9 Top-Rated Places To Visit In Hayward, Wisconsin (2024)

A quaint little fishing city, Hayward is underrated for all that it offers. Though Midwestern, especially the Wisconsinites, are totally in love with this place, it still waits for its share of recognition throughout the west. The city of Hayward is located next to the Namekagon River and with several large lakes around. Not only that, it has got its fair share of scenic woodland and nature trails, both of which go a long way to thousands of miles.

Anyone who knows about Hayward mark it as the premier fishing destination. They aren’t totally wrong, but Hayward has so much more than its fish and fishing opportunities. Today, this article is a compilation of top-rated places and the most popular activities in Hayward. When you are done with the usual fishing fun, you can choose your favorites from our list and build your own Hayward itinerary.

9 Top-Rated Places To Visit In Hayward, Wisconsin

With that said, let’s get started.

1. Lumberjack Village Mini Golf

The Lumberjack Village is a premier mini-golf course where golfers of all ages can have fun. This outdoor course features enjoyable yet challenging area. Along with that, there are beautiful greens and fairways, native blooms and granite outcroppings and a grand waterfall that feeds fountains, ponds, and streams. Some of the other features here include water obstacles, unique terrains and a hidden hazard. Coming here for golf is not just about the sport but also about making unforgettable memories. The entry fee here goes like $6.45 for kids between 4 to 11 years, $7.95 for visitors above 12 years and $6.95 for senior visitors. If you buy a village pass, you get a ticket to Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows, popcorns and for a golf course visit altogether.

2. American Birkebeiner

The most popular thing to do when in Hayward is surely visiting the American Birkebeiner. It is the most popular and the largest and longest cross country ski race in America. Every year during the month of February, nearly 10,000 skiers from across America gather to participate in American Birkebeiner. It is divided into the freestyle event (50 km) and the classic race (55 km). What makes the event more interesting, adventurous and unique is that it symbolizes a survival situation. Every skier has to carry a pack on their back which must have equivalent weight of an eighteen-month-old child (symbolizing Haakon) during the race. This pack should contain food, survival gear and warm clothing and must weigh nearly 7.7lbs.

3. Hayward Lakes Visitors & Convention Bureau

An ideal place to unwind, the Hayward Lakes Visitors & Convention Bureau is a fun space. What makes it a popular tourist attraction are the annual events. The list of events includes the American Birkebeiner (February), the Lumberjack World Championships and the Honor the Earth Powwow (July), and the Chequamegon Fat Tire Fest (September). For participating in these events, visitors from not just America but across the world pay visit here. Visitors & Convention Bureau is also home to some of the finest resorts, motels, hotels, restaurants, and shopping spaces. The center operates for public visiting from Monday through Saturday and from 9 am to 5 pm.

4. Hayward KOA Holiday

Hayward KOA is a camping ground that offers themed summer weekends and a variety of camping accommodations. Hayward and Camping go as synonyms; thus, if you are into this kind of holiday, you should definitely go for it. Here, the camping grounds have a pavilion for small events, campfire pits, a heated pool, a water slide, and a community camping kitchen. There are even wagon rides (during the weekend) that interest kids the most. In contrast, adults have an inflatable movie screen, a mini-golf, and endless canoeing and kayaking opportunities. Apart from that, early morning fishing is another popular activity amongst campers here. For staying here, visitors can choose from lodging, RVing and Camping.

5. Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame and Big Muskie

The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame and Big Muskie is an American hall of fame in Hayward. Constructed from 1960 to 1976, this popular space comprises 7 buildings covering nearly 25,000 square feet of area. The attraction is popularly known as the 143 feet incredible Muskie statue. The best part is that visitors can actually walk inside the fish and even stand at its lower jaw (observation area). Besides that, the hall of fame features over 400 mounted fish and 300 freestanding outboard motors. The attraction welcomes over ten thousand visitors from Wisconsin and even other parts of the Midwest every year. If you, too, are interested in exploring quirky spaces, this place surely deserves a place in your Hayward itinerary.

6. Spider Lake Ranch Riding Stable

The Spider Lake Ranch Riding Stable is quite popular in Hayward as a family-owned and operated horse-riding place. It is located 14 miles east of Hayward near the Spider Lake region and welcomes visitors into tranquillity. A visit here allows the guest for a horseback adventure through beautiful trails that pass between the lush green Northwood forests. The institution has professional and well-trained guides who educate the guests about horses and ensure utmost safety for all. Neither the horse is going to lose the path, nor is he going to make you fall down. The best part is because the place always has several visitors, the time here becomes fun with strangers. Prices for the same goes as $40/person, cash discount $36/person for an hour ride. Or $26/person, cash discount $24/person for half an hour ride. Group visitors, school students, active-duty military service members and veterans with ID can avail of other discounted benefits as well.

7. Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

If you happen to stay or visit Hayward, do take some effort and drive 33 miles towards Clam Lake. It is where the 1,530,647-acre Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest exists. The fun and engagement quotient here is never compromised from Flora and Fauna to outdoor recreational opportunities. Upon visiting this national forest, visitors can climb up the mountain fire lookout tower and enjoy the views. Other exploring options here include a 40-acre Cathedral pine grove and forest amusements. For activities, the list of options goes like camping, mountain biking, snow showing, cross-country skiing, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.

8. Wilderness Walk Zoo and Recreation Park

The Wilderness Walk Zoo and Recreation Park are small but fun places to visit in Hayward. This 35-acre charming animal farm and recreation center hosts both domestic and wild animals. There are wolves, cougars, coyote pups, fox kits, camels etc. While the wild animals are kept captive, the farm animals are allowed to roam free at a safer distance from other animals and humans. It is a great place for taking along kids and makes them learn why does Zoo exists and other related stuff. There are even picnic spots and playgrounds and picnic spots and playgrounds nearby. For spending a fun day with kids and family, this is undoubtedly one of the best places in Hayward.

9. Northwood’s Humane Society

If you hold a special love for pets, especially dogs, then do visit the Northwood’s Humane Society, Hayward. It basically runs as a shelter and caring home for abandoned and unwanted animals. The authority and staff here work day and night to provide the best care to animals, while they also train and socialize them for the better. What makes this place an entry on our list is that anyone who loves pets can visit here as a volunteer. Considering it is a huge facility, society always welcomes individuals who offer help in managing. They even have a fabulous thrift shop that makes for the animal center’s earning. The best part is, visitors can even adopt pets from here.

Best Places To Stay When In Hayward

1. Spider Lake Lodge Bed and Breakfast

There isn’t a better place to stay for couples looking for a quick weekend break in Haywards than the Spider Lake Lodge Bed and Breakfast. This B&B is settled inside the Northwoods and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Overlooking the Spider Lake, accommodations in form log buildings and cabins are all decorated in rustic-chic décor. Every single accommodation is served by common amenities that add to the comfort of staying. They also serve a hot and delicious breakfast every day at the dining hall. Other added features include a beach, a fire pit, a guest-use canoe and a gift shop.