Wisconsin’s Last Climbable Fire Tower
Mountain Fire Lookout Tower is the only remaining fire tower in Wisconsin that is open to the general public. The 132-step climb to reach the cab is worth it for the breathtaking view from the top. Atop the tower is the 7-by-7 foot cab which provides 1,380 feet above sea level and 100 feet above ground vista of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
A History Worth Climbing For
In the 1930’s the Civilian Conservation Corps set out to create a network of fire towers to help protect the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The Mountain Fire Lookout was one of 19 towers built in the mid-1930s. The towers and the crew that staffed them served as the first line of defense in the battle against wildfires.
These towers were used for nearly 35 years in the fight against wildfires. At 10:30 am on April 25, 1970, the last wildfire was called in from this tower. A brief call to the Lakewood Ranger District office. After that these towers were made obsolete by the introduction of aerial surveillance as a method to detect forest fires.
Luckily, the Mountain Fire Lookout Tower survives. It was re-purposed as a radio relay from 1977 to 1992. Since then is has been refurbished a few times and remains the only surviving fire tower in Wisconsin that the public can climb. This tower was the first looking tower in Wisconsin to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places (41st in the Country).
What to Expect on the Climb
The 132-step climb to the top is on an open staircase, so be prepared for some exposure to wind and the elements. Most visitors in reasonable physical condition will find the climb manageable, though those with a fear of heights may want to think twice. Closed-toe shoes are recommended, and a light jacket is a good idea even in summer, it gets noticeably windier as you ascend.
There is no admission fee to visit, though donations are accepted and help support the tower’s upkeep. Dogs are welcome on leash, making it a great stop on a Northwoods road trip with your four-legged travel companion.
Making a Day of It: What’s Nearby
Mountain Fire Lookout Tower pairs well with a broader Northwoods day trip. Just a few miles away, Chute Pond County Park offers swimming, fishing, and camping along a scenic flowage, a perfect wind-down after the climb. The Lakewood area has several supper clubs worth stopping at for a Friday fish fry or a classic Wisconsin dinner. Maiden Lake is another nearby option if you’re looking to add a paddle or a picnic to the day.
Plan Your Visit to Mountain Fire Lookout
It is open 8 am to sunset daily from May 1 through November 1. The tower sits 2.5 miles north of Mountain, WI, putting it within easy reach of both Wausau and Green Bay for a day trip.
