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Spooner, to many, seems off the
beaten track. The second largest community between Superior and Eau Claire sits
on a major four lane road that seems at times to just run on and on through
beautiful farmlands, woodlands, tamarack swamp and small communities. One
wonders what keeps it all going and what there is of value to see and do.
Spooner, nestled in the valley
of the Yellow River, sits on an ancient travel way for Native Americans,
trappers, railroad men, miners, Russian farmers and timber companies. What they
have left behind is a legacy and heritage of substantial wealth and value. Some
of the history of that time remains and is still visible.
Historical attractions, modern
day "things of interest and activity" and general community related activities
perk key interest and provide a bevy of things to do in the Spooner area. For
your reference, we have identified many of these things to do as well as places
and events. I am sure there are many others. If you know of some that would be
of interest to others, let us know. We would be happy to add it to our list.
Historical Points of
Interest
Washburn County Historical
Museum
Shell Lake, US
Hwy 63 and 2nd Ave. It is a complex of four buildings that houses a
multi-volume library of regional history as well as extensive local historical
and genealogical files.
Springbrook, US
Hwy 63 in Springbrook. It is housed in the former St. Mary Magdalene Catholic
Church and serves as a church museum as well as a local history museum.
Ancient Woodland Indian
Burial Ground on Hwy. H, 12 miles west of Spooner. Take "H" north
to the crossing on the Yellow River. The first road to the right is a circle
road. This burial ground goes back hundreds of years. Overlooking the Yellow
River and the historical wild rice area of Rice Lake on the Yellow River, the
grounds are a cultural site to see. The sacred burial area houses one of only
two Turtle house burial mounds in the USA. A few years ago, bodies that were
removed for scientific analysis by Rice University were reburied under special
ceremony and laid to rest with their ancestors.
Sawyer Creek Headwaters
- This is an old estate back off the beaten path north west of Shell Lake about
four miles by road. Old stone walks, stone fences and a scenic beauty that is
rich in wildlife and ancient trees provides a back drop for a great trout
fishery. A great place for family or friends.
Russian Farming Community
- Hwy 77 East of Minong and the Hwy G north of Chittamo. Remains can be seen
today of some of the old farms established by Russian emigrants. Many of them
perished during the depression. Many of them were saved with the help of the
Ojibwa Indians who had learned centuries before how to live off the land.
Railroad Memories Museum,
Spooner, The former Chicago & Northwestern railway depot
Scenic River ways
Scenic River ways have been a
part of the history of Spooner and Washburn County for hundreds of years. Some
of the best trout fishing in Wisconsin can be found on many of the areas
streams. River ways provide places for canoeing, tubing and enjoying the
serenity of nature.
Favorite Canoeing Rivers
- The St. Croix, Yellow, Namekagan and Chippewa Rivers.
Favorite Trout Streams
- The Ounce River, Crystal Creek, Trams Creek, Sawyer Creek, The Clam River and
many others. Check with the local DNR office for some of the best streams in
the area.
Other Activities
Hunt Hill Nature Conservancy
- Located East of Sarona on Hunt Hill Road, Hunt Hill is a part of the National
Audubon Society. Situated on 400 acres and three lakes, Hunt Hill offers
programs and opportunities to study nature in the most natural of surroundings.
Forests, meadows, lakes and bogs provide a diverse habitat for animal species
of all kinds. It provides environmental education programs as well as "for
rent" facilities for diverse groups from business people looking to get away
for a good weekend of R & R to children from area schools wanting to learn more
about ecosystems. 635-6543
Governor Tommy G. Thompson
- State Fish hatchery, Spooner, is the state's largest and most
state-of-the-art cool water fish hatchery. It is designed to produce 2.0
million walleye fingerlings, 100,000 6" walleye fingerlings and 100,000 8 to
12" muskellunge fingerlings each year. A live fish show pond and visitor center
offering views of fish and hatchery operations is open to the public. 635-2101
Bulik's Amusement Center
- 18 hole miniature golf, water slide, arcade, batting cage and Go-Kart track -
North of Spooner on Hwy 63 - 635-7111
Palace Theatre -
The latest movies now showing - 238 Walnut, Spooner 635-2936
Franky's Lanes & Lounge
- Get out and Bowl - 412 River, Spooner 635-8706
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