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Douglas County Forestry Department 9182 East Hughes Ave., PO Box 211 Solon Springs, WI 54873 Lucius Woods County Park Play. Enjoy. Relax. Come discover a better place to be… Park Address 9231 East Marion Avenue, Solon Springs, Wisconsin 54873 Getting There Located 1 mile east of Highway 53 at the County Highway A turn off in the Village of Solon Springs. Take County Highway A east for 7/10ths of a mile, turn right (south) on Business 53 and take it for ¼ mile, turn left (east) on Marion Avenue across from the Dairy Queen and take it across the railroad tracks where you’ll see the park entrance on the left (north) side of the road. Nearest Municipality: Village of Solon Springs Location NW¼ of the SW¼ Section 25, Township 45 North – Range 12 West, Village of Solon Springs, Douglas County, Wisconsin Longitude: 91° 49' 8.7175" W Latitude: 46° 20' 57.2077" N Driving distance from regional metropolitan areas: Chicago, IL – 435 miles Des Moines, IA – 395 miles Duluth, MN – 37 miles Eau Claire, WI – 120 miles Milwaukee, WI – 360 miles Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN – 150 miles Wausau, WI – 200 miles Park Size 45 acres Park Hours The park is open to the public daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., 365 days a year. Registered campers are excluded from these hours. Off-Season During the off-season when the campground is closed (from one week after Labor Day to two Fridays before Memorial Day) the main access road is gated and the park is minimally maintained. Restrooms, shower facility, dump station, pavilion shelter, and amphitheater are closed, no electrical service, no garbage disposal or trash collection, and no snow removal in the park or along the service road is provided. Park Admission Day-use admission to the park is free. Camping rates are included in the “Seasonal Camping” section. The lake offers anglers tremendous fishing opportunities for those looking for both action and size. The Upper St. Croix boasts an excellent walleye and northern pike fishery, decent populations of largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, and good numbers of bluegills, crappies, pumpkinseeds, and perch along with the occasional muskellunge and sturgeon. The lake also has bullheads, suckers, and carp. It is most well known for its northern pike, walleye, bluegill, and crappie fishing both during the summer and winter months. Although the lake’s shoreline is fairly heavily developed with homes and seasonal cabins, it retains its wilderness- type atmosphere with much of the shoreline also thickly forested. The Upper St. Croix is also very popular with recreational sport boaters, pontooners’, water skiers, tubers, and personal watercraft enthusiasts. Its open waters and shoreline scenery provide plenty of room for carving the surface with skis, pulling the kids on a tube, sightseeing all the cabins and homes, or wave jumping on a jet ski. To best avoid some of this recreational boating pressure, anglers should target during the week or early/ late in the day to fish whenever possible. Fishing and Boating The long and narrow 855 acre Upper St. Croix Lake serves as the headwaters of the St. Croix River. Some 14 small inlets bring cool water into the depths of the lake, which has a mean depth of 13 feet and maximum depth of 22 feet. The bottom type is primarily sand and gravel, with lesser amounts of rock and muck. Aquatic vegetation is moderate, consisting mostly of pondweed, coontail, and bulrushes along portions of the 9.4 miles of shoreline and in the shallower northern and southern ends. The lake also contains a few bottom obstructions in the form of stumps and rock piles. Boaters should exercise caution when traveling through unknown areas and keep speeds down until they become more familiar with any of these submersed hazards. For shore anglers, the park offers ample fishing access outside of the swimming area along the lower lawn close to the outlet of Park Creek. The “point” as it is commonly called, can offer some great fishing opportunities depending on the time of year. Anglers should use caution if wading in this area as the lake bottom sharply drops off not far from shore. In addition to the lake, the St. Croix River which starts at the outlet on the south end of the lake offers anglers added fishing opportunities. The stretch between the lake and the St. Croix Flowage in Gordon, WI is just over 8 miles in length and is ideal for canoeists and kayakers looking for northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and panfish. The river is relatively shallow here so use by larger boats should be avoided. Unlike the lake, this stretch of river is developed very little and offers a more solitary wilderness experience in a true picturesque northwoods setting. Anglers must be sure to comply with all State of Wisconsin fishing laws and rules. For additional Upper St. Croix Lake and Upper St. Croix River fishing informa- tion, a WDNR lake map, or to check for any fish consumption advisories please check the WDNR website at www.dnr.wi.gov or contact the WDNR Northern Region Office, 810 West Maple Street, Spooner, WI 54801 or (715) 635-2101. Boat Launch Although not located in the park or managed by the County, several improved public boat launches are available for lake access. The public launch closet to the park is located approximately ¾ mile away at the St. Croix Inn, 11390 South 5th Street, Solon Springs, Wisconsin 54873. Other public launches are also located off County Highway A in the northeast end of the lake, off Beach Avenue on the western shoreline, and a few other private landings along the western shoreline. Park visitors can also access the park via the lake and leave boats temporarily beached by the lower lawn area outside of the swimming area. Registered campers can leave boats overnight, beached, tied, or anchored to the shoreline in this same area. Visitors and campers should be aware that any unattended boat is left at the owner’s own risk. Music in the Park Music in the Park is a summer concert series hosted at the park’s amphitheater by the Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center. The scenic beauty of the park sets the tone for a relaxing and memorable outdoor musical experience. A different line-up of professional, family-oriented artists are selected annually to create an eclectic blend of genres that satisfies large diverse audiences. Performances are scheduled every Saturday evening from late-June through mid-August. For schedules, tickets, or additional information, please visit www.lwmusic.org or contact Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center, Inc., PO Box 295, Solon Springs, WI 54873, (715) 378-4272, or [EMAIL REDACTED] Canoeing and Kayaking The outlet at the southern end of the lake serves as the headwaters of the St. Croix River and offers canoeists and kayakers many opportunities for paddling its scenic stretches. The 8 mile stretch between Upper St. Croix Lake and the St. Croix Flowage is largely undeveloped in the upper reaches and more heavily developed in the lower. This stretch