Discovery Center, Fort Wilderness, The Forest History Association of Wisconsin, WinMan Trails, Camp Manito-wish and Camp American Legion, Lakeland Area Mountain Biking Association, Clean Boats, Clean Waters, Vilas County, Wisconsin’s Green Fire and more.

A full schedule of events can be found on the DNR website dnr.wi.gov by inputting NHAL 100th anniversary. Make plans to come to the Crystal Lake Day Area at 3237 Crystal Lake Road in Boulder Junction this Saturday. For more information, and to view the entire schedule for the NHAL 100th anniversary celebration, head to the DNR website at dnr.wi.gov and input search term, “NHAL 100th anniversary” into any search box.

Beckie Gaskill may be reached via email at [email protected].