Northwestern Wisconsin Articles

Tom Schaffer is a broker and the owner of the Johnson and Johnson Land Co. Before going into real estate, Tom started in sales, negotiating sales contracts for Honeywell. After leaving Honeywell, he decided on a little change of scenery, moving back to Turtle Lake, Wisconsin to enjoy a little of the country life. But Tom didn't slow down; instead he went into real estate, first joining Carlson Evergreen in 1979, and then joining Johnson and Johnson in 1990.

For over 26 years, Johnson and Johnson has helped their clients find their dream homes and getaway places amidst the wood and water paradise of the Wisconsin Northwoods.

Lakeshoredreams.com had the opportunity to speak with Tom about himself and the job he loves.

LD: What do you feel is the most rewarding part of your job?

Schaffer: The most rewarding thing about my job is when you're able to find the perfect property for your client. When your client is completely satisfied, that's when you know all your hard work's paid off.

LD: And the most challenging part of your job?

Schaffer: Without a doubt, dealing with the attorneys. No real particular reason, but they are the most difficult part of the job.

LD: What do you think is the biggest draw to your area?

Schaffer: Without a doubt, it's all the lakeshore that is around here. Coming out here is a great opportunity to just get away, be surrounded by nature, and have a little fun. The people here are also just some of the friendliest in the world. They can make anyone feel welcome which just makes visiting that much more enjoyable.

LD: What kinds of properties are you currently working with?

Schaffer: Johnson and Johnson has four offices around the Northwest of Wisconsin--Cumberland, Turtle Lake, Birchwood, and Spooner. We can show you properties from all over the area. Whatever you want to do on a lake, there is a lake for it and I can help find it for you.

LD: Are there any new developments happening in your area?

Schaffer: Right now the market is soft, so there isn't a whole lot of new things going in at the moment. But readjustments in the market like this aren't that unusual.

For more information on properties in the Spooner Lakes region please visit Tom Schaffer's listing page on LakeshoreDreams.com.

McKinney: My father stated this brokerage 31 years ago. When I was 27, I was living in Twin Cities, working at a job that I didn't particularly care for. I considered moving home and maybe starting grad school when my father offered me a position at the brokerage. He told me that if things didn't work out grad school would still be there waiting. So I took a shot. I joined my dad's team in 96 and within 8 months I earned my license and received my first commission. After that the rest, as they say, was history. I was hooked.

LD: What do you find to be most rewarding about your job?

McKinney: I never liked being stuck behind a desk. I like to go out and about to learn more about the people I'm working with and the property I'm showing. Working in and traveling around the area has given me a unique insight to the area. There is just something about Hayward that just makes people feel good when they're in the area. That's what keeps them coming back.

That's why I work closely with my clients and try to understand them. Together we discover how they want to use the lake because sometimes they're not sure about it themselves.

LD: You mentioned earlier that Hayward has a way of making people feel good. Why?

McKinney: Well, there are the more obvious reasons, the beautiful forests and lakes are abundant in this area. But the thing I think most people overlook is the people here. On average, there are about 800 people who live in Hayward year round. During the peak season, you can usually count on 4 to 5 times that amount. The residents here make all visitors feel like they are part of the community. For example, we have a lighted Christmas parade every year in Cable. Now there are only two streets that run through Cable, but there is always a large turnout, over 20 floats, and the volunteers who work it. That's the kind of attitude the forest puts you in. Everyone feels welcome here.

LD: What kind of growth do you see coming to the Hayward/Cable area?

McKinney: It's been pretty steady as of late.  No real big contractors or developments; maybe a few 4 plot and 8 plot subdivision here and there. Property value has been steadily on the rise, maybe about 12-15%. It's leveled off some now, but that's still quite an impressive increase.

LD: What are some of the more popular lakes out in your area?

Mckinney: The big ones are Hayward, Round, Grindstone, and Lac Courte Oreilles. The smallest lots on those lakes can run from $300,000-$500,000. The good news is that the property values on the homes around the smaller lakes are on the rise as well because of the big name lakes. But what it really comes down to is what you want to do on the lake.

The smaller lakes good for tranquility, nice views and quiet water sports like canoeing. The bigger lakes have tranquility and the views as well, but have the room necessary for larger water sports, jet skiing and boating.

For more information on properties in the Hayward Lakes region please visit Scott McKinney's listing page on LakeshoreDreams.com.