offers paddlers peaceful solitude and beautiful northwoods scenery. After a 7 mile journey across the St. Croix Flowage, paddlers have to take out at the dam in Gordon Dam County Park but can put back in immediately This next 200 plus mile section of the river is designated as a National Scenic Riverway and offers many additional paddling opportunities. Paddlers who would prefer to stay close to the park can also enjoy paddling the shoreline of Upper St. Croix Lake. For maps and additional information on the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, please visit www.nps.gov or contact: • National Park Service, St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, River Visitor Center, Highway 63, Trego, WI 54888 or (715) 635-8346. • National Park Service, St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, Riverway Headquarters, 401 North Hamilton Street, Saint Croix Falls, WI 54024 or (715) 483-2274. Village of Solon Springs Nestled along the shoreline of Upper St. Croix Lake amongst beautiful towering pines that extend to doorsteps and street corners, the Village of Solon Springs is a small friendly community with its own northwoods charm. The park lies in the heart of the Village and the main street and downtown area is only a short walk or drive away. These areas are the perfect places to spend time exploring art galleries, quaint gift shops, or simply relaxing over a hot cup of coffee or tea. Village offerings include a post office, grocery market, gift shops, bank, community center, laundry mat, historical museum, hardware store, children’s fishing pond, restaurants and taverns, and the well known Dairy Queen. Whether returning for many years, or a first-time visitor, all park guests will enjoy everything that Solon Springs has to offer. Wildlife Visitors and campers can expect to see native wildlife during their stay at the park. While some critters will pass through the park, others call it home and have become accustomed to human activity. Species that are commonly observed in the park include white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbits, raccoons, red fox, skunks, squirrels, chipmunks, woodpeckers, and many species of song birds. Bald eagles, ospreys, loons, seagulls, great blue herons, turtles, and waterfowl such as Canadian geese and several species of ducks are all common to the lake. Occasionally a black bear will pass through park grounds and mink, otters, and fishers have all been observed from time to time. Mornings and evenings are typically the best time of day to catch a glimpse of active wildlife. Users are reminded to not feed wildlife and keep garbage picked up and disposed of properly. For the more dedicated wildlife viewer, the Douglas County Forest lands in the area as well as the Douglas County Wildlife Management Area (Bird Sanctuary) contain tens of thousands of acres of wild and rugged lands that provide a variety of exceptional wildlife habitats. For further information on Douglas County Forest lands, please visit www.douglascountywi.org or contact the Forestry Department. For further information on the Douglas County Wildlife Management Area, please contact the WDNR Douglas County Wildlife Management Area Property Manager at WDNR Service Center, 1401 Tower Avenue, Superior, WI 54880 or (715) 395-6912. Enjoy wildlife from a distance. KEEP THEM HEALTHY. Please don’t feed them. 5 10 15 5 10 15 5 10 15 5 10 15 15 10 20 19 19 20 22' Max 19 Lucius Woods County Park Solon Springs St Croix Creek Railroad Street Ossman Road Fire Lane Road Marion Ave. Nelson Ave. A A Jackson Drive Engstad Road A Boulder Drive P Crowhart Island BUSINESS 53 BUSINESS 53 Lord Road Bunch Road Stone Road Brancel Road Road A r c hery Club A Main Street Ash Ave. Elm Ave. 5th Street Balsam Ave. Beach Ave. Walnut Avenue Lenroot Ave. Baldwin Ave. Jackpine Ave. Hillside Street Valley Park Ave. Hoffman Drive Park Creek Leo Creek St. Croix River Gla d y s Dr i v e Safety First Remember you are responsible for your own safety. Camping and other outdoor recreation activities have inherent risks and you may encounter a variety of unexpected and/or dan- gerous conditions. It is your responsibility to be informed and take necessary precautions. Please report any safety hazards to the County Forestry Department (715) 378-2219. Minimize Your Impact To help make everyone’s camping stay or park visit safe and enjoyable, as well as protect the park and its natural beauty, please observe all park rules and regulations. Protect future enjoyment of the park by leaving it better than you found it. Your behavior and the actions you take affect others. Help maintain a family friendly atmosphere for all park visitors. Reporting Violations At times, careless and inconsiderate individuals perform acts that can result in damage to park resources, threaten public safety, and disrupt park experiences of others. These be- haviors deprive law-abiding users of park experiences and opportunities and can jeopard- ize future park use privileges for all users. Diligent park users reporting illegal activities has increased the effectiveness of the County’s ability to protect park resources and user experiences. With your help, we can best protect park resources and user experiences by targeting those individuals who have no regard for the law. Together we can keep our parks friendly and beautiful. Trails for Hiking Using you legs and feet is a great way to get out and explore the scenic park grounds and nearby areas. The North Country National Scenic Hiking Trail meanders its way through the park alongside Park Creek for approximately ½ mile and offers hikers a great opportunity to experience first hand an old growth forest ecosystem. The trail continues beyond the park boundaries to the north and south for many miles offering additional opportunities for experiencing varied terrain, scenic vistas and peaceful solitude. Located just under 5 miles to the north of the park, the Brule Bog Boardwalk is a 2.3 mile premier trail segment that contains 3,500 feet of elevated boardwalk traversing through seasonally cool stands of cedar and spruce. Located 3 miles to the south of the park, the trail enters the Douglas County Wildlife Management Area (Bird Sanctuary) where hikers can enjoy an open pine barrens landscape. When completed, the 4,600 mile trail will be the longest continuous hiking trail in the United States linking communities from New York to North Dakota, traversing seven states in-between. Wisconsin has the highest percentage of completed trail and Douglas County contains several premier segments. Regardless of your experience level or physical conditioning, something for everyone can be found along the North Country Trail. For trail maps and additional information, please visit www.nps.gov or or contact: National Park Service, North Country Trail, 700 Rayovac Drive, Suite 100 Madison, WI 53711 or (608) 441-5610. North Country Trail Association, 229 East Main Street, Lowell, MI 49331 or (866) 445-3628. In addition to the North Country Trail, the park also contains several other trails that serve as hiking trails and provide additional opportunities