Bowler: History and the Mountain Bay Trail

Bowler brings together the history of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community and the development of railroads and forestry. Another perspective is the 83-mile Mountain Bay Trail, which runs along former railroad lines from Bowler. There is also the Bowler Bash, held every year by the Bowler Area Historical Society. When planning your trip, consider which of these perspectives you would like to explore more closely in person.

Stockbridge-Munsee Cultural History

The Arvid E. Miller Memorial Library Museum in Bowler is the cultural repository of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community. It houses a significant collection of objects and artifacts important to the Community’s history. This cultural perspective is distinct from Bowler’s also prominent railroad and forestry history. Those interested in the Community’s history will find a dedicated subject to explore here during their trip.

The Bowler Area Historical Society is also part of this cultural picture. It is housed in historic St. Matthew Church, built in 1913. The year refers to the construction of the church; the society uses it as its location. The society also holds the Bowler Bash every year. In addition to ongoing historical subjects, there is an annual event organized by the Historical Society.

Railroads and Forestry

The railroad is part of Bowler’s origins. In 1905, the Chicago and Northwestern Railway designated Bowler’s present-day location as a stopping point; a depot was built there in 1906. Bowler Depot was also built in 1906. It served as a stopping point for the railway, which carried passengers, mail, and freight between Green Bay and Eland Junction. The railway was therefore associated not only with freight transport, but also with the transportation of people and mail.

Rail access was also important for shipping forestry products. As a result, Bowler developed into a center for lumberjacks and woodworkers, as well as for logging, transporting, and shipping forestry products. Two aspects of the town’s history are intertwined: work with wood was an economic focus, while the railway supported transportation. Those who want to explore Bowler from a historical perspective can consider this connection between local work and rail transport alongside the Stockbridge-Munsee cultural history.

The Mountain Bay Trail

Bowler’s former railroad lines are now part of the 83-mile Mountain Bay Trail, which runs from Weston to Green Bay. The trail has a different relationship to railroad history than the historic depot: the depot represents a former stopping point and the transportation of that time, while the trail represents the present-day use of former railroad lines. Its stated length makes the Mountain Bay Trail a distinct subject to consider when planning a trip.

Choose Bowler as Your Destination

When looking for a vacation rental, consider whether this combination of cultural history, local development, and a trail is what makes Bowler the right place for your stay. This keeps the focus on choosing Bowler as a destination, not on any specific accommodation feature.

More Places to Explore

Tilleda, Shawano, Wittenberg and Marion.

For the broader travel overview: Shawano County.