Chippewa Flowage Real Estate

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Chippewa Flowage (Lake Chippewa, Big Chip)

Fifteen miles from Hayward, Wisconsin lies the breath-taking scenery and quiet solitude of the world famous Chippewa Flowage. Throughout all four seasons, visitors to this beautiful area can enjoy outdoor sports and activities of all varieties. In the spring and summer months, people can enjoy boating, hiking, biking, picnicking or simply relaxing in the sun by the lake shore. In the fall, enjoy a wine tasting against the back drop of magnificent autumn colors painting the foliage and surrounding landscape. The autumn cranberry festival is a delightful time to visit this beautiful area. Winter months bring snowy adventures such as world-renowned cross county skiing, snowmobiling, hunting and ice fishing.

The land of the Chippewa Flowage was originally acquired by the United States from the Ojibwa, also known as the Chippewa, Nation in the 1800′s. In the early 1920′s, the Northern States Power Company constructed a large hydroelectric dam near Winter, Wisconsin. Upon the dam’s completion in 1924, several lake basins were flooded, creating what is now the 15,000 acres of the Chippewa Flowage. Sadly, the dam also flooded the Ojibwa Nation’s ancient burial grounds and former homeland as well, eliminating some of the rich history of this proud Native American tribe. In 1988, the state of Wisconsin purchased approximately 6,900 acres of land from the Northern State Power Company, protecting the Chippewa Flowage region from the influx of commercial development. As a result, most of the land surrounding Lake Chippewa remains unmarred by resorts or other commercial developments, in contrast to other nearby lakes. Today, the Chippewa Islands project continues the mission of preserving the lake for future generations by purchasing privately held land around the Chippewa Flowage and protecting against commercial development. This project operates with the generous donations of contributors from around the world. With hundreds of miles of pristine lakefront shores and 140 islands, Lake Chippewa offers visitors the best of the northern Wisconsin wilderness.

Lake Chippewa or “Big Chip” is actually the third largest lake in the state of Wisconsin. Its maximum depth is approximately ninety feet, with an average depth of fifteen feet. As a result of its size and geography, Chippewa Flowage offers fabulous fishing and hunting opportunities. Muskies, walleyes, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northerns, bluegills and crappies are plentiful in the waters of the Chippewa Flowage. In fact, many muskies caught in these water impressively measure over three feet in length. Rock bass, pumpkinseeds, bullheads, sturgeon and catfish are also present in the lake; however, they are a bit rarer and more difficult to catch. The underwater geography of the land with stump fields and reefs provides an excellent habitat for these various fish species. The large numbers of fish are also maintained as a result of the catch and release fishing policies of the Chippewa Flowage. Throughout the year, Lake Chippewa is host to a variety of fishing tournaments and competitions, such as the Chippewa Flowage Musky Hunt held annually in early fall. Hunters can enjoy bow hunting throughout the approved hunting seasons in this region. Game such as bear, beaver, waterfowl, mink, and deer are plentiful during hunting season.

Interestingly, approximately 3,000 members of the Lac Courte Oreilles band of the Ojibwe tribe continue to reside on property surrounding the Chippewa Flowage. The tribe owns and operates a cranberry bog, harvesting between 1,500 and 3,000 barrels of cranberries per year. The Ojibwe also operate a living culture center, known as the Abiinoojii-Aki-Our Children Land (Ojibwe Cultural Village). Both the cranberry marsh and living culture center are regularly open for tours. Additionally, the Lac Courte Oreilles also operate the LCO Casino (a casino bingo lodge and convention center) and the Grindstone Creek Casino. The casino is, of course, open throughout the year for visitors. When visiting Chippewa Flowage and the Lac Courte Oreilles tribe, tourists should be sure to pick up a “dream catcher” as a souvenir. These beautifully artistic pieces are handcrafted and said to protect people, particularly children, from bad dreams. Local legend traces the root of these artistic pieces to the Chippewa people. The St. Francis Solanus Mission is another great day trip destination from Chippewa Flowage. This arts and crafts store is located approximately nine miles from the casino and features a wide variety of Native American, hand-crafter pieces.

Although there are a variety of lodging options in the area, camping is an ideal choice at Chippewa Flowage. It is permitted on a first come, first serve basis at no charge. Visitors should note that there is a ten day limit on camping on all state owned sites throughout the Lake Chippewa area. Renting or purchasing a quiet cabin in the wilderness is also an outstanding option to get away from it all. If you prefer less rustic accommodations, the Lac Courte Oreilles tribe’s casino is surrounded by a multitude of resorts, motels and other lodgings, complete with a wide variety of dining and shopping venues.