WISCONSIN: Remote Towns In A Far Off Corner Of The State
video description
Washburn could be a more reasonable place to live where the real estate vipers havent completely moved in to scuttle affordable living space, but the job picture is the same, Its tourism, with seasonal periods in summers and autumns, and winter events, fishing, boating, logging, or government employment of a sort all over the Chequamegon Bay area. Unless you have a professional shingle thats most of it for making a living, or maybe you are retired and have enough saved up to buy land and actually live on/at it.
I lived in Ashland for about 3 years back in the 70s. Loved it until the jobs got very scarce so I retreated back to Madison, WI where jobs were not scarce to the point where you could get yanked off the street with a job offer. Well, as you may have discovered, those days are long gone. I like the Bay Area though the economy doesnt necessarily follow. Ashland has been a boom and bust town for well over a century, with mining shipping, wood, and log milling, including gone area red sandstone quarrying famously exported all over the place. Some rock quarries are still visible along Highway 13 up on the Bayfield County peninsula. Ashland needs an economy of some scale to get back into anything resembling a boom or revival era.
Lake Superior really keeps the breathable air clean and fresh all year round in the Chequamegon Bay area, worth a stay and there are many areas that a drive-by, of course, could never afford to feature, only the locals could tell about them.
Date: 2024-01-28
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Comments and reviews: 34
BradTaplin
It's nice to see one of my favorite areas to get away: Bayfield and Washburn. I am sure others have noted that Bayfield and the Apostles are, at least from May to October, sailing heaven. Major races occur every summer, and some of the islands have Caribbean-like beaches.
Note that in summer the population of Bayfield may, guessing here, triple at times with visitors. Dunno capacity, but it generally sells out months in advance.
Very different in winter, of course, where skiing, snowmobiling, hiking near and sometimes on the big lake are the thing.
In Ashburn that white hotel is or was the Chequamegon, if I recall. Still very nice, but it was kinda glorious a generation ago.
Chequamegon, local Indian name, is also the name of that bay around Washburn and a summer-long series of concerts and folksy stories and humor under a circus tent in the hills south of Bayfield.
Around that Chequamegon tent are some excellent mid-level mountain biking trails, and hiking trails. And in more rural areas, for those who care (not me, there are many ATV trails and good fishing lakes, rivers, flowage areas. And of course hunting, especially every Fall.
Really a great area, even if my budget is more Washburn - where I kept a boat for some years - than Bayfield.
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It's nice to see one of my favorite areas to get away: Bayfield and Washburn. I am sure others have noted that Bayfield and the Apostles are, at least from May to October, sailing heaven. Major races occur every summer, and some of the islands have Caribbean-like beaches.
Note that in summer the population of Bayfield may, guessing here, triple at times with visitors. Dunno capacity, but it generally sells out months in advance.
Very different in winter, of course, where skiing, snowmobiling, hiking near and sometimes on the big lake are the thing.
In Ashburn that white hotel is or was the Chequamegon, if I recall. Still very nice, but it was kinda glorious a generation ago.
Chequamegon, local Indian name, is also the name of that bay around Washburn and a summer-long series of concerts and folksy stories and humor under a circus tent in the hills south of Bayfield.
Around that Chequamegon tent are some excellent mid-level mountain biking trails, and hiking trails. And in more rural areas, for those who care (not me, there are many ATV trails and good fishing lakes, rivers, flowage areas. And of course hunting, especially every Fall.
Really a great area, even if my budget is more Washburn - where I kept a boat for some years - than Bayfield.