for foot travel. Biting Insects Warm spring and summer weather in the park can often bring with it a variety of sucking or biting insects such as ticks, biting flies, gnats, noseeums, and mosquitoes. Dawn and dusk are peak mosquito and noseeums times, but flies, ticks, and gnats are active throughout the day. During peak population periods, cover up with light, long-sleeved clothing and wear a hat or cap to reduce exposed skin. Applying insect repellent to exposed skin or clothing will provide added protection and can help make time spent outdoors more enjoyable during these periods. Ticks & Lyme Disease The black-legged (or deer) tick can be found at the park and within the region. This insect can carry a bacterium which causes Lyme disease. Lyme disease can cause serious health problems if left untreated. To ensure that your risk of infection is minimized, make sure you and your pet remain on maintained surface areas and stay away from long grasses and other vegetation. In addition, examine your clothing and body after spending time outdoors. An infected tick can transmit Lyme disease if not removed from your skin within 24 to 48 hours. The park and other outdoor recreational areas which carry the risk of this disease continued to be frequently enjoyed by many people each year. Play it safe when visiting the park and any other outdoor area by simply using common sense. The black-legged (or deer) tick that can carry the bacterium which causes Lyme disease is NOT to be confused with the more common American dog tick (or wood tick). For additional information on Lyme disease, please contact your local Health and Human Services Department, local Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) office, or your healthcare provider. Get tick smart…know the bug, know the bite, know what to do. Mosquito Deer Fly / Horse Fly Tick Please let wild animals remain wild. Feeding of wildlife and waterfowl (ducks & geese) can result in harm to both animals and people. Animals that depend on handouts become a nuisance to park visitors and a danger to themselves. If you care about animals, please don’t feed them… allow them to remain wild in their natural habitats. STAY CONNECTED WITH DOUGLAS COUNTY FORESTRY USE YOUR SMART PHONE TO SCAN THIS QR CODE Park safety is everyone’s responsibility. TuRN IN VIOLATORS: (715) 394-4432 Report all violations: (715) 394-4432 DCF-LWP-2011 This guide is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a complete listing of all related park information. Information, including rules and regulations contained in this brochure were current at the time of printing only. To be sure this is the most current brochure version available, please visit www.douglascountywi.org or contact the Forestry Department. New versions may or may not be printed annually. If you would like specific information on the most current regulations and laws, see Douglas County Land Recreation Ordinance #7.2 available at www.douglascountywi.org or by contacting the Forestry Department. For Wisconsin state laws go to www.legis.state.wi.us Douglas County FOREST At over 278,000 acres, the Douglas County Forest is the largest and one of the finest County Forests in the State of Wisconsin. With hundreds of miles of well-groomed recreational trails, over 100 pristine lakes to fish, swim, and boat, and vast acreages of wild forest land open to all sorts of outdoor recreational experiences, it’s no surprise that the County Forest is one of the true gems of Douglas County. Big woods, clean water, and spectacular wildlife… adventure starts here! The County Forest is the NORTHWOODS at its best! Beach Area What better way to cool off on a hot summer day than to take a swim in the cool waters of Upper St. Croix Lake. The park offers a popular sandy beach area along the lower lawn complete with a roped off swimming area. The swimming area’s gentle sand bottom gradient is well suited for easy access and provides an excellent wading opportunity for small children. Deeper water for more experienced swimmers can be found towards the outer edges. NO LIFEGUARDS ARE PROVIDED at any time and all individuals should swim at their own risk. Glass containers or pets are not allowed on the beach or within the swimming area at any time. The beach area is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. when the campground is open (from two Fridays before Memorial Day to one week after Labor Day). The lower restroom facility can be used as a bath house for clothing changes. Although not recommended, swimming is also available along other areas of the shoreline adjacent to the lower lawn. Individuals who choose to enter the water in any of these other areas should exercise caution with unknown hazards and boating traffic. NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY Never swim alone! Never let children swim unattended! Upper St. Croix Lake More to See and Do Unique Douglas County attractions include: Fairlawn Mansion, Fairlawn Gardens, S.S. Meteor Maritime Museum, A World of Accordions Museum and Harrington ARTS Center, Douglas County Historical Society, Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center, Gordon-Wascott Historical Museum & Depot, Solon Springs Historical Museum, Barker’s Island Marina, Osaugie Waterfront Trail, Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center, Superior Speedway, Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds, Superior/Duluth twinports area, several golf courses, numerous restaurants and taverns, and many businesses offering a multitude of shopping opportunities. Unique Duluth, Minnesota attractions include: Canal Park, Aerial Lift Bridge, Art in the Alley, Duluth Art Institute, Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, Duluth Playhouse Theater, Glensheen Mansion, Great Lake Aquarium, Lakewalk, Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, Lake Superior Zoo, Leaf Erickson Park, Proctor Speedway, North Shore Scenic Drive, Scenic Railroad, Park Point, Tweed Museum of Art, SS William A. Irvin Museum, and the Vista Fleet. Nearby Douglas County Park campgrounds include: Gordon Dam County Park and Mooney Dam County Park. Nearby day-use Douglas County Parks include: Bass Lake County Park, Long Lake County Park, Anna Gene County Park, Lake Minnesuing County Park, and Park Creek Pond County Park. Other nearby parks and recreational areas include: Pattison State Park, Amnicon Falls State Park, Bois Brule River, Brule River State Forest & State Fish Hatchery, City of Superior Parks, Douglas County Forest, and the Douglas County Wildlife Management Area. Contact the Superior-Douglas County Chamber of Commerce for further information at (715) 394-7716 or tollfree at (800) 942-5313 or visit www.superiorchamber.org. Douglas County communities include:Towns of Amnicon, Bennett, Brule, Cloverland, Dairyland, Gordon, Hawthorne, Highland, Lakeside, Maple, Oakland, Parkland, Solon Springs, Summit, Superior, and Wascott; Villages of Lake Nebagamon, Oliver, Poplar, Solon Springs, and Superior; and the City of Superior. Driving distance to other communities in the area: Barnes, WI – 20 miles Danbury, WI – 47 miles