Looking for a summer vacation getaway?
How about Hayward, Wisconsin?
Home of the largest Muskie in the world 143 ft., part of the national freshwater fishing hall of fame complex. Golf, shopping, outdoor recreation, restaurants and bars galore make this spot an ideal summer getaway for the entire family. . If you haven’t been to the area before want to get the flavor of it, rent the movie The Great Outdoors with John Candy, Annette Benning, Dan Aykroid, and the big 64.
The North Woods of Wisconsin was the setting for the movie. Hayward known as an fishing haven to many Midwesterners has something for everyone. Thirteen golf courses in the area, make it the golf capital of Wisconsin, or so the natives say. Six miniature golf courses, Go Carts, Horseback riding, and the usual Summer amusement fare will keep the kids busy for hours. The accommodations in the area are priced for everyone. Campgrounds, B and B’s, Resorts, and Motels are readily available. Hayward has a number of different festivals, two of my favorites are the Musky Festival June 25- 28 , and the Lumberjack World Championships July 24-26. A must see is the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.
Over 100,000 people visit each year. The museum includes thousands of lures, rods, reels, vintage outboard motors, Hundreds of mounted fish, and many other displays. Controversy abounds in the area about which Muskie is the world record . The Dun Rovin Lodge lays claim to the largest over 70 lbs. However the scale used to weigh it wasn’t certified and cynics question the actual weight. The freshwater hall houses a replica 69lb. 11 oz. giant, however the original was destroyed in a fire in the sixties. That leaves the 67lb. 8oz. Behemoth located in the Moccasin bar, I’ve been in a number of bars and this is one of the most notable I’ve encountered. The record fish encased in a glass display case is only one of wide array of stuffed animals in various forms of drinking, gambling, and other forms of carousing. You can find all of the above info on the Hayward web site. There’s never a lack of activity and something for everyone in Hayward.
