Washburn County is the perfect hub for your Northwest Wisconsin getaway. The area is surrounded by incredibly fun attractions and events! Washburn County offers a variety of affordable lodging options within a short drive of some of the best attractions and events in Northwest Wisconsin. Day trips to Hayward, Bayfield, Superior, Rice Lake, Chippewa Falls, and many towns in between are a fun way to spend some time in Northwest Wisconsin. Here are some of our top picks from Northwest Wisconsin that you might just want to check out while you're in the area!
This annual event is held in February each year. The Birkie hosts cross country skiers from around the globe! The event begins up in Cable and ends right in downtown Hayward. Whether an avid skier or you are just headed to cheer on the skiers, this is a world class event to be a part of and a great time for everyone - even the kids!
Photo: WI Dept of Tourism
Along Lake Superior, the sea caves are an incredibly popular attraction during both summer & winter. During the summer, kayaking to the sea caves is a very fun way to explore Lake Superior. In the winter, the caves turn into a frozen wonderland, luring visitors from all over the world to take the one mile hike to the caves, if the weather allows.
Photo: WI Dept of Tourism
Burnett Dairy is a cooperative creamery with original operations dating back to the 1960's. Trust us when we say, they've been serving up amazing artisan cheeses of all sorts since then, Mozzarella, Cheddar, Provolone, string cheese, & so many more. When you make your stop, don't miss out on the ice cream. It is some of the best in the area & it's made locally!
Photo: WI Dept of Tourism
This beautiful mueseum is a must visit, for the whole family. The kids will love the Curiosity Center where they can learn how nature & the outdoors work through a bunch of hands on fun. You could also enjoy one of the beautiful trails or attend a naturalist program for adults. The exhibits are always rotating so you're sure to discover something new each visit.
Photo: CNHM
Unplug & unwind as you enjoy your time at Clover Meadow Winery & White Wolf Distillery. This is one of only 13 organic wineries and one of 5 organic distilleries in the US. You will feel like you're in the middle of no where but that's what makes it such a unique experience. There are 23 varieties of wine to pick from to enjoy or taste White Wolf's brandy & moonshine.
Photo: Clover Meadow Winery
In Mellen, WI you will find this charming WI State Park. This beautiful scenic park is also home to original log buidlings dating back to the earl 1930's. The views are breathtaking and the deep gorges create waterfall-esque landscapes rolling throughout the area. Pack you mountain bikes & enjoy the trails through out the park.
Photo: WI Dept of Tourism
This historical park is located on 80 wooded acres near the Yellow River. Visitors get to experience a living historical site with two Fur Trade Posts that were believed to be active in the early 1800's. There are several other historic features to visit while at The Forts such as a one-room schoolhouse, a logging museum, and showcases of other Wisconsin and local history.
Photo: Forts Folle Avoine
Located in Hayward, just minutes from Washburn County, the "big fish" as many refer to it, is a great way to learn about this history of fishing in Wisconsin. The kids are sure to love the climb up the "big fish" & standing in the mouth of the musky is a great photo opp. You will also find many fishing artifacts that have been preserved & showcased throughout the museum.
Photo: WI Dept of Tourism
This beautiful visitor center, located just outside of Ashland offers exhibits on the history of the Northern Great Lakes region with information dating all the way back to the Ice Age. Visitors find themselves in awe of the beautiful murals or enjoying their time outdoors on the interpretive boardwalk trail. It's a great stop to stretch your legs and enjoy the history & beauty of the area.
Photo: David Melancon, USFS
Enjoy a tour of the historic Leinenkugel's Brewery that has been in Chippewa Falls for more than 150 years. You will learn about Jacob Leinenkugel and his family that has been brewing delicious Wisconsin Beer for six generations. Stop into the Leinie Lodge afterwards for a tasting (if of age) of these delicious, local brews and to shop for Leinie's apparel & collectables.
Photo: WI Dept of Tourism
Every year, Hayward hosts the Lumberjack World Championships where contestants compete in events such as log rolling, boom run, pole climb, chopping, sawing and more. It's a three day event packed full of excitement that has folks coming back year after year to watch these contestants try & win it all. You'll want to bring the whole family to enjoy it.
Photo: WI Dept of Tourism
Pattison State Park is a beautiful 1,476 acre park with beautiful waterfulls, natural hardwoods, a 300; beach and over nine miles of trails to explore. This State Park is also home to Wisconsin's highest waterfall, Big Manitou Falls at 165 feet. The views at this park are absolutely beautiful & a must see when you're in Northwest Wisconsin.
Photo: WI Dept of Tourism - Little Maintou Falls
You will feel like you truly stepped back in time when you visit this historic museum. You will get to visit a blacksmith shop, town hall, doctor office, post office, barber shop, a farmstead, and many other buildings. And, everyone there is dressed the part to make this an authentic experience. You could even catch a vintage baseball game.
Photo: Pioneer Village Museum
Enjoy Saturday night racing action in Rice Lake at this 1/3 mile dirt track. Races feature Modifieds, Midwest Modifieds, Super Stocks, Street Stocks & Pure Stocks. This is one of the longest running tracks in Northern Wisconsin, opening its gates in 1951.
Photo: Rice Lake Speedway
Enjoy 35 acres of Northwoods Fun. Wilderness Walk is great family attraction with much to see & do. Little ones will love the petting area with baby animals, feed the deer, play in the mystery house, wander the property to see all sorts of animals, play on the playground, and even pan for gold (don't forget to turn it in for treat!).
