Merrill School Forest

Merrill School Forest Most of the land and funds to build the present lodge was provided by William Evjue, an 1899 Merrill graduate who's father was a lumber scaler in Merrill.

The Merrill School Forest is located ten miles north of Merrill on Highway 107, directly across from Camp Newood County Park. Our forest has over 10 miles of mowed and maintained trails that are open to the public for year round use. About half of the trails are groomed in winter for cross-country skiing. Public parking is available at the bottom of the driveway, directly off of Hwy 107. This is a

"working" school forest, meaning we partner with the DNR and have a continuous forest management plan. The school forest is owned and operated by the Merrill Area Public School District. The forest includes 764 acres. Most of the land and most of the funds to build the present lodge was provided by William Evjue, an 1899 Merrill graduate who's father was a lumber scaler in Merrill. There are over 10 miles of maintained Logging trails which double as hiking and cross country ski trails. The forests are logged with the assistance of the DNR forester. The money earned helps purchase skis, snowshoes, and other major purchases. In 2000-2001 over 5015 students, 400 parents, 220 teachers and 150 guests visited the school forest. Many classes stay overnight with their teacher.

03/18/2026
03/13/2026

Due to the expected weather and the need to get our crews out clearing snow, any group or event that is scheduled to use any MAPS facility on Sunday is cancelled. All MAPS facilities will be closed on Sunday. Please share.

When the event was over, we could hardly tell they ever were there! One of the most remarkable groups we’ve worked with!...
03/03/2026

When the event was over, we could hardly tell they ever were there! One of the most remarkable groups we’ve worked with!!!

We loved highlighting the Merrill School Forest as part of the Rib Mountain Adventure Challenge-Winter Edition! The work that Jerry, Kathy, Russ, and the Friends of the Merrill School Forest put into the grounds and facility impact many lives!

All our racers and volunteers were complemented for leaving the Merrill School Forest with a postitive impact despite the number of people using the facility - a testament of our AR ethos!

03/02/2026

All cross country ski trails are closed due to curricular priorities. Students will be hiking on them starting tomorrow as they engage in geocaching curriculum and activities.

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Annually, the WI Land+Water Conservation Association holds Youth Conservation Camps during the summer. They offer two ca...
02/18/2026

Annually, the WI Land+Water Conservation Association holds Youth Conservation Camps during the summer. They offer two camps - one for middle school and another for high school students.

It is important to note that there are scholarship opportunities available for students that are interested in attending.

Camp agendas are in development. Each camp offers hands-on learning opportunities to students. Some examples of past camp activities are: canoeing, bird banding, completing fish surveys, completing loon surveys, assisting with shoreline stabilization projects, visiting Lake Superior, fishing, and more. For these camps, WI Land+Water coordinates with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), UW-Extension, Tribal Representatives, and various non-profits to offer insights into natural resources management and showcase various career opportunities.

More information can be found in the attached flyer and on the WI Land+Water website here:

Middle School Camp June 28 - July 1 | $350 | Camp Lakotah, Wautoma, WI For students entering grades 6-8 in the upcoming school year High School Camp June…

01/30/2026

Things are looking good for the event tomorrow. Hope to see you somewhere between 10 and 3 for the last event that I’ll be hosting!

Great group of learners today!
01/14/2026

Great group of learners today!

Fourth Grade wrapped up their field trips to the School Forest for this school year. The students became lumberjacks, and furthered their studies of Wisconsin History, by participating in lumber camp life. We even got to cruise the forest on skis! We thank Mr. Noland and everyone at the School Forest for making our learning authentic and full of incredible experiences!

This sounds like a great opportunity for any high school student considering to seek professional training in forestry!
01/11/2026

This sounds like a great opportunity for any high school student considering to seek professional training in forestry!

INSTRUCTORS Paul Ahlen Safety and Training Specialist, Woods Walker Paul Ahlen is an experienced chainsaw operator and alum of UW-Stevens Point. He has a passion for running saws, which started...

Ski trail update! Like most of the Nothwoods, the last snow caused a lot of damage to trees. Currently the main loop cal...
12/30/2025

Ski trail update! Like most of the Nothwoods, the last snow caused a lot of damage to trees. Currently the main loop called Bluejay Loop is debrushed, rolled, and cross country ski tracks set. They’re not the greatest tracks with tree/branch clutter mixed throughout, but are skiable. No other trails have been opened and will require much maintenance before tracks can be set on them - we are not entirely sure when that will happen.

As always, the school forest and its trails are open to the public free of charge (access to buildings and equipment rental is not).

12/17/2025

Address

N4740 Highway 107
Merrill, WI
54452

Telephone

+17155368248

Website

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