TABLE OF CONTENTS
Washburn, known as the “Little Town on the Big Lake,” is a
hidden gem in Northern WI. Our location on the Bayfield
Peninsula makes us the year-round center of adventure on the
Chequamegon Bay! In Washburn, you are a short drive away
from many sites & attractions. No matter the season, there is
always something to see, do or explore.
Tucked between the shore of the Chequamegon Bay of Lake
Superior and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest there is
no shortage of space for you to spread out and enjoy all the
natural beauty of the area. Highway 13, which is part of the
Wisconsin Lake Superior National Scenic Byway, runs right
through town. Our downtown is home to award winning
restaurants & bars, beautiful art galleries, a local brewery, retail
shops, and more.
Although summertime is when most people plan their visits,
each season has its own unique experiences. Take your pick of
motor sports or silent sports. You can explore by land, water or
by ice in the winter months too.
We have a variety of local lodging options that would exceed
anybody’s expectations. No big chains here! Everything from
campgrounds and cabins to your standard hotel / motel can be
found in Washburn. Feel like you are right at home when you
visit, since most of our accommodations are actually homes and
cabins that allow you the peace, quiet & privacy you can’t get in
your typical tourist destination.
While you're in town, be sure to stop into the visitor information
area at the Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce office located
at 100 W. Bayfield Street. We have maps, brochures and
information about local events, activities and lodging. We have
souvenirs too.
We are excited to welcome you to Washburn! We know that once
you visit you will want to come back for more.
Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Seasonal To Do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Lodging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Food & Drink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Organizations, Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20-23
Explore & Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Homecoming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Health & Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34-35
Realtors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Discover Washburn
FEBRUARY
• Chequamegon Kite Fest
MARCH
• CBAC Spring Art Show
APRIL
• Get Lit Literature Festival
MAY
• Historic Preservation Month
JUNE
• Washburn Citywide Garage Sale
• Superior Vistas Bike Tour
• Farmers Market (June-Oct.)
• Music in the Park (June-Aug.)
• Food Truck Mondays (June-Sept.)
JULY
• Dandelion Days
• Washburn Homecoming
• Lion’s Club Golf Outing
• North Coast Car Show
• Big Lake Orchestra Festival
SEPTEMBER
• Art Escape
OCTOBER
• Washburn Halloween Town
• CBAC Fall Art Show
NOVEMBER
• Washburn Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot
• Shop Small Holiday Market
DECEMBER
• Merry ol’ Christmas
• Shop Local, Shop Late
• Chequamegon Choir Christmas Concert
Photo by Julie Ann Flones
E V E N T S
Chequameg Kite Fe
Music in the Parks
North Coa Car Show
Wer Bael Fights
E V E N T S
Discover the unexpected!
Hidden in plain sight, Washburn is a place to discover the unexpected.
Don’t know where to start? Here are some suggestions:
WINTER
| Ice fishing on Lake Superior or any of the inland lakes | Snowmobiling on the 600 miles of groomed
trails | Snowshoeing through the National Forest or along the National Lakeshore | Skiing (downhill,
cross country, skijoring) or snowboarding, we have it all | Fat tire biking the groomed trails at Mt.
Ashwabay | Hike to the frozen Houghton Falls or Ice Caves off Houghton Point
SPRING
| ATV rides on hundreds of miles of class 3 & 4 trails | Fly fishing on a class A trout stream | Drink
from the Historic Artesian well at West End Park | Hike any of the 5 waterfalls located in Bayfield
County, or the other 19 in the surrounding area | Hunt for hidden treasure while Geocaching or
Letter Boxing
SUMMER
| Live music in the parks weekly | Visit the Farmers Market for fresh local meats and produce or pick
berries at local farms and orchards | Sit by a bonfire on the beach | Grab a paddle and hit the water
in a kayak, canoe, or on a paddleboard | Take in a show at the Big Top tent | Enjoy a picnic at a local
park | Go for a motorcycle ride on the Lake Superior National Scenic Byway | Swim in the lake | Hire
a fishing guide and catch some fish on Lake Superior | Camp by the lake at Thompson’s West End
Park or Memorial Park campgrounds | Play golf or disc golf with a view of Lake Superior
FALL
| See the fall colors and discover all the wineries, breweries and distilleries along the Lake Superior
National Scenic Byway | Take the Fruit Loop and pick apples and more at the area’s 14 local
orchards | Take in a local production at the StageNorth Theater | Learn local history as you walk
along the lake front walking trail | Take a hike in the National Forest and view the wildlife
YEAR ROUND
| Bird w atching during the fall or spring migrations | Star gazing and looking for the Northern Lights is
easy thanks to the incredible dark night sky | Listen to live music indoors and outdoors at several
local bars and restaurants | View beautiful works of art at the local art galleries and cultural center |
Explore the National Forest or National Lakeshore | Pamper yourself with a massage | Dine at
award-winning restaurants | Shop the unique local small businesses | Drink local hand-crafted beer
made with water from Lake Superior | Order the Friday Fish Fry for lunch or dinner
S E A S O N A L T O D O
The center of adventure!
