The Wisconsin Lakefront Trail That Holds A Long Forgotten Secret Of The Pioneer Era

When you visit the charming lakefront town of Washburn, it’s easy to see why this is a tourism destination – just head to the waterfront. On warm days, you’ll find kids playing on soft sand beaches, paddlers exploring the rugged lakeshore, and anglers hauling in big catches, just offshore. But there was a time when this lakefront was fueled more than vacation dreams – it helped build a new country. Washburn was once a huge industrial port that moved vast quantities of coal, grain, and lumber, via Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world. That era has passed, but not all traces of this history have disappeared – just lace up your shoes, stroll the Washburn Lakefront Walking Trail, and discover one of the best historic paths in Wisconsin.

Washburn is a city of 2,000 in far northern Wisconsin, right on the shore of Lake Superior's Chequamegon Bay.

You’ll find the Washburn Lakefront Walking Trail in the heart of town, right by the water’s edge. It’s a packed limestone path with parking areas at either end.

The trail runs about 1.3 miles, but you’ll want to allow plenty of time to stroll this path – there’s a lot to take in on this scenic trail.

You’ll pass a small island, as well as some peninsulas that look manmade. Interpretive historical signs tell the story - this was once a bustling industrial waterfront.

During the lumber boom, there were huge sawmills here, and a 1,500-foot trestle that extended into the bay. You can still see remnants of the trestle, and scuba divers can find bits of machinery beneath the waves.

This was not just a lumber port – there was also a large coal dock, a merchandise dock, and an enormous grain elevator. Things are much quieter on the Washburn waterfront today. It’s a place where you can take in the beauty and the story of an almost-forgotten era.

I recently walked this path and was really taken by its beauty – if you’re in the area, or up for a road trip, take time to stroll this beautiful waterfront. Be sure to get your hiking supplies at REI. If you’re up for discovering even more awesome trails and parks, here’s where to find them.