Sawyer County, Wisconsin
Sawyer County lies in Wisconsin’s Northwoods, where forests and lakes dominate the scenery. Hayward, the county seat, is well known for its world-record muskie fishing and has become a popular destination for anglers.
Outdoor recreation keeps the county busy throughout the year. Winter brings the famous Birkebeiner ski race, attracting thousands of participants and spectators. Once summer arrives, hikers, cyclists, paddlers, and nature lovers head out to explore the area’s beautiful wilderness.
A large portion of Sawyer County is covered by the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, providing plenty of space for outdoor adventures. The county also includes part of the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Reservation, adding to its cultural richness. For anyone looking to escape the noise of everyday life and enjoy peaceful forests, clear lakes, and open trails, Sawyer County is hard to beat.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Sawyer County |
| County Seat | Hayward |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Hayward, Winter, Radisson, Exeland, Couderay |
| Interstates and Highways | US-63, WI-27, WI-48, WI-70 |
| Etymology | Named after Philetus Sawyer, a Wisconsin politician |
| FIPS Code | 55-113 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,350 sq mi (Land: 1,257 sq mi; Water: 93 sq mi) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Wisconsin |
| Coordinates | 45.9417° N, 91.0938° W |
| Major Landmarks | Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame, American Birkebeiner Ski Race |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Bayfield County (North), Ashland County (Northeast), Price County (East), Rusk County (South), Barron County (Southwest), Washburn County (West), Douglas County (Northwest) |
| Population | Approximately 17,000 |
