Roads to Fall Colors & Heritage Highlights in Vilas County
Drive the quiet roads of Vilas County this fall and enjoy the incredible
scenery. We’ve picked out a few fascinating heritage highlights for you to
visit at your leisure. Bicyclists, hikers and birdwatchers will find the quiet
roadways and woodland trails perfect for fall trekking.
Notorious “Northwoods” Gangsters!
Back in the 1920s and 1930s, Chicago’s most notorious flocked to
beautiful Vilas County for its magnificent scenery, excellent supper clubs
and exceptional resorts. At Little Bohemia Restaurant, you can see
the actual location of the 1934 Dillinger shoot-out as well as memorabilia
from the infamous event. While you’re in the “roaring 20s” frame of mind,
be sure to visit the Plantation Supper Club, which in its heyday was
a well-known casino and night club.
The Unsung Heroes of the Old Northwoods
Take a moment to remember those who toiled in the rugged woodland
frontier of the Northwoods at the Shanty Boy Hill Cemetery in
Presque Isle. This burial place is a memorial to those who lived in rough
shanties in the woods—a common circumstance for those men who
worked in the logging industry. These are the men who cut the trees that
built this nation—and many of them gave their lives for it. The Star
Lake Cemetery, established in the late 1800s is also a great stop for those
interested in genealogy. You’ll find a rustic tablet of the known deceased, as
well as wooden crosses marking the unknown.
Timber! Vilas County Logging History
Stand at the Rest Lake Dam and imagine a log jam stretched
out as far as the eye can see. Dams such as this one facilitated the
spring log drives in the 1800s. While the log drives are history, the
dam still regulates the water levels on the Manitowish 10-lake chain.
A great place to picture towering log jams is at the intersection of
Highway K and H where you’ll find the remains of an old logging dam
in a scenic park. In the Lac Vieux Desert area around Conover and
Land O’ Lakes, you’ll see some of the largest examples of white pine
you’ll find anywhere.
Vilas County…and the British Invasion?
In the late 1800s, the U.S. Government was concerned about
the possibility of an invasion by the British through Canada. A
Military Road was built, and much of its route can still be traveled
today. Travel the military road to imagine what it was like to transport
guns, ammunition and troops through the early frontier. Near Land O’
Lakes, you’ll also find a Historic Marker commemorating the WWI
bravery of the 32nd Division, a National Guard unit from this area.
Native American History—Alive in the Present
Vilas County’s first inhabitants have a rich and fascinating history. A
Historical Marker located on Hwy 47 describes the last battle fought
between the Sioux and Ojibwe in this area. The George W. Brown,
Jr. Ojibwe Museum and Cultural Center in Lac du Flambeau shows
Ojibwe Culture through displays and exhibits. The Waswagoning
Indian Village is a unique place where visitors can learn firsthand about
Ojibwe culture, arts and craftsmanship.
All Aboard—Vilas County Railroading
A great stop for history buffs is the The Old Railroad Depot in
Eagle River, built in 1920 by the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad.
And in Boulder Junction, shoppers will enjoy the historic Main
Street that was once the home of a busy railway line transporting logs
and passengers to and from the wild Northwoods. At the Boulder
Junction Historical Museum, you’ll be treated to special lectures and
slide shows available during the fall. Check www.vilas.org or call
1-800-236-3649 for details.
A History of Northwoods Recreation
At the International Racing Snowmobile Hall of Fame in St.
Germain and World Championship Snowmobile Derby Track in
Eagle River, you’ll find an exciting array of pieces showcasing the area’s
history of snowmobiling at the recreational and competitive levels.
The Eagle River Sports Arena is home to the Wisconsin Hockey
Hall of Fame—a great place to learn about Wisconsin’s long list of
hockey legends. And don’t miss the Plum Lake Golf Course.
Founded in 1912, it is the oldest 9-hole course in Wisconsin.
The Trout Lake Golf Club, established in 1924, is the oldest 18-
hole course in the Northwoods. Both courses are open to the public.
A Northwoods
History Primer
Vilas County has
a number of great
places to learn
about the history
and people of the
Northwoods. The
Vilas County
Historical Museum
in Sayner has over
7,500 square feet
of displays and
artifacts. The North Lakeland Discovery Center in Manitowish
Waters was a former YCC camp in the 1930s and now offers programs
that promote stewardship of natural & cultural resources in the Lakeland
area. The Eagle River Historical Museum has exhibits highlighting
the timbering, farming and tourism periods in the history of the
Northwoods. The Dr. Kate Museum in Woodruff chronicles the
life of the “Angel on Snowshoes,” Dr. Kate Pelham Newcomb. The
Minocqua Museum and the Heritage House each showcase the
histories of area residents, past and present.
Vilas County sits along the Continental Divide, a line that divides
the waters flowing
to the St. Lawrence
Seaway and waters
flowing toward the
Mississippi and the
Gulf of Mexico. Be
sure to note this
interesting feature
when you drive
through this area of
the county. |
