Manitowish Waters Historic Bike Trail Tour, Powell Road to Manitowish, Wisconsin

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By Kay KransImagine an indigenous summer encampment on a peninsula overlooking a water route of people traveling from place to place to gather wild rice, fish, or forest foods. At camp people are tending gardens and drying fish or making canoes. Later visualize a wealthy family and servants enjoying the summer sun. Move forward in time and listen to the voices of boys and eventually girls enjoying the camp experience. The property known today as Camp Jorn has an important history and legacy in Manitowish Waters. From Indigenous people to farm land to the Nash estate to Camp Thunderbolt and now Camp Jorn, this property has a vast history.

2. Town of Manitowish

In 1889, the Chicago Northwestern Railroad tracks crossed the Manitowish River and established a modest rail stop. By 1890, loggers, trappers, guides, sportsmen and pioneers rushed to the Manitowish rail stop as a launching point into the mostly untouched Northwoods wilderness. The rail stop at Manitowish grew quickly and had a hotel and store by 1890. Early on, the town of Manitowish was a regional hub for transportation until about 1905 when Mercer added a rail line to the towns of Winchester and Winegar (Presque Isle). Population patterns in Manitowish were noted in Wisconsin Gazetteers: 1895 population 50, 1911 population 100, and 1921 population 35. In the 1937, the Works Progress Administration sponsored the recording of Iron County's history, which did not recognize the Town of Manitowish.Manitowish became the homes of many pioneer families. The Manitowish School was a point of pride for the entire town. Today's Manitowish Waters was strongly coupled to the Town of Manitowish. The Manitowish rail stop was the primary source for supplies that had to be moved over seven miles by wagons or trucks to the Rest Lake Dam and beyond. Tourists most often used the Manitowish rail stop to access Manitowish Waters. Manitowish even provided postal service to Manitowish Waters until 1940. The Manitowish Post Office was discontinued in 1968, and mail then was routed through Mercer.Today, Manitowish appears to be a crossroads of Highways 47 and 51, but careful examination of history reveals a deep and rich chapter of Northwoods heritage.Travelers can easily access Manitowish by car, the Mercer Bike Trail, or paddling on the Manitowish River. Property around Manitowish is mostly private, with the exception of The Lazy Ace and Ullman's Ding-A-Ling Supper Club. Private property should be respected by all travelers.

3. Manitowish School

Manitowish School was the first regional school along the Iron and Vilas county boarder. The Chicago Northwestern railroad usher families to the region and pioneer families built a school just three years after the railroad crossed the Manitowish River. Manitowish School quickly became a hub of community activities and place of community pride. As the town of Mercer grew, Manitowish School realized declining enrollment, consolidation became inevitable around World War II.Travelers can enjoy a limited view of Manitowish School by car, the Mercer Bike Trail, or paddling on the Manitowish River. Property around Manitowish School is private, and travelers can look from Highway 51 or the bike path. Private property should be respected by all travelers.

4. Plunkett Farm

By Kay KransEarly on, it became a necessity for families to create subsistence farms in northern Wisconsin. The Plunketts were early pioneers and had a young family to raise. They needed food for the family, and supplies were not readily available without traveling a long way by horse and wagon. While Matt Plunkett worked in the lumber camps during the winter, his wife and children needed a store of food and wood to keep them safe.

5. Old County Highway G Bridge

While paddling down the Manitowish River, many question the concrete structure across from the Highway 51 wayside boat landing. Back in the 1920s as automobiles began to operate within the Northwoods, county and local roads were constructed to connect communities. County Highway G, was in operation by 1927 and connected the communities of Springstead and Powell to the towns of Manitowish and Mercer. Selecting the easiest route between Powell and Highway 51, road builders did not follow the more swampy railroad route. Instead, they crossed the swamp at its most narrow point and jogged the road east, crossing the Manitowish River just before old State Highway 10. The southern County G bridge concrete support wall remains at the boat landing at the wayside park and kayak landing as a reminder of the early days and automobile and truck traffic.The old Highway G bridge is located on public land and has excellent parking near the river. The site is easy to locate...just follow the Department of Transportation wayside signs. Whether traveling by car, bicycling on the trail, or paddling down the river, travelers will discover a scenic site with a great story.

