Brule River History
Brule River History
The Chippewa Native Americans used the Brule River in the past as a main route in transporting wares from the inland to Lake Superior and beyond. Later the fur traders choose the same route which called Winneboujou area in honor of an Indian God.
Daniel Greysolon was the first white man who traveled to the Brule River. In 1693, Pierre Charles LeSueur remained the Brule-St.Croix way open for the traffic in furs and trade goods.
In 1802, George Nelson, who is one of the fur traders, made his first visit to the inside of the Brule. He found that the upper Brule flows through a broad slowly, flat bog. Henry Schoolcraft knew the source of the Mississippi River at Lake Itassca. In 1832, he went down the river and reported that there were 240 district rapids. He also suggested giving an adequate idea of this foaming torrent, as it is necessary to conceive of a river flowing down a pair of stairs 100 miles long. The lower Brule moves very fast with continuous wonderful rapids. The river drops 200 feet an average of 17 feet per mile, in a stretch of 12 miles. Wisconsin was regarded a state in 1848. Native Americans and voyageurs drew wonderful images for the imagination of landscape in their camping on the banks, and splashing through the rapids in canoes. The most interesting thing is that trials and adventures were experienced by those early travelers. Then Wisconsin's statehood became famous and many renowned men visited the Brule. In 1870, General Ulysses S. Grant visited the Brule River and Grover Cleveland in 1880. Senator Irving Lenroot enjoyed his summer home on the Brule for many years. In 1928, President Calvin Coolidge spent this summer at Cedar Island on the Brule River. Coolidge became known as an enthusiastic and skillful fly fisherman by entering to the splendid ponds and useful guides. Herbert Hoover and Dwight Eisenhower also visited the Cedar Island. These visits by many of presidents such as Grant, Coolidge, Hoover, Cleveland, and Eisenhower evaluated for the Brule's designation and named by "River of Presidents".
In our days, Brule River state forest offers a marvelous environment for its visitors.The Brule River State Forest provides exceptional unique opportunities, as it can offer you wildlife viewing, the Bois Brule State Fish Hatchery, five State Natural Areas, eight miles of frontage on Lake Superior, a 16-mile stretch of the North Country National Scenic Trail, and much more. The nature and the history of Brule River State Forest is a remarkable and significant one. It exists in eastern Douglas County in northwestern Wisconsin. It is around 30 miles north to south, with
the whole 44 miles of the Bois Brule River. The Bois Brule River Valley and the uppermost St. Croix River Valley were carved by melt water flowing south from glacial Lake Superior and the surrounding uplands. When the glaciers receded, a divide existed where the Brule and St. Croix rivers flow in two opposite directions. A portage appeared between these two rivers, linking Lake Superior and the Mississippi River watersheds. It was firstly used by the early native people and then by European explorers, traders, trappers and missionaries. People first began to aware that the Brule area is a recreational resource in the mid of 1800s.
Agriculture in the Brule Area
In the 1890s, there were many attempts started to cut the area's pine forests and log dams. Log drives had severe impacts on the Boise Brule River in this period. Then there were extensive logging followed by wildfire and burning to pure the land for agricultural purposes. Most of attempts at agriculture were abandoned. The fledgling forestry program was took place in 1990s. The Civilian Conservation Corps camp at Brule helped in the early fire control and reforestation efforts from 1933 to 1941.
Development of the Brule River State Forest
Although The Brule River State Forest started with a gift of land from Frederick Weyerhaeuser's Nebagamon Lumber Company in 1907, the manager was assigned to the Brule River State Forest and a complete forestry program and recreation facilities began to develop in the late of 1950s. The first forest staff became at the former Gordon State Forest nursery. In 1963, the first forest staff moved its quarters to the Brule Ranger Station. The state forest boundaries have changed over time. in 1959, there was a remarkable changes have been occurred when the boundary was enlarged to include Lake Minnesuing in the southwest, and the river corridor north of US Highway 2 to Lake Superior. Some miles of Lake Superior shoreline were also included to the forest in 1979.
The Bois Brule Area Today
The state forest includes the Bois Brule River entire 44-mile length in our days. The spring fed river moves cold and clear with a stable flow and plunges 420 feet from its source to Lake Superior, causing numerous rapids and ledges. These features provide the
Brule River with its reputation as an excellent coldwater fishery and canoeing stream. Every year more than 120,000 people visit the forest. The most famous five visitors, who served as U.S. president, are Ulysses Grant, Grover Cleveland, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover and Dwight Eisenhower.
ACTIVITES:
Boating:
Most of people like to take a boat and enjoy with their family. And others prefer to take the challenge of an exciting ride through whitewater. The Bois Brule River in northern Wisconsin offers you both of excitements. This unique 44-mile-long river differs from a meandering stream in a conifer bog to a fast-flowing river with several rapids and ledges. The Brule River drops 418 feet in elevation, and plunge 328 feet in the last 19 miles. Canoe Rental is located in Brule rents. This offers many trips and can pick up or drop off people and canoes.
