Fifield Fire Tower

National Register of Historic Places | Hwy 70, 5 miles east of Fifield

The Fifield Tower was constructed in 1932, a time when wildfires raged across the “cutover” landscape of northern Wisconsin. It served as an observation point, staffed by lookouts, that was part of a broader fire detection and suppression system. There were once 38 of towers within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, though today only a few remain standing. The Forest Service is committed to the preservation of this tower, and it is one of two that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

As a means of recording historical events that relate to the tower, the Forest Service recently completed an oral history project. The oral history features the stories of two early fire lookouts from Fifield, a brother and sister, Manny Stein and Betty (Stein) Murnik. Interpretive panels have been developed and placed on-site that tell the story of the Fifield Tower.

The tower is a short hike, 250 yards, from the Wintergreen Trailhead parking lot. The trailhead serves Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest visitors that are hiking, biking, cross county skiing, snowmobiling, and ATVing. The trailhead has ample parking, chalet, drinking water and rustic toilets. A parking fee or national forest sticker is required. Contact the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest for more information at 715-762-2461.