Random facts about Hayward Lakes, Wisconsin

Known for their woods, waters and world class events, Hayward Lakes area is located in northwest Wisconsin, less than an hour south of Lake Superior and three hours north of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Hayward Lakes is blessed with acres and acres of woods-including the 850,000 acre Chequamegon National Forest, Flambeau State Forest and Sawyer County Forest, both providing wildlife habitats, seasonal beauty and fabulous areas to recreate all year long. The region has over 300 lakes, including the 17,000 acre Chippewa Flowage and its 200 miles of undeveloped shoreline. The “Big Chip”at Lake Chippewa Flowage is the original home of Louie Spray’s World Record Musky at 69 pounds, 11 ounces and 63 ½ inches long.

Fishing Hall of Fame
Fishing Hall of Fame

Visitors and residents of the Hayward Lakes area know of the stellar fishing, but did you know these fives interesting factoids?

larrymusky1. Hayward has Wisconsin’s only “Quiet Lakes.” Lost Land, Teal and Ghost Lakes were enacted by the State of Wisconsin in 1963 to not have speed limits on their waters exceeding 10 mph. These three sparkling gems are set deep in the unspoiled Chequamegon National Forest.

2. “Home to FIVE World Record Muskies.” Sawyer County is the place for fish enthusiasts! There are over 55,000 acres of lakes, and is home to the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. This is where world record catches are registered; there are no fishing stories here. It’s easy to find—just look for the four-and-a-half story musky, where you can look over Hayward standing in the mouth of the big fish.

3. Al Capone, Chicago’s notorious 1920’s gangster kept a north woods hideout in the thick forest south of Hayward.

4. The International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) designated the CAMBA trails as a ride center in 2014, one of only 27 in the world…and, the only one in Wisconsin. There are over 200 miles of marked and mapped off road bike trails.

5. Emeril Lagasse was head chef at Telemark Resort for a short while. The first convention he worked was for the Ford Motor Company. The banquet crew and Tim Dechant remembers the beautiful Cornish Game Hens that Emeril prepared. The presentation was wonderful, but the birds were not done inside. As you can imagine, the guests were not impressed, so Emeril made them all steaks and lots more wine was served! The rest they say, is history.

If you know of any other interesting and random facts about Hayward, WI, please leave a comment below. Click the following link to read about other Random Factoid Friday destinations.

Mike Shubic

Mike Shubic is a seasoned road trip travel video blogger, traversing the byways of the world looking for those hidden gems of the road. From unique destinations, unexpected discoveries, creative cuisine, intriguing inns to exciting attractions…the road is his page. The experiences are his ink. And every 300 miles, a new chapter begins. Whether you live vicariously or by example, Mike will do the exploring so you can have an adventure.
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