The Tomorrow River: A quiet gem for outdoor adventures

Tucked into the rolling landscapes of Central Wisconsin, the Tomorrow River offers a blend of beauty, biodiversity, and adventure – without the crowds. Whether you’re a paddler, hiker, angler, or just a nature lover, this hidden gem delivers.

A paddler's dream

Flowing through communities like Nelsonville and Amherst, the Tomorrow River is a narrow, intimate stream with a gentle current and clear water. Ideal for canoeing and kayaking, it winds through peaceful woods and farmland, with stretches of quiet water broken up by occasional Class I rapids – just enough to keep things interesting.

The most popular route launches in Nelsonville at the historic and beautiful Rising Star Mill and you can take out at County Highway DD near the dam in Amherst. It’s a short paddle – about an hour and a half. There are other routes that extend the distance.

For those who prefer hiking boots or bike wheels, the Tomorrow River State Trail offers 29 miles of scenic exploration. This crushed limestone path is a classic Wisconsin “rail trail”  converted from an old rail line. It welcomes hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, and joggers as it passes through quaint towns like Scandinavia and Amherst Junction. It also links up with the Green Circle State Trail, expanding access to nearby forest and river landscapes. The trail has been the recipient of several grants from the now at-risk Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.

Just outside Nelsonville, the Nelsonville Sanctuary provides a peaceful, 37-acre retreat of upland forest, wetlands, and marshland – all bordering the river itself. It’s a great spot for birdwatching, photography, or just reconnecting.

A trout stream worth exploring

The river supports populations of brown and brook trout, particularly in its cooler upper stretches. Flowing from sandy headwaters through rockier riffles, the water varies in both character and challenge. 

Several public access points offer opportunities for shoreline fishing. The Amherst Dam serves as a key division between the upper trout-friendly waters and the warmer lower stretches of the river. Fall Line Outfitters in nearby Stevens Point can help you begin your lifelong passion for fly fishing or provide quality gear and expert guidance for seasoned anglers.

Trail connections and quiet forests

For those who prefer hiking boots or bike wheels, the Tomorrow River State Trail offers 29 miles of scenic exploration. This crushed limestone path is a classic Wisconsin “rail trail”  converted from an old rail line. It welcomes hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, and joggers as it passes through quaint towns like Scandinavia and Amherst Junction. It also links up with the Green Circle State Trail, expanding access to nearby forest and river landscapes. The trail has been the recipient of several grants from the now at-risk Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.

Just outside Nelsonville, the Nelsonville Sanctuary provides a peaceful, 37-acre retreat of upland forest, wetlands, and marshland – all bordering the river itself. It’s a great spot for birdwatching, photography, or just reconnecting.

Places and water worth protecting

The Tomorrow River is more than just a pretty place – it’s mainly sourced by groundwater, it’s a wildlife corridor, and it connects generations of Wisconsin families. Like many of Wisconsin’s waters it faces threats, including high capacity wells, nitrate pollution, and climate change that is limiting brook trout below the dam.  

The enduring beauty and vitality of the Tomorrow is fragile and reminds us what’s at stake – and why protecting places like this matters.

You can help:

• Donate now to help us protect this and more places we all love here in Wisconsin.
• Take action to fight groundwater contamination.
• Take action to protect the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.