As all roads lead to Rome, anyone headed to the Northwoods of Wisconsin will be passing through Spooner. In matter of fact, they'll be right in the middle of it all. With over 900 lakes in the area, who could resist dropping a line or taking a swim in the beautiful waters of Spooner Lake, Red Cedar Lake, or the Minong Flowage. Spooner's central location to the waters and its easy access to the many of the trails and parks in the area make it an ideal place to take a vacation or build a weekend getaway cabin.

Spooner was named after Wisconsin Senator John Coit Spooner who served his state with distinction during two separate terms, one from 1885-1891 and again from 1897-1907. A former army major during the Civil War, Spooner is best remembered for his opposition to direct primary elections. At the time party nominees were selected by the party officials, sometimes by "party bosses." Although the system left much to be desired, Spooner was prescient in his description of political campaigns after the reform of direct primary elections:

"Direct primaries would destroy the party machinery ... and would build up a lot of personal machines, and would make every man a self-seeker, and would degrade politics by turning candidacies into bitter personal wrangles."

Spooner's slogan, "Crossroads to the North" isn't just a clever marketing ploy. With two major US highways, the 53 and the 63, and State Highway 70 converging there, one could easily go anywhere in the Northwood-a good thing considering that there is a lot see and do in and around the area.

Spooner's economy was once centered on the railroad and the two main lines that converged there. After passenger service ended in the early 1960's and freight service was discontinued 30 years later, railroading in Spooner became a tourist attraction, first with a highly regarded railroad history museum in the railroad's old depot and then with a popular excursion train.

The Railroad Memories Museum is housed in the former Chicago and North Western Railway depot on Front St. in downtown Spooner. Railroad aficionados will enjoy all the artifacts and memorabilia from every facet of railroad history. Volunteers and retired railroaders staff the museum, bringing the history of the rails to life for all those who visit.

The Great Northern Railroad excursion train runs between Spooner and Springbrook and allows passengers to experience the rails as they were in their heyday, featuring restored vintage Pullman cars being pulled by historic diesel locomotives. Passengers may book the train for private events, or they can enjoy one of the regular daily lunch or dinner excursions.

If you like to fish, Spooner is an ideal place to drop a line. Spooner Lake is located approximately 2 miles east of Spooner, Wisconsin. This 1,092 acre lake is well known for its fantastic fishing. Pan fish, pike, and large mouth bass are the most abundant catches on this lake. Those who just want to relax by the waters edge may choose from many of the gorgeous sandy beaches that dot the 11 miles of Spooner's shoreline.

Spooner is also home to the largest freshwater fish hatchery in the world. The Gov. Tommy G. Thompson State Fish Hatchery is operated by the Wisconsin DNR and produces nearly 2 million walleye, 100,000 muskie, and a number of northern pike annually!

Spooner is "country to the core" celebrating its roots with its annual Heart of the North Rodeo. Since 1954, top ranked rodeo competitors have come to Spooner to compete in pro rodeo's most exciting events: bareback and saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, and team roping. The 9^th St. Bluegrass Gospel festival is held twice each summer and features well-known gospel bands from across the country.  Jack Pine Savage Days features live bands, an annual fun run, 3 on 3 basketball tourney, horseshoe tourney, as well as a volleyball tourney.

As all roads lead to Rome, anyone headed to the Northwoods of Wisconsin will be passing through Spooner. With over 900 lakes in the area, who could resist dropping a line or taking a swim in the beautiful waters of Spooner, Red Cedar, or the Minong Flowage. Take a relaxing hike along one of the many trails that weave through the area, or tear down them in a snow mobile.

Spooner Lake is located approximately 2 miles east of Spooner, Wisconsin. This 1,092 acre lake is well known for its fantastic fishing. Pan fish, pike, and large mouth bass are the most abundant catches on this lake. Those who just want to relax by the waters edge may choose from many of the gorgeous sandy beaches that dot the 11 miles of Spooner's shoreline.

The Minong Flowage is located 4.5 miles northwest of Minong, Wisconsin. Covering approximately 1,564 acres, Minong is ranked in the top ten lakes for walleye fishing in the entire state. Those itching for a swim should join their neighbors on Sand Island, where the largest public swimming area is located. 

Red Cedar Lake is the largest of the three lakes in the Spooner area covering a total of 1,841 acres and 15.9 miles of shoreline. Located primarily in Barron County, this lake is best known for its abundant walleye, pike, large mouth and small mouth bass fishing.