Gordon, WI – 7 miles Hayward, WI – 40 miles Hinckley, MN – 75 miles Minong, WI – 18 miles Spooner, WI – 38 miles Superior, WI – 32 miles Wascott, WI – 13 miles RECYCLE Please place metal, glass, and paper products in the Park’s recycling stations. Come for the music and stay for the magic! Violations can be reported 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by: • Calling the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department at (715) 394-4432 • Calling the Douglas County Forestry Department at (715) 378-2219 • Emailing a report to [EMAIL REDACTED] • Visiting the Forestry Department office headquarters at 9182 East Hughes Avenue, Solon Springs, WI 54873. All violations can be reported anonymously. For all emergencies requiring immediate attention dial 911. Penalties If you are found to be in violation of County Ordinance, you can face civil penalty. Civil ci- tations start at $150 and range up to $500. Fines for second or subsequent violations may be increased. In addition, restitution for any damages you cause may be pursued by civil action in circuit court. The County holds the authority to immediately revoke park use privileges of any individual from the County park system on a temporary or permanent basis if deemed ap- propriate and/or necessary. Security Limited law enforcement patrol is provided by Douglas County Sheriff’s Department per- sonnel depending on the day and time. More frequent patrol is provided by the daily park attendants. Round the clock patrol within the park is not currently provided. Please be sure to secure all valuables before leaving your vehicle or campsite unattended. ---PAGE BREAK--- these containers. The parks recycling program is one of the ways Douglas County is working towards encouraging residents and visitors to recycle where they live, work and play. All park users are encouraged to recycle. Recycle today for a better park tomorrow. Motor vehicles and bicycles Be sure to keep all motorized vehicles, bicycles, and trailers on paved or designated travel/parking areas. Use of skateboards, rollerblades, and push scooters is permitted on paved or designated travel areas only. Please contact the Forestry Department to inquire on the rules and regulations for other types of transportation devices. Operating a motor vehicle or bicycle off paved or designated travel areas is prohibited! Remember to SLOW DOWN for safety. ATVs, UTVs, Dirt Bikes, and Other Similar Vehicles Operation of any off-highway vehicle, including all-terrain vehicles (ATV), utility-terrain vehicles (UTV), motor bikes (dirt bike), mopeds, mini-bikes, motorized scooters, specialized four-wheel drive units, tractors, dune buggies, go-carts, golf carts, and other similar vehicle types is PROHIBITED in the park. These types of vehicles can be stored in the park at your site but cannot be operated. Designated Summer ATV trails are available nearby to the park. However ATV’s CANNOT be operated in the park. They can be stored at your site but MUST BE transported to the trail system with a trailer or other method. ATV use is prohibited. Looking for a place to relax and take in the peaceful serenity of the northwoods? The Douglas County Forestry Department welcomes you to visit Lucius Woods County Park nestled amongst the sandy shores of Upper St. Croix Lake. Located in the heart of Douglas County in the Village of Solon Springs, the park is the ideal location to enjoy the modern conveniences of a commercialized area, yet secluded enough to experience true northwoods splendor. Let the sweet smells of our clean air and water surround you. Host a birthday party, wedding, picnic outing, reunion or other special event at the pavilion. Experience the perfect blend and ambience of nature and music together in harmony during a summer concert at the amphitheater. Fish the rich waters of Upper St. Croix Lake. Wake up to the sight of a deer quietly walking through the morning’s misty air and fall asleep to the call of the loon under starlit skies above. Come to a place where you’ll experience a way of life that is refreshing and exciting, yet restful and rewarding. Lucius Woods County Park is your starting point of adventure! We look forward to your visit! A Natural Legacy — Douglas County Parks provide a natural legacy of outdoor activities and recreation. They are an important part of the Forestry Department’s efforts to promote and pass on a strong conservation ethic to the generations of today and tomorrow. These efforts help ensure that the best of Douglas County’s natural resources will be sustainably managed and available for future generations to enjoy. During your visit… Please remember that you are sharing this space with plants, animals, campers, and other park visitors. Please thoroughly review the information contained in this brochure to help enhance your enjoyment and to further assist with the preservation and protection of your County Park. The land that is home to Lucius Woods County Park is located on the west side of Upper St. Croix Lake along the historical Portage Trail used by Frenchman Daniel Greysolon, Sieur Du Lhut in 1680 who is the namesake of Duluth, Minnesota, as he made his way from Lake Superior via the Bois Brule River and the St. Croix River eventually making it all the way to the Mississippi River. This Portage Trail became a major route for the fur trade. It was also traveled by the well known French explorers James Marquette and Louis Jolliet who were the first Europeans to follow the full course of the Mississippi River. hundreds of people inhabited the enormous log fort. Its main feature was the large hall where traders, trappers, and explorers met to discuss business and exchange stories. At mealtime, the long dining tables were laden with many foods including venison, fish, corn, potatoes, wild rice, maple sugar and syrup. Tea, milk, and wine were served as beverages. The French met on friendly terms with powerful Native American Chiefs and it was the Native American people’s contributions of food, medicine, and clothing that helped make survival possible at the fort. A map completed by Thomas Jefferys in 1762 indicated “Fort St. Croix” as destroyed. An English flag flew over ruins of the once great fort. In 1836, the area became part of the Wisconsin Territory and was known as Nabagamon which meant, “overnight stop”. Later, the area was called “White Birch” because of the many White Birch trees along the lakeshore. The trees provided bark for canoes as well as many household utensils. In 1896, the name of the area was once again changed. This time to Solon Springs, in honor of Thomas F. Solon who built a water bottling company at the south end of the lake. He sold sparkling spring water that was shipped all over the United States via the Omaha Railroad. Native American tribes continued to use the area and the Portage Trail as late as 1900, while on their annual trek to and from Washburn Wisconsin, located on the shore of Lake Superior, where they received their annual stipend from the government. It was there they buried their dead and it was because of this that the area then became a part of Wisconsin’s own “Trail of Tears”. The land that holds today’s park was originally owned by the former Omaha Railroad. The property was then purchased from the railroad by a group from Eau Claire, WI who operated a hunting and fishing retreat until the site was purchased by Nick Lucius and three other parties in 1891. Several years later, Nick Lucius and P.E. Waterbury bought the other two owners out. During the Lucius- Waterbury partnership, ten cabins were constructed on the property and tourists from southern Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois moved their families up to Solon Springs by train to stay for several weeks or the entire summer. In 1945, Mr. Lucius bought out Mr. Waterbury and continued to operate the park for day-use and camping. In 1950, Mr. Lucius sold the property to the State of Wisconsin for purposes of establishing a State Park. The State further developed the site and operated it as a State Park offering camping and other outdoor recreation opportunities. In 1990, the State deeded the property to Douglas County and the park was officially named Lucius Woods County Park in recognition of Mr. Lucius for his efforts in conserving the virgin growth woods, which has resulted in the beautiful park setting of today. Unfortunately, many of these towering white and red (Norway) pines have been damaged or destroyed due to wind storms over the course of the last 2 decades. Reforestation efforts have been successful and the remaining virgin pines serve as wonderful reminders of the past where the entire park was once sheltered by their towering beauty. Culture & Park History Early voyagers navigating rapids on the St. Croix Bateau Shelter Amphitheater Pavilion Bath House Picnic Area Pump House Picnic Area Volleyball Court Horshoe Pits Self-Registration Building Open Picnic Shelter Main Entrance Tool Shed Firewood Sanitary Dump Station Woods Woods Woods Restroom/Shower ATV / Snowmobile Trail 5 4 3 2 1 24 23 22 20 19 18 17 15 7 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 21 Douglas County Forestry Department Headquarters CAMPGROUND Upper St. Croix Lake Swimming Beach Shore Fishing Playground Equipment St. Croix Inn Boat Launch Seasonal Campsites: Campsite locations are numbered. Campsites with electricity are circled. 1 Park Creek Pond Children’s Fishing Pond 4 RV Campsites (no electricity) Picnic Area Lucius Woods County Park North Country Hiking Trail Nort h Cou ntry H ik ing Trail Wal k ing Trail No rt h C o un try Hik ing T rail Handic a p Ac cess Road Railroad Street Business US Highway 53 30 minutes to Superior, WI Marion Avenue Main Street 2nd St. 3rd St. 4th St. 5th St. Superior St. Nelson Dr. Lakeside St. 1 Campground offerings include: • 13 drive-in electrical sites with 20-amp service (sites are located in both shaded and open areas). • 11 drive-in non-electrical sites (sites are located in both shaded and open areas). • Gravel parking, picnic table, bench, garbage can, and fire ring provided at all sites. • 2 gender specific restroom facilities are provided with flush toilets and running water sinks. • Shower house facility with hot water. • Sanitary dump station. The following are NOT available: • No individual site water or sewer hookups. • No garbage dumpster. • No pull through sites. • No tent or camper pads. • No paved or concrete parking aprons. • No group sites. Rates • $15.00 per night non-electric site up to 5 persons $1.00 per night for each additional person above • $18.00 per night electric site $1.00 per night for each additional person above • $5.00 per use sanitary dump station for non-registered campers (no charge for registered campers). NOTE: Rates are subject to change. You can find up-to-date information by visiting www.douglascountywi.org or contacting the Forestry Department. Registration • All sites are on a first-come, first-served self-registration basis, NO reservations are taken. • All campers must register at the park when they arrive. Registrations CANNOT be taken in advance or over the phone. • Registration slips and the deposit box are located at the park entrance building (see map). No advance registration. To self-register: 1. Pick up a self-registration camping permit at the main entrance building (see map). 2. Completely fill out the form and carefully remove the top slip copy and clip it to any untagged site number post. DO NOT set up on any campsite before paying. Please BE SURE a site is open by making sure no registration slip is filled out and clipped to the site post. 3. Immediately return to the entrance building and place your full payment (cash or check) in the envelope portion of the permit and deposit it into the deposit box. Credit cards are NOT an accepted method of payment. • Campers CANNOT prepay and/or register for a site in advance of arriving at the park. • Upon arrival, campers can choose to pay day-by-day rather than all at one time. • A site is not considered “taken” until a registration slip is filled out and clipped to the site post and payment has been deposited. There are no requirements for occupying a site for it to be considered “taken”. • In the event you plan to register and pay for a site prior to locating your tent, camping unit, or other belongings on the site, please be sure to inform one of the park attendants. Once paid, no refunds will be issued. While camping it is prohibited to: • camp anywhere other than at a designated campsite. • occupy a campsite without paying the registration fee and displaying an appropriate camping permit. • camp with more than 8 non-family members per site (number of immediate family members per site is not limited). • camp at any single site for more than 10 consecutive nights. • place, occupy or use more than 1 camping unit (tent, trailer, camper, RV, or other similar type of shelter) per site. Visitors Visitors (non-registered campers) are welcome in the park and campground daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Quiet hours and noise Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily. Creating excessive noise, causing a disturbance, or use of any device including but not limited to radios, televisions, generators, etc. that can be heard from a distance of more than 20 feet is prohibited during this time frame. Please be considerate of your fellow campers. Campfires Fires are only allowed in the metal fire rings or grills provided or in a self provided container specifically designed to contain a fire. Keep campfires small and burn only wood and clean paper. Gas and propane camp stoves and grills are permitted. Never leave fires or coals unattended. Fires must be extinguished completely before leaving the campsite/park or retiring for the evening. Firewood is available in the park during the summer months for a fee (see “Firewood” section). Firewood Cutting live or dead standing trees is prohibited. You are allowed to gather wood in the immediate area of your site that is “DEAD AND DOWN” for your fire; however, available dead and down wood is typically scarce. You should consider purchasing locally harvested firewood (see the Firewood Advisory). Pre-cut firewood sold for $3.00 per bundle and delivered