History in the Pines

Welcome to our very first blog post! I’m thrilled to have you here. This blog and podcast have become a true passion project for me, and I am so excited to share the rich history and captivating stories of the northern half of our beautiful state—tales you may not have heard before. Before we dive into our first topic, let me introduce myself so we can become more than just strangers; we can become friends. I’m Kaitlyn but go by, Kat. I’m an Up North local and the Marketing Manager at Lakeland Rental Management based in Woodruff. A little about them as they are the heart and reason for this project. Their company offers a diverse and large inventory of vacation rentals that capture the rustic nostalgia of the Northwoods. From historic resorts to timeless cabins, so many properties are steeped in rich history and charm. Many of their rentals have been beautifully restored or meticulously maintained, serving as time capsules that transport guests back to the early days, when tourism was just beginning in the north. Although these are a majority of the rentals, they also offer more modern accommodations for those that are not completely sold on ‘rustic charm’. Among their impressive inventory is a reestablished and renovated resort from the 1950s. This resort has been recently reopened and is now fully operational, they have 7 cabins of different sizes, private beach for swimming, large yard and common area playground, private docks. complete with an on-site restaurant—a rarity in today's lodging market. This unique feature adds an extra layer of convenience and charm, allowing guests to enjoy a truly immersive and authentic Northwoods experience. So while working on new marketing strategies to promote these places and familiarizing myself with their properties—sifting through pictures and descriptions—I couldn't help but think, "I bet some of these places have amazing stories and pasts." This realization sparked an idea: why not lean into the rich history and nostalgic charm of these locations? When people book a stay with them/us they should not expect white walls, modern farmhouse aethstetic. You’re getting rustic cabins, nostalgic feelings, old but very loved and up kept treasures of cabins. And there is a huge demographic of people that we can reach that want to have this experience and we needed to share what we had with people. So I proposed this concept to the owner, suggesting that we emphasize the old-school vacations reminiscent of the era when fishing camps dotted the landscape and tourism was just beginning in the area. She loved the idea, and we decided to run with it. A few months ago, we rebranded to become a company dedicated to preserving history and promoting nostalgic vacations in the Northwoods. Our goal is to offer more than just a place to stay; we aim to provide an experience that transports guests back in time, allowing them to relive the magic and charm of the past. By focusing on the history and stories behind each property, we aim to create a deeper connection between our guests and the Northwoods. Whether it's a cabin that has stood the test of time since the early 1900s or a resort from the 1950s that's been lovingly restored, every rental has a tale to tell. Even the newer homes. This rebranding effort has not only revitalized our marketing strategy but has also resonated deeply with our guests, who appreciate the unique blend of history, nostalgia, and modern comfort we offer. We are excited to continue this journey, uncovering and sharing the rich histories of our properties and the Northwoods, and providing our guests with unforgettable, nostalgic vacations that celebrate the past while creating new memories for the future. Growing up in this region, I've always been enchanted by the beauty and mystery of the Northwoods. From the towering pines to the serene lakes, this place holds a special kind of magic. But it's the hidden histories and local legends that truly fascinate me. I realized that many of these stories were at risk of being forgotten, and I felt a strong desire to preserve and share them with others. So in order for me to tie in learning history and sharing it with everyone AND doing my job (Just kidding, kind of) I had the idea of turning a blog and podcast into a marketing strategy of my own. Every week on Monday when I post a new blog and podcast episode, We will have ads during our episodes and ‘features’ on our blog of the different unique properties that Lakeland Rental has to offer. I will give you the latest discount codes that are happening in the moment to help you plan your own rustic up north vacation. ______________________________ On our logo, intro and our about you pages we always reference “the history or lore of the ‘northwoods’/ ‘up north’. When the podcast would be brought up with people out and about, when asked what i was up to, and they would naturally ask what it was about and I would give them my spiel as I just gave you above: “it’s about the