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Powers Bluff County Park & Winter Recreation Area

Main Entrance: 6990 Bluff Drive, Arpin, WI 54410

Hwy. N Trailhead: 7141 Hwy. N, Arpin, WI 54410

Recreation at Powers Bluff

Powers Bluff is a worn down peak of an ancient mountain range which once covered northern Wisconsin. It is comprised almost entirely of solid quartzite, and the highest point of elevation in Wood County. 70 acres of the park is a designated State Natural Area that features a 1.5 mile nature trail. The south 80 acres of the park is listed on the National Register of Historic places as a Native American Cultural Sensitivity Area with preserved Native American dance rings, and burial grounds. In 2012, Wood County acquired 223 acres north of the snow tubing/down hill skiing location. This area will be developed in the future for recreational activities.

Preserving the Past - Planning for the Future

Check out the Powers Bluff Development plans.

Park Inventory

  • CTH N Trailhead
  • Winter Concession Area (weekends only)
  • Hunting (North = 223 acres)
  • Native American Burial Grounds & Dance Rings
  • Stone Shelter Building
  • Restroom Facility
  • Historical Signage
  • Well/Drinking Water
  • Picnic Areas/Tables/Grills
  • Snow Tubing Hill (4 runs)
  • Downhill Skiing (3 runs)
  • Tow Lifts (3)
  • Nature Trail (1.5 miles)
  • Multi Use Trail (3.5 miles)

Winter Sports Activities

Northward Tubing graphic

Winter activities include downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, hiking, fat tire biking, and snow tubing. Check out the Winter Trail Map for more information.

A two-story stone shelter building serves as a warming house, in which a concession operates during the hours the park is open for winter recreation and may be reserved during the summer and winter season for events such as birthday parties, weddings, baby/bridal showers, memorials, etc. For more information about the enclosed shelter, download the Powers Bluff Enclosed Shelter Brochure (PDF).

Three runs are available for downhill skiing. The length of these trails are 1,320 ft., 1,410 ft. and 1,500 ft. A handle tow is provided. There are four snow tubing runs with a vertical drop of 250 ft. There are two tow lines for the tube hill.

Tubing Hill Rules

Northward Tubing graphic Northward Stand
  1. The purchase of a tube ticket is required.
  2. Tubing is only allowed during tow operating hours.
  3. Only tubes provided by Powers Bluff may be used.
  4. No outside tubes, sleds, or other devices allowed.
  5. Only ONE (1) person per tube is allowed. No double riding.
  6. We recommend that users be at least 42” tall.
  7. Young children must be supervised by an adult.
  8. No chaining up.
  9. Allow tuber in front of you to reach the bottom of the hill before starting.
  10. Once your tube stops, immediately look up the hill for oncoming tubes and remove your tube from the tubing lane.
  11. Loose clothing and long hair must be tucked in prior to using the tow line.
  12. Use of tubing hill is AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Ski Safely

Always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience.

  • Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
  • People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
  • You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
  • Whenever starting downhill, look uphill and yield to others.
  • Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
  • Observe all posted signs and warnings.

Winter Multi-Use Trails

There are over 3.5 miles of groomed multi-use trail open for skiing, snowshoeing and fat tire biking. In addition, there are 3.5 miles of dedicated snowshoe trails. Check out the Winter Trail Map for more information.

A trail pass is required to use these trails and can be purchased at the CTH N trailhead any day of the week, and on the weekends in the shelter from the concessionaire. A daily pass is $5, a single annual pass is $20 and a family annual pass is $50. You may also purchase your trail pass by calling the Parks office at 715-421-8422. Check out the Winter Trail Map for more information.

Concessions & Rentals

Beginning in 2021, Northward Peddle & Paddle, Inc. out of Wisconsin Rapids is the new concessionaire. They are operating out of the two-story enclosed, heated shelter. Here is a snapshot of just a few items they will be serving during open hours; coffee, apple cider, water, soda, hot chocolate, hot chocolate deluxe, cocoa bombs, pizza-big slices. They will also have hot hands, fleece gators, and children’s snowshoes for sale for $25. Red Feather Snowpaws are a great way for your little ones to enjoy the snow.

Snowshoe rentals are available on days open to the public for $10/day.

Hours of Operation

Tubing and skiing hills are open to the public from 10am to 4pm on weekends and during the school Christmas vacation, weather permitting and when snow conditions allow. Closed on Christmas Eve Day and Christmas Day.

All day pass!
10am - 4pm
$20

Tubing (tube is provided):
  • 1st Session: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - $12.00 per person
  • 2nd Session: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. - $12.00 per person
  • All Day Pass: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - $20.00 per person
Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding (bring your own)
  • One Session: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - $12.00 per person

NOW ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS!

Please bring your own ski equipment and snowboards, as we have a very limited rental inventory available.

Group Use During Normal Hours

For groups using Powers Bluff Winter Sports Area during normal operating hours, the fees are as above. The shelter is open to the general public and no additional shelter fee is charged. The shelter is on a first come, first serve basis. In the shelter, there are electrical outlets for your use. You may bring your own food. There is a privately-operated concession stand open at this time. There are two fireplaces in the shelter. These are available for your use and wood is provided.

Powers Bluff Tubing Hill
Powers Bluff County Park

Special Group Rates (weekday)

Groups wishing to use the Powers Bluff Shelter and Winter Sports Area downhill skiing or tubing facilities during weekdays not open to the general public, may call in and make a reservation for tubing or skiing for Monday thru Friday (snow conditions permitting). The reservation may be any three-hour period between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Powers Bluff Sledding

Tubing Only
1 Tube Tow Line (recommended for 0-50 people) is $400
2 Tube Tow Lines (recommended for 51+ people) is $550

Skiing Only
1 Tow Line (up to 200 people) is $300

Tubing & Skiing
1 Tube Tow Line (recommended for 0-50 people) and 1 Ski Tow is $500
2 Tube Tow Lines (recommended for 51+ people) and 1 Ski Tow is $600

Sledding & Snowshoeing —Call the office for pricing (sledding not allowed during normal public operating hours).

All private party reservations include the use of the shelter house for 3 hours. Additional shelter use will be charged $50/hr. Groups may bring in their own food and beverages. If you request the concessionaire, please call us at the Parks Department at 715-421-8422.

All reservations will be made and paid for at least two weeks in advance. If the group cancels, all but $25.00 will be refunded. If Wood County cancels due to weather or any other reason, a full refund will be returned.