Washburn is centrally located on the Chequamegon Bay of Lake Superior. You are no more than a 15-
or 20-min. drive from any of the attractions and adventures you wish to see and do. We have a variety
of local lodging options that can accommodate any size group. Whether you are in Washburn for a
romantic weekend, a fishing trip with friends or you are here with your family creating core memories,
we have you covered. No big chains here!
If you are looking for a real Northwoods adventure, consider embracing the outdoors and staying at
one of the local campgrounds. There are two city-owned campgrounds in Washburn, one on each end
of town. Washburn’s Memorial Park Campground has 51 sites and overlooks Lake Superior among
towering pines. Built after WWI, it honors returning veterans and those lost while serving their country.
It was here where hometown boy, future acting, swimming, and surfing legend Tom Blake learned
how to swim and surf. Thompson’s West End Park was named after long time mayor Hans J.
Thompson. It has been recognized by Lake Superior Magazine as a “Best of the Lake” award winner
several times. There are 50 campsites, a boat launch, fishing
pier, sandy beach, pavilion, and playground. People come
from all over the Bayfield Peninsula to collect fresh cold water
from the two artesian wells located at Thompson’s West End
Park. Both Campgrounds are open May - October. The sites
are first come, first served however, there are seasonal spots
available as well for those wanting to make Washburn their
home away from home for a few months a year.
The beautiful historic lake front trail can get you from one
campground to the other along the lake. At the head of the
trail at Thompson's there is outdoor exercise equipment that is
free and open to the public for use. As you walk the trail you
can see remnants of Washburn's old sawmill days. Don't forget
to bring a pair of binoculars or your camera as you never know
what kinds of wildlife you will see.
L O D G I N G
L O D G I N G
LODGING DIRECTORY
Bad River Lodge & Casino
715-682-7121
Blue Wave Inn
715-682-3590
Bodin's Resort
715-209-7821
Cobblestone Inn & Suites
715-682-5066
Hidden Cove
715-373-0171
Historic Hawks Apartment
715-441-3176
Legendary Waters Resort & Casino
715-779-9435
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22
24
27
49
113
59
Mission Springs Resort
715-209-8321
North Coast Inn and Chalets
715-373-5512
Potter's Farm Retreat Center
715-575-1625
The Baron on 4th Street
651-387-0738
The Washburn Inn
715-373-5671
Washburn Motel
715-373-5580
Windseeker Rentals
715-513-6540
77
45
105
110
68
64
Modern Rooms,
Fitness Center,
Comfortable Suites and
Extended Stay Rooms
Located next to the
Deep Water Grille/
South Shore Brewery
and right on Historic Main
Street Ashland, where you
are walking distance to
the murals and shopping
Cobblestone Inn & Suites | 818 Main Street West
Ashland, WI 54806 | (715) 682-5066 | www.staycobblestone.com
Big City Quality,
Small Town Values
L O D G I N G
The Washburn Inn
715-373-5671
www.washburninn.com
Lodging | Weddings | Retreats | Events
10
F O O D & D R I N K
• Voted best burger and best fish fry in Bayfield County!
• Fresh Lake Superior Whitefish Fish Fry and Fish Tacos
every Friday!
• Slow Roasted Prime Rib Dinner and hand carved
Prime Rib Sandwich every Saturday!!
• Sports Bar with 4 large screen TVs
• Great rotating tap beer selection
328 W. Bayfield St
Washburn, WI 54891
CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK
FOR DAILY UPDATES
GRILL: Sun-Thurs 11am-8pm • Fri-Sat 11am-9pm
BAR: Sun-Sat 11am-Close • CLOSED MONDAYS
patsysbarandgrill.com
Large
outdoor
patio &
seating