history and lore of the north woods/up north”- without a doubt the resounding response I would get would of course be a “oh that’s really neat!” Followed by “what is considered ‘the northwoods’ or ‘up north’”? I know everyone has an opinion on where they think up north is so I started asking them where they thought it was And when I asked I got a variation of about 4 different answers. And realized maybe it meant something different to everyone. But who was right? For years, decades, even centuries, people have used the term "Up North" to describe their travels or origins. "I'm going up north this weekend." "I'm visiting the family up north." "I’m from up north." But where exactly is "Up North"? This term is inherently flexible and not exclusive to Wisconsin. It can refer to the northern region of any area. However, in Wisconsin, it carries a special, albeit debated, significance that sets it apart. People have varying interpretations of what constitutes "Up North" in Wisconsin. For instance, some folks from the south such as Illinois might consider Lake Geneva to be "up north"—an assertion that many Wisconsinites would dispute, this includes myself. Meanwhile, some Michiganders argue that the Upper Peninsula (UP) should be considered "up north." This viewpoint holds considerable weight, as the UP shares much of the same rugged, natural beauty and cultural elements that define Wisconsin's Northwoods. Not to mention is oftentimes confused by people not local to the area as Wisconsin because of its ‘closeness’ sitting right on top of our state. Being From Minocqua I consider that “up north” however I read an article where I sourced some of my information (this source is linked at the bottom) The Authour of the article, Chelsea Lewis, whose family had a cabin in Minocqua, also considered this ‘Up north’.However in her article she states that her brother-in-law who lived in superior, says that its not. Even though I highly disagree with the man, I will give him the benefit of the doubt as I’m sure I would agree if I was also from the northernmost part of the state. So where is the ’True Up North’ then? There are many different ways that one can define what ‘up north’ is There isn't an actual line between "up north" and the rest of the state. There’s no sign that will be on the side of a highway to welcome you or let you know “hey you're up north now”. According to the state cartographer's office, the center of the state is near Auburndale, which is a town along Highway 10. Pittsville, a town about 20 miles south, is the marked and commemorated center of the state — possibly a topic for another time. So geographically speaking, everything north of Stevens Point is up north. But if you were to evenly divide the state in half by land area, the line would be south of there, roughly below St. Croix, Dunn, Chippewa, Clark, Marathon, Shawano, Oconto and Door counties. Highways seem to be a popular ‘marker’. one of the ways people have defined what ‘up north’ is, is by the major highways that run east to west or west to east, through the upper half of the state. in an article Where does 'up north' begin? Wisconsinites can't agree by James B. Nelson of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Nelson asked their readers to vote based on these highways. Highway 8, which runs from St. Croix Falls east through Rhinelander to the border with Michigan’s Upper Peninsula just south of Iron Mountain, was the winner in that 2017 poll with 7,000 votes. Highway 2, which cuts a small corner through northwestern Wisconsin from Superior to Hurley, was second with 5,000 votes. Highway 10 was third with about 1,500 votes. There were a number of people who mentioned in this poll that they had left out highway 29 which stretches from Chippewa Falls through Wausau to Green Bay. Maybe He left this one out because it is pretty close to 10? but i'm just speculating! In that same 2017 poll though many commenters and even the author himself commented that up north is usually characterized by certain natural features — mainly the forests with evergreens and pines and lots of lakes. Northwoods + Up North= One in the Same When you think of “up north” the word northwoods is normally followed closely behind it. And that could be another way that “up north is defined. When do the northwoods start? A September 2003 article by Mark G. Rickenbach and Paul H. Gobster in the Journal of Forestry that looked at the parcelization of Wisconsin’s Northwoods, defined the area as the 22 northernmost counties in the state.That included Polk, Barron, Rusk, Taylor, Lincoln, Langlade, Shawano and Oconto counties, and everything north of those. so pretty much everything north of 8. But a 2014 forest ecosystem vulnerability assessment from the Northwoods Climate Change Response Framework Project defined the area differently. The assessment defined the Laurentian Mixed Forest Province, which is just a really fancy name for the Northwoods, or more specifically an area of mixed