Historic Logging Community
Established 1897
Forest County, Wisconsin
45.438994,-88.658118 (center of town)
Along its main street -- Highway 32 / North Branch Street / Branch Street -- are preserved an array of buildings and artifacts related to Wabeno's logging and overall history. Plan to spend a few hours; there's lots to see!
Town of Wabeno: A Brief History of Wabeno, Wisconsin
There are many things to see in Wabeno! Use the "Town of Wabeno" link below to view all posts on this website.
Town of Wabeno: A Brief History of Wabeno, Wisconsin
There are many things to see in Wabeno! Use the "Town of Wabeno" link below to view all posts on this website.
One of the first buildings built in Wabeno
The Wabeno Library was placed on the Wisconsin State Register of Historical Places on October 27, 1993, and the National Registry of Historic Places on December 23, 1993.
There are many things to see in Wabeno! Use the "Town of Wabeno" link below to view all posts on this website.
Wabeno's first schoolhouse (1897)
The building was purchased by J.W. Norris who ran The Advertizer newspaper and a printing office into the 1980s. In 1997, the townspeople moved the one-room schoolhouse next to the public library and restored it to it's original condition. The school is open for visitors during the summer months.
A "memorial to the monarchs of the forest" of Wabeno
"Big Wheels"
Larry the Logroller
Larry the Logroller has stood in this spot in the center of Wabeno for decades, wheeling his log hauler hook and reminding folks of the loggers of old. He's got his own posts on my website. Visit him here: Larry the Logroller (Back in Town) and Larry the Logroller. Larry is stands between Wabeno's Band Stand and Logging Museum.
Wabeno Band Shell
Wabeno Logging Museum
The museum is open May through September and staffed with volunteers to answer questions and suggest other local attractions. The Museum has its own link on this website; check it out here: Wabeno Logging Museum.
1901 "Phoenix" steam-powered logging hauler
Wabeno has one of the few remaining steam powered logging haulers still operational in the nation. It is one of 200 such machines built in the early 1900s by Phoenix Manufacturing Company. It was owned by the Jones Lumber Company and used at their mill from 1909 until 1935. It was bought by the town in 1944 and restored to life in 1965.
The Phoenix is operated annually during the Wabeno Steam-Up Days. The "Phoenix" has its own link on this website; check it out here: 1901 Phoenix Log Hauler.
Steam-Up Days
Wabeno's annual Steam-Up Days celebrates all this Wabeno aka all things logging. This year (2014) the event will be held July 11-13. I'm planning to be there to see the Phoenix fired up!
Big Easel Gallery and Bistro
Located at 1784 Maple Avenue in Wabeno, the Big Easel Gallery and Bistro is home to the Wabeno Arts Consortium and one of the best restaurants I've ever eaten in (yah, that's ever). If you want to eat here, you'll need to have reservations! The place packs to the gills.
I know very little about this history of this historic home; once I've learned it, it will be added.
Laona State Bank building
Do not yet know the history of this very cool building; will add it once it's learned. (Notice the ghost ad on the yellow wall to the right of the building . . .)
M4 Sherman Tank
The M4 Sherman tank stands near the Wabeno American Legion Hall. It was secured by Wabeno Veterans of WWII as a memorial to Wabeno soldiers who died during the war. The tank was driven from the National Guard tank battalion in Merrill to Wabeno, a trip of 61 miles, on January 25, 1958. The trip took 3 and 3/4 hours, used 135 gallons of gas with a top speed of 35 mph.
Best Tasting Water in Wisconsin!
So small, Wabeno's not even incorporated!
Town of Wabeno
Town of Wabeno
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