Stone Lake, a splendid 490-acre body of water shaped by glacier activity, lies near Hayward in Washburn County, Wisconsin. The serene village of Stone Lake resides gracefully along the lake’s eastern shoreline, known particularly for its vibrant Cranberry Festival that graces the first weekend of October. Approximately 30,000 enthusiasts converge upon this rustic town during the festivities to relish in the allure of cranberries, the tranquil lake, and the enchanting arrival of autumn. Notably, Stone Lake is a lake of moderate development with enchanting residences adorning its 40-mile stretch of unspoiled coastline. For those seeking temporary refuge in its embrace, various bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals are readily available. The lake offers two public launching points for easy access to its pristine waters. Delving into depths of up to 47 feet, Stone Lake is an excellent fishing spot and an idyllic setting for sailing, boating, swimming, and water skiing. Anglers can delight in the anticipation of landing northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, and bluegill. A charming feature of Stone Lake is its connection to Little Stone Lake via a shallow channel at the north end, broadening the water expanse by an additional 25 acres for fishing, swimming, and boating pursuits. Other nearby recreational havens include Spring Lake, Sand Lake, Big Sissabagama Lake, Little Sissabagama Lake, the expansive 5,039-acre Lac Courte Oreilles, and the vast 3,290-acre Long Lake, each offering a plethora of aquatic activities. Rental accommodations near Stone Lake and its neighboring water bodies range from quaint cottages to lavish resorts, while private vacation homes equipped with top-tier amenities beckon those seeking an exclusive retreat. For those considering permanent residency in the region, a bountiful selection of real estate options awaits. Camping enthusiasts and RV owners will discover a selection of private campgrounds around Stone Lake and Hayward City. The allure of Stone Lake and the city of Hayward extends to cabin and cottage owners and visitors hailing from the metropolitan areas of Minneapolis-St.
Paul, Milwaukee, and Chicago. Approximately 15 miles south of Hayward, Stone Lake emerges as a former lumbering village nestled amidst the Wisconsin Northwoods transformed into a premier vacation destination. The locale boasts an array of attractions, including golf courses, horseback riding trails, hiking and biking paths, a city beach, and numerous lakes catering to outdoor enthusiasts. Renowned festivals such as the World Lumberjack Championships and the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival, a celebrated mountain biking race, resonate in the vibrant fabric of Hayward. Notably, the city hosts the distinguished National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum, characterized by its architectural homage to a 143-foot-long muskie statue. Further northeast of Stone Lake, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest unfolds a tapestry of outdoor adventures, including fishing escapades, fall foliage tours, canoeing expeditions, and cross-country skiing odysseys. The forest’s Chequamegon sector, which covers an area of over 800,000 acres, has a vast network of trails for lovers of cross-country skiing, hiking, bicycling, and snowmobiling.