Bicycling:
Actually, The Brule River State Forest has no designated trails for biking; however, it has many trails and roads that are ideal for mountain biking. Cyclists may use any of the hunter walking trails, the Afterhours Trail, the Tri-County Corridor, the Brule-St. Croix Snowmobile Trail and back roads.
Camping:
The Brule River State Forest offers two family campgrounds, the Bois Brule Campground and the Copper Range Campground, in addition to back country camping. Each of them has a wheelchair accessible site, pit toilets, a hand pump for water, fire grates, picnic tables, a canoe landing, benches and hiking opportunities. You will find Bois Brule Campground on one mile south of Highway 2 on Ranger Road; the Bois Brule Campground is a 20-unit campground with 17 pull-in sites and three walk-in sites. This campground is preferred in the summer. A canoe landing is located in the picnic distinct. Visitors can reach The Copper Range Campground by traveling 4.5 miles north of Highway 2 on County Highway H, and then west on Park Road. It is near favorite fishing holes and canoe routes. This campground is popular with anglers in the spring and fall. A canoe landing is located a short distant
from the campground. There is a trail across the bridge that connects to the Historic Bayfield Road Hiking and Snowshoe Trail. Camping within 100 feet of a trail isn't allowed. Be attention that you have to follow all rules and instructions of the place. You should take all of your trash and recyclable items home with you. You may need dead and downed wood for firewood, so don't cut any living trees or underbrush and make sure that your campfire is out when you leave.
Fishing:
The Bois Brule River is regarded one of Wisconsin's most famous and scenic trout streams in the lake state. This returns to its size, highly productive, self-sustaining fishery, and steady flow of cool spring water. It has attracted anglers from every distinct of the world (locally, regionally, and internationally) and serving as a retreat for many of presidents and other dignitaries. In our days, the Bois Brule River is visited by approximately 33,000 fishermen annually.
Horseback Riding
In the Brule River State Forest, horseback riders can enjoy miles of trails. The North Country Trail is for foot traffic only. There is no horses are allowed. Riders should also know that hunters use the trails in the deer season.
There are also many other activities that you can enjoy during your visit to the Brule River area such as Hunting, Picnicking, Water sports, Winter Sports, and hiking. The most remarkable thing there, in Brule River area, is its weather. It has a beautiful one throughout the year during the four seasons.
The Chippewa Native Americans used the Brule River in the past as a main route in transporting wares from the inland to Lake Superior and beyond. Later the fur traders choose the same route which called Winneboujou area in honor of an Indian God.
Daniel Greysolon was the first white man who traveled to the Brule River. In 1693, Pierre Charles LeSueur remained the Brule-St.Croix way open for the traffic in furs and trade goods.
In 1802, George Nelson, who is one of the fur traders, made his first visit to the inside of the Brule. He found that the upper Brule flows through a broad slowly, flat bog. Henry Schoolcraft knew the source of the Mississippi River at Lake Itassca. In 1832, he went down the river and reported that there were 240 district rapids. He also suggested giving an adequate idea of this foaming torrent, as it is necessary to conceive of a river flowing down a pair of stairs 100 miles long. The lower Brule moves very fast with continuous wonderful rapids. The river drops 200 feet an average of 17 feet per mile, in a stretch of 12 miles. Wisconsin was regarded a state in 1848. Native Americans and voyageurs drew wonderful images for the imagination of landscape in their camping on the banks, and splashing through the rapids in canoes. The most interesting thing is that trials and adventures were experienced by those early travelers. Then Wisconsin's statehood became famous and many renowned men visited the Brule. In 1870, General Ulysses S. Grant visited the Brule River and Grover Cleveland in 1880. Senator Irving Lenroot enjoyed his summer home on the Brule for many years. In 1928, President Calvin Coolidge spent this summer at Cedar Island on the Brule River. Coolidge became known as an enthusiastic and skillful fly fisherman by entering to the splendid ponds and useful guides. Herbert Hoover and Dwight Eisenhower also visited the Cedar Island. These visits by many of presidents such as Grant, Coolidge, Hoover, Cleveland, and Eisenhower evaluated for the Brule's designation and named by "River of Presidents".
In our days, Brule River state forest offers a marvelous environment for its visitors.The Brule River State Forest provides exceptional unique opportunities, as it can offer you wildlife viewing, the Bois Brule State Fish Hatchery, five State Natural Areas, eight miles of frontage on Lake Superior, a 16-mile stretch of the North Country National Scenic Trail, and much more. The nature and the history of Brule River State Forest is a remarkable and significant one. It exists in eastern Douglas County in northwestern Wisconsin. It is around 30 miles north to south, with
the whole 44 miles of the Bois Brule River. The Bois Brule River Valley and the uppermost St. Croix River Valley were carved by melt water flowing south from glacial Lake Superior and the surrounding uplands. When the glaciers receded, a divide existed where the Brule and St. Croix rivers flow in two opposite directions. A portage appeared between these two rivers, linking Lake Superior and the Mississippi River watersheds. It was firstly used by the early native people and then by European explorers, traders, trappers and missionaries. People first began to aware that the Brule area is a recreational resource in the mid of 1800s.
