Experience the best of Hayward

Hayward lies in the forests and lakes of Sawyer County, with its main street running down towards the water and a famous roadside landmark, a giant fibreglass muskie, large enough to walk into its mouth, at the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame. Many lakes lie within a short drive, and muskie, walleye and bass draw anglers through the open-water months.

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest lies to the north and east of the town, with trails for hiking, mountain biking and skiing. The Namekagon River, part of the St Croix National Scenic Riverway, flows nearby for canoeing, and the Lumberjack World Championships, held in Hayward each summer, bring log-rolling, tree-climbing and sawing contests to the lakeside.

Northwoods cooking runs to Friday fish fries, cheese curds, wild rice, walleye and supper-club steaks, with brandy old-fashioneds at the bar. Winters are long and white, summers bring boaters and anglers, and the leaves colour in late September.