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Washburn, WI

washburn, wi brownstone
Washburn, Wisconsin's signature historic brownstone building

The Bayfield County seat, the city of Washburn is midway between Ashland, Wisconsin and Bayfield on Chequamegon Bay of Lake Superior. The town was founded in 1883 as a lake port for the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railroad. In 1896 it became the seat of government for Bayfield County.

More Washburn Wisconsin
Things to see and do

- Bayfield, WI Attractions -
Links of things to see & do

- Ashland Wisconsin -

-Apostle Islands -

Big Top Chautauqua
Stage North - Dec 3rd
Big Water Film Festival
- November 4th - 6th
Book Across the Bay
- February 18, 2012

In addition to being the county seat and a Lake Superior port city, its growth was fueled by its mature forests and abundant sandstone, called brownstone, used in numerous buildings including some prominent architecture in Minneapolis and Chicago. Several historic brownstone buildings remain in the city, including the 1890s Washburn Cultural Center shown above.

The town offers antique and artisan shops, and decent shopping for groceries, hardware, gas, and amenities one would expect of the county seat. Perhaps its major tourist attraction are a pair of lakeside parks and campgrounds on either end of town: Memorial Park and Thompson's West End Park. The two parks are joined by a scenic lakeside hiking trail. We have camped at each park and like them both; each has its strengths.

Great Lake Superior Sunrises

Sunrise over Chequamegon Bay
Early in the morning the sun rises over Chequamegon Bay as seen from Washburn's Memorial Park campground. > > >

Sunrise over Lake Superior's Chequamegon Bay

A number of Lake Superior sunrises pictured in these pages were taken in Washburn.

Bayfield Sunrise
< < < Another Chequamegon Bay sunrise.

Moonrise over Lake Superior's Chequamegon Bay

And here is a Lake Superior moonrise as seen from Memorial Park. > > >

Downtown Washburn

Washburn Bookstore and Coffee Shop
The bookstore and coffee shop is a favorite stop. It is located in one of Washburn's historic brownstone buildings. > > >

Washburn mural

< < < Another Brownstone is the canvas for a mural.

Stage North, Washburn, WI
One of the newest buildings in Washburn is the Stage North Theatre. Stage North is a performing arts center featuring a wide variety of theatrical, musical, and film performances. > > >

Stage North, Washburn, WI

< < < The Stage Door Bar is open 7 days a week and features wireless Internet access and a spacious terrace overlooking Lake Superior's Chequamegon Bay.

Stage North will be hosting the Big Water Film Festival November 4th - 6th.

Washburn's Campgrounds

Washburn Campground
The pavilion and park located at the Memorial Park campground. > > >

Washburn Memorial Park

< < < Towering pines shade most of Memorial Park's campsites.

Washburn West End Campground
The West End campground is more open and has more space for larger RVs. It also has a boat launch, fishing pier, and a more extensive playground than Memorial Park. > > >

Washburn West End Park

< < < A nice peaceful evening looking out at Chequamegon Bay at the West End park. The boat dock and playground are located far enough from the campsites to insulate from any noise or activity.

red triSee information about Washburn and other Bayfield Campgrounds here

red triSee more Washburn things to see and do here

Some Washburn Area Links

 

red arrowSome Popular Bayfield Visitor Attractions

red arrowBayfield & Ashland Fall Color Scenic Drives

More Bayfield Area Pages

  Bayfield Wisconsin

  More Bayfield, WI Photos

  Things to Do in Bayfield, WI

  Bayfield Apple Festival

  Bayfield Iron Bridge Hiking & Nature Trail

  Bayfield Orchards

  Bayfield Sea Caves - Lake Superior Ice Caves

  Campgrounds Bayfield Wi area

  Bayfield-Ashland Color Tour

  Ashland Wisconsin

  Ashland Mural Walk

  Apostle Islands

  Apostle Islands Cruise

  Meyers Beach - Apostle Islands Park
invisible & Lakeshore Hiking Trail

  Cornucopia - western gateway to Bayfield

  Madeline Island

  Lake Superior Facts

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Hotel, Motel Lodging
Ashland, Superior, Ironwood, Wisconsin South Shore

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Wisconsin Gift Ideas for Christmas &
the Holidays

wisconsin fall color tour
Wisconsin Fall Color

SuperiorTrails
Lodging

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Lake Superior
Facts

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bayfield applefest
Bayfield Applefest -
Fall Harvest & Color Festival

big top chautaugua
Big Top
Chautauqua

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bayfield wi sunrise
Bayfield Sunrise

Bayfield Apple Festival
Bayfield Apple Festival

Golf Courses Around Lake Superior

wi mi color tour map Fall Color Tour Map

Ratings of Wisconsin Golf Courses
Along Lake Superior





Canoe Trails:
Wabakimi Canoe Trips
Canoe Trip Stories

Resource Links:
Bayfield Chamber of
  Commerce

Ashland Daily Press
Washburn Chamber of
 Commerce

Madeline Island

Bayfield Sea Caves - Ice Caves

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Winter Activities & Events
Wisconsin Lake Superior South Shore Communities