Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit
Quick answer: The Northern Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest is 30,000 acres of wooded glacial hills between West Bend and Glenbeulah, about 1 hour 45 minutes north of Lake Geneva. Climb Parnell Tower, hike Dundee Mountain, walk the Spruce Lake Bog boardwalk and swim at Long Lake or Mauthe Lake.
It’s a full-day trip or a weekend. You’ll need a vehicle pass ($13 a day Wisconsin plates, $16 out-of-state).
This is the first and largest unit of the state forest, spread across Fond du Lac, Sheboygan and Washington counties. The hills are taller and the woods deeper than in the Southern Unit, and 31 miles of the Ice Age Trail run its full length.
For how it compares with the other units, see the Kettle Moraine guide.
What should you do first?
Northern Unit trails at a glance
| Trail | Length | Best for | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parnell Tower Trail | 3.5-mile loop | Best view, fall color | Lot closes |
| Dundee Mountain Summit Trail | 1-mile loop | Short, steep climb | Hike or snowshoe |
| Spruce Lake Bog | 0.25-mile boardwalk | Easy, rare bog plants | Varies |
| Greenbush | 13.5 miles, 5 loops | Hiking, biking | Ski only |
| Zillmer | 11 miles, 4 loops | Long hikes, heated shelter | Ski only |
| New Fane | 7.7 miles, 4 loops | Quieter loops, biking | Snowshoe |
| Butler Lake | 3+ miles | Natural area, springs | Snowshoe |
| Lake to Lake | 6.5 miles | Easy biking, universal access | Varies |
| Ice Age Trail | 31 miles | Backpacking, 5 shelters | Snowshoe |
Best things to do in the Northern Unit
1. Climb Parnell Tower
Best viewFall colorThe loop climbs a series of steps to the unit’s highest point, where a 60-foot tower rises over the hardwoods. In early to mid-October, it’s the best fall view in the Kettle Moraine.
Tip: Go on a weekday in October if you can. Peak-color weekends bring a crowd to the top.
2. Hike Dundee Mountain
ShortGeologyA steep 1-mile loop up a glacial kame, with signs explaining how the ice built it. Dundee itself is known for its local UFO lore.
3. Walk the Spruce Lake Bog boardwalk
EasyRare plantsA short boardwalk into a bog with tamarack and carnivorous pitcher plants. It’s a National Natural Landmark, so pets aren’t allowed on the trail.
4. Hike or ride Greenbush, Zillmer and New Fane
HikingMountain bikingThree loop systems through hardwood forest. Greenbush and New Fane mix hiking and bike trails; Zillmer has a heated shelter and a seasonal backpack shelter. Riders 16 and up need a state trail pass.
5. Explore Butler Lake
QuietThe trail circles through Butler Lake and Flynn’s Spring State Natural Area, with interpretive signs and a picnic area.
6. Backpack the Ice Age Trail
BackpackingThe trail runs the length of the forest past Parnell Tower and Dundee Mountain. Its 5 rustic 3-sided shelters make the Northern Unit the best overnight trip on the Ice Age Trail near Lake Geneva.
7. Start at the Ice Age Visitor Center
IndoorThe Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center has glacier exhibits, an auditorium and a gift shop. Get maps here before you hit the trails.
Lakes, beaches and camping
| Campground | Sites | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mauthe Lake | 135 (51 electric) | Year-round | Beach, showers, universal kayak launch |
| Long Lake | 200 | First weekend of May to mid-October | Largest campground, beach, showers |
| Ice Age Trail shelters | 5 | Year-round | Rustic, hike-in |
| Greenbush Group | 9 group sites | April to November | Tents only, up to 40 people per site |
| New Prospect Horseriders’ | 22 + 3 group | May to late October | For equestrian camping |
The 6.5-mile Lake to Lake trail links Mauthe Lake and Long Lake on a firm crushed-limestone surface. Reserve at wisconsin.goingtocamp.com or 1-888-947-2757, same day to 11 months ahead.
Nearby: history, wine and racing
Wade House Historic Site
HistoryAn 1850s stagecoach inn on 240 acres, with a blacksmith shop, the Herrling Sawmill, wagon rides and the Wesley W. Jung Carriage Museum. From November to May only the visitor center and carriage museum open, on Saturdays.
Road America
RacingA 4-mile road course that hosts big race weekends in summer. Check the calendar before you book a room in Elkhart Lake.
Where to eat near the Northern Unit
Sandpiper Inn (W2992 Elmore Dr., Campbellsport). A supper club on Lake Bernice with broasted chicken, prime rib Saturdays and an all-you-can-eat Friday fish fry. Open Wednesday through Sunday.
