Four seasons of Northwoods adventure, unforgettable events, welcoming stays, and natural beauty that brings visitors back.
Why Hayward?
Hayward is where visitors come to experience the best of the Northwoods in every season. From crystal-clear lakes and scenic rivers to unforgettable events, trails, shopping, and dining, Hayward offers the kind of getaway that brings people back year after year.
About the Hayward Area
In Hayward, Wisconsin, THE NORTHWOODS are not just a backdrop they are THE EXPERIENCE. Visitors come here for sparkling lakes, winding rivers, endless forest, and a downtown full of local charm. Whether you are planning a family vacation, a couples getaway, a fishing trip, a snow-filled weekend, or a long-awaited return to the cabin, Hayward offers the kind of four-season escape people remember and come back to again and again.
Set in the heart of Sawyer County, Hayward is surrounded by natural beauty and outdoor adventure. The Namekagon River, part of the federally protected St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, gives paddlers, anglers, and nature lovers a one-of-a-kind Northwoods experience. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest adds even more room to roam, with vast public lands, scenic trails, wildlife, and year-round recreation.
For water lovers, Hayward is a dream destination. With over 55,000 acres of beautiful area lakes visitors are invited to fish, boat, paddle, swim, and simply unwind at the shoreline. On land, the adventure continues with miles of trails for hiking, biking, ATVing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Every season brings a new reason to explore.
Hayward is also home to some of the Northwoods’ most beloved traditions. Visitors can experience the excitement of the American Birkebeiner, North America’s largest cross-country ski race, cheer on elite athletes at the Lumberjack World Championships, and celebrate regional culture at events like the Honor the Earth Powwow and Musky Festival. These events help make Hayward more than a place to visit — they make it a place to be part of something memorable.
Beyond the outdoors, Hayward offers the welcoming atmosphere travelers hope to find in a true Northwoods town. Visitors can browse unique local shops, enjoy classic supper club traditions and Friday fish fry, discover sweet treats, and experience the friendly pace that makes a getaway feel like a break from everything else. The area’s lodging options — from resorts and cabins to campgrounds, hotels, and vacation homes — make it easy to plan a stay that fits every style of traveler.
No visit is complete without seeing some of Hayward’s iconic attractions, including the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame with the giant musky, one of the area’s most recognizable landmarks.
Whether you are here for a weekend or a week, your first trip or your fiftieth, the Hayward area invites you to explore, reconnect, and make new memories in every season.