6. Probable Moonshine Cache Sites

Two mystery features along the Camp Mercer Interpretive Trail were discovered in 2020, using LiDar imaging. These features are marked on the Camp Mercer Interpretive Trail map as 23 and 26. No interpretive signs have been created because of the ongoing scholarly debate between project historians and archaeologists. Several logging experts have reviewed these features and have no examples of comparable sites. The story that unfolds centers around Louie LaPorte, living between each of these features at the old LaPorte logging camp. LaPorte was a noted moonshiner who was indicted by a grand jury in 1924 for prohibition violations. Like many Northwoods moonshiners, LaPorte shrugged-off law enforcement trouble as an expected expense that comes with business.It is illegal to dig, disturb or move cultural artifacts on public land without a permit from the State Archaeologist. Features 23 and 26 and other cultural sites like the logging camps are also protected because they are recorded on the Wisconsin Archaeological Site Inventory. Visitors are welcome to observe, explore, take photos and share stories around the features 23 and 26.The logging camps are on public land and can be accessed by river or by the bike trail and the Manitowish River Access Road. Following the markers on the Camp Mercer Trail maps is the most efficient way to get to these sites.

7. River Drive Logging Camps

Two different river drive logging camps are located along the Camp Mercer Interpretive Trail. Logging camps are marked on the trail map as signs 21 and 25. The LaPorte logging camp is located at sign 21. The LaPortes were among the earliest pioneers and noted for their logging expertise. Louie LaPorte lived in the cabin after the logging job was completed in 1911. The logging camp located at number 25 has no sign because scholars are still debating the status of the camp. The camp located by number 25 is on a trail loop and very easy to identify. Sadly, some of the cabin structure and most of the blacksmith shop have been looted by modern treasure hunters. It is illegal to dig or take artifacts from public lands without a permit. Camp Mercer and other cultural sites like the logging camps are even more protected because they are recorded on the Wisconsin Archaeological Site Inventory. Observing, taking photos and sharing stories around the logging camps are encouraged.The logging camps are on public land and can be accessed by river or by the bike trail and the Manitowish River Access Road. Following the markers on the Camp Mercer Trail maps is the most efficient way to get to these sites.

8. Camp Mercer 660th Company S-79, a Civilian Conservation Corps Camp

Camp Mercer or 660th Company S-79 operated along the banks of the Manitowish River from 1933-1942. Camp Mercer utilized the rail depot at Manitowish, Wisconsin to logistically support the development and maintenance of the Civilian Conservation Corps camp one mile west of the Iron and Vilas county line. 660th Company stands out as a larger regional administrative CCC camp. Historically, some area residents confused the site of the North Lakeland Discovery Center as the site for CCC Company 660th. The Youth Conservation Camp, known as Statehouse Lake in Manitowish Waters, was created in 1962 as a separate state program, with a mission that paralleled that of the earlier CCC.A trail features 23 interpretive signs, and a 3.5 mile hike will guide visitors through Camp Mercer and other cultural sites. Check web links below for further details. Paper trail maps are available at the trailhead, bike trail bridge, and trail gate by the Highway 51 wayside.It is illegal to dig or take artifacts on public lands without a permit from the DNR Archaeologist and State Archaeologist. Camp Mercer and other cultural sites like logging camps are even more protected because they are recorded on the Wisconsin Archaeological Site Inventory. Observing, taking photos and sharing stories around Camp Mercer are encouraged.

9. River's Edge Lodge and Outfitter, formally Circle Lily Resort

In the early 1930s, Louis and Claire Laffin began their business along Circle Lily Creek and the Manitowish River. Opening the Wayside Inn along Highway 51 (currently the bike trail), they offered travelers a place to rest and enjoy a meal. In 1932, Laffin was arrested for possession of moonshine and beer. Shortly after the arrest, the Laffin's changed the name of their business to Circle Lily Lodge. In 1933, Circle Lily Lodge had the good fortune to have CCC Camp Mercer constructed just west of their business, meaning 100 to 250 men would be in camp from 1933-1942, providing a nice customer base just as Prohibition was lifted. The Lafflins grew Circle Lily Resort into a lodging and dining destination. After the Laffins, several other proprietors ran Circle Lily Lodge until it burned 1998. Today, Chris and Renae McMurray operate River's Edge Lodge and Outfitters on the same site.River's Edge Lodge and Outfitters is open to the public, and travelers should check the website below for hours of operation.

