Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Right along WIS 55 is an 1870s
cabin
once used as a postal layover and trading post.
The cabin is known as the Dinesen House and was the home of Wilhelm Dinesen, father of
Isak Dinesen (the author of Out of Africa), who named it “Frydenland”, or “Grove of Joy.”
It is being refurbished to house a small cultural/visitors center.
From Tomahawk in the south, draw a line northwest to Hurley. Make another line from
Tomahawk northeast to Land O' Lakes. The area outlined is one of Wisconsin's two north-
ern “lakes districts,” essentially one spread of water, with seemingly a lake for every res-
ident (many lakes remain unnamed). In terms of lakes per square mile, the region is sur-
passed only by areas in northern Canada and Finnish Lappland. In the three major counties
in the district (Iron, Vilas, and Oneida), lakes or wetlands make up almost
40 percent
of the
surface area. Considering that these primeval pools of glacial hydrology are ensconced al-
most wholly within state and county forest land, the area is a perfectly realized Great North
Woods escape.
Somnolent Tomahawk lies on the mighty Wisconsin River and is a cheery, modest resort
town, nestled near the confluence of four northern rivers. Named for an oddly configured
nearby lake, Tomahawk's lumber industry at one time rivaled any town's to the north.
The
Tomahawk Chamber of Commerce
(4th St., 715/453-5334,
www.gototomahawk.com
)
is always helpful. Most interesting are the regularly scheduled
nature seminars, outdoors workshops, and scientific courses at
Treehaven
(715/453-4106,
www.uwsp.edu
)
, a natural resources education and conference center on 1,500 acres, about
15mileseastofTomahawkviaHighwayA.Sporadicnaturalist-guidedhikes,familynature
courses, and even concerts are ongoing.
Harley-Davidson has a plant here and
plant tours
(611 S. Kaphaem Rd., 414/343-7850,
10am-2pmMon.-Fri.,free)takeplaceJune-mid-September.Ifyou'rehereinfall,checkout
theplant'ssponsoredColoramatours—andthere'salsotheexcellentYesteryearethnicfest-
ival.
Scenic drives abound. The wondrously scenic WIS 107 hugs the Wisconsin River south
to Merrill—a great stretch of eye candy. Along the way, you'll pass by the trailhead to the
seven-mile multipurpose
Hiawatha Trail.
You could also depart east of town via Highway