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DougRayPhillips
That house you're showing at 6: 38 in the vid, with the big tree in the front yard lopped off and capped, and the fancy garden in the next lot to the South. In 2012, that house was a Bed and Breakfast and we stayed there for Father's Day weekend. The owners threw their dinner scraps out onto the lawn to the South side of the house, and the foxes would come eat them. After dark on Saturday night, a mama black bear and her four cubs also wandered up to the house. (Black bears in town are common) The owners hoped she'd keep on going, so as to be no danger to us tenants. But she got spooked and shimmied up that big tree in the front yard (it hadn't been lopped off, back then) along with her cubs. Also, a fox was still hanging out, looking for more handouts. And every time the bear tried to come down from the tree and then coax her cubs down, the fox would set off the motion sensor yardlight and up the bear would go again. Finally, she felt safe enough to come down and move on. The homeowner's son, who worked at one of the restaurants downtown, would sometimes meet bears while walking home those few blocks. It's just something they live with, up there.
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That house you're showing at 6: 38 in the vid, with the big tree in the front yard lopped off and capped, and the fancy garden in the next lot to the South. In 2012, that house was a Bed and Breakfast and we stayed there for Father's Day weekend. The owners threw their dinner scraps out onto the lawn to the South side of the house, and the foxes would come eat them. After dark on Saturday night, a mama black bear and her four cubs also wandered up to the house. (Black bears in town are common) The owners hoped she'd keep on going, so as to be no danger to us tenants. But she got spooked and shimmied up that big tree in the front yard (it hadn't been lopped off, back then) along with her cubs. Also, a fox was still hanging out, looking for more handouts. And every time the bear tried to come down from the tree and then coax her cubs down, the fox would set off the motion sensor yardlight and up the bear would go again. Finally, she felt safe enough to come down and move on. The homeowner's son, who worked at one of the restaurants downtown, would sometimes meet bears while walking home those few blocks. It's just something they live with, up there.
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lizzroth8134
I'm from Wisconsin. The northern areas are very popular for tourism, in the towns and for camping, cabins.
I have to disagree with the statistical comparisons of a tiny town or city to the United States. That is comparing apples to outer space. Stats are great! I appreciate many that are provided. The comparisons of poverty are like apples to Mars. There is a lot of poverty in rural areas of Wisconsin. Similar to urban areas, statistically.
These towns are great getaways and provide many different experiences for people.
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I'm from Wisconsin. The northern areas are very popular for tourism, in the towns and for camping, cabins.
I have to disagree with the statistical comparisons of a tiny town or city to the United States. That is comparing apples to outer space. Stats are great! I appreciate many that are provided. The comparisons of poverty are like apples to Mars. There is a lot of poverty in rural areas of Wisconsin. Similar to urban areas, statistically.
These towns are great getaways and provide many different experiences for people.
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anthonythorp7291
Ashland newspaper 2nd week of Oct 2023. Front page Shooting. No real details but a shooting occurred believed to have started at a bar.
A second front page article was the $2. 4 million oredock walkway. Why do cities have money for everything but want needs to be done. Fix the sewer system so it doesn't spill over into lake, fix the roads, spend that on the $5 million library project to which they want to raise taxes to pay for, spend on wages to get more qualified moral gov workers.
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Ashland newspaper 2nd week of Oct 2023. Front page Shooting. No real details but a shooting occurred believed to have started at a bar.
A second front page article was the $2. 4 million oredock walkway. Why do cities have money for everything but want needs to be done. Fix the sewer system so it doesn't spill over into lake, fix the roads, spend that on the $5 million library project to which they want to raise taxes to pay for, spend on wages to get more qualified moral gov workers.
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usa-by-car
I love Bayfield. I take the ferry to Madeline Island and hike, sit on the shore by Lake Superior. They have the annual Apple Festival the first weekend in October. The tour of the Apostle Islands is quite enjoyable. Washburn is the northernmost town in Wisconsin but Bayfield is just a few miles away. The houses on 9th Avenue West in Ashland, WI are priced at $115, 000 to $399, 000 and they are all very nice.
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I love Bayfield. I take the ferry to Madeline Island and hike, sit on the shore by Lake Superior. They have the annual Apple Festival the first weekend in October. The tour of the Apostle Islands is quite enjoyable. Washburn is the northernmost town in Wisconsin but Bayfield is just a few miles away. The houses on 9th Avenue West in Ashland, WI are priced at $115, 000 to $399, 000 and they are all very nice.
