The Main Campus    ~   Dory's Bog   ~   Accommodations Retreats & Rentals   ~   Schools & Scouts The Wildlife Sanctuary Nestled in the wooded, glacial hills of Washburn County, Hunt Hill is one of northern Wisconsin’s most beautiful natural areas.  Hunt Hill is located in the heart of the north country in northwestern Wisconsin and is 120 miles northeast of Minneapolis.  Situated on 500 acres of majestic forests, meadow, bogs and pristine glacial lakes, our Nature Center and Audubon Sanctuary offers an ideal setting in which to experience the world of nature.  Here, nestled among rolling hills and sparkling lakes, the possibilities for a learning adventure are endless. Find yourself amid gentle rolling hills, clear glacial lakes and spectacular wildflowers. Awaken to the sounds of the lakeshore as nesting loons, osprey and sandhill cranes begin their day. Fall asleep to the chorus of frogs.  The undisturbed aquatic and terrestrial communities support osprey, bald eagle, loon, beaver, otter and fascinating plants such as the carnivorous pitcher plant and sundew.  Miles of hiking trails and 3 clear glacial lakes make the possibilities for outdoor adventure endless.

Situated on 500 acres of forests, meadows, and pristine glacial lakes, our Nature Center and Audubon Sanctuary offers an ideal setting in which to experience the world of nature.  Here, nestled among rolling hills and sparkling lakes in Northwestern Wisconsin, the possibilities for outdoor adventure are endless.  Northern bogs, 150 year old oaks and clear, cool water provide a spectacular backdrop for your visit. 

The summer season always finds Hunt Hill alive with wildlife.  Paddle quietly through our calm waters while you search the shores for our nesting osprey and loon, or the concealed lodges of beaver and elusive otter.  Hike our trails and boardwalks to discover the world of carnivorous plants on our floating bog or the varieties of wildflowers in our prairie.

Hike the trails, cross over on one of the two footbridges, take a rest on one of the many Leopold benches, and enjoy the serenity of the prairie, lakeshore, deep woods, or bog.  On the prairie you can stop at the platform and visit our outdoor classroom.  Miles of hiking trails and three clear glacial lakes make the possibilities for outdoor adventure endless.  To the left is part of a 10-foot-long Chicken Polypore mushroom that bloomed in August 2007 on a downed oak tree on our Red Oak Trail.  All hiking trails are open to the public dawn to dusk year round and are free.  Download a PDF of Hunt Hill's Hiking Trail map here.

For more than 30 years Hunt Hill has been home to quality programs for adults, families and children.  We help develop a sense of self-esteem, community, and connection to nature.   Our hands-on approach to learning encourages the spirit of discovery and exploration.  People open their senses to the beauty and wonder of nature as they learn to canoe, camp, study nature and hike in the great outdoors.  Participants enjoy fine accommodations that include double-occupancy rooms, hot showers and a dining hall famous for wholesome meals. 

Dory's Bog

"The Story of Dory’s Bog"
Bits and pieces of this story have been related to me by several Friends of Hunt Hill since I arrived as the new Executive director in 2002.  Much of the written history of Hunt Hill and the Audubon Camp of Wisconsin was lost or destroyed in the early ‘90’s, about the time of the transition to the Friends of Hunt Hill.  So, with apologies for any possible misstatement of the truth, I have promised to tell this story in our newsletter for everyone to enjoy.  (If corrections or new facts arise, I promise to share those as well.)

“Dory” is Dory Kummer Vallier, from the Milwaukee area, who came to the Audubon Camp of Wisconsin at Hunt Hill many years ago - probably in the 1960’s.  Dory had family ties to the famous Schlitz family of Milwaukee.  The story goes that while at Hunt Hill she met, fell in love with, and later married Jacque Vallier who at that time was the director of the Audubon Camp of Wisconsin.

Dory later (in 1963) gifted the 35 acre area now known as Dory’s bog to the National Audubon Society as part of the Hunt Hill property.  In 1974 it was dedicated by the Wisconsin Scientific Areas Preservation Council as State Scientific Area #116.  The original acreage did not provide complete protection of the entire bog, so efforts were made to acquire approximately 40 additional acres surrounding the entire bog: and that has since been accomplished through efforts of the Friends of Hunt Hill.

North sphagnum bogs are not swamps.  They don’t smell, thanks to the acidity from the sphagnum moss.

Dory’s Bog has been the subject of several research projects (plant survey, bird survey, and a master’s degree study of nutrient use by black spruce and tamarack), as well as bog hikes by adult and youth campers at Hunt Hill to observe the unique lessons of a bog.  Of special interest to visitors have been the rose pogonia, grass pink, arethusa, and pink lady’s slipper orchids, the pitcher and sundew insectivorous plants, the cranberries, the tamaracks; and, of course, the sphagnum moss that makes everything else possible with its acid production.

In 2005, the long absent black terns were once again seen skimming the waters of the “eye” of Dory’s Bog!

So, Dory is still alive, and in her 90’s in Milwaukee.  She is still a member of the Friends of Hunt Hill, as are many of her family. We cherish the gift she made so many years ago and shared with so many since.

