History of McDonald Island

McDonald Island is a 54-acre island, located in the Wisconsin River, within the city limits of Stevens Point, south of the Hwy. 10 bridge.

Consolidated Water, Power and Paper Company sold the Island to the McDonald family in the early 1900’s. The family farmed a 20-acre section of the Island from the 1930's through the mid-1950's. At that time, crossing the river was accomplished on a small rocky bar from the west bank of the river to the north end of the Island. The water level is much higher today, so the Island is only accessible by boat. By 1960, air photos of the Island show that the farmland was converted to a red pine (Pinus resinosa) plantation.

Robert S. McDonald Sr. and Louise K. McDonald, of Stevens Point, WI., donated the property to the College of Natural Resources on December 11, 1969.

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Directions to McDonald Island from Campus

Take Business 51 South to Hwy. 10 West. Continue on Hwy. 10 through downtown Stevens Point and go over the Wisconsin River. Take the first left (West River Road) after you cross the bridge. Travel one mile until you see a boat landing on the left. Park your car in the driveway area on the left; unload your boat or canoe and paddle across the river to McDonald Island.

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