The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has established Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) to protect and restore the lower portion of Whittlesey Creek and coastal wetlands along the lakeshore of Chequamegon Bay in Lake Superior.  Within the refuge is a complex of uplands, streams and wetlands that have enormous value-not only to the fish and wildlife that use this area, but also to the residents and visitors of the Chequamegon Bay area.  This is the first unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System in northern Wisconsin.  Staff members continue to work on conservation and restoration issues on the refuge, but are also here to help landowners interested in improving the management of their land for fish and wildlife by assisting them with forest, wetland and stream restoration projects. 

The Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge’s headquarters are housed within the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center near Ashland Wisconsin. Refuge staff also assists the visitor center with education, outreach and hosting special events.  The refuge is literally next door to the visitor center.  A portion of the refuge now abuts visitor center’s property.  Together, the Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge and the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center offer an abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities and outdoor activities.