Sawyer County: Water, Trails and Regional History

Sawyer County combines expansive waterscapes, forested riverbanks, diverse trails and a distinctive regional history. Chippewa Flowage is located in central Sawyer County and is accessible via County Highway CC, County Highway B, County Highway G and Dam Road. With a shoreline of 233 miles, the body of water defines the scale of the destination. When looking for a vacation rental or vacation home, it is therefore worth deciding first what you want to focus on: Should the trip center on water, active trails, river landscapes or culture?

Waterscapes and River Experiences

The Namekagon River winds for 100 miles through a predominantly forested and rural landscape in Wisconsin. Tight meanders and many small islands give the river a distinctive character. Trout fishing is possible on the upper Namekagon River; brook and rainbow trout are found in the colder waters north of Larson Road Landing. Tubing is also one of the possible experiences on the river, including between Trout Run Landing and Hayward. These different activities appeal to travelers who like to shape their days according to their interests and switch between peaceful river landscapes and active time on the water.

Trails for Cyclists, Runners and Hikers

The American Birkebeiner Trail System covers more than 100 kilometers and attracts cross-country skiers, runners, cyclists, trekkers and hikers. Nine trailheads between Hayward and Cable enable year-round public use by non-motorized visitors. For daily use, the trails are accessed from the Mt. Telemark Village Hub. From Hayward, the route leads via Highway 63, County Highway M and Telemark Road. Those who choose their accommodation primarily based on access to this trail system can include the hub as a specific reference point in their planning without losing sight of the other landscape and cultural attractions.

Another destination for active days is Hatchery Creek Bike Park. It features a pump track, an uphill singletrack, as well as a jump line and a flow line. This brings various forms of cycling together within a clearly defined offering. The park is therefore a possible destination for trip planning that leaves room not only for longer trails but also for a focused visit to a bike park.

History, Lumberjack Tradition and Fishing Culture

The Sawyer County Historical Museum presents exhibits on Ojibwe culture; logging and lumberjacks; settlement and pioneers; community development; Victorian life; churches and schools; as well as hunting, fishing, politics and resort traditions. The museum is located in a former DNR ranger station that was built in 1928 and moved to its current location in 1991. This gives you an opportunity to explore the landscape not only through outdoor experiences but also through the history of the region.

The Lumberjack World Championships feature competitions in sawing, chopping, speed climbing, log rolling, boom running and axe throwing. The venue is the Historic Lumberjack Bowl on the shore of Lake Hayward. The museum complex of the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame offers another striking perspective on the region’s fishing culture. It includes the Shrine to Anglers, a four-and-a-half-story structure modeled after a leaping muskie, with an observation platform in its open mouth.

Choose Accommodation Based on Your Travel Interests

For a trip involving several interests, you can look for the vacation rental that best matches your personal focus: the waterscapes of Chippewa Flowage, the river sections of the Namekagon River, the trails of the American Birkebeiner Trail System or cultural destinations. Several communities in Sawyer County along the Tuscobia State Trail have parking, services and accommodations, including Couderay, Radisson, Ojibwa, Winter, Loretta and Draper. In addition, 123,805 acres of National Forest System land are currently located in Sawyer County; the largest federally owned area is the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

Local events also add their own distinctive touches. The Musky Festival includes booths for arts and crafts, food and farmers market goods. This allows you to choose different focuses when planning your trip, including nature, activity, history and regional character. For further orientation, you can also consider Brown, Crawford County, Washburn County, Marquette County, Price County, Taylor and Jefferson County.

For the overarching travel overview: Wisconsin.