hardwood and conifer forest as the 41 counties above an s-shaped line through the state. This line is what is known as the Tension Line or zone. A tension zone is a transitional area between two distinct ecological regions, influenced by climatic factors and geological variations. According to Sarsuna College's online textbook, it is a zone of tension because it has conditions intermediate to the bordering ecosystems, potentially containing species that are entirely different from those in the adjacent zones. These ecotones can be natural or man-made; for example, the transition between an agricultural field and a forest is a man-made ecotone. In Wisconsin, the tension zone "line" stretches from Burnett County to Portage County, then east to Outagamie County, and south through the Kettle Moraine to Racine County. This line is primarily a result of climate variations, with wetter, cooler weather to the north and warmer, drier conditions to the south. These climatic differences encourage the growth of different species of plants and trees in each region, creating a diverse and dynamic ecological landscape along the tension zone. This creates two distinct regions within the state: the southwest, characterized by lightly wooded grasslands, prairies, and deciduous forests (forests of trees that shed their leaves for the winter); and the northeast, featuring a mixed deciduous-coniferous forest, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. This explanation sheds light on why some people, including myself (perhaps subconsciously, given that I named the podcast and blog "History in the Pines"), refer to "up north" when they start seeing more forests and pine trees. However, if the definition of "up north" were strictly based on the tension line, Sheboygan and Manitowoc counties would fall into that category. Yet, it's unlikely that many people would consider either of those areas as "up north." But then again, it’s all about perspective—whatever floats your boat. If you want in depth details click on links for the articles and give them a read yourself. But in short, the southern half of Wisconsin is comprised of plains, savannas, sandy areas, and two coastal landscapes: Southern Lake Michigan and Central Lake Michigan. These regions are generally situated south of the tension line and include coastal counties like Sheboygan and Manitowoc. The northern half of the tension line, which roughly follows Highway 29, features a diverse landscape. In the east, it is heavily forested; the central part is more agricultural; and the west boasts a mix of forests, agriculture, and lakes. Wetlands are also extensive in some areas. Historically, 86% of this landscape was forested, and today, 44% still is. This extensive forest cover is likely why the region is often referred to as the Northwoods. So, if our definition of "up north" is based on ecology—mainly higher concentrations of trees and lakes—the boundary would follow what roughly coincides with Highway 29. This aligns with the results of a Wisconsin poll that identified Highway 10 as the most popular marker for defining "up north" since it is so close in proximity. I have a very clear image in my mind. If you're a Minocqua vacationer or have driven north on Highway 51 in that direction you'll know what I am referring to. You'll reach a distinctive point where the freeway ends, and the traffic transitions to a double lane. The last exit before this transition leads to Highway 8, which heads towards Rhinelander or Tomahawk. From this moment onward, the landscape shifts dramatically—no more farmland dominates the scenery; instead, dense forests stretch as far as the eye can see and never seem to end. Every time I reach this point, I find myself thinking, "Well, I'm almost up north," or I feel a sense of home as if I'm entering the Northwoods or perhaps crossing that tension line. It's a moment of transition where the surroundings change from the cultivated fields of the south to the wild and wooded landscapes that define the Northwoods. Just because it’s in the name, does it make it true? Beyond ecological and geographic definitions of "up north," there are places that proudly claim this designation based on historical significance and cultural identity. One such place is Portage, located in the Central Sand Hills Landscape of Columbia County. This area presents a stark contrast to the densely wooded landscapes typically associated with the Northwoods. Portage welcomes visitors with a sign declaring, “Historic Portage — Where the North Begins.” Historically, the city served as a gateway to the north during an era when waterways were crucial for travel. Situated on a narrow strip of land where the Fox and Wisconsin rivers are closest, Portage was named for the portage route where Native Americans, European traders, and missionaries carried their canoes approximately 1.25 miles between these rivers. The Fox River flows north and east towards the St. Lawrence, while the Wisconsin River flows south