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richardtheisen6456
Bayfield looks inviting. The medium home price is a good deal less than my house is worth.
I'm wondering about country homes there, I don't want to live (in) any city.
I bet country homes would be either cheaper or have much more land or both.
I could sell my house and pay cash for one there.
Winters can't be much worse than here, mpls burbs
And I sure fit the age group
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Bayfield looks inviting. The medium home price is a good deal less than my house is worth.
I'm wondering about country homes there, I don't want to live (in) any city.
I bet country homes would be either cheaper or have much more land or both.
I could sell my house and pay cash for one there.
Winters can't be much worse than here, mpls burbs
And I sure fit the age group
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shadetree6981
Boy, you sure picked the right day to go to Bayfield! Come back in a few months and compare how it feels. Ashland, Bayfield, and the Apostle Islands are definitely our little gem in these parts. I can't remember the name of the joint, but there is a little tar paper shack that is currently a running bar in Muriah, WI which is just about in the middle of nowhere between Duluth and the Bayfield area.
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Boy, you sure picked the right day to go to Bayfield! Come back in a few months and compare how it feels. Ashland, Bayfield, and the Apostle Islands are definitely our little gem in these parts. I can't remember the name of the joint, but there is a little tar paper shack that is currently a running bar in Muriah, WI which is just about in the middle of nowhere between Duluth and the Bayfield area.
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moquah2595
It's so intersting watching this and seeing the comments from people all over the country. I grew up in Ashland, have family in Washburn, and used to camp in Iron River. I was surprised to see my son's stepdad make a cameo as you drove downtown. I live in Chicago now and make it up as much as I can. Ashland is a great place to grow up and also retire, but there isn't much for people between 25-55.
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It's so intersting watching this and seeing the comments from people all over the country. I grew up in Ashland, have family in Washburn, and used to camp in Iron River. I was surprised to see my son's stepdad make a cameo as you drove downtown. I live in Chicago now and make it up as much as I can. Ashland is a great place to grow up and also retire, but there isn't much for people between 25-55.
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mheyk01
Can you redo the 1st part of the video where you show Bayfield But this time use your hand I was kinda confused as to where exactly it was because I didnt see a hand. Oh wait thats Michigan ehh just do it for sh! ts and giggles.
TIL they have IGA in the US. Always thought it was an Aussie grocery store.
1. 98 for gas I was gonna say did 0bidenflation miss this town
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Can you redo the 1st part of the video where you show Bayfield But this time use your hand I was kinda confused as to where exactly it was because I didnt see a hand. Oh wait thats Michigan ehh just do it for sh! ts and giggles.
TIL they have IGA in the US. Always thought it was an Aussie grocery store.
1. 98 for gas I was gonna say did 0bidenflation miss this town
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USAR8888
I've been all over the US and northern Wisconsin and the UP of Michigan is one of the most beautiful regions I've ever seen, especially in the fall. The coast along Lake Superior is spectacular, never seen water so blue. One of the more underrated and overshadowed regions of our nation in my opinion.
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I've been all over the US and northern Wisconsin and the UP of Michigan is one of the most beautiful regions I've ever seen, especially in the fall. The coast along Lake Superior is spectacular, never seen water so blue. One of the more underrated and overshadowed regions of our nation in my opinion.
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Johnny-qe7xf
Ashland crime rate is out of control 60% higher than the national average and it’s one of the highest poverty towns in Wisconsin. I know I grew up there. There’s a place in the town called Brennans that keeps all other businesses out of the town so they can continue to play slave wages.
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Ashland crime rate is out of control 60% higher than the national average and it’s one of the highest poverty towns in Wisconsin. I know I grew up there. There’s a place in the town called Brennans that keeps all other businesses out of the town so they can continue to play slave wages.
