Hayward

Hayward Community Preparing for Fishing Opener

After five years, the muskie capitol of the world is set to host the annual Governors Fishing Opener this weekend in Hayward.  

HAYWARD, Wisc. — After five years, the muskie capitol of the world is set to host the annual Governors Fishing Opener this weekend in Hayward. “I would probably suggest maybe small mouth fishing if you’re looking at targeting a little bit bigger species. If you’re looking to catch and capture maybe take something home to eat before the opener I…

COVID-Adapted American Birkebeiner Skis On

The course is closed to spectators to avoid spreading Coronavirus, and skiers can participate virtually.

CABLE , Wis.- The 47th American Birkebeiner Ski Race, the largest cross-country ski race in North America and third largest in the world, began in a completely new way Wednesday. Skiers for each race started in waves over five days in Cable, Wisconsin. Participants who come from across the globe can still take part virtually if they couldn’t make it…

Birkie Organizers Create More Virtual Race Options

Organizers say that in an effort to keep everything socially distanced, participants will start in waves.

HAYWARD, Wisc. – The 47th annual Birkie will be looking a lot different this year. Organizers say that in an effort to keep everything socially distanced, participants will start in waves throughout the week. With around thirty-thousand people in attendance in past years, this year spectators will be able to view the race virtually. Skiers will also be encouraged to…

A “Lure” of Lights Expected to Help Hayward Businesses

This year Hayward community members are hopeful that people still get out in a safe manner and shop local.

HAYWARD, Wisc. – As the annual “Lure” of Lights display in downtown Hayward Wisconsin kicked off Friday, community members say it’s just one of the many activities that will hopefully mean a successful winter for tourism. “We know it’s going to be a holiday season like no other,” Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Chris Ruckdaschel says. This year…

American Birkebeiner 2020 Could Yield Record Setting Race Times

American Birkebeiner 2020 Events Begin Thursday, February 20 in Hayward, Wisconsin

HAYWARD, Wis. – Events leading up to the American Birkebeiner kick off Thursday, February 20 in Hayward, Wisconsin. Preparations are already underway, with excitement getting wild in the region. Ben Popp, Executive Director of the Birkie chatted with FOX 21’s Brett Scott Friday morning regarding preparations and the potential for a record-setting year. “It’s interesting, we had so much snow…

Explore Art in the Artists’ Studio at CHARAC Art Crawl This Weekend

Cable Hayward Area Arts Council holds 8th Annual Art Crawl through six Northwest Wisconsin towns.

HAYWARD, Wis.- This weekend the public is invited to take the Studio Art tour through six towns in Northwest Wisconsin during the 8th annual CHARAC (Cable Hayward Area Arts Council) Art Crawl. The Crawl goes through Barnes, Drummond, Cable, Hayward, Springbrook, and Stone Lake. CHARAC President Carol Morness stopped by the FOX21 Studio to chat about the art crawl, and…

Hayward Wilderness Zoo for Sale

HAYWARD, Wis.-The 35 acre Wild Wilderness Zoo located south of Hayward is celebrating 50 years in business. Now, however, the owners are ready to move on. With the future of the zoo, its animals and all of its attractions up in the air- the current owners are hoping that whoever purchases the land will keep the zoo going. “If we…

Lumberjacks, Jills Arriving in Hayward for World Championships

The 60th Annual Lumberjack World Championships are Happening August 1 - 3 in Hayward

HAYWARD, Wis. – Preparations are underway at the Lumberjack Bowl for the 60th annual Lumberjack World Championships taking place August 1 – 3 in Hayward, Wisconsin. The international competition showcases the best in sawing, chopping, speed climbing, log rolling, boom running and much more. This family fun event attracts athletes and fans from around the world. Executive Director of the…

Superior Entry Lighthouse Up for Auction

National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act Program puts Superior and two other lighthouses up for sale.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A lighthouse that has stood off the coast of Superior since 1913 is now up for sale. As part of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act Program, Superior Entry, and two other lighthouses in Michigan, are up for an online auction. The auction for Superior Entry began on July 10, with a starting bid of $10,000. Interested bidders…

Protecting the Birkie with Birkie Security Team

Security prepares for inclement weather.

HAYWARD, Wis.- Behind the scenes, the Birkie Security Team of about 25 volunteers say they’re Sawyer County law enforcement’s eyes and ears for the huge event. They tell us the weather’s cooperated so far, but they’re preparing for much worse as athletes and fans head home. Just be safe driving we have a major weather event heading our way,” said…

American Birkebeiner Skates Into 45th Year

Northland tradition again brings many to Hayward.