10. Knotty Pine Resort

Tichy’s Knotty Pine Resort, located just past Bensen Lake on the Manitowish River, was an active resort beginning in 1946 and operated until 1974. Manitowish Waters municipal tax records have on record that resort owner Frank Tichy possessed six rowboats, indicating the resort’s popularity. Photographic evidence indicates that the resort peaked at a minimum of six cabins.Knotty Pine Resort has a unique vertical log architectural style that emerged before WWII. Vertical log properties like Knotty Pine Resort are being replaced by modern construction as folks rebuild on older lots. Fortunately, many vertical log homes are still in pristine condition on both the Manitowish River and the chain of lakes.Tichy’s Knotty Pine Resort is located on private property and best viewed by paddling on the Manitowish River. Private property should be respected by all travelers on the Manitowish River.

11. Patterson's Manitowish River Resort

Along the banks of the Manitowish River on Bensen Lake, J.W. Patterson’s Manitowish River Resort was in operation from 1946 until 1961. Tax records from Manitowish Water’s archives state that Patterson owned two boats, suggesting the resort was smaller than active nearby resorts such as Tichy’s Knotty Pine and Jones’ Lakewood Lodge.This resort was advertised in The Chicago Tribune. It was told that those who found this place would have fun, rest and great fishing. There was a lodge with rooms and cottages, and the resort ran on the American Plan. The cuisine was considered just plain good old fashioned home cooking. The Patterson family would close down the resort each fall and return to their home in Chicago.The site of Patterson's Manitowish River Resort is located on private property, which should be respected by all travelers to Benson Lake and the Manitowish River.

12. Hunter's Camp O Woods Lodge or Lakewood Lodge

Located on the banks of Benson Lake, there has been speculation that Lakewood Lodge was initially built by the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) at Camp Mercer. Ed Hunter Sr. built this impressive property as a family compound. As an attorney and District Attorney for Oneida County, he was able to gather the resources to construct many buildings during the Great Depression. Ed Hunter Jr. later joined his father in the Hunter Reality business. In 1946, the property was then sold to Harland and Lorraine Jones who operated Lakewood Lodge for over 30 years.The site of Hunter's Camp O Woods Lodge or Lakewood Lodge is located on private property, which should be respected by all travelers to Benson Lake and the Manitowish River.

13. Ye Olde Shillelagh

Scattered area resorts, a CCC camp nearby, and the original route of Highway 51 from the Manitowish train depot to the Manitowish Waters chain of lakes makes this a perfect location for a tavern and a small motel. Built in the 1930s by Neal LaPorte, this tavern has been known by several names--Veterans Inn, Pine Air Inn, Koehler’s Lounge and Motel, Ernst’s Supper Club, Trails End, and now Ye Olde Shillelagh.Friday night fish fries have been a staple here for many years, but a major attraction is stopping in to view the deer through the large back windows. Visitors always hope to see an albino. Don’t miss the link chain made from bottle caps that has been decorating the tavern since the 1950s!

14. Big Rapids on the Manitowish River

Big Rapids on the Manitowish River is one of the most iconic scenes in Manitowish Waters. Both Highway 51 and the Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail cross just above the head of the rapids, providing impressive views. Historically, the Manitowish River was the main "highway" into the Northwoods for thousands of years. Indigenous communities, fur traders, timber cruisers, loggers, surveyors and pioneers relied on the river for transportation and trade.Access to Big Rapids is easy because all the land surrounding the rapids are public. A gravel boat landing just off of Highway 51 allows visitors to park and access the river as a put-in or take-out for paddling trips. Travelers can also access the bike trail or rugged trails along the banks to see Big Rapids.

