Leaf-peepers’ delight

For those willing and able to climb to the top, the Mountain Fire Lookout Tower offers a spectacular view of fall colors in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

Just a hop and a skip off state Highway 32 in the town of Riverview north of Mountain, the 100-foot tower was erected by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the winter of 1934-35 under the direction of the U.S. Forest Service. It was part of a 19-tower network for almost 35 years and is the only hub of that network still standing after the towers were replaced by aerial surveillance in the 1970s.

The tower served as a radio relay station for the Forest Service and the Oconto County Sheriff’s Department from 1977 to 1992; it was restored in 1994 and again in 2015-16. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2008.

Enjoy the view while you can; hours are 8 a.m. to sunset. The tower is due to close for the season at the end of the month.