If you’ve looked toward the horizon recently, you’ve probably noticed the smoky haze settling over Price County. The smoke is the result of large wildfires burning in northern Minnesota and parts of Canada. Changing wind patterns have carried smoke into northern Wisconsin, leading to periods of reduced visibility and unhealthy air quality across much of the state. Wisconsin officials continue to encourage residents and visitors to monitor local air quality conditions as smoke levels can change throughout the day.
While the haze may change your plans slightly, there’s still plenty to enjoy throughout Price County with just a few extra precautions.
Enjoy the Outdoors Responsibly
Many of our favorite outdoor destinations remain open and beautiful. If you plan to spend time hiking, fishing, paddling, ATVing, or exploring our communities:
- Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) before heading out.
- Consider shorter outings if smoke is heavy.
- Drink plenty of water, especially during warm weather.
- If you have asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions, limit strenuous outdoor activity during periods of poor air quality.
- If smoke becomes especially dense, consider moving activities indoors until conditions improve.
Great Indoor Ways to Experience Price County
Not every adventure requires blue skies. Smoky days can be the perfect opportunity to discover some of Price County’s indoor experiences, including:
- Browse our unique downtown shops and boutiques.
- Visit local museums and historical attractions.
- Enjoy lunch, dinner, or a handcrafted drink at one of our locally owned restaurants, breweries, or coffee shops.
- Explore antique stores and artisan gift shops.
- Spend the afternoon bowling, relaxing with friends, or discovering a new favorite local business.
Sometimes the best memories come from slowing down and exploring the places you might otherwise drive right past.
Help Protect Our Northwoods
The same dry conditions contributing to wildfires across the region remind us how important it is to prevent fires here at home.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources encourages everyone to practice simple wildfire prevention habits:
- Never leave a campfire unattended.
- Fully extinguish campfires with water, stir the ashes, and make sure everything is cool before leaving.
- Properly dispose of cigarettes and never throw them from a moving vehicle.
- Avoid parking vehicles on tall, dry grass, where hot exhaust systems can ignite vegetation.
- Always check for local fire restrictions before burning debris or having a campfire.
We Can’t Wait to Welcome You
Smoke conditions are expected to vary from day to day depending on weather patterns, and many days will still offer excellent opportunities to enjoy everything Price County has to offer.
Whether you’re spending time on our lakes, exploring miles of forest trails, shopping downtown, or enjoying a great meal with family and friends, we encourage everyone to stay informed, stay safe, and continue supporting the local businesses and attractions that make Price County such a special place to visit.
For current air quality conditions, visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Air Quality website before planning extended outdoor activities.