15. Rest Lake Ranger Station

The Rest Lake Ranger Cabin and Fire Tower were one of the four original outposts created by the Wisconsin Department of Forestry in 1912 to stop the vicious forest fires that plagued the Northwoods.Like spokes in a wheel extending from the Trout Lake Headquarters, new ranger stations could spot fires from 55-foot towers and report back to Trout Lake on new phone lines where Trout Lake rangers triangulated a fire’s location and coordinated fire responses. Rangers also utilized specialized firefighting tools and portable phones cached throughout the forest reserve to resupply and get fire updates from Trout Lake. Ranger stations also had bunk houses to maintain a corps of men for fire suppression, fire watch and building telephone lines, roads and fire lanes. Remote patrol cabins and auxiliary fire watch towers were later built to improve coverage and response time during fire season. Over time, new ranger facilities improved forestry employees’ response to critical needs within the forest reserve.

16. Angler's Fine Food and Spirits

Business has flourished in this location since 1927 when Frank Laundrie, a former Vilas County Sheriff, built a filling station and refreshment stand at the busy intersection of what was then U.S. Highway 51 and County Trunk W. it was called the Tower Inn as it stood in the shadow of a 55-foot fire tower owned and operated by the Wisconsin Conservation Commission.In May 1928, the first local post office was located within Tower Inn. The property changed hands several times with new owners always expanding and improving service offerings to keep up with growing tourism demands. The Zermuehlens, Garbers and Jastrops were each subsequent owners of The Tower Tea Room, Tower Bar and Resort, and The Tower. Later businesses existed with the names of The Fireplace Inn and Angler's Fine Food and Spirits. Today, that intersection is now County W and Tower Road, and Anglers is still an anchor of downtown Manitowish Waters commerce. Sadly, the fire tower no longer exists.

17. Aurora Borealis Restaurant

Starting in 1931, the Northern Lights Resort succeeded in spite of the Great Depression. The beautiful views of Rest Lake were complemented by the sound of rushing water over Rest Lake Dam. The sprawling shore north of the dam also included a bar across the road.After the Northern Lights closed around 1958, the property was lent and later leased to the Skiing Skeeters water ski show starting in 1962. The Skiing Skeeters performed on the grounds of the old Northern Lights until the property sold in 1988. Condos and lakeshore development now occupy the resort's footprint.The bar across the street soon became a restaurant and a series of owners have offered amazing food to locals and visitors. The current restaurant pays tribute to the Northern Lights legacy with the name Aurora Borealis, delivering fantastic food accompanied by the rhythmic sound of pounding water crashing at the base of Rest Lake Dam.

18. 30-30 Lodge

The 30-30 Lodge represents several unique chapters in the history of Manitowish Waters. From humble beginnings, starting in 1934, Bill and Valarie Mehl built a resort and supper club that was a classic Northwoods establishment for more than 30 years. Fine food, good service and nice accommodations were the standard at Mehl's 30-30 Lodge. Bill Mehl was noted for community service and being an excellent fisherman. By the late 1960s, the Mehl's sold their business to retire.Dennis and Beulah Hughes took over the 30-30 Lodge and followed the Northwoods resort and supper club tradition for only a few years. By 1972, the Hughes 30-30 Lodge offered adult entertainment with topless go-go dancers. A few years after featuring risqué entertainment, the 30-30 Lodge closed its doors. Sadly, in 2005 Denys Ray Hughes, son of Dennis and Beulah, returned to their family's property on Vance Lake to advance his militia and survivalist's ambitions. ATF and FBI personnel captured the younger Hughes with explosives, illegal weapons, and base materials for a biological weapon. Federal authorities captured Denys Ray Hughes without incident by posing as utility workers working on electrical lines.To view the 30-30 Lodge, the dock in front of Angler's restaurant provides and great view from afar. Those who wish for a closer view should put in at the canoe landing below the Pea Patch and paddle into Vance Lake. The site of 30-30 Lodge is located on private property, which should be respected by all travelers to Vance Lake.

19. Mississippi River Logging Camp and Rest Lake Dam

The most defining feature in the community of Manitowish Waters is the Rest Lake Dam. Discover the origins of the Rest Lake Dam and the large river drive lumber camp that was located at the inlet to Vance (formerly Dam) Lake. In 1902, the sprawling lumber camp was the site of the largest river drive ever conducted on the Chippewa River. Imagine 150 "River Pigs," drinking to celebrate this historic event before ushering millions of board feet of logs to Chippewa Falls. From the Army Corps of Engineers' surveys of 1878 until today, the location and operation of the dam has been debated. For over 130 years, dams between Vance Lake and Rest Lake have created one of the finest Northwoods impoundments for both early logging and long-term recreation.

