The coming of the rails ushered in the exploitation of the
area marked roughly by three eras: The Logging, The Farming, and The Tourist. Three Lakes, like other Northwoods communities, is a result of the natural resources which greeted early settlers over 100 years ago.
Three Lakes was formed as railroad companies and logging firms pushed north toward Canada in search of bountiful supplies of virgin timber. The history of Three Lakes is closely tied to railroads and lumbering, and it was from the railroad that the town received its name. A chain of 27 lakes blocked railroad surveyors back in 1880 as they probed northward in the direction of Eagle River.
Here, where Three Lakes stands today, these surveyors were challenged to run a straight line north through the timbered highlands and maze of lakes. They came across a beautiful lake surrounded by virgin maple, and appropriately named it Maple Lake. The next lake encountered just to the north, was crossed by the surveyed town line and hence was dubbed Town Line Lake. Since the range line ran along the west side of another adjacent lake, they named it Range Line Lake. As a result, the supply station born on the frustration of these surveyors, was marked "3 Lakes". "3 Lakes" became the hub of activity as loggers came seeking the pine and hardwood forests, to be followed in time by pioneer farmers.
On July 15, 1881, the Lake Shore Traffic Company purchased the first 120 acres in the area, and later purchased more from the United States Government. The community of Three Lakes which included loggers, merchants, and other settlers, really began to thrive in October of 1881, when Mr. Cahman built a combination store and post office.
Other merchants soon followed suit, and by the end of the decade, Three Lakes had become a sizable settlement. In the early days, the village boasted several potato warehouses. The expanding industry prompted the hiring of Wisconsin's first County Agricultural Agent who was paid $2,000.00 per year and furnished with a motorcycle. With the passing of the potato industry following World War II, Three Lakes became recognized for its fine vacation offerings.
The key to the popularity of Three Lakes as a vacation paradise was found in the chain of lakes, which appealed to city dwellers as an "escape" from big city life. As early as 1885, the "chain" attracted sportsmen from all parts south. Even during that time, every mile of the "chain" was navigable with the exception of the very popular 1907 "Box Car Dam Boat Lift" at Long Lake. Over the years, the many resorts have given way to expensive real estate developments including homes, vacation resorts, restaurants, shops, and clubs.
Historic Attractions
Three Lakes Historical Society
Museum
The Three Lakes Historical Society Museum, with a Staff Curator assisted by volunteers, is dedicated to preserving area history, supporting community development, and promoting tourism. The Museum, Pioneer Village and Johnson House contain displays and artifacts representing the area's history of Native Americans, agriculture, logging, the railroad, camps and resorts.
The museum proper is a replica of a 1930's Civilian Conservation Corps barracks. The building was constructed with lumber from trees planted by the C.C.C. in the 1930's. The Pioneer Village features a Granary, a Country Store, and a Log School House. A Sporting Shed contains antique hunting and fishing equipment. A new building, the barn, contains old boats, and will house changing displays about the area's culture and life. The Johnson House, adjacent to the Museum, is a 100+ year old home furnished in an early 1900's style.
The Historical Society cooperated with the United States Forest Service in the construction of the Sam Campbell Trail in the Nicolet National Forest. the Society built the Gazebo in Cy Williams Park, and schedules "Free Concerts in the Park" during July and August. A "Traditional Wisconsin Fish Boil" is held on the Museum grounds in July.
The Museum is located at 1798 Huron Street (just west of the Library) in the center of Three Lakes. the Museum is open Tuesday thru Saturday 11:00 A.M. - 3:00P.M. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Adult Admission is $3:00. Telephone (715)
546-2295 for a special appointment.
Sam Campbell Memorial Forest & Hiking Trail Complex
Sam Campbell, "The Philosopher of the Forest", was known internationally as a Northwoods naturalist. This trail system, dedicated to his memory, offers an unusual opportunity to explore tracts of Virgin White Pine, Cedar swamps, Hemlock and Tamarak areas, as well as natural regenerated areas and man-made plantations.
Heritage Trail
This National Forest Scenic Byway is part of the old Civil War Military Road that ran from Green Bay to Copper Harbor, Michigan.
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