to your site is available by contacting one of the park attendants. There are also several local businesses that sell bundled campfire wood in the immediate area as well. Help keep pests out. Don't bring firewood in! Water The upper restroom/shower house facility offers water through a drinking fountain and a spigot (spicket). This water is potable (approved for drinking) and can be used to fill water tanks on camping units or containers that can be stored at your site. No water hookups available at any individual sites. Please be familiar with the following campground rules and regulations: Seasonal Camping Campground is open annually from two Fridays before Memorial Day to one week after Labor Day. Food storage and wildlife DO NOT attract wildlife! Keep a clean camp. This is Bear Country! Deer, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, skunks, and a variety of birds are also year-round campground residents. Store your food, pet food, cooking utensils, and scented items (toiletries, insect repellent, etc.) in your hard-sided vehicle or in a secure food storage container. These items should remain stored when not in use. Keep garbage picked up and disposed of in the designated receptacles located in the park (be sure to securely close lids). Remember, feeding wildlife is strongly discouraged and harassing wildlife is illegal! Sanitation Littering or disposing of garbage anywhere other than in the designated receptacles located in the park is prohibited. Each site is provided its own garbage can and on-site trash collection is provided daily during the summer camping season. Please keep garbage picked up. Discarding garbage or waste that was generated outside the park is prohibited. A sanitary dump station for trailers and other recreational vehicles is provided for disposal of stored sewage and wastewater (black and gray). Use of the dump station is at no charge for registered campers and on a fee basis for all non- registered campers. Shower facilities are provided with heated water in a shower house. Portable showers are also permitted at campsites. No laundry facilities are offered however nearby facilities are available in the Village of Solon Springs. Two restrooms (upper and lower) are available with flush toilets and running water sinks. Both facilities are handicapped accessible. The upper restroom is open 24/7 when the campground is open. The lower restroom is open daily when the campground is open from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Help keep the park beautiful. Recycling 3 recycling stations are provided to properly dispose of metal, glass, and paper products. Stations are located in the campground, beach area, and pavilion. Be sure to review important information posted at these stations before depositing items and please keep all non-recyclables out of Pets Pets are permitted in the park and campground. Pets in the beach area are prohibited, including leashed pets. When outside of a vehicle or camping unit, all pets must be on leashes. Please clean up all pet waste and deposit into designated garbage receptacles. Store pet food in vehicle or camping unit when not in use. Pick up after your pet. Horses Riding horses or having horses or other types of livestock in the park is prohibited. Alcoholic beverages Alcoholic beverages are permitted at designated sites and picnic areas. Public intoxication, underaged drinking and/or disorderly conduct will not be tolerated. Keep alcohol away from minors. Fireworks and firearms The use or possession of fireworks is prohibited in the park. The use or possession of any non-cased or loaded firearm, including rifle, shotgun, pistol, BB gun, pellet gun, air gun, CO2 gun, paintball gun, slingshot, or nocked bow and arrow, crossbow, or spear gun is prohibited in the park. Hunting and trapping Hunting and trapping activities are prohibited in the park. Picnic and Play Areas Numerous picnic areas, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and a children’s play area can be found in the park for day visitors and campers to enjoy. Picnic areas are located on the lower lawn by the beach area, on the upper lawn by the amphitheater, and along some of the parking areas. These areas offer picnic tables, cooking grills, and garbage cans. See the “Picnic and Event Gathering Facilities” section for further information on the open picnic shelters and the pavilion facility. The sand volleyball court has a net installed and is located across the road from the Bateau Shelter. The horseshoe pits have stakes installed and are located adjacent to the volleyball court. Both the volleyball court and horseshoe pits are available to all park visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. No volleyballs, horseshoes, or other equipment is provided. The children’s play area offers swings and playground equipment next to the beach area and lower restrooms. All of these picnic and play areas offer pleasant places for relaxing and spending time with family and friends while taking in all the sights and smells of the magnificent northwoods. Within the park it is prohibited to: • litter. • transport any garbage or trash that was not produced in the park to the park and dispose of it. • damage or deface any park feature, facility, or property. • post any sign, advertisement, or other informational media. • engage in any activity which is prohibited by sign or notice. • locate or operate a non-registered or non- licensed vehicle or trailer. • be in the park during closed hours or season (excluding registered campers). • not clean up after a pet. • ride or possess any livestock. • harass or kill any wildlife or allow a pet to do the same. • cut or mar any plants or trees. • excavate or trench soil resources. • construct or establish a trail or pathway. Respect the area by not trenching or putting nails in trees! Additional Park Rules & Regulations Firewood Advisory Firewood may contain non-native insects and plant diseases. Bringing firewood into the park from other areas may accidentally spread pest insects and diseases that threaten park resources and the health of our forests. Campers should use firewood purchased at the park that was harvested locally. Do not leave firewood for the next camper and do not transport it out of the park—BURN IT! Why is not moving firewood important? moth, emerald ash borer and oak wilt are examples of invasive species and diseases that have killed millions of trees in Wisconsin and nearby states. Others, such as Asian longhorned beetle and sirex woodwasp, also pose threats to the health of Wisconsin’s trees and forests. It is illegal to bring firewood from out of State into Douglas County Parks and if it’s from a quarantined area, you could also be violating a Federal law. DON’T MOVE FIREWOOD Park Use Privileges Douglas County appreciates your cooperation and compliance with all park regulations. These regulations promote a friendly family atmosphere that is enjoyable for you and other visitors. Visitors who do not comply may be subject to appropriate civil citations and/or a loss of park use privileges. Douglas County Sheriff’s Department (715) 394-4432 