20. Manitowish Waters Fish Hatchery

Discover how the first municipal fish hatchery in Wisconsin helped Manitowish Waters survive the economic collapse after the stock market crash of 1929.During the Great Depression, the Wisconsin Conservation Commission was short on cash to stock area lakes. Manitowish Waters stepped up, raising $1000 to construct a fantastic fish hatchery just below Rest Lake Dam. Tourism was the lifeblood of the local economy, and back in the 1930s, fishing was the big attraction. The Manitowish Waters hatchery's success inspired other municipalities like Mercer to follow our model. The hatchery operated into the late 1940s or early 1950s before it closed. Today, the conservation group Walleyes For Tomorrow conducts similar operations and helps stock Northwoods' lakes.

21. Barr Fish Lock or Fishway

In 1931, local inventor Harry Barr created a new kind of fish "ladder" to help preserve Northwoods' fisheries. Barr called his device the Barr Fish Lock, or Fishway. Barr received permission from the Public Service Commission to install one of his inventions directly below the Rest Lake Dam. The next spring fish were lifted from the fast waters on Vance Lake below the dam, through the fishway, and into Rest Lake. In 1931-1932, the Wisconsin Conservation Commission did daily counts of spring fish that moved through the fish lock. Soon after, the data was tabulated. The Wisconsin Conservation Commission declared Barr's invention a success, and the Barr Lock operated into the late 1940s before closing.

22. Site of Peter Vance's Homestead

Peter Vance and his Ojibwe wife Sarah were among the first pioneer families to settle in what ultimately became Manitowish Waters. Changing the name of Dam Lake to Vance Lake, honors the site of their homestead and their historic contributions. Peter Vance claimed to have traveled up the Chippewa River in 1884 from Menominee, Wisconsin to the Manitowish chain of lakes. Peter Vance worked as a timber cruiser, trapper, guide and operated an early lodge until 1903. Sarah Vance maintained strong connections to her Ojibwe heritage and prove to be a strong partner for Peter. She was noted for sharing Ojibwe culture. Local residents and visitors were eager to buy her traditional Ojibwe goods. To view the site of the Vance Homestead, the dock in front of Angler's restaurant provides a great view from afar. Those who wish a closer view should put in at the canoe landing below the Pea Patch, and paddle into Vance Lake. The site of Peter and Sarah Vance's homestead is located on private property. Private property should be respected by all travelers to Vance Lake.

23. Pea Patch Motel and Saloon

Whether you are on a pub crawl, hike, kayak/canoe trip, on a snowmobile, a bicycle or, of course, driving, be sure to stop in and enjoy, "the best drink by a dam site."In the early 1920s, the Win-Mar opened under the ownership of Marie Zimmerman and Winifred (Winnie) Johnson Young. The business started out as a supply post building, measuring 8’ by 8’ and made of canvas and birch poles used to support the canvas roof. Over the years, Win-Mar expanded into a resort with cottages, a restaurant with a dining hall, a gas station, a grocery supply, and a boat livery. It began as a lake side/roadside stand and evolved into a full-service resort. They were known for their great food and hospitality. They advertised their hamburgers as one of their best specialties.On April 27, 1961, Charley and Inez Pea came to Manitowish Waters from California and purchased the resort. Today, the Pea Patch is an outstanding business with great hospitality, quality food, and owners who contribute so much to the community. Throughout the years, current owners Barry and Lisa (LaPorte) Hopkins have created wonderful activities at the bar as well as in the community. Music in the Park was established by Lisa and Barry, becoming one of the most popular Sunday activities in Manitowish Waters and the surrounding area as people travel from neighboring towns to attend.

