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"UNIQUELY, BARRON COUNTY”
By R. David Miller Barron County Economic Development Director If the pressures of modern life are mind-boggling, allow your imagination to drift a bit; slow your Beta waves to an easy Delta rhythm and close your eyes to the hectic self-induced pace prevalent in your noisy city environment. Take off your watch, you won't need it. Ready? Now, pick up the creative pleasure vibes found only in dreams and envision an area without concrete and steel high rises and bumper to bumper traffic. There is a name for this dream and it’s Barron County in Northwest Wisconsin. Come to Barron County and savour its loveliness, sparked by the Northwest Wisconsin’s “Northwoods” environment and warm, friendly people. Join them. Join us. We put more of life in your living. The timeless, cultivated beauty of this wilderness heritage is nestled within time's boundaries between the mid 1600's and today. A little bit of history… Barron County was first inhabited by Dakota (Sioux) and Chippewa Indians. French explorers Pierre Esprit Radisson and Jean-Baptiste Grosseillier explored much of the northwest region and visited Barron in 1654; and the "Connecticut Yankee" Jonathan Carver explored this region in 1766 under British sponsorship. The British and French explorers set up an early trading post at Rice Lake dealing and making trades with the Sioux. It was claimed by the U.S. in 1787 as part of the Northwest Territory and later became part of the Territory of Wisconsin. Named after Henry D. Barron a legislator, circuit court judge and prominent Wisconsin pioneer, the area became Barron County in 1869. Fortunes were made as the land was cut away for its rich lumber supply. Agriculture thrived in the land’s ideal growing soil, which survives today as Barron County is one of Wisconsin's highest agricultural producers. Barron County is a legacy of rich culture, and now a home for flourishing tourism destinations, residential and business communities and the serene of our small cities. Northwoods Environment.. Barron County is home to over 300 spring-fed, crystal-clear lakes, carved by glaciers during the Ice Age. The county’s lakes range in size from a just a few acres to over 3000 acres. Long Lake is Wisconsin’s “Walleye Capital” and Birchwood Lake is the “Bluegill Capital of Wisconsin.” “BARRON COUNTY, SEASON BY SEASON” Spring...A Rebirth of Beauty.... The murmur of flowing water echoes up through melting ice as the frozen surfaces relinquishes its hold on the lakes. It's truly a miracle that you witness. Along with the rebirth of flowers, the leaves begin to show their "green of spring" as the time of year leads to short sleeve apparel and longer days to enjoy. You step from your cold concrete, steel and glass surroundings of home and work into an "environmentally correct" area for the season and the warmer days to come. Summer, In Search for your own Illusive Stream.. As if nature hadn't done enough, your summer fun begins daily with a magnificent sunrise as you watch the entire color spectrum streak across a lake's surface; and ends with an equally spectacular sunset, as the last of light of day opens the sky to more fun under billions of stars. Summer activities surround you, whether you stay in a resort facility, camp along the shorelines of the hundreds of lakes, or in other unique styles of lodging available throughout Barron County. Enjoy the fun of boating, water and jet skiing, and tennis and excellent shopping. Yes, indeed, even shopping is a sport in Barron County, known especially for its year ‘round specialty shops and antique stores. Golf! Golf for pleasure! Golf in tournaments! There are ten excellent area golf courses in Barron County. Open Spring, Summer and Fall, each of the courses offers their own unique course and professionally designed for those who just enjoy a ‘round or two and those who thrive a challenge! Fall, it’s all about the Colors in Barron County After the first frost, the leaves begin their slow burn to beauty in dramatic glory. While creating equally stunning landscapes, the days shorten, and temperatures drop, offering outdoor and indoor activities unique to Barron County. Whether you enjoy the fall and its colors during peaceful walks, horseback riding, driving the many miles of well-kept black topped roads through the area, hunting, or visiting the craft shows that also announce the season, you'll "Fall in love with Fall" in Barron County. Winter, Barron County Style-It’s not for the timid, but so much fun... Winter grips. The first snow of winter is very impressive, yet it adds a haunting touch to the environment and to the area. Snow begins to set down between the tree branches and their leaves become a memory until spring. The pines hold the