Washburn, WI

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.

Washburn Events

Superior Vistas Bike Tour - June 23rd
Board Across the Bay - July 26 -27
North Coast Car Show - July 28
Brownstone Block Party
July 27 - 29
Washburn Chamber of Commerce
Event Calendar

Washburn Woodcarver and
more things to see and do

Bayfield, WI Attractions
Links of things to see & do

Visiting Ashland Wisconsin
Visiting the Apostle Islands

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

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

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

< < < Another Chequamegon Bay sunrise.

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

Downtown Washburn

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

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

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. > > >

< < < 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.

In 2019, Stage North is hosting productions by the Groundlings Community Theater who will present "The Best/Worst Christmas Pageant Ever" from November 30 to December 9th.

Washburn's Campgrounds

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

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

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. > > >

< < < 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.