and west towards the Mississippi, emphasizing Portage’s strategic importance as a crossroads of early American exploration and commerce. The slogan originates from a time when a trading post thrived in what is now Riverside Park along Highway 51. You probably have passed it a number of times if you have traveled on 51. If you are going north it would be on your left hand side. It looks like a big vegetable garden, has a pergola. It does have a large sign stating ‘Riverside park’ and I'm almost positive it also says something about it being historical. But when you are driving 75 miles an hour it can be hard to catch. So perhaps that is also another topic for another time. This outpost marked the final stop for travelers before continuing their journey northward. While exact historical distances are difficult to pinpoint, it's reasonable to assume that the next settlement was a considerable distance away in the early days of Wisconsin. Imagine the scene: weary travelers pausing at this trading post, stocking up on supplies, and preparing for the next leg of their journey through a rugged and often untamed wilderness. This stretch between settlements symbolizes more than just a physical distance—it represents a transition from settled lands to the vast, forested expanse of what we now know as the Northwoods. The slogan, "Where the North Begins," thus captures not only a geographic marker but also a historical narrative of exploration and adventure in the heart of Wisconsin's frontier. In the northernmost reaches of Wisconsin lies Crivitz, a town that proudly embraces the slogan "Gateway to the North." While Crivitz may not be the first town that comes to mind when thinking of "up north," it holds a unique claim to this title. Ecologically speaking, Crivitz lies beyond the tension zone and geographically, it sits at the center of the state within Marinette County, where over 80% of the land is covered in forest. This natural abundance underscores Crivitz's role as a gateway to some of Wisconsin's most picturesque destinations. "The Village of Crivitz ... is the 'Gateway' to beautiful destinations, such as the Peshtigo River, Peshtigo River State Forest, Lake Noquebay, and Governor Tommy Thompson State Park," notes the village website. From Crivitz, a line drawn westward roughly traces Highway 64 through Merrill to New Richmond, offering a scenic route through Wisconsin's diverse landscapes. But that line would eliminate New London about 90 miles to the south, which also claims to be the “Gateway to the North” on its tourism website. New London ,Located in Outagamie and Waupaca counties, which are positioned below the geographic center of Wisconsin, the city boasts forestland comprising 17% and 44%, respectively. This composition might seem unlikely for claiming the title of "gateway to the North." However, the city resides in the tension zone and is in proximity to the Forest Transition Landscape. In this regard, it could be perceived as a starting point or gateway to the more densely forested regions further north. Despite this proximity, I remain unconvinced of its candidacy. Further north, five counties have staked their claim as the heart of Wisconsin's Northwoods, and are seemingly the ones that are top of mind when the term arises: Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Oneida, and Vilas. Among them, Vilas and Forest counties border Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, solidifying their northern credentials beyond doubt. The remaining three counties—Langlade, Lincoln, and Oneida—are equally renowned for their dense forests, abundant lakes, and the quintessential up north experience offered by numerous cabins and family-run resorts. These counties embody the very essence of what it means to be "up north" in Wisconsin. Aaron Shapiro explored this history in an article featured in the Summer 2006 edition of The Wisconsin Magazine of History. In his piece, Shapiro defines the tourist region of the Northwoods, spanning from the St. Croix River in the west to Highway 45 in the east, bordered by Lake Superior to the north and Highway 8 to the south. He vividly recounts the emergence of the area's earliest resorts and the influx of tourists, including a notable Chicagoan in 1920. This individual was part of a growing wave of residents from Chicago, Milwaukee, and the Twin Cities who sought a rustic vacation experience amidst Wisconsin's North Woods during the interwar years, seeking solace from urban industrialism. Technology has taken over another way folks used to gauge if they were up north, that was very short lived, was when their cell phones lost reception. Obviously cell phones weren't really widely used until the 2000s. But, people would notice their phones going silent as they ventured deeper into the Northwoods or hit those remote stretches. I remember as a teeneager having a very specific spot I would place my phone in the windowsill in my room, as well as various other around the house, that gave