When visiting Hayward, Wisconsin, as a traveler or tourist, you'll immediately appreciate the beauty and attractions of this adventurous and exciting small town.
Its authentic local culture will grab your attention as soon as you visit the local markets, sites, or partake in any number of its local outdoor activities. Hayward has something fun and memorable for everybody to enjoy, whether you’re a nature enthusiast, outdoorsperson, cultural food lover, or history buff. All you need to do is figure out which local activities to prioritize during your visit to Hayward because there are many options available.
Below are the top 6 local activities you must try in Hayward.
1) Go Fishing on the Lakes
Wisconsin is home to several picturesque freshwater lakes, including Lake Namekagon, Lac Courte Oreilles, and Grindstone Lake. They are all within a reasonable driving distance from Hayward since they surround the town in multiple directions. Each lake is suitable for fishing activities, as they contain big freshwater fish species like trophy muskies, panfish, walleye, and bass.
It does not matter if you visit in the summer or wintertime because fishing activities take place at the lakes all year round. For instance, you could come to Hayward during the snowy winter months to try some ice fishing by renting a cozy ice shanty. Or, if you’d rather go out on a boat in the water, you could come during the summer months.
2) Visit the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Museum
The Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame is one of the most popular attractions in Hayward.
It is a museum dedicated to the promotion and acknowledgement of freshwater fishing as a spectacular sport. Many locals consider it the international headquarters of freshwater fishing education. Even if you are not an experienced or professional angler, you can still appreciate what this museum displays.
It is easy to spot the museum on the outside because it is on six acres of land with a large 143-foot-long fiberglass sculpture of a jumping muskie fish. The entire museum spreads out over seven buildings, totaling about 25,000 square feet. When you explore the museum, you will come across numerous exhibits with colorful photographs and informational content about the history of freshwater fishing.
Image from TripAdvisor
3) Explore the Trails of the Chequamegon National Forest
The Chequamegon National Forest is about 37 miles away from Hayward, just over a 40-minute drive. The forest is over 1.5 million acres in size and contains older trees and vegetation growth. It is all federally protected land where visitors can hike and bike on the numerous trails throughout the forest.
Dozens of interconnected trails (over 300 miles worth) pass through this dense and historic forest. Some of the trails even pass around beautiful lakes, such as Lake Superior. The rest of the trails feature gently rolling hills and straight paths, surrounded by tall trees and lush vegetation. You could spend all day on the trails and never get bored.
Hikers prefer the St. Peter’s Dome Trail and Morgan Falls Trail because they are less of a challenge to walk or jog and feature plenty of scenic views. As for bikers, they usually travel on a network of intense mountain biking trails called the CAMBA (Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association) trails. Of course, you are free to choose which trails you wish to use for hiking or biking.
4) Go Kayaking and Canoeing
Are you interested in going out onto the water to see the sight of forests and meadows from a distance? If so, you could take a kayak or canoe out on the Namekagon River and paddle your way around to different safe locations. You don’t need to be an experienced paddler or worry about rapid water flow because this particular river is calm and peaceful.
Travelers don’t need to own a boat either. There are plenty of local vendors who rent out kayaks and canoes to anyone interested in going out on the river, whether for a half-day or full-day. And if you feel like stopping for a swim or picnic while you’re out on the water, you will come across many suitable spots to stop along the coast.
5) Explore Downtown Hayward and Grab a Bite to Eat
Visiting downtown Hayward is the best way to experience the local culture for yourself.
It will give you a chance to walk along Main Street to admire the quaint, old buildings and architecture. Most importantly, you can meet residents and explore the numerous boutiques, souvenir shops, cafés, restaurants, breweries, and art galleries that this small town has to offer.
If you’re in the mood for a good meal or beverage, stop by the Angry Minnow Brewpub for some delicious locally sourced burgers or walleye sandwiches. Other great restaurant and café options include Coop’s Pizza Parlor (deep dish pizzas), Flat Creek Lodge & Restaurant (prime rib, broasted chicken), and Backroads Coffee (organic coffee, espressos).
6) Skiing and Snowmobiling
Are you planning to come to Hayward during the wintertime? Well, if you enjoy skiing or snowmobiling, Hayward offers plenty of opportunities to partake in these activities on its numerous snowy trails.
The American Birkebeiner Trail System is a 32-mile-long trail with three sets of ski tracks to motivate skiers who enjoy a good challenge on the snow. This skiing terrain spans between the towns of Hayward and Cable and is home to the largest cross-country ski race in North America.
If you prefer snowmobiling, Hayward and Sawyer County have more than 600 miles of well-groomed snowmobile trails available to explore. Many of these trails pass through scenic lakes and forests, including Chippewa Flowage and Lac Courte Oreilles. And yes, there are snowmobiles available for rent too!
Enjoy Your Visit
Hayward is a charming small town filled with never-ending adventure and scenery. Whether you are a casual observer or an athletic person, you will have fun-filled days throughout your entire time in Hayward.
As for your lodging accommodations, make sure you book your reservations at the Riverside Motel. It offers waterfront views and is close to many of the main attractions and activities mentioned above. You won’t be disappointed.