24. Cross Lake: Before it was Rest Lake

For thousands of years, Indigenous communities like the Ojibwe prized the rich resources present in our lakes, streams and forests. In 1846, geologist A. B. Gray traveled to our community, documenting his discoveries in a detailed journal and map. Fortunately, his expedition's documents were published in the U. S. Congressional Record, delivering unique insights regarding Manitowish Waters. Gray discovered that a Lac du Flambeau Chief named White Thunder lived on Cross Lake. His wigwams, garden, and other belongings were located on a high point of land that created one arm (peninsula) of the "cross." Most modern residents and tourists are unaware that Fox Island was a peninsula before there was the Rest Lake Dam. White Thunder's seasonal residence was likely located on the western tip of Fox Island and washed away from the dam's rising waters. After a newer Rest Lake Dam was completed by 1902, researchers claimed that Fox Island was 20 acres. Modern GIS mapping of Fox Island claims the island is a little over 9 acres. Importantly, White Thunder remains the earliest documented resident of Manitowish Waters.

25. Manny's Parkside

Imagine walking into a lakeside restaurant to be greeted by a wolf-whistle or "I'm Joe" from a mynah bird. That is one of many fantastic stories from this fun and historic location. The Rest Haven resort has gone by many names like Rudy’s Rest Haven, Ehrich’s Bavarian Inn, Swanberg’s Bavarian Inn, Parkside Tavern and now Manny's Parkside, which opened in 2022. It is a location where we can still see the “bones” of history, with updates and changes built on top; modern restaurant aesthetics that pay homage to the resorts of the past.The Rest Haven resort has been around, in some form or another, for so long due in part to its geographic location in the region. Located on County Road W off Highway 51 and in the town of Manitowish Waters, this resort has been a destination for vacationers dating back to around 1925. The original resort in this location came around 1925-1926 under the ownership of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Shroeder. The resort was aptly named Schroeder’s Resthaven and was located roughly in the area that is Manny's Parkside and Koller Park now.

26. History of the Cozy Cove

by Kay KransIf you were visiting the Manitowish Waters area in the 1950s and looking for a great daytime activity for your family, you might have taken a horse ride through the woods, courtesy of the Flying “P” Stables. Eugene and Lela Poiron, their daughter, Darla, and their horses brought summertime memories for many.

27. The Flying “P” Riding Academy

By Kay KransIn the early 1950s, tourists were becoming more and more interested in activities other than the usual up north experiences. Fishing and hunting were still the primary focus, but now more families were spending their vacations up north, and varied activities were welcome, paving the way for new opportunities for newcomers to the area. Eugene and Lela Poiron and their young daughter, Darla, traveled from California cross country to visit family in Pennsylvania. On the way, they stopped in Wisconsin to visit old friends. They learned of the treasured fishing and hunting place known as Manitowish Waters. They decided to visit the area and fell in love with the Northwoods. They purchased property from Jim Bart of Rest Lake Resort. Palmer Hanson (one of the town fathers) introduced himself to the couple and encouraged them to bring back the old riding stables and create a new tourist attraction for the community. The old riding stables were a perfect fit for Lela because she was raised on a farm in Texas and knew horses. Thus, in 1951, began the story of the Flying “P” Stables. The Poiron family began a lifetime of spending summers in Wisconsin, running the riding stables. The first summer was spent in a one-room shack, preparing the property to open the new stables. Darla spent that summer sleeping on a large shelf above her parents’ bed. As time went on, they purchased Campbell’s Resort and created the Flying “P” Guest Ranch with a 10-bedroom lodge. The Poirons bought horses and opened each summer from mid-June to Labor Day until 1970. The stables would become a destination for tourists, Camp Jorn campers, and local and summer kids who wanted to learn to ride and enjoy the trail rides that the stable had to offer.

This Tour is a Driving or Biking Tour.

Manitowish Waters Historic Bike Trail Tour, Powell Road to Manitowish, Wisconsin

Created by Jim Bokern on January 14th 2023, 2:22:26 pm.

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While exploring Manitowish Waters amazing bike trails take some time to learn about Northwoods history. Reviewing this Clio tour before you ride or stopping along the way to checkout destinations will add a new dimension to your trail experience. Some destinations may encourage you to hike on public land, while others may attract you to a local business. Diverse destinations await you along the bike trails and encourage you to ride our bike trails several times a year. Honestly, discovering the robust Northwoods beauty, history and culture along the trails can fill an entire vacation or become a multi-year journey. We hope you enjoy your ride, and be safe. Some destinations are on private property and can only be viewed from afar.

Entries on This Tour

Manitowish Waters Historic Bike Trail Tour, Powell Road to Manitowish, Wisconsin

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