Hayward, Wisconsin is a small town with a lot of entertainment and attractions to offer.
There is no shortage of things to do in this small town! From taking your family to a day of fun and games or visiting one of the many museums in town, Hayward has something for everyone.
Our Hayward Wisconsin attractions guide will help you plan your trip to the city. We also have a wealth of things to do in Hayward if you’re looking for activities, places to eat and more!
Hayward’s Most Popular Attractions
The Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame
If you’re a freshwater fishing enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. This museum is a must-see for anyone who loves fishing or wants to learn more about it.
There are three main exhibits at the Hall of Fame: the Hall of Fame itself, which honors the most famous names in freshwater fishing history; a collection of historical rods and reels from all over the world; and an interactive exhibit that teaches visitors how to cast properly.
But there’s more! You can also take part in one of three daily tours that take you on a journey through the history of freshwater fishing. Or if you’d rather get up close and personal with some fish? There’s an outdoor pond where you can try your hand at catching some live bait—and if you’re lucky, maybe even snag yourself a few trout!
The Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame also offers guided tours by appointment. If you’re interested in learning more, contact them today!
Lumberjack Shows
If you haven’t heard of Lumberjack Shows, then you probably don’t know that they’re one of the most important events in Hayward, WI. It’s not only an international competition that showcases the best sawing, chopping, speed climbing, log rolling, boom-running & more! You’ll have a darned good time! Great family fun! Yo-Ho!
The lumberjack shows are more than just entertainment for tourists—they’re an important part of life in Wisconsin’s north woods. They’ll keep you entertained for hours on end and leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated when they’re over.
Shows last approximately 1-1/2 hours. All shows are rain or shine with some covered seating. Seating is open – arrive early in peak season. No pets allowed (Except for service dogs).
So what are you waiting for? Check out the shows’ schedule here. Make your plans now to attend and support local businesses in Hayward. And encourage other readers to come out as well!
Cable Natural History Museum
Cable Natural History Museum is a hidden gem in Hayward, Wisconsin.
The museum is home to a collection of more than 13,000 exhibits that span over 2 million years of natural history. With exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to minerals to gems and minerals, there’s something for everyone.
The Cable Natural History Museum is also home to an amazing collection of fossils—including one of the largest mastodon skeletons ever found in North America. The museum has been around since 1876. It has continually expanded its collection while maintaining its commitment to preserving wildlife and educating people about the importance of protecting our planet.
It’s easy to get lost in this museum. You can spend hours wandering through all the different exhibits and learning about all sorts of different things. The museum has something for everyone—whether you’re a kid or an adult; whether you’re interested in dinosaurs or gems; whether you have kids who want to learn about nature or just enjoy being outside!
If you’re looking for something fun to do this summer, head over to Hayward and check out this incredible museum!
Best Campgrounds in Hayward Wisconsin
Hayward KOA
If you want to experience all that Hayward has to offer, then you need to visit the Hayward Kampground of America.
This little slice of heaven is have everything from camping sites to cabins, RV hookups, and even an on-site restaurant. The campground is also home to one of the best water parks around: Safari Sam’s Splashtown! It features slides for all ages, so it’s perfect for families with kids or friends who are looking for a fun getaway.
The campground is close enough to Milwaukee and Chicago. You can easily make day trips into either city while still enjoying your time at Hayward Kampground—but once you’re here, there’s no reason to leave! There are plenty of activities nearby like golfing and fishing; nearby towns like Waukesha are known for their historic downtown areas; and even more fun attractions like Circus World Museum in Baraboo (about an hour away).
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Namekagon River Campground
Looking for a fun, relaxing place to camp in Hayward, Wisconsin? Look no further than Namekagon River Campground!
With its beautiful scenery and quiet atmosphere, this campground is the perfect place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The campsites are spacious and clean, with plenty of room for your family to spread out. They come equipped with fire pits, picnic tables, grills, and more. There’s also a playground in case you have little ones who need some extra entertainment while you’re camping out.
The staff at this campground is friendly and helpful—they’ll answer any questions you may have about what there is to do in the area or how best to spend your time here. They’ll even help you plan an itinerary for any activities that might interest your group!