me just enough bars to send and receive texts, after lots of failed sends and running around the house with my arms up in every window. Can you relate? But with today's advancements in technology and the spread of cell towers, even the most remote spots are getting coverage, making it harder to rely on that old trick to define "up north." A century later, many still yearn for that rustic escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life when they head "up north." The exact location on a map may vary, and for some Wisconsinites, the concept of "up north" remains a personal and subjective feeling. As Aaron Zitzelsberger wrote in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wausau is the start of 'north,' but I don't really feel like I'm north until I start seeing signs telling me how far away Canada is." This sentiment reflects the diverse perceptions of what constitutes "up north." It could be anywhere north of the geographic center of the state, around Auburndale near Highway 10. It might also be marked by crossing over Highway 8 or 29, those manmade demarcations that signify leaving the more developed areas behind. For others, "up north" begins north of the tension zone or simply where the dense forests and natural landscapes prevail beyond that line. It's often associated with the heart of the Northwoods, encompassing counties like Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Oneida, and Vilas, which are synonymous with the term. The exact definition of where "up north" begins may always be up for debate, but most agree that you'll know it when you arrive. You'll spot the familiar white signs with family names pointing towards cabins, catch the scent of lake water and pine trees, perhaps hear the crackle of a campfire at night, and immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of nature all around. That's when you truly feel you're "up north" in Wisconsin. There’s a poem attributed to Suzanne Kindler floating around the Internet that sums it up perfectly: "It’s the place people go to escape, a place made of cabins, pine trees and lakes. But no matter how far you drive, there’s no sign to say “You’ve arrived.” So just follow your heart til you find, your special place that brings peace of mind. As you breathe in the air and unwind, your cares are all left behind. It’s no mystery where the northwoods start. When you’re “up north,” you’ll know in your heart. For the sake of our blog and podcast, we’re defining "Up North" as everything north of Highway 29. This was the most popular response from our Instagram poll a few weeks ago, and it aligns closely with the results from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel poll, where Highway 10 was a top choice. While those results lean towards Highway 10, Highway 29 is close enough for us. Personally, if you ask me, I'd say it's really Highway 8. As I mentioned earlier, it's that clear moment on Highway 51 when the landscape shifts dramatically. The highway narrows, the forest becomes denser, and the scenery changes from open farmlands to vast forests and sparkling lakes. That’s when you truly feel like you’ve arrived "Up North." _______________________ What do you think? Let us know! Head to our instagram on the poll we posted, cast your vote and tell us your thoughts. Or you can leave a comment below. While you're there don’t forget to follow us. You can also follow us on Spotify, Apple Music and wherever you stream your podcasts. SOURCES: Where does 'up north' Wisconsin begin? We might never answer the question, but here are 5 possible ways to define it Chelsey Lewis Milwaukee Journal Sentinel https://www.jsonline.com/story/travel/wisconsin/2022/07/08/where-does-up-north-wisconsin-start-depends-how-you-define/7816652001/ State cartographers office: Wisconsin facts and trivia https://www.sco.wisc.edu/wisconsin/geography/ Where does 'up north' begin? Wisconsinites can't agree James B. Nelson Milwaukee Journal Sentinel https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2017/06/29/where-does-up-north-begin-wisconsinites-cant-agree/438572001/ Stakeholders' Perceptions of Parcelization in Wisconsin's Northwoods Mark Rickenbach University of Wisconsin–Madison Paul H. Gobster USDA Forest Service https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233676590_Stakeholders%27_Perceptions_of_Parcelization_in_Wisconsin%27s_Northwoods (2014 Climate article) Forest ecosystem vulnerability assessment and synthesis for northern Wisconsin and western Upper Michigan: a report from the Northwoods Climate Change Response Framework project https://research.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/46393 Flowing through history: Why the Portage Canal was pivotal for Wisconsin, and why it still is. Keith Uhlig Wausau Daily Herald https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/history/2021/09/28/portage-canal-connects-wisconsin-rivers-history-and-culture/8217883002/ Village of Crivitz town site https://www.villageofcrivitz.com/