Fits on the Road: Hayward, Wisconsin

By Jess in Minneapolis

I'm back after a very extended weekend at the cabin. We arrived late Wednesday night, and then my sister and her husband and kids met us up there on Thursday afternoon. Four full nights of cabin life makes it difficult to come back to reality...especially when you have a relaxation station like this one at the cabin!

There was plenty of relaxing, but honestly, we kept things pretty "fit" up north this year, with some healthier eating, plenty of activities (especially running!) and lots of laughs.

This post is primarily about Fits on the Road in Hayward, WI. You probably have never heard of Gordon, where my husband's cabin is located, but maybe you have heard of Hayward. It's a bit more of a touristy town, with a few interesting attractions. It's also home to the American Birkebiener, the largest, and one of the longest, American ski (cross country) races, which runs from Cable, WI to Hayward, WI.

Hayward is a small town of about 2300 people, but in the summer, with all the lakes and cabin homes, I am sure that the population at least triples.

So anyways, on Thursday morning, I managed to pound out my long run on the hilly country roads by the cabin. I woke up around 6:15, and was running by 7 am. The temperature wasn't actually too bad, and there was enough of a breeze to keep all those bugs away. Dustin was sweet enough to come find me with some Gatorade and a GU about an hour into the run, which definitely helped. Of course, I forgot my headphones, so it was a over two hours of just me and those boring country roads....I didn't even see any deer, turkey, or bears. Bummer!

FYI, Dustin did his long run the next morning, and my nieces were very excited to help give him Gatorade at a few spots along his route. They even made up the cutest little song about "going on a Dustin hunt!" Adorable!

After my long run was complete on Thursday, we headed to Hayward primarily to go to the grocery store there. The store closer to the cabin is very limited in its produce department, (although it has plenty of Jack Link's jerky if that's what you're into!), so a trip into Hayward is usually necessary.

We arrived in Hayward around lunch time, and I was ravenous. I had heard about the Angry Minnow bar on Ali's blog, "Real World Minneapolis" and it sounded great.

I ordered the Sweet & Spicy sandwich...pretty spicy, but very tasty!

It paired very well with the River Pig Pale Ale. Dustin had the burger and the Imperial IPA, and he enjoyed them both. The Angry Minnow was definitely a gem of an eating establishment in a very small town. We were very impressed.

After lunch, we decided to check out the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame (yes...this is a real thing!)  We had seen the giant muskie statue on our way into town, and I'm kind of a sucker for campy museums. 

(Look Carly- I have my shirt tucked in!)

This one was truly campy- it didn't disappoint! Other than multiple giant fish statues, there was a museum that included a historical look at boat motors, fishing reels, fishing lures, you name it. If you are fascinated by the history of fishing, this is the place for you...though if you are interested in the history of fishing, I have to wonder why you are reading The Right Fits? Do tell.

Oh, and there was also a primitive fisherman statue.

Though the museum was a little campy to us, I figured my nieces, who are six and ten, would get a kick out of it. When Saturday turned out to be too windy for paddleboarding, and a bit too gloomy for more fun in the sun, we decided to head back to Hayward a second time with the children.

First, we made a quick stop at the Moccasin Bar (home of the world-record muskellunge.) 

Yes, my friends, in Wisconsin you can bring your kids to the bar.

This place was a riot. There are all these dioramas with stuffed wild animals set in poses like boxing, fishing, etc. We spent a good twenty minutes just admiring the funny "decorations."

Then we showed the young-en's what a small-town 

Wisconsin bar is all about with some darts and pull-tabs.

After we had worn out our welcome at the Moccasin Bar, we explored the cute little downtown of Hayward, and of course stopped for a quick ice cream cone at the local ice cream parlor.

We walked off our ice cream while exploring the toy stores and book stores in the downtown district, until we figured it was time to check out the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. Yet then we got distracted by a fruit stand selling the ripest, juiciest fresh strawberries ever! We bought two big quarts and started eating them right away. 

We got further distracted, as the fruit stand was right by a go-carting track! I hadn't been go-carting in years, and it was only five dollars for five minutes. 

My nieces were too short to drive alone, so my sister and I both drove them in double carts. It was the best five dollars spent ever! What a blast...

Before we knew it, it was past four o'clock. We barely snuck into the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame before they closed at 4:30. We paid full-price for entrance, but the man in charge was kind enough to give us passes to come back another time, since we only had those twelve minutes...Yet it was just enough time for a few more pictures with the giant muskie!

After returning to the cabin, it was time for dinner at the Enchanted Inn Restaurant. This campy (there's that word again!) restaurant isn't in Hayward but it's definitely a notable mention that fits into this post. I believe it was founded by a former Chicago police chief, and the restaurant had tons of old photos from past "famous" visitors- lots of history and decent pizzas.

"For over fifty years, the Draganowski family has been making homemade pizzas from this quaint little summer getaway. Focusing on Italian specialties, our menu offers the finest in Italian and American cuisine. Stop in to try a slice of our renowned house specialty, our authentic homemade thin crust pizza."

The grounds were "enchanted" as well!

Look Carly, tucked in again!

So there you go- lots of tips for a visit to Hayward, Wisconsin- a place with lots of small town charm and lots of fun!