There are plenty of activities available at this campground if you don’t want to just sit around all day: swimming, fishing (even ice fishing!), canoeing/kayaking on the Namekagon River (which runs through the property), biking along paved trails that connect to nearby towns, hiking through scenic forests or rolling hills…the list goes on! And when it gets too hot out there?
Northern Highland American Legion State Forest
When you’re looking for a place to go, there are a lot of factors to consider. But if you’re looking for a place that’s fun, relaxing and beautiful, and where you can enjoy yourself while you’re there, then you should definitely check out Northern Highland American Legion State Forest Hayward Wisconsin.
Northern Highland American Legion State Forest Hayward Wisconsin is full of things to see and do. It’s the perfect place to get away from it all, but still be close enough to home that you don’t have to worry about getting back in time for dinner or anything else that might be waiting for you when you get home from your trip.
There are lots of great places to camp and stay overnight in Northern Highland American Legion State Forest Hayward Wisconsin. You can choose from RV camping sites or tent camping sites, depending on what kind of experience you want. There are also cabins available for rent so that even if you don’t have an RV or tent, there’s still something available for everyone!
If hiking is more your thing than camping (or vice versa), then this is definitely the place for you!
Hayward’s Must Visit ATV Trails
Sawyer County Snowmobile Trails
There’s no snowmobile trail in the Hayward area that compares to the Sawyer County Snowmobile Trails.
Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll enjoy the incredible scenery and challenging terrain of this 5-mile loop. The trail is groomed regularly by volunteers, so you can be assured of a safe and smooth ride every time.
You don’t have to be in shape for this one—it’s a great way to get some exercise while taking in the gorgeous scenery! If you want to stay at home and enjoy the scenery from afar, there are plenty of spots where you can park by the roadside and take in spectacular views of lakes, forests, and mountains as they roll by.
At the end of your trip, we recommend stopping at Hayward’s famous ice cream parlor: [name]. This sweet shop has been around since 1891 and serves up all sorts of delicious treats made with locally sourced ingredients—their maple walnut ice cream is worth the trip alone!
Tuscobia State Trail
If you’re looking for a place where you can get in touch with nature and feel like you’re miles away from civilization, the Tuscobia State Trail is perfect for you. This trail features gorgeous views of the forest and lakes, as well as an abundance of wildlife—including deer, foxes, and even bears!
The trail itself is 7.2 miles long and open year-round. There are two campsites on the trail—one at each end—and they’re available year-round as well. If you want to stay overnight at one of these campsites, there’s no fee required; however, if you’d like to camp at one of the other sites along the trail (there are several), there’s a $5 fee per night per person required by Wisconsin law.
If you don’t have time to hike the entire trail but still want to see what it has to offer, we recommend taking a bike ride instead! You’ll get your exercise in while enjoying all the sights and sounds nature has to offer!
American Birkebeiner Trailhead
The American Birkebeiner Trailhead in Hayward, Wisconsin is the perfect place for a weekend getaway. It’s just a short drive away from Minneapolis and St. Paul, so you can easily get there by car.
And when you arrive, you’ll find a place that’s brimming with history and fun! The trailhead is named after the American Birkebeiner Ski Race, which takes place every year on February 2nd. It’s one of the largest cross-country ski races in North America and draws thousands of skiers from around the world.
It’s also home to the Hayward Area Historical Society Museum—a must-visit if you’re interested in learning about the area’s rich history. And don’t forget about their annual summer festival—an event where you can expect live music, food vendors, craft booths and more!
Best Hayward Restaurants
The Robin’s Nest
The best place to relax in Hayward is The Robin’s Nest!
The Robin’s Nest has been a local favorite for years. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal, or just stop by for a drink and some quality time with friends. They offer daily specials on our delicious food menu—and they even have a special kids menu!
What makes us so great? Well, for starters…
We have a fantastic selection of craft beers on tap. Our bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable about all the different brews we offer, so you can feel confident that you’re getting something you’ll love.
The staff is always happy to help you find exactly what you’re looking for—whether it’s a good old fashioned burger and fries, or something more exotic like thai chicken wings. They’ve got options for every taste!
The decor is bright and cheery, which always makes us feel like home when you walk through the door. And if they don’t have what you need right now (like if they’re out of scotch), the staff will be happy to order some in for you! Everyone who comes through their doors would feel welcome!
Angler’s Bar and Grill
We’ve got a little secret for you.