Cities like Spooner, Cumberland, and Minong and Siren add to the local Northwoods flavor with friendly people and festivals celebrating the unique history of their communities.

Spooner is "country to the core" celebrating its roots with its annual Heart of the North Rodeo, but it doesn't lack a modern flair. Just check it out when the Spooner Car Show rolls into town.

Cumberland is known as the "Island City" because the majority of the city lies on an island in the middle of Beaver Dam Lake. 50 lakes, not counting Beaver Dam, are within a ten mile radius of Cumberland, leaving one never too far away from the water.

Minong supports a number of well maintained public parks outfitted for swimming, camping, boating, and a host of other recreational activities. 

Siren is the holiday place for all seasons. Located just miles from Long lake, Siren gives you access to all the great things the Northwoods has to offer--great lakes, serene forests, and fantastic fishing.

For Lakeshoredreams.com, the counties grouped in Northwestern WI include;

Burnett County WI, Washburn County WI, Sawyer County WI, Barron County WI, Rusk County WI

Cable's story begins in 1659 when French explorers, Radisson and Grosellier hired Native American guides to take them across Lake Superior and into the head of Chequamegon Bay. Although primarily interested in opening trading relations with the local Indians, these early explorers often wrote home describing the beauty of Lake Superior and the surrounding forests.

Their exploration of what is now Bayfield County proved to be quite lucrative. Hundreds of canoes loaded with furs were transported to ships bound for Europe after that initial trip. Up until the fall of Quebec in 1759, Bayfield County supplied the beaver fur for hats worn by much of the European royalty.

The British controlled the region until they ceded it to the United States after the Revolutionary War. While technically still Native American soil, American Indian agents explored the region negotiating treaties and laying the groundwork for future expansion and development. It wasn't until 1842 when the Chippewa officially ceded the land to the United States.

Cable's rise came by way of iron and steam. Because there were no roads, work began immediately on a railroad. The rail line from Hudson to Spooner was completed in December of 1879, to Cable in November of 1880, Drummond in 1882 and GrandView in 1884. Cable became a railroad center with 500 to 700 workers using it as their headquarters. It was a hastily-constructed town of crude buildings, occupied by rail track men, lumberjacks, fishermen, drummers and tourists. It was a town of saloons, hotels, boarding houses and a couple of general merchandise stores. A fire in 1882 destroyed the village and a new town emerged from the ashes. The railroad construction crews were gone and people interested in making homes and establishing businesses acquired the land. By 1900 there was a mixture of nationalities settled in the vicinity. Many of the townspeople worked for the railroad, but there were also tradesmen, farmers, doctors, teachers and real estate agents. These first settlers became aware that they were in a country where city folks longed to vacation- it was a tourist's mecca. Today it has become just that.

Cable and the surrounding communities have a very intimate connection with the land around them.  The Chequamegon National Forest has been Cable's economic lifeblood drawing thousands of visitors year round. It is almost a million acres of unspoiled recreation land providing the best in outdoor recreation no matter what your bent.

Hunting is allowed on 850,000 acres of public land in Chequamegon. White tail deer, black bear, and ruffled grouse are just a small sampling of game roaming the unspoiled wilderness. The Cable area also enjoys one the nation's largest concentration of natural lakes, including some that are only accessible by foot. Lake Owen and Namakagon offer both novice and experienced anglers the opportunity to land trophy sized walleye and muskie.

If you're a mountain biking enthusiast, there are over 300 miles of mapped and marked trails you can explore. The terrain allows for an enjoyable ride for cyclists of all experience and follows a variety of paths including logging roads, fire lanes, snowmobile trails, and ski trails.

Want to keep your feet closer to the ground? Cable has been named "Trail Town, USA" by the American Hiking Society. Those looking for shorter, less rigorous hikes will find the nature trails both fun an educational. A popular choice is the Lodge Nature Trail which is maintained by the Cable Natural History Museum. Hardcore hikers will want to check out the North Country National Scenic Trail, sixty miles of which run through the northern half of Chequamegon National Forest. This 3,200 mile trail links the present Appalachian Trail in Vermont with the Lewis & Clark Trail in North Dakota.  

Whether you're a birdwatcher, an outdoorsman, or a mountain biking enthusiast, you'll definitely find something that will peak your interest.

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