Shell Lake, WI
Shell Lake has what many towns can only dream of: a 2,600 acre lake right downtown. With a public beach, pavilion, park, camping & more located downtown, Shell Lake is a great location for family gatherings.
Shell Lake is full of small town appeal. Be sure to stop by the Washburn County Historical Museum, depicting 150 years of Washburn County history. The museum includes a church built in 1888, the former parsonage, the Beaver Brook School Museum, and the Sky Watch Hut used during World War II. After visiting the museum, visit the quaint downtown overlooking the beautiful 2,500 acre Shell Lake. You’ll find many treasures in the downtown shops to remind you of your trip to this wonderful area.
Shell Lake is exploding at the seams with artists of all kinds. Stop by The Potters’ Shed and browse the gift shop, have a cup of coffee in the garden or explore your creative side by painting your own pottery or building your own mosaic. If you find yourself wanting to explore local art at your own leisure, be sure to check out the Mosaic Tour. Throughout the summer, the Shell Lake Arts Center performs concerts at the beach and brings in fantastic musicians from all over the US. Theatre in the Woods is another great source of artistic talent. Check out the many plays, musicals and talented musicians that frequent the Erika Quam Theatre, operated by the Shell Lake Arts Center.
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Where to Eat
The Shell Lake area offers a wide variety of restaurants to please every palate. From incredible breakfast items at the local cafes to homemade pizza and savory sandwiches for lunch or supper, you're sure to find a favorite spot when you visit the area.
Festivals & Events
Be sure to head to Shell Lake on Labor Day weekend when the community comes together to celebrate Town & Country Days - there are events for the whole family. Other great events include the Shell Lake Triathlon & the Shell Lake Fine Arts Fair, both held in July each year and Holiday Saturday in December.
Where to Stay
Shell Lake is home to several great campgrounds including the family-friendly Red Barn Campground and the Shell Lake Campground located right on the shores of the lake. Several cabins are available to rent around the lake and there's also a hotel nearby. You're sure to find a great place to stay in Shell Lake.
Town & Country Days
Held Labor Day weekend each year, Town & Country Days is a huge celebration for the town of Shell Lake. Enjoy a parade, tractor & truck pulls, a street dance, art & craft vendors, the Lake Run, and so much more. This is a can't miss event when planning your trip to the Shell Lake area.
Downtown Shell Lake
A stroll through downtown Shell Lake and you'll quickly realize why both residents and visitors are drawn to this quaint downtown. Antiques, art, and gift shops are located downtown and throughout the community. The view of the beach from downtown is like no other - so plan to spend a bit of time there on a warm sunny day.
Trails & Recreation
Shell Lake is a great location to enjoy the outdoors. Hundreds of miles of ATV & Snowmobile trails connect with the trail system in Shell Lake. In addition, you'll find the Beaver Brook Ski & Hiking Trail just north of town and a portion of the Ice Age Trail, the grassy lake segment, just south of town.
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