Agriculture in the Brule Area
In the 1890s, there were many attempts started to cut the area's pine forests and log dams. Log drives had severe impacts on the Boise Brule River in this period. Then there were extensive logging followed by wildfire and burning to pure the land for agricultural purposes. Most of attempts at agriculture were abandoned. The fledgling forestry program was took place in 1990s. The Civilian Conservation Corps camp at Brule helped in the early fire control and reforestation efforts from 1933 to 1941.
Development of the Brule River State Forest
Although The Brule River State Forest started with a gift of land from Frederick Weyerhaeuser's Nebagamon Lumber Company in 1907, the manager was assigned to the Brule River State Forest and a complete forestry program and recreation facilities began to develop in the late of 1950s. The first forest staff became at the former Gordon State Forest nursery. In 1963, the first forest staff moved its quarters to the Brule Ranger Station. The state forest boundaries have changed over time. in 1959, there was a remarkable changes have been occurred when the boundary was enlarged to include Lake Minnesuing in the southwest, and the river corridor north of US Highway 2 to Lake Superior. Some miles of Lake Superior shoreline were also included to the forest in 1979.
The Bois Brule Area Today
The state forest includes the Bois Brule River entire 44-mile length in our days. The spring fed river moves cold and clear with a stable flow and plunges 420 feet from its source to Lake Superior, causing numerous rapids and ledges. These features provide the
Brule River with its reputation as an excellent coldwater fishery and canoeing stream. Every year more than 120,000 people visit the forest. The most famous five visitors, who served as U.S. president, are Ulysses Grant, Grover Cleveland, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover and Dwight Eisenhower.
ACTIVITES:
Boating:
Most of people like to take a boat and enjoy with their family. And others prefer to take the challenge of an exciting ride through whitewater. The Bois Brule River in northern Wisconsin offers you both of excitements. This unique 44-mile-long river differs from a meandering stream in a conifer bog to a fast-flowing river with several rapids and ledges. The Brule River drops 418 feet in elevation, and plunge 328 feet in the last 19 miles. Canoe Rental is located in Brule rents. This offers many trips and can pick up or drop off people and canoes.
Bicycling:
Actually, The Brule River State Forest has no designated trails for biking; however, it has many trails and roads that are ideal for mountain biking. Cyclists may use any of the hunter walking trails, the Afterhours Trail, the Tri-County Corridor, the Brule-St. Croix Snowmobile Trail and back roads.
Camping:
The Brule River State Forest offers two family campgrounds, the Bois Brule Campground and the Copper Range Campground, in addition to back country camping. Each of them has a wheelchair accessible site, pit toilets, a hand pump for water, fire grates, picnic tables, a canoe landing, benches and hiking opportunities. You will find Bois Brule Campground on one mile south of Highway 2 on Ranger Road; the Bois Brule Campground is a 20-unit campground with 17 pull-in sites and three walk-in sites. This campground is preferred in the summer. A canoe landing is located in the picnic distinct. Visitors can reach The Copper Range Campground by traveling 4.5 miles north of Highway 2 on County Highway H, and then west on Park Road. It is near favorite fishing holes and canoe routes. This campground is popular with anglers in the spring and fall. A canoe landing is located a short distant
from the campground. There is a trail across the bridge that connects to the Historic Bayfield Road Hiking and Snowshoe Trail. Camping within 100 feet of a trail isn't allowed. Be attention that you have to follow all rules and instructions of the place. You should take all of your trash and recyclable items home with you. You may need dead and downed wood for firewood, so don't cut any living trees or underbrush and make sure that your campfire is out when you leave.
Fishing:
The Bois Brule River is regarded one of Wisconsin's most famous and scenic trout streams in the lake state. This returns to its size, highly productive, self-sustaining fishery, and steady flow of cool spring water. It has attracted anglers from every distinct of the world (locally, regionally, and internationally) and serving as a retreat for many of presidents and other dignitaries. In our days, the Bois Brule River is visited by approximately 33,000 fishermen annually.
Horseback Riding
In the Brule River State Forest, horseback riders can enjoy miles of trails. The North Country Trail is for foot traffic only. There is no horses are allowed. Riders should also know that hunters use the trails in the deer season.
There are also many other activities that you can enjoy during your visit to the Brule River area such as Hunting, Picnicking, Water sports, Winter Sports, and hiking. The most remarkable thing there, in Brule River area, is its weather. It has a beautiful one throughout the year during the four seasons.