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northernzeus768
I lived in Ashland for many years. Bayfield is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth. Summers are glorious. Winters are brutal. Long, dark and cold. Most of the town shuts down for the winter. BTW you drive right past my home in your drive through the residential streets.
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I lived in Ashland for many years. Bayfield is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth. Summers are glorious. Winters are brutal. Long, dark and cold. Most of the town shuts down for the winter. BTW you drive right past my home in your drive through the residential streets.
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shortykatk
Hello from Wisconsin! Door County is a very popular tourist and artsy area. Something for everyone! Quite awesome! I would highly recommend that area. Naturally beautiful with lots of boating, fishing, quaint shops, theaters and art galleries. Something for everyone!
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Hello from Wisconsin! Door County is a very popular tourist and artsy area. Something for everyone! Quite awesome! I would highly recommend that area. Naturally beautiful with lots of boating, fishing, quaint shops, theaters and art galleries. Something for everyone!
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TerryX2Explore
Welcome to Wisconsin! We love sharing our beautiful state with others! Bayfield is definitely a tourist town. Ashland is our favorite town up in that area! We actually have not done much exploring in Iron River! Enjoyed the tours! Terry and Terri
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Welcome to Wisconsin! We love sharing our beautiful state with others! Bayfield is definitely a tourist town. Ashland is our favorite town up in that area! We actually have not done much exploring in Iron River! Enjoyed the tours! Terry and Terri
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goudagirl6095
Just moved back to my home state, so I thank you for showing me some parts of the State that I might - or might not - ever get to see for myself. Though Bayfield is quite a northern beauty, a place I may need to make a beeline toward!
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Just moved back to my home state, so I thank you for showing me some parts of the State that I might - or might not - ever get to see for myself. Though Bayfield is quite a northern beauty, a place I may need to make a beeline toward!
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nikkireigns
I recommend (when you’re ready to leave WI) on your next visit to take the Badger across Lake Michigan. It’s a historic ship that ferries your car across too. Plus Manitawoc is gorgeous, especially the back roads. And near Green Bay
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I recommend (when you’re ready to leave WI) on your next visit to take the Badger across Lake Michigan. It’s a historic ship that ferries your car across too. Plus Manitawoc is gorgeous, especially the back roads. And near Green Bay
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usa-by-car
And actually on the mainland, the Red Cliff Reservation extends north of Bayfield as well, maybe another 20-30 miles to the tip of that peninsula. There are some good photogs up there who take really nice nature photos.
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And actually on the mainland, the Red Cliff Reservation extends north of Bayfield as well, maybe another 20-30 miles to the tip of that peninsula. There are some good photogs up there who take really nice nature photos.
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cozycorner4406
Nice, you drove right past my guitar shop in Washburn. I am also from Flint, Michigan and watched your video from there. Definitely lots of familiar scenes in that video too. Cool video tour video series!
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Nice, you drove right past my guitar shop in Washburn. I am also from Flint, Michigan and watched your video from there. Definitely lots of familiar scenes in that video too. Cool video tour video series!
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thornbird6768
When the city folk can’t afford to live there anymore they will move into quiet little towns and leave the rat race behind, only problem the quiet little towns will no longer be half empty and quiet
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When the city folk can’t afford to live there anymore they will move into quiet little towns and leave the rat race behind, only problem the quiet little towns will no longer be half empty and quiet
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randymitchell8424
Well, you hit some of the wealthiest parts of northern Wisconsin. You missed real northern Wisconsin. On the way back maybe check out places like Upton, Saxon, Loretta, Kennen, Jump River, etc.
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Well, you hit some of the wealthiest parts of northern Wisconsin. You missed real northern Wisconsin. On the way back maybe check out places like Upton, Saxon, Loretta, Kennen, Jump River, etc.
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claudiafowler9890
I learned Wisconsonite from Charlie Berens before leaving the South. I didn't knew anything about Supperclubs. so it's only half of Wisconsin without visiting Supperclubs and Friday Fish fry's.