The Accommodations at Hunt Hill

• Long Dorm—Sleeps 36.  Seventeen rooms, fifteen of which sleep two and two of which sleep four (all single beds).  Rooms 1 and 3, 2 and 4, 5 and 7, and 6 and 8 are connecting rooms.  There are two washrooms (men and women) in Long Dorm. 
• Cross Dorm—Sleeps 41.  Four wings which sleep 6, 7, 10 and 12, and three rooms that sleep two each.  There are two washrooms (men and women) and a lounge area.
• Square Dorm—Sleeps 8.  One large room, no washroom facilities.
• Separate showerhouse with additional toilets and sinks in addition to showers.  There is a handicapped accessible toilet and shower. 
• Dining Hall sits 75. 
• Library/Lodge sits 85.  There is a fireplace. 
• Barn loft meeting room sits 75.
• Programming classroom area sits 150.  There is a wood stove in this building.
• Linens are available at extra charge.

Please note:  Facilities at Hunt Hill are not winterized at this time.

Hunt Hill is a wonderful place for a retreat for individuals, families, reunions, weddings, school trips, scouting activities, and other events!  With 501 acres and miles of trails, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

You are welcome to provide all programming or arrangements can be made for Hunt Hill staff to teach classes, lead hikes, and assist with waterfront activities.  Canoes and swimming are available and a pontoon boat can be rented to transport your participants around Hunt Hill’s Twin Lakes. 

• Four indoor meeting areas are available:  the dining hall (sits 75), the barn loft (sits 75), the library/lodge (sits 85 and has a fireplace), and the programming classroom (sits 150). 
• Two dorms can lodge your participants with double occupancy available in most rooms.
• Meals can be provided by renting the kitchen or hiring Hunt Hill's staff.

Hunt Hill’s peaceful setting and comfortable lodge and dining facility provide the perfect setting for groups to meet and relax.  Many clubs, churches, businesses, scouts and families have gathered at Hunt Hill throughout the years.

Please note:  Facilities at Hunt Hill are not winterized at this time.

Schools

Join us this year in our outdoor classroom nestled in the wooded glacial hills of northwestern Wisconsin.  Our classroom is 500 acres of ancient forests, tamarack bogs, glacial lakes and rolling meadows.  It is a unique laboratory for students of all ages.

Our diverse habitats and miles of hiking trails provide the perfect setting for students to immerse themselves in hands-on studies of the environment.

We offer day and residential programs throughout the spring and fall, as well as special summer programs.  Our divers habitats, classroom space and staff provide an excellent day or residential program for all grade levels.

Scouts and Clubs

Rent Historic Log Cabins

Historic Frances Andrews Cabin Rental

The two historic Andrews’ family cabins are now renovated and available for use by families or small groups interested in spending some quality time at Hunt Hill.  Experience the original Hunt Hill much as Frances herself did.

The original Andrews’ cabin, built in 1917, and the Log Cabin, built later in the 1930’s, both feature hand made construction, hardwood floors, stone fireplaces with original cooking cranes still in use, handmade windows and doors, forged hinges and latches, square nails, some of the original antique beds and chairs, the original wood stoves in storage in each cabin; as well as some modern improvements like inside bathrooms, running water, stoves and refrigerators, electricity, some dishes/pots/pans, and a fresh scrubbing inside and out.  Firewood for the fireplaces is also provided at n/c.  The Andrews Cabin is three season only, with no water or inside bathroom facilities usable after October 1st.  The Log Cabin is fully winterized and has a furnace and water all year-round. 

Available to members and non-members on a “first-come/first-served” basis, space is limited and a 25% refundable deposit (up to two weeks prior to your scheduled stay) is required to confirm your reservation.  Ideally, there is room for 4-6 in each cabin with the beds and sleeper couches.  Additional room is possible for more to sleep on the floor or out in the screened porches.

Canoeing, Hiking, and Swimming

Other facilities or programs are only available as scheduled and booked in advance—canoe use at no extra charge is only allowed for adults, or family members with an adult present, as required by state recreational/educational camp codes.

Swimming is never allowed unless a lifeguard is present.  Additional charges for lifeguard apply and must be arranged well in advance for scheduling for guard to come out to the camp from Rice Lake or Spooner.  If a member of your group is currently certified as a lifeguard, please provide us a copy of their certification and there will be no extra charge.

Hunt Hill has 10 miles of hiking trails available for hiking, snowshoeing or cross country skiing.  Bird and wildflower lists available.

Costs

• Nightly cost base rates begin at $100 per night (or $80 per night for members) for anyone or any group up to 6 people per cabin. 

• Weekend (two nights—usually Friday afternoon or evening arrival through Sunday afternoon) base rates are $175 per weekend (or $150 per weekend for members).

• Week-long (up to seven days and six nights) base rates will be $500 per week (or $400 for members).

• Please call 715-635-6543 to make arrangements for housing/payment rates for additional people in cabins.

• Download and print a PDF of Log Cabin Rental brochure

Storme Nelson, Director
N2384 Hunt Hill Road
Sarona, WI 54870
director@hunthill.org
715-635-6543