At a beach in Wisconsin's Northwoods, the driver of a pickup removes a thick stick from the truck's bed. He plays a game of catch with a border collie as the dog romps in and out of the water.Between throws, the driver returns to his cab and produces a stoic parrot, which he perches on a park post. The bird stays put, the dog's splashes continue and the guy shifts to small talk. RELATED: TRENDING LIFE & STYLE NEWS THIS HOUR"Hey, buddy," he nods, to no one in particular. "When that dog was a pup, I brought him here, and he got jerked under the water. I figure a musky must have gotten ahold of him." This particular fish story feels believable because this is Hayward, a town whose most iconic structure is a 143-foot-long replica of the feisty muskellunge, the official state fish since 1955. ), June 16-19, in downtown Hayward, some 420 miles northwest of Chicago. A celebration of the area's fishing history, the festival — now in its 67th year — features the crowning of a Musky Festival queen, live music, a parade and, of course, a fishing contest.
A half-mile north of the fish museum is the Moccasin Bar, whose wall mounts include the 67-pound, 8-ounce musky that Cal Johnson fought and caught in 1949, landing a world record. The big catch is displayed among dozens of examples of animal taxidermy. Some are in remarkable poses, such as the quartet of critters standing on hind legs, holding miniature beer mugs and poised to sing the early 20th-century ballad "Sweet Adeline."A half-mile south is Fred Scheer's Lumberjack Show, where brawny young men speed-chop wood, throw steely sharp axes, race across floating logs and scurry up tall poles. Since 1960, the city has hosted the Lumberjack World Championships, nicknamed the Olympics of the Forest. So Hayward, population 2,300, is not known as a town for sissies. It's not surprising to find restaurants with hefty portions, shops stocked with outdoor sports gear and events that reward strength and agility. This is a place with a rugged love for the great outdoors — the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival, featuring off-road bicycle races, is Sept. 17 — and a proud, long-standing history of lumbering and trophy fishing, like the Musky Fly Fishing World Championships, Oct. 6-8.It's also a place that serves an unusually named sweet treat: Chunky Musky, a banana ice cream with walnuts and dark chocolate.
It's a signature flavor at West's Hayward Dairy, 15848 W. Second St.And it's a place where you'll find wall hangings of fish carved from birch bark on sale at a weekend art fair."If you die, we're splitting up your gear," the back of a sweatshirt announces.Off-road dirt paths easily outnumber paved bicycle trails (which usually double as country roads). Most lakes have no beach for sunbathing.But just as the elegant, emerald parrot shows up unexpectedly, so do signs of gentrification.Retreat Home Furniture, in the shadow of Wal-Mart, sells one-of-a-kind furnishings for high-end cottages. That means "the creatures and pieces of nature you'd expect to see in the Northwoods, but on rich fabrics and matched with plush leathers, comforters and unique artwork," says Derek Kuehl of Northpoint Design Studio, an interior design service within the store. Interior designers from Minnesota's Twin Cities used that aesthetic to overhaul Spider Lake Lodge, whose seven guest rooms are in a century-old fishing camp near Hayward.A lawyer in England relocated to Hayward and revamped an 1887 mansion into the sleek McCormick House bed and breakfast, replacing Victorian fussiness with a mix of gender-neutral decor and antiques from Europe and Asia.
(The B&B is for sale because of the innkeeper's illness.)Susan Birkey, executive chef at Tally Ho Supper Club, refers to such changes as "the Minneapolis factor" — an increased interest from tourists who request more gluten-free and vegetarian fare.At Angry Minnow restaurant and brewpub, the beer and fish tacos with jalapeno slaw are served at a repurposed 1889 brick headquarters of a lumber company.Ten years ago, musician Molly Otis Stoddard (of Molly & the Heymakers fame) opened the Wine Cave in a refurbished downtown Hayward basement — a bold move in a beer-loving town. After prevailing in a legal fight with the city about live-music performances at the venue, she says she's rekindled her longtime love for Hayward."There are interesting influences here," Stoddard says. "First, it was all about fishing, hunting and cabins. Now, mountain bikers and cross-country skiers add a different type of visitor." Above the Wine Cave at 10551 Main St., the Courtyard at the Pavilion restaurant serves elk steak, bison sliders and ahi tuna salad.
View of lake, 1 living room, fireplace, full kitchen Guest Home Reservations: Spring/Fall 3-day reservation or summer 5-day reservation confirms specific guest home. guest homes may only be reserved on regular rates, not packages. For shorter reservations, we are happy to take your requests if you are acquainted with the resort, and will do our best when Payment: Deposit: 2 night's lodging required within 7 days of making the reservation. money orders, and personal checks (only if received 21 days prior to notice must be received at least 21 days before scheduled arrival date for 75% refund (25% cancellation charge).Well-Behaved PETS are VERY WELCOMED. of the family too. While this is most often dogs, we also welcome cats and also from time to time some of the kid's special pets in their travel cages too. Pet charge: $10.00 per day, per pet. of 2 pets per cabin is our standard policy. CHILDREN are so welcome at Ross'.
Age 2 and younger are free - cribs and high-chairs available. Age 2 - 10 may have free lodging if part of a family of four in certain homes. Extra children are $10.00Special children's meal and prices available. Drinking and smoking welcome! Breakfast: Continental and full. Breakfast runs from 7:30 a.m. to a late and leisurely 11:00 a.m. Golfers enjoy an old-fashioned breakfast before or after golf or Lunch: Summer picnics, shore lunches, and cookouts. Recreation & Activities: Fishing, golf, tennis, biking, relaxing, and yard games. fishing and Musky Festival. Attractions & Special Events: Hayward is known for world-class events: Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival (Largest off-road bike race in North America), Muskies Inc. Chapter Challenge Musky Tournament (World-class muskies are "on the line" in this fishing tournament), Lumberjack World Championships (International world championship lumberjack competition), Winterfest Snowmobile Races, Honor the Earth Pow-Wow,