Nearly 50 miles of the Namekagon River flow through Washburn County. Together with the Totogatic Wild River and a route that connects several lakes, water shapes many of the ways to explore the area. But the region has other sides, too: vast forest areas, seasonal trails and places where railroad and local history come to life.
Rivers, Lakes and Water Trails
The Totogatic Wild River area covers 2,113 acres. It consists of seven separate areas spread across three townships and two counties; most of it lies in northwestern Washburn County. Fishing, paddling, hunting and wildlife watching are all possible along the Wild River. The Sawmill Lake Primitive Canoe Route offers a different focus: its portages provide access to nine different lakes, most of them less than 100 yards long. This makes a river area and a route connecting several lakes two distinct water experiences.
The Namekagon River offers several ways to experience it, too. Anglers can access the river from the unpaved boat launch in the Namekagon River Fishery Area. The Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad offers scenic train rides along the river, which is part of the St. Croix National Park System. Available rides include sightseeing tours, family pizza and dinner rides, and a bed-and-breakfast train; offerings and schedules may vary.
Forests, Trails and Seasonal Activities
The Washburn County Forest encompasses 149,000 acres of public land. Most of the 116 miles of ATV trails managed by Washburn County run through County Forest land. Several loops connect the trail network with the Wild Rivers and Tuscobia State Trails; connections may change with seasonal conditions and management updates. The county has 240 miles of state-funded snowmobile trails. Their availability depends on snow conditions and the season.
For summer and fall hikes, two ski trails are among the options, and their routes are easy to compare. The Nordic Woods Ski Trail offers 12.6 kilometers with several loops. In winter, one side is groomed and tracked for classic cross-country skiing and the other for skating, depending on snow conditions. At 11.1 kilometers, the Totogatic Ski Trail is a little shorter and has several shortcuts and connecting trails. It is located two miles north of Minong on Highway 53. The Wild Rivers State Trail is another option for longer excursions: it extends 104 miles through Washburn, Douglas and Barron counties.
Railroads, Museums and Local History
Railroad history comes to life in different ways in Spooner and Stone Lake. The Spooner Railroad Memories Museum is housed in the original 1902 Omaha depot. It explores the railroad’s role in connecting communities, industry and the history of the Midwest. The Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad also operates a 15-mile stretch of the more than 100-year-old Chicago-&-Northwestern line between Spooner and Springbrook.
The Stone Lake Area Historical Society Museum complex includes the original Stone Lake Soo Line Depot, a restored red Soo Line caboose and the original 1926 Town Hall. The Washburn County Historical Museum offers another perspective on local history, covering the county’s past 150 years. Its complex also includes St. John’s Lutheran Church, built in 1888. Those interested in fish hatchery history will find another point of interest at the Governor Tommy G. Thompson State Fish Hatchery: it is the world’s largest musky hatchery. The original Spooner Hatchery was built in 1913.
Cultural offerings are also part of the county’s appeal. The Shell Lake Arts Center offers summer camps and workshops; programs vary from year to year. You can tailor your trip to your interests, from nature and outdoor activities to local history, without limiting Washburn County to just one kind of experience.
Discover more destinations: Shell Lake, Brown, Marinette County, Ozaukee, Juneau County, Vilas County, Sheboygan County, Walworth.
For the regional travel overview: Wisconsin.