Douglas County Forestry Department (715) 378-2219 You are at Lucius Woods County Park, Fire #9231 East Marion Avenue, Solon Springs, Wisconsin 54873. Medical facilities are located in Superior, WI; Hayward, WI; and Spooner, WI. Cellular phone service may not be guaranteed. The nearest public pay phone is 1/3 mile away at Ole’s Country Foods Grocery Market on the north side of Main Street in downtown Solon Springs. EMERGENCY INFORMATION Dial 911for emergencies Douglas County Forestry Department 9182 East Hughes Avenue, P.O. Box 211 • Solon Springs, WI 54873 Phone (715) 378-2219 • Fax (715) 378-2807 [EMAIL REDACTED] The information in this brochure applies only to Douglas County Parks. Individuals are asked to contact appropriate land owners for park and outdoor recreation policies on all lands under other public ownerships. State of Wisconsin DNR General Information 936-7463 State of Wisconsin DNR Pattison State 399-3111 State of Wisconsin DNR Amnicon Falls State 398-3000 State of Wisconsin DNR Brule River State 372-5678 City of Superior Parks and Recreation Department 395-7270 Douglas County Wildlife Management 395-6912 National Park 483-2274 Join us in the parks. The Forestry Department offers competitive seasonal employment opportunities in the County Park system. Job applications are typically due by the end of March annually. Please contact the Forestry Department for further information. If working outdoors and being part of a high-spirited and enthusiastic team sounds attractive to you…then you just might be who we are looking for! Have feedback? Contact us. The Forestry Department is committed to making all Douglas County Parks a safe, fun, and pleasurable experience for all who visit. It's through the valuable information provided by patrons, residents and visitors alike, that our park system continues to grow, change and improve its programs and services. If you would like to offer any comments and/or suggestions on ways we can make the park better or how much you enjoyed your visit, please contact us (see contact information below). Donations. In addition to annual budget funding for the cost of daily operations and special projects, monetary donations are graciously accepted and also provide important financial support for the park. Park visitors can give cash or check gifts by depositing them in the secure donation box located in the park or by mailing to the Forestry Department. Funds will be used for visitor services and safety, education programs, and projects that protect natural and cultural park resources. Thank you for any interest in supporting your County Park! FOR ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS BROCHURE, please contact the Douglas County Forestry Department. Photos courtesy of Katherine Khalar. © 2011, Douglas County Forestry Department. All rights reserved. PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER DCF-LWP-2011 Leaving a Good Impression Listed at the right are seven simple things, but they can go a long way toward making the park enjoyable and safe for all of those who use it. They will protect our park resources and improve park experiences for all users. Following these simple guidelines, called the 7C’s, will reduce the need for more stringent regulations and help retain a fun, family friendly atmosphere for everybody. Please be considerate and pass it on. Responsible behavior is ethical behavior…help spread the word! Report all violations: (715) 394-4432 CARE Care about how you camp by being considerate of others in the park. CAUTION Use caution in the use of all camping and recreational equipment. Handle fire and inflammable fuels so as not to endanger yourself or others. COURTESY Practice politeness to enhance the park experience for all users. Respect the privacy of others, control your children, leash and pick up after your pets. Never be so sensitive to others as you are while camping or visiting the park. CLEANLINESS Be clean in your camping habits and teach your children the importance of cleanliness. Pick up litter no matter who left it and be proud of the campsite or area you leave be- hind. COOPERATION Observe the letter and spirit of park regulations and the rules established to protect everyone’s enjoyment of the park. Work cooperatively with others to make the park better for everyone. CONSERVATION Protect the environment in which all users enjoy the park and help those whose job it is to guard and wisely man- age the park. Leave a better park for those who follow. COMMON SENSE Apply common sense and good judgment to every situa- tion, by doing so you will make the park experience better for yourself and all others. Frequently Asked Questions For more information about the Douglas County Park System or the Douglas County Forest please visit www.douglascountywi.org/forestry or contact the Forestry Department at: ATV use in the park is PROHIBITED You MAY NOT operate an ATV or any other off-highway vehicle in the park at any time for any purpose. See the “ATVs, UTVs, Dirt Bikes, & Other Similar Vehicles” section for further information. These early French explorers built huge birch bark canoes, 40 feet in length, 3 feet deep and 5 feet wide. They were capable of floating 4 tons of supplies and yet could be carried by only four men over the difficult portages. Each canoe carried a crew of eight men. In 1683 a voyageur named La Salle reported Du Luth had ascended the Bois Brule River and after a short portage went down the St. Croix where he passed forty leagues of rapids. On this trip the French explorer claimed the area’s vast, unknown wilderness empire for Louis XIV, the King of France and built a fur trading post and called it “Fort St. Croix”. This name was first printed on Jean-Baptiste Franqulein’s map in 1688. Du Luth began to barter and trade with the Chippewa and Sioux tribes. Many Tourists swimming in the St. Croix Native American birch bark canoe Chippewa village Fur Traders The following facilities are available annually when the campground is open, from two Fridays before Memorial Day to one week after Labor Day. Picnic and Event Gathering Facilities Offerings include: • Amphitheater structure • Enclosed pavilion structure • 2 open picnic shelters Pavillion Rental Rates: • $75.00 per day for 0 to 50 people. • $125.00 per day for 51 to 100 people. • $175.00 per day for 101+ people. Amphitheater & Pavillion Rental Rates: • $125.00 per day for 0 to 50 people. • $225.00 per day for 51 to 100 people. • $325.00 per day for 101+ people. NOTE: Rates are subject to change. You can find up-to-date information by visiting www.douglascountywi.org or contacting the Forestry Department. Pavillion Constructed of rustic logs and timbers with a large stone fireplace, the pavilion is located next to the amphitheater and main park lawn. It can hold up to 100 people and offers plenty of space to host family activities and special events come rain or shine. The structure is available during the summer months on a rental fee basis and includes a refrigerator/freezer, picnic tables, and restrooms with flush toilets and running water sinks. Advanced reservations for any given calendar