HAYWARD, Wis.- “It’s the Birkie, man!” The gun fires, and in one fluid motion the surge of skiers and skaters pushes off in Cable. “The day will go on to be talked about for years.” Main Street is lined with Birkie fans, the whole town of Hayward, and many others, lining the track with the sound of cowbells. “Your whole…

Unseasonable Warmth Brings Duluth Outside

High Temps Mean Comfortable Outdoor Fun

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite how the song goes, it’s beginning to look anything but like a White Christmas. Unseasonably warm weather is gripping the Northland, with temperatures reaching nearly 50  degrees today. Quite a few spots around Duluth were bustling with folks living it up in the hot winter sun. If you took a look at the thermometer in your car,…

Tour Wisconsin Arts Work at the 7th Annual Art Crawl

Organizers say the art walk highlights the large community of creators.

HAYWARD, Wis.- This weekend you’ll get the chance to go inside an artists’ private studios and tour where their creations are made. The 7th annual Art Crawl is taking over Northwestern Wisconsin. Over 50 artists will show off their creative spaces, art galleries will open their doors at 21 locations with more creations than before, and even have demonstrations. Organizers…

Active Adventures: Log Rolling

Meteorologist Brittney Merlot Attempts To Log Roll For Her First Time

HAYWARD, Wisc. — The Lumberjack World Championships are underway and for this weeks active adventures we take you to the historic Lumberjack Bowl as Meteorologist Brittney Merlot learns how to log roll by a six time world champion! Will she pick it in just 30 minutes? Find out in the video above! Plus, learn tips on how you can stay…

Jack’s & Jill’s Descend On Hayward’s Lumberjack World Championship

Yo-Ho! Get Your Family On Over To Hayward For This International Championship!

HAYWARD, Wisc. — The Lumberjack World Championship is back again July 19-21, 2018! The International competition showcases sawing, chopping, speed climbing, log rolling, boom-running and more! It’s great family fun! Yo-Ho! To purchase your 3 day pass or individual daily tickets click here: Lumberjack World Championships Tickets EVENT SCHEDULE: Thursday, July 19, 2018 8:00am Amateur Logrolling (Open to the public –…

Thousands Prepare for 44th American Birkebeiner

The Main Race Starts Saturday Morning in Cable with Skiers Finishing in Hayward

HAYWARD, Wisc. – After months of planning and preparation, over 11,000 skiers and more than 30,000 spectators are arriving in Hayward, Wisconsin for the 44th running of the American Birkebeiner. The race was first ran in Hayward back in 1973 and excitement continues to grow worldwide every year. It doesn’t happen everyday, but once a year tens of thousands of…

Birkie Preparations Underway

Full installation of the infamous American Birkebeiner International Bridge will begin next week.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northern Wisconsin is preparing for the American Birkebeiner. Racers are anxious for trail condition updates and nearly 25 hundred volunteers are working to make it happen. “I think it’s beyond anybody’s wildest dreams, certainly we know the impact for Hayward, we know the impact for Cable,” executive director Ben Popp said. “We also know what it means to…

Heavy Rain Causes Flooding in Sawyer County

Emergency Severe Weather Shelter Set Up

An emergency severe weather shelter is now set up on the Lac Courte Oreilles reservation, as people deal with flooded roadways and downed power lines. A massive storm caused flash flooding in the Northland, and rose water levels while dampening many people’s lives in Northwest Wisconsin. “It never quit, it was relentless it came on and it rained and it…

Carry the Fallen March in Wisconsin

Hundreds March to Stop Veterans Suicide

HAYWARD, Wis. – Northland Veterans and citizens marched as part of a nationwide event on Saturday. Nearly 100 people put one foot in front of the other to “Carry the Fallen”. They marched over 8 miles from downtown Hayward to the LCO Reservation. Officers blocked the roads as they walked to raise awareness and funds to help end Veterans suicide. “It’s…

A Strong Spring Storm Delivers Snow and High Winds to the Northland

Winter Storm Warnings & Gale Warnings Greeted the Northland to Kick Off May.

FLOODWOOD, Minn. – The Northland braced for bad weather today under multiple warnings and advisories. Rain pushed into the region Sunday night and turned into snow during the early morning hours on Monday. Wet snowflakes fell sideways across the sky spanning from Brainerd to Virginia, with 1-3″ of snow accumulating by the afternoon. “It was a total white out, it…

Downtown Businesses Prepare for Birkie Crowds

With Over 40,000 visitors in One Weekend, Local Eateries are Prepared for Big Business

HAYWARD, Wisc. – Thousands of skiers, fans, and followers are heading to the Hayward area this weekend, taking part in the annual American Birkebeiner tradition despite this year’s lack of snow. However, trail conditions aren’t keeping folks from enjoying cold brews, Birkie fever, and friendship. The owner of the Gridiron Pub and Grub in Downtown Hayward tells FOX 21, his…

Thousands Bunking in Hayward for Annual American Birkebeiner

Hotels are Filling Up Across Many Parts of Wisconsin and Minnesota in Preparation for the Annual Ski Race

HAYWARD, Wisc. – The annual American Birkebeiner calls for a lot of booking when it comes to travel reservations. Officials say the average commute from from hotel to the trail for a race participant can be up to two-and-a-half hours long. It’s why local hotels receive calls nearly one year in advance before the big weekend. “It is very important…