Welcome to Downtown Phillips ~ 888-408-4800 ~ www.phillipswisconsin.com

Phillips grew along the eastern bank of Elk Lake, on the Elk River, as the railroads and lumber companies made their way north. In 1894 a fire devastated the town and only a few charred remnants remained. Thus, nearly one-third of the buildings now located downtown were erected between 1894 and 1900. As the timber industry declined, farmers, mainly from Eastern Europe, bought the land surrounding Phillips. Most businesses had at least one clerk who spoke Czech, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church held services in Bohemian and English. Phillips is surrounded by flowages created by logging dams rebuilt in the 1930s under the Works Projects Administration (WPA) making it a gateway to recreational opportunities in the adjacent woods and on near-by waters.

Today, downtown businesses and services, located along streets lined with decorative lampposts, colorful banners, an artistic mural, a community flower garden and year-round planters, are waiting for you! There are unique shops with everything from antiques to cell phones and from canoes to yarn. You can take in a movie, have your hair and nails done, relax with a massage or check out property for sale at a local real estate office. Restaurants and taverns are prepared to fuel hungry and thirsty travelers. Most feature the ever popular Friday Night Fish Fry - you are sure to find a family favorite!

Following a day of shopping or dining take in the beauty of Elk Lake/Lionite Park where you will find a lighted walking trail, playground equipment, handicap-accessible fishing docks and an open air pavilion. A short mile south of Phillips on Hwy. 13 you will find the Wisconsin Concrete Park – a one of a kind outdoor sculpture museum.

There is ample free public parking and affordable lodging within walking distance of Downtown Phillips. Stop down for a visit soon!

Events ~

January – Winter Fest
February - Winter Wine Tasting
May to September – Farmers Market
June - Putt Run Motorcycle Ride for Charity
June – Czech Fest and Meister’s Old World Beer Garden’s Micro Beer Tasting
July – July 4th Celebration & Fireworks and Art & More on the Lakeshore
July - Spirit of America 5K Run/Walk
July - Phillips Chain of Lakes Triathlon
July - Charity Classic Muskie Tourney
September – Fall Harvest Festival & Scarecrow Display
October - Holiday Wine Tasting
November – Le Creuset & The 5 Senses Cookware Demo
December - Christmas Parade, Visit with Santa & Free Movie

Historic Buildings ~

Masonic Temple - This is the last major structure rebuilt after the fire of 1894, and the only building on main street still used by the original owner. The cornerstone of this brownstone was laid on the first anniversary of the fire, during a celebration of the city that had “emerged like a phoenix from the ashes.” (137 North Lake Avenue)

Meister’s Bar & Grill – This beautiful brownstone was built for the First National Bank of Phillips in 1905. (152 North Lake Avenue)

Johnson’s Hardware - Jacob Rasmussen erected this building immediately following the 1894 fire. It is constructed of Menomonee brick, with light granite trim. It served as the John R. Davis Lumber Company office and is currently operated by the third generation of the A.O. Johnson family. (195 North Lake Avenue)

Wells Fargo Bank – This building was constructed in 1895 to house C.C. Kelleher Hardware. It was constructed of pressed brick with sandstone trim by J. Foster and Sons of Ashland at a cost of $18,000. (198 North Lake Avenue)

The 5 Senses – Saved from demolition in 2004, the restored 1920’s fire station has also served as a library and city hall. (146 Balsam Street)