year are accepted beginning January 2nd of that year. Rental fees are due at the time of placing the reservation. Reservations can be made by contacting the Forestry Department at (715) 378-2219, [EMAIL REDACTED], or visiting the Department office. Amphitheater The main focus of the Music in the Park summer concert series, the amphitheater is located next to the pavilion and lower parking area above the lake. The acoustically designed, open-air structure is constructed from native red pine logs lined with beautiful tongue-and- groove tamarack paneling providing for optimal acoustic experiences. All wood products used to construct the structure were harvested locally from the Douglas County Forest and showcase the significance of trees and the role they play as Douglas County’s number one renewable natural resource. The structure is available during the summer months on a rental fee basis and includes access to electrical power outlets and chairs for seating. It does NOT include any sound equipment or specialized concert lighting. Advanced reservations for any given calendar year are accepted beginning January 2nd of that year. Rental of the amphitheater includes rental of the adjacent pavilion structure. The amphitheater CANNOT be rented alone, without the pavilion. Rental fees are due at the time of placing the reservation. Reservations can be made by contacting the Forestry Department at (715) 378-2219, [EMAIL REDACTED], or visiting the Department office. Open Picnic Shelters The Bateau Shelter is a large open air picnic shelter complete with grill and picnic tables that is located close to the main road in the center of the park. Another smaller open air picnic shelter complete with picnic tables is located on the main lawn area close to the pavilion. Both shelters are available to all park visitors on a first-come, first- served basis. NO advance reservations are available. The shelters are considered “taken” when they are being actively used. Placing objects or materials in a shelter in advance to “hold” it with no individual present is prohibited. Furthermore, having an individual present without actually using the shelter to “hold it” in advance is prohibited. Q What are the camping fees for the campground? A As of the 2011 camping season, $15.00 per night for non-electric sites and $18.00 per night for electric sites. You can always check current rates by visiting www.douglascountywi.org/forestry. Q Our family is thinking of planning a camping vacation to the park. We have a large RV and pull behind camper trailer that we would like to bring with us. What services do you offer for these types of camping devices? A The park has 13 drive-in sites with 20-amp electrical service hookups. No individual sewer hookups or water hookups are available. A centrally located sanitary dump station is provided on a fee basis. Water is available via a spigot (spicket) at the upper restroom facility that can be used to fill water tanks. Q I’m from outside of the area and would like to plan a week long camping vacation at Lucius Woods County Park this summer. Can I reserve the site I want ahead of time? A No. Advanced reservations are not available for any site at any time of the year. You would have to self-register at the park upon your arrival meaning that the specific site you want may or may not be available. Arriving during the week, Monday through Thursday, would be your best chance at finding the site you want open. Fridays and weekends, especially Holiday weekends, are typically the busiest times with the most site occupancy. Q My family and I don’t plan on camping until Friday afternoon. Can I visit the campground earlier in the week and pay for the site each day from that day up until Friday when we plan on camping to ensure that we get the specific site that we want for the weekend? A Yes. You have occupancy rights to that site as long as a registration slip is filled out and clipped to the site post and payment has been made for each day prior to your arrival. You do not have to place any camping item at the site during the week as a requirement to “occupy” the site even through you will not be there until Friday. However, you are encouraged to place something at the site as a clear indicator that it is occupied other than only the registra- tion slip clipped to the site post. You are also encouraged to inform one of the park atten- dants of your plans so they are aware as well. If the site has been paid for each prior day and a registration slip properly filled out and posted, the site is yours when you arrive on Friday. Q I arrived Sunday morning and am planning on staying in the campground for the week but did not get the specific site that I wanted. Is there anything I can do to get on a waiting list to have initial occupancy rights if it opens up? A No. The best thing to do is to only pay and register for your current site on a day-by-day basis (do not register and pay for the whole week) and monitor the site that you would like to have. If the current occupants leave, you can self-register for that site and move to it without having to go back and correct previous registration slips. Q The site that I paid for and had my registration slip clipped to the site post for was taken by another camper who is not willing to move. Who can I contact to report the problem? A Please call the Forestry Department at (715) 378-2219 and ask to speak with the Parks Supervisor who will investigate the issue and resolve the dispute. Q My friends and I are planning a camping trip to the park and would like to bring our ATV’s with us to ride the Douglas County Forest Summer ATV Trail System during our stay. Can we bring our ATV’s into the park and ride them directly from our site to the ATV trail in the park? A No. Operation of any off-highway vehicle (including ATV’s, UTV’s, dirt bikes, mopeds, mini-bikes, motorized scooters, tractors, dune buggies, go-carts, golf carts, and other similar types of vehicles) is prohibited in the park at any time for any purpose (excluding individuals riding on the Summer ATV Trail). You could store your ATV’s in the park at your site on trailers or in truck beds but they cannot be operated. You would have to transport them out of the park to the trail system via trailer or other method. Q Does the park offer a swimming area for my kids to cool off and enjoy? A Yes. The park offers a sandy public beach with designated swimming area closeby to a picnic and children’s play areas. A restroom that can be used as a bath house for clothing changes is also available. No lifeguards are on duty. Q Friends, family and I are going to be spending the 4th of July Holiday weekend camping at the park. Can we bring and ignite fireworks in the park to join in the Holiday celebration? A No. The use or possession of fireworks or any other similar type of device is prohibited in the park at any time for any purpose. Individuals found possessing or igniting fireworks anywhere in the park will be cited accordingly. Access for people with disabilities If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the Forestry Department before you plan to visit.