Hamburger Haus (Dundee). A seasonal roadside stand for burgers, cheese curds and ice cream after a hike.
Lake Street Cafe (21 S. Lake St., Elkhart Lake). The best sit-down meal near the north end.
Otto’s at The Osthoff Resort (Elkhart Lake). Known for its Friday fish fry.
The Northern Unit by season
Fall (late September to mid-October)
Parnell Tower in early to mid-October gives you a full circle of color. Pair it with the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive and dinner in Elkhart Lake.
Winter (December to March)
More than 30 miles of ski trail, including Greenbush and Zillmer. Skiers 16 and up need a state trail pass. No hiking, snowshoeing, pets or bikes on ski trails, and the Parnell Tower lot closes for the season.
Spring (April and May)
The bog boardwalk, wildflower trails and migrating birds. Long Lake campground opens the first weekend of May.
Summer (June to August)
Long Lake and Mauthe Lake beaches, the Lake to Lake bike trail, and race weekends at Road America.
Best by category
| Category | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best view | Parnell Tower | 60 feet up from the highest point |
| Best short hike | Dundee Mountain | 1 mile, real climb |
| Best easy walk | Spruce Lake Bog | 0.25-mile boardwalk |
| Best campground | Mauthe Lake | Year-round, electric sites, beach |
| Best overnight | Ice Age Trail shelters | 5 hike-in shelters |
| Best history | Wade House | 1850s stagecoach inn |
| Best fish fry | Sandpiper Inn | All-you-can-eat on Lake Bernice |
Mistakes people make
Planning it as a quick trip from Lake Geneva. It’s about 1 hour 45 minutes each way. Stay over in a campground or Elkhart Lake.
Calling the wrong number. Forest headquarters is 262-626-2116; the visitor center (920-533-8322) is only open Friday through Sunday.
Bringing the dog to Spruce Lake Bog. Pets aren’t allowed on that trail.
Heading to Parnell Tower in winter. The lot closes seasonally.
If you’re moving here
From Geneva Lake, the Northern Unit is a weekend trip, while the Southern Unit is 30 to 45 minutes away for regular hikes and rides. Towns between the lake and the forest, like East Troy and Mukwonago, put you closer to the Kettle Moraine with rural lots and wooded parcels.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in the Kettle Moraine Northern Unit?
Climb Parnell Tower, hike Dundee Mountain, walk the Spruce Lake Bog boardwalk, hike or ride the Greenbush, Zillmer and New Fane trails, swim at Long Lake or Mauthe Lake, and backpack the 31-mile Ice Age Trail. Wade House and Elkhart Lake are nearby.
How far is the Kettle Moraine Northern Unit from Lake Geneva?
About 1 hour 45 minutes to Campbellsport and the Ice Age Visitor Center, about 2 hours to Parnell Tower, and about 2 hours 15 minutes to Elkhart Lake.
Is Parnell Tower worth climbing?
Yes, especially in early to mid-October. The 60-foot tower sits at the Northern Unit’s highest point and looks out over unbroken hardwood forest. The full trail is a 3.5-mile loop with steps, and the lot closes in winter.
Can you camp in the Northern Unit?
Yes. Mauthe Lake has 135 sites and is open year-round, and Long Lake has 200 sites from early May to mid-October. Five backpack shelters on the Ice Age Trail can be reserved year-round. Book at wisconsin.goingtocamp.com or 1-888-947-2757.
Do you need a pass for the Northern Unit?
Yes. A vehicle pass is required: $13 a day or $28 a year for Wisconsin plates, $16 a day or $50 a year for out-of-state plates. Riders and skiers 16 and older also need a state trail pass.
What are the Ice Age Visitor Center hours?
The Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Visitor Center, N2875 Hwy. 67 near Campbellsport, is open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 920-533-8322.
Where can you eat near the Northern Unit?
The Sandpiper Inn near Campbellsport for supper club dinners and Friday fish fry, Hamburger Haus in Dundee in season, and Lake Street Cafe or Otto’s in Elkhart Lake.
Can you cross-country ski in the Northern Unit?
Yes. The Northern Unit has more than 30 miles of groomed and ungroomed ski trail, including the Greenbush and Zillmer systems. Skiers 16 and older need a state trail pass, and hiking and snowshoeing aren’t allowed on ski trails.
Love the woods? Live closer to them.
Kim and Joel Reyenga with eXp Realty cover Geneva Lake and the towns between the lake and the Kettle Moraine, from lakefront condos in Lake Geneva to rural lots near East Troy and Mukwonago.
Search Geneva Lake properties Equal Housing Opportunity. Reyenga Team, eXp Realty.