Forest Lodge

A weathered log cabin nestled in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest sits in solitude, seamlessly blending in with the forest that surrounds it. The enchanting two-story log cabin, known as Forest Lodge, first served as a logging bunkhouse in the 1890s. Later, Crawford Livingston purchased the cabin as a vacation home for his family and future generations to enjoy nature-induced respite, stunning sights, and outdoor adventure.

Today, Forest Lodge is still a place of vibrant natural beauty. A mature forest is thriving on the land, and the original log cabin and other buildings are considered essential landmarks. Perhaps the most astonishing thing about the Forest Lodge property is its 3 miles of undisturbed, undeveloped shoreline along Lake Namekagon—the headwaters of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and a vital staging area for waterfowl. The site also includes many unique areas of botanical and scientific interest, including a stand of old-growth hemlock and hardwood forest.

In 1999, descendants of the Livingstons donated Forest Lodge to Trust for Public Land to ensure its protection and future use as a hands-on environmental center and conference center.

Forest Lodge offers ecological, historical, and cultural treasures for the public to enjoy. TPL also helped create an endowment for the property, ensuring maximum public benefits, including environmental programs, research, and conferences.

Our efforts in the Northwoods prevent private forests from being cut into smaller ownerships, as population growth and housing density increases, especially around lakes.

“Forest Lodge is the Walden Woods of the Midwest,” says TPL Senior Project Manager Shaun Hamilton. “By preserving the site, we honor the legacy of the people who have been stirred by the natural beauty and the ecological diversity of this area.”