snow and their color, adding to the contrast of beauty. The tourism draw to the area remains high this time of year, as winter fun is just beginning. Cross country skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing all share quality time with the winter visitor. Ice skating on our natural rinks can be a bit surreal, as steam billows upward from the frozen surfaces of our lakes. When the tracks of predators in search of prey, paint their way through the snow, the hunter or nature lover in you belongs in Barron County. Or, perhaps you'd enjoy the snow as it twinkles against a window during your fireside dining or just enjoying the amber glows at your own fireside. The natural wonders of Barron County beckon each of us in different ways. If one listens carefully with a bit of wanderlust in your mind, you can almost hear the ominous sounds of the lumber trains as their distinct sounds blend with the wail of the common loon. The sounds of the past and of today call you to Barron County and Wisconsin. Your visit to Barron County will remain within your memories long after your stay comes to an end. It may just also bring you back! YES, AND DO COME BACK....BARRON COUNTY WISCONSIN…BLEND YOUR BUSINESS, RECREATION AND YOUR HOME. When your problems become issues and when you get ready to live in two worlds...when one minute your business skin is your coat and tie and the next you peel them off, hop into your flannel shirt and fishing attire, and head out for the wilderness and lakes area, you're in Barron County. You now own the best of both worlds-business and home. Many people escape to this area for recreation, and the peace and quiet that goes with the outdoors. Some return, as the blend of business, recreation and home is just too much to pass by. Why not you? If you would like more information regarding the exciting business incentives and profitable business climate in the area, please contact: Barron County. Come to Play. Come to Stay…… The Barron County Way.... Real Choice. Real Reasons. Real Easy. We put more of life in your business. GPS Resource Information: Barron County Government Center (Historic Courthouse: 330 East LaSalle Avenue, Latitude: 45.39917 : Longitude: -91.85333 The City of Barron, WI 54812 (715-537-6200) Latitude: 45.39917 : Longitude: -91.85333 (715-537-5631) Barron County Historical Society’s Pioneer Village Museum, Cameron, WI Latitude: 45.40333 : Longitude: -91.77306 (715-642-1327) Chambers of Commerce in Barron County: City of Barron, Chamber of Commerce www.barronchamber.com 537-5017 City of Cumberland, Chamber of Commerce www.cumberland-wisconsin.com bagafest@cumberland-wisconsin.com 715-822-FEST City of Chetek, Chamber of Commerce www.chetekwi.net info@chetekwi.net 800-317-1720 City of Rice Lake, Chamber of Commerce www.ricelakechamber.org chamber@rice-lake.com 877-234-2126 Rice Lake Tourism Commission 715-234-8888 http://www.ricelaketourism.com/summer.asp Village of Turtle Lake (Village and Chamber of Commerce) www.turtlelakewi.com 715-986-2241 715-986-4533 800-811-0338 Barron County, Wisconsin...How to get here.. Barron County is one of only two “square counties” in the state, 30 miles by 30 miles. You can reach the cities, villages and townships form major US Highways at all four points of entry. Oh, and you can enter the county via the Red Cedar River, too..just launch your canoe or kayak from entry points in Chippewa County and head north!! And in the winter, be daring!! Try snowshoeing, cross country skiing or ice skating your way to be with us!! Activities for everyone in the family are no more than an easy drive away. Directions by Motorized Vehicles: From the west, US Highway 8, the Mississippi River at Taylors Falls, MN to St. Croix Falls, WI to the Village of Turtle Lake then on to the City of Barron. *From the north, US Highway 53 to Rice Lake to Barron to Chetek to New Auburn (or Hwy 48 from the northwest). *From the north, US 63 from Shell Lake to the city of Cumberland (or Hwy 48 from the northeast). *From the south, US Highway 53 from Eau Claire to New Auburn to Chetek to Rice Lake. *From the south, US Highway 25 from I94 Menomonie, WI to the City of Barron *From the east, US Highway 8 from Ladysmith Directions by Air: There are General Aviation Airports in the cities of Barron, Chetek, Cumberland and Cameron, the location of the Rice Lake Airport. If you are arriving in the county by air and need a car for your visit, Enterprise Car Rental is located in Rice Lake, WI (715-234-4051). Barron County Economic Development Department and Barron County Tourism Contact: David Miller Department Director P.O. Box 71 Barron, WI 54812 1-800-529-4148 715-790-1327 Cell 715-637-3061 FAX e-Mail: david.miller@co.barron.wi.us www.barroncounty.com |
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