It’s a bar called Angler’s Bar and Grill, in Hayward, Wisconsin. It’s located on the shores of Lake Hayward, and it’s a great place to get your drink on while watching the sun set over the lake. But there are other reasons why this place is so special.
For one thing, they have an incredible selection of local beers on tap. And they’re not just any beers—they’re all brewed right here in Hayward! If you’re looking for some good local brews, this is your spot.
And then there’s the food. These guys know how to do everything from burgers to seafood to steaks…and they do it all with style and class. Their menu has something for everyone, so even if you don’t drink beer or eat meat (and we won’t tell), you’ll still find something delicious here.
So if you’re looking for a place that combines good drinks with good food while also letting you enjoy beautiful scenery and friendly people…look no further than Angler’s Bar and Grill!
West Hayward Dairy
West Hayward’s Dairy is a local dairy farm that has been operating in the Hayward area for over 100 years. Their cows are grass-fed and their milk is delicious!
Their ice cream is made using the same fresh ingredients, so you know it’s going to be good. It’s made on site, so you can even watch them make it if you want!
If you’re looking for a unique experience, this is the place for you. When else will you get to see cows being milked? Or eat fresh ice cream made minutes before? Not only that, but they have a petting zoo for kids! You can help feed baby goats or hold a baby lamb! How cute is that?
The Boulevard
The Boulevard, located in Hayward Wisconsin, is a great place to go for a drink and the chance to meet some new friends.
The drinks are reasonably priced, and the bartenders are friendly. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, so you can just come by for a quick drink or stay all night!
Whether you’re looking to play pool or just hang out with your friends, The Boulevard is the place to be. You’ll find yourself surrounded by friendly faces who will make you feel right at home.
If you’re looking for an affordable place with great drinks and even better people, then look no further than The Boulevard!
Black Iron Bar and Grill
Black Iron Bar and Grill is located in Hayward, Wisconsin. It’s a small town that’s known for its beautiful lakeside views, and the Black Iron Bar and Grill is right on the water.
The food at this restaurant is made from scratch, which means it’s going to be fresh and delicious. The menu has something for everyone—from burgers to seafood to salads—so you can bring your whole family here without having to worry about what they’ll find on their plate.
If you’re looking for something fun to do after dinner, check out the arcade games that are set up in the back of the restaurant! You can play Pac-Man or Donkey Kong all night long if you want! If arcade games aren’t your thing, no worries: there’s also a pool table available so you can play some old-school billiards while you sip on your drink of choice (or two).
The atmosphere at Black Iron Bar and Grill is very friendly, which makes it great for families with kids who don’t like being left out when there are grown-up activities happening around them. This place has been around since 1961 so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area!
Entertainment Options Near Hayward Wisconsin
North Woods Zip Line Tours and Ropes Course
Hayward, Wisconsin is a charming little town with a lot of history to explore. It’s also home to North Woods Zip Line Tours and Ropes Course, one of the most unique and fun ways to experience the area’s natural beauty.
What makes it so special?
One: It’s family friendly! The zip line course is designed for all ages and skill levels, so you can bring your whole family (even your grandma!).
Two: It’s eco-friendly! The course is located on a tree farm, so there are lots of trees that you can learn about while you’re there. Plus, they use recycled materials in their designs.
You can do more than just zip! If you don’t want to zipline, they have a ropes course as well—and they’ll even let you pick which one you want to do first!
So if you’re looking for something fun to do with your family while visiting Hayward, Wisconsin—or just want a day trip away from home—North Woods Zip Line Tours and Ropes Course should be at the top of your list!
Hayward Golf Club
Hayward Golf Club is one of the most beautiful courses in Wisconsin.
The 18-hole course is open year-round and features a variety of challenges for golfers of all skill levels. The course was designed by renowned architect Kemper Miller, who also designed some of the most famous courses in the world, including Pine Valley, Winged Foot, and Shinnecock Hills.
There are four tee boxes on each hole and three sets of tees for each hole—white (less than 300 yards), blue (300–400 yards), and red (more than 400 yards). The longest hole on the course is 519 yards; while the shortest is only 265 yards.
With this guide, you can enjoy a round alone or with friends, but it’s really more fun when you play with the whole family! Don’t forget to bring your camera so you can snap some photos of these beautiful places before leaving!
