Lookout towers – also known as fire watch towers- are a cornerstone of Northwoods forestry heritage. These towers were used as the primary early-detection system to spot, locate, and report wildfires across the state’s vast forested regions. At their peak, a network of 119 steel and wood towers—many built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s—spanned the northern Wisconsin landscape.

Rangers inside a small glass cab at the top of the tower, scanned the tree line for smoke or tracked lightning strikes during peak fire seasons. When smoke was spotted, they used binoculars and other instruments to determine the location. The coordinates were then telephoned to a central dispatch. Dispatchers cross-referenced reports from neighboring towers to triangulate the fire’s true location. Forest rangers and firefighting crews stationed at nearby ranger cabins were immediately sent out along established fire lanes to suppress the fire before it could spread.

Thankfully you don’t have to scan the tree line to enjoy our Smoked Oktoberfest Lager! Our friend Fritz Rahr of Rahr & Sons Brewing in Fort Worth Texas, was able to join Tracy for brew day on this seasonal lager, which features a rich malt profile with a bit of caramel sweetness, a toasty/biscuity flavor. It finishes with a fun Rauch twist – just a hint of cherry wood smoke at the end. Prost!