The park was established during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to address soil erosion and forest loss.
The property contains a designated segment of the Mountain-Bay State Trail, a 83-mile rail-trail extending from Green Bay to Wausau.
The park's topography includes several kettle lakes formed by retreating glaciers during the last Ice Age.
It maintains specific, separate trail loops to avoid conflicts between horseback riders, mountain bikers, and hikers.
The reforestation efforts in the 1930s focused heavily on planting pine and spruce stands that still dominate sections of the park's interior.
The Brown County Reforestation Camp is a 1,560-acre municipal park located in Suamico, Wisconsin, functioning as a multi-use outdoor recreation area. The site originated in the 1930s as part of a reforestation project and currently features an extensive network of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. During the winter, the terrain is groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It serves as the primary grounds for the adjacent NEW Zoo & Adventure Park, integrating wildlife education with natural forest preservation. The landscape consists of a mix of hardwood forests, wetlands, and open meadows, providing significant habitats for local bird species and white-tailed deer. Facilities include multiple picnic shelters and designated areas for group gatherings.
The elevated overlook section on the northern trail loop providing a view over the surrounding coniferous forest canopy.
Download a digital trail map before arrival, as cell service can be intermittent in denser wooded areas.
Wear high-visibility orange if visiting during state-regulated hunting seasons, as portions of the county forest system allow seasonal deer hunting.
Check the county trail report online before arrival, especially after heavy rain or snow, to confirm current status.
Venturing onto unmaintained side paths, which can lead to sensitive wetland restoration areas or private property boundaries.
Trails may close temporarily during the spring thaw to prevent rutting; portions of the park may restrict access during specific hunting seasons.
Leash all dogs at all times, carry out all trash, and yield the right-of-way to horses on designated multi-use trails.
