Russ and I visited a windswept peninsula near Superior, Wisconsin, last weekend. We wanted to check on how the prescribed burn area was rejuvenating after the burn I helped with last fall. As we approached Wisconsin Point, the steady roar of Lake Superior on one side and the more muted lap of Allouez Bay on the other created a backdrop of sound. Once, the Ojibwe lived there, but now the point is mainly a recreational area. It’s known for its towering pine forest and the distant flash of its lighthouse.
In the burn area, the air still held a faint, smoky tang, but plants seemed to be coming back well, even with our chilly spring. Bright green grass sprouted bravely through ashen soil, and I ran my fingers over the bark at the base of some trees, rough and blackened but still sturdy. The large trees seemed little worse for wear—did you know that the rugged bark of red pines is fire-resistant? The trees need fire to regenerate, so they have adapted to it. That’s one reason for the prescribed burn: to encourage red pine regeneration. The point’s white pines, their needles soft and fragrant, are doing fine, but the red pines remain sparse. On our walk, we spotted an eagle’s nest, a massive tangle of sticks perched high above, and heard the sharp calls of the birds echoing through the canopy.
Wisconsin Point also sports a relatively new nonmotorized trail that I haven’t had a chance to hike yet. The Bear Creek Trail begins near Hwy 53 and parallels Moccasin Mike Road to Wisconsin Point. Once on the point, it crosses Wisconsin Point Road, enters a wooded upland, and then a marsh for a total of 2.3 miles. It ends at the first parking lot on the point and sports a gravel surface, wooden bridges, and an impressive floating boardwalk over the marsh. Along the way, a pagoda provides a scenic view of the lake and the bay. Although the weather was a blustery 45 degrees, the forest provided shelter and warmth.
As we crossed the marsh, we noticed a beaver lodge and heard a Sora waterbird call. Soras are also known as Carolina Crakes. They’re brown and white, about the size of a chicken, but with longer legs perfect for wading in the shallows. Although the birds are common throughout the U.S., they are relatively rare in Wisconsin because they require large and healthy wetlands for habitat, and we all know what humans like to do to wetlands. (Drain them!)
Our visit to Wisconsin Point was both invigorating and enlightening. Seeing the resilience of the landscape, from the recovering burn area to the thriving wildlife, was a reminder of nature’s ability to adapt and flourish. The combination of ecological restoration, immersive natural experiences, and unique wildlife sightings makes Wisconsin Point a destination delights the senses and invites return in every season.
Marie's Meanderings 
Prescribed burns really are essential for healthy landscapes. This one has clearly benefited. Lovely photos, Marie.
So true, Eiline. It seems us white people of European descent are finally figuring out the benefits.
Beautiful photos, and I am always happy to hear about areas where nature is thriving.
The city of Superior and partners have done a lot of work on the point. It used to be a party place, and the road was full of potholes. But after a lot of effort and money, people are treating it better and the wildlife seems happier, too. 🙂
I first learned about red pines at the Black Hills of South Dakota. Their need for fire is fascinating.
Oh yes, the Black Hills have some wonderful groves of red pines. Before this fire project, I knew that jack pines needed fire, but I didn’t know about red pines.
How beautiful!
Beautiful post and lovely pics. Felt I was with you 💕
Hello Nimi! Thanks for coming along on our Wisconsin Point walk.
Beautiful pictures! Later this summer or in early fall, I’d like to take my grandchildren hiking on the Bear Creek Trail. Do they have bears?
Hi Vickie! I’m unsure how to take your question about the bears. There are bears everywhere! None specific to this trail that I know of, however. I think your grandkids would love the trail. I recommend starting at Parking Lot #1 and going to the gazebo on the hill, then across the wetlands, and as far as they feel like going.
I know bears are everywhere, but I want to be careful if there is a high chance of meeting a bear on the trail. Which started me wondering if bears make their home on Wisconsin Point. It seems like it might be a nice place for bears to live, but maybe it’s too small of an area. If you go hiking where there might be bears, do you bring bear spray? I know black bears aren’t as aggressive as polar bears and browns bears.
Thanks for giving me an idea about where to start our hike!
Hi Vickie. I’ve never had a problem with black bears and I don’t bring bear spray. In the handful of encounters I’ve had, they’ve run from me like I’m a monster. As long as you don’t reek of bacon or get between a mother and her cubs, I think you’ll be okay. Grizzlies are another matter, however. But we don’t need to worry about them here.
Thanks for the bear advice! I’m happy to leave the spray home, and I’m happy that the grizzlies like to live elsewhere!