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I learned Wisconsonite from Charlie Berens before leaving the South. I didn't knew anything about Supperclubs. so it's only half of Wisconsin without visiting Supperclubs and Friday Fish fry's.
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thomasott9488
Wisconsin is my home state. Wisconsin is said to be one of the top states to raise a family. outside Milwaukee and Madison, the country of Wisconsin is a beautiful place to live
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Wisconsin is my home state. Wisconsin is said to be one of the top states to raise a family. outside Milwaukee and Madison, the country of Wisconsin is a beautiful place to live
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birdsndog5932
Bayfield as remote Ha! Tourist town. A bit of a hub. The natives can no longer afford to live in Bayfield.
But there are plenty of remote Wisconsin locations. Keep looking!
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Bayfield as remote Ha! Tourist town. A bit of a hub. The natives can no longer afford to live in Bayfield.
But there are plenty of remote Wisconsin locations. Keep looking!
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anthonythorp7291
Bayfields is beautiful.
Empty streets, parking spaces available until summer and any events. Early october is applefest. Place looks like rush hour on I94 milwaukee.
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Bayfields is beautiful.
Empty streets, parking spaces available until summer and any events. Early october is applefest. Place looks like rush hour on I94 milwaukee.
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jayshaw63
Thanks. You missed the Soo Line 950 Decapod Locomotive in Ashland. My late Father-in-Law, Oliver A. Anderson, was a Soo Line locomotive engineer working out of Ashland.
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Thanks. You missed the Soo Line 950 Decapod Locomotive in Ashland. My late Father-in-Law, Oliver A. Anderson, was a Soo Line locomotive engineer working out of Ashland.
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bikeyclown4669
I went to Bayfield on a trip to northern Wisconsin about 25 years ago. The region is beautiful and I thought it was a nice town. Cold winters, but magnificent summers.
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I went to Bayfield on a trip to northern Wisconsin about 25 years ago. The region is beautiful and I thought it was a nice town. Cold winters, but magnificent summers.
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catbee1452
We moved to southern Wisconsin last year. It's so nice to see these beautiful towns north from us. Thank you for your video, I truly enjoyed it.
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We moved to southern Wisconsin last year. It's so nice to see these beautiful towns north from us. Thank you for your video, I truly enjoyed it.
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JonBrew
You should go to Bayfield during the Apple Festival. the population grows to thousands of people and you should take the ferry to Madeline Island
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You should go to Bayfield during the Apple Festival. the population grows to thousands of people and you should take the ferry to Madeline Island
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billwell9266
Beautiful area. My Great-grandmother had a farm near Hayward that is still in the family and my parents moved near there 25 years ago.
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Beautiful area. My Great-grandmother had a farm near Hayward that is still in the family and my parents moved near there 25 years ago.
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usa-by-car
We do not want to expose good Wisconsin living. All of the inner city unethical people will come. Please leave Wisconsin alone
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We do not want to expose good Wisconsin living. All of the inner city unethical people will come. Please leave Wisconsin alone
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usa-by-car
I moved to this area 20 years ago. It's so beautiful, the fresh water sea is wonderful. I do dislike the length of winter tho.
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I moved to this area 20 years ago. It's so beautiful, the fresh water sea is wonderful. I do dislike the length of winter tho.
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usa-by-car
We go to Bayfield to go on the tours of the Apostle Islands.
I am from central Wisconsin. Bayfield gets a lot of snow!
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We go to Bayfield to go on the tours of the Apostle Islands.
I am from central Wisconsin. Bayfield gets a lot of snow!
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artsteadman2230
Snow fills in the potholes in winter & snowmobiles are allowed on city streets in many northern WISCONSIN communities
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Snow fills in the potholes in winter & snowmobiles are allowed on city streets in many northern WISCONSIN communities
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ginamarcaccio5088
I love Bayfield.
I sail with Northern Breezes and the town has the best library!
Gina from California; )
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I love Bayfield.
I sail with Northern Breezes and the town has the best library!
Gina from California; )
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