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/downhill skiing location. There are 6 miles of mountain bike trails, and 3 miles of multi-use trails being constructed in 2022-2023. Some of the winter activity highlights of the park include downhill skiing, tubing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and single track hiking and biking trails. Additionally, the park features a two story stone shelter buidling with concessions, a fireplace, and restroom facilities.

Facilities & Activities

General Trail Information: Horses are not allowed within County Parks. They are allowed on County Forest property unless otherwise posted. No horses are allowed on the groomed ski trails at Richfield 360. Dogs are allowed on trails if leashed, except for winter groomed trails. No foot traffic (humans or animals) are allowed on winter groomed trails. Trail passes are good for all fee area trails. These include: Richfield 360 winter groomed trails; Powers Bluff single-track (year round), and multi-use (winter groomed); Nepco ski trail (winter groomed). All other trails are free.

Hours of Operation

All trails are open year round from 8am-10pm. Please use Cty. Hwy. N trailhead to access trails.

Main entrance gates are open from May 1 - October 31, and during winter operations.

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.

Tubing (tube is provided):

• 1st Session: 10:00am to 1:00pm, $12.00 per person
• 2nd Session: 1:00pm to 4:00pm, $12.00 per person
• All Day Pass: 10:00am to 4:00pm, $20.00 per person

Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding (bring your own):

• One Session: 10:00am to 4:00pm, $12.00 per person

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.

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 the main office during normal business hours, M-F, 8am-4pm to make a reservation (715-421-8422) for tubing or skiing (snow conditions permitting). The reservation may be any three-hour period between 9:00am to 3:00pm.

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

All private party reservations include the use of the shelter 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.

Use of shelter building for a private event without towlines (e.g. sledding, snowshoeing, biking, etc.), call the office for pricing. Sledding is not allowed during normal operating hours.

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.

We are looking for Medical First Responders to work at Powers Bluff during winter months.

We offer a BONUS if you are hired! We will provide ALL DAY tow passes for any minor children you may have, to utilize the tubing/snowboarding/ski hills while you are working. That's right! ALL DAY passes for your children. If you are interested, please email us at parks@woodcountywi.gov for more information.