Northwoods Motel

4/26/2026

Spring, Spring, Spring!

We are getting ready… It finally feels like the chance of snow has passed and we can put out our tables for our guests! We are so excited to see you sitting outside, enjoying the weather. One of our favorite things last summer was to watch our guests joining their friends at the tables, drinking their coffee (or their wine). I loved popping out to catch up with some of our regular guests while they relaxed.

We are also getting our fire pit ready. We offer our guests a fire pit stocked with wood, fire starters and a lighter. We have watched our guests socialize around the fire pit, creating friendships they didn’t have before they showed up and even arranging future visits together. We love that we can foster great vacations, new friendships and happy memories in Hayward!

4/19/2026

The Clean Up...

The Midwest was hit hard by destructive storms this week, and while Hayward was fortunately spared from the flooding and tornadoes, we certainly felt the wind. Between the storm damage and the dead trees we felled last week, we had our work cut out for us at the Northwoods Motel.

We often say we are "family-run," and this weekend proved we truly couldn't do it without our children. On Saturday, we headed outside as a team to tackle the cleanup—cutting down hung-up branches, limbing, bucking, and hauling logs for stacking. By the end of the day, we were exhausted, but the yard is looking much better (aside from one final tree near the drive that’s next on the list!).

It wasn't all work, though. The kids made sure to have some fun, too—burning brush, doing laps on the 4-wheeler, and celebrating a job well done with some special snacks and craft sodas. Whether they are cleaning rooms, working in the yard, or manning the office, our kids are a key part of this business. We’re proud to involve the whole family in making this place feel like home for our guests.

4/12/2026

Glimmers of Hope and Big Milestones: Spring in the Northwoods

This past weekend was exactly what we needed. We spent Saturday outside tackling the backyard—taking down five dead trees and burning through a mountain of brush. There is something about the smell of a bonfire and the sight of a clear yard that feels like a "glimmer of hope," reminding us exactly why we love summer in Northern Wisconsin so much.

But the yard isn't the only thing changing around here. We have some major milestones on the horizon!

This Memorial Day weekend, our oldest daughter will be graduating from Hayward High School. When we moved here a year ago, we were nervous; we were moving her away from the only school district she had ever known right at the end of her high school career. The timing wasn't ideal, and we worried about how she would adjust.

She has handled the transition with incredible courage. Not only did she fit right in, but she has truly thrived—keeping up her high marks even while taking extra classes required by the district. We couldn't be prouder to see her walk across that stage on May 22nd before she heads off on her next adventure.

May marks the true beginning of the summer season in Hayward! We have a busy few weeks ahead and plenty of local excitement to share. Make sure to follow us on Facebook, where we’ll be posting updates on everything happening in the Hayward area throughout the month.

 

 

Hayward Area Highlights: May 2026

  • Outdoor Kickoff: The General Inland Fishing Season opens on May 2nd, which usually brings a great buzz to the local shops and lakes.

  • Active Events:

 

4/5/2026

Spring in the Northwoods: Embracing the "Ebb and Flow"

Have you ever wondered what spring is really like up north? To be honest, it’s a bit of a rollercoaster. We like to say we experience spring, then winter, then "second spring," followed by a surprise winter, and—if we're lucky—a "third spring."

Just yesterday, we were watching the snow fall in the cold; today, it’s 45 degrees and nothing but sunshine. Around here, you learn to ebb and flow with the forecast. We certainly aren't letting the unpredictable weather keep us indoors! Little League baseball has officially stepped up to the plate, and a few stray snowflakes aren't about to stop our practice.

Join Us for a Great Cause: May 1st

We are thrilled to highlight a very special local event: The Terry Peterson Fishing Foundation Memorial Fundraiser on Friday, May 1st.

The Terry Peterson Fishing Foundation does incredible work in our community, supporting projects that teach the next generation of anglers and promote the love of the sport. We encourage you to visit their website to learn more about Terry’s legacy and the organization's mission. Tickets for the fundraiser are available online now!

Make it a Fishing Weekend

To celebrate the foundation and the start of the season, we’re running a special promotion for that weekend: Buy two nights at $129 + tax per night, and get your third night FREE. The timing is perfect to stay with us for the fundraiser on Friday and stick around to hit the water for the Inland Fishing Opener on Saturday, May 2nd.

Whether you're here to support a great cause or to be the first one on the lake for the opener, we’d love to have you join us. Grab your gear (and maybe a coat, just in case) and come enjoy the start of the season!

3/30/2026

You may not realize that most of our guests during the summer months are here in Hayward to fish. We have been told by guests that fishing in Hayward is just as good as Canada. As previous owners to the Northwoods Motel made changes and updates, one thing that was well thought out was the electric in the trailer parking area. We are set up for up to 4 guests to plug in their equipment overnight and we can make adjustments to get at least another 2 if needed. In addition to the outlets in our trailer area, in the front of the motel there is electricity for each guest near the parking spots. As for parking space, we have accommodated 8 boats. It was a tight squeeze, but we made it work. There was only one weekend when we had that many boats here, but wow, what a sight to see them all neatly parked!

Inland fishing opener is right around the corner on May 2nd, but before that, general inland trout (inland streams, springs and spring ponds) opens on April 4th. The DNR’s website has all of the information you need including:

Whether you’re a returning regular or a first-time guest, we can’t wait to see you!

3/25/2026

Spring is here, and it feels like a fresh start! As the snow melts, we’re getting excited for summer bookings—from fishing trips with local guides to the Lumberjack World Championship, there are so many reasons to visit Hayward!

Reflecting on our first year, "whirlwind" is an understatement. We bought the motel last summer and started working the very same hour we closed! With three rooms occupied and another checking in that afternoon, we truly dove into the deep end. It was a massive transition for our family of six, but the best part has been the relationships we've built. To the guests who stayed with us during those first "crazy" weeks and keep coming back: thank you. You’ve become friends who feel like family, and we can't wait to welcome you back to the patio this summer.

If you are searching for a reason to visit Hayward, check out the Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau or the Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce events calendars to see what is happening around town, and then give us a call or check our website to book your stay!

3/15/2026

Mother Nature is unleashing her wrath once again. Today we, along with most of Wisconsin, are getting hit with blizzard conditions. I'm sitting here in the office with a cup of coffee, trying to enjoy what is hopefully the last hurrah of winter (and trying not to panic about how we are going to get this parking lot cleared).

Even in the midst of this "messy" season—where Hayward can’t quite decide if it’s spring or winter—the community continues to buzz with events for everyone.

A true local treasure is The Park Center, a non-profit performing arts venue right here in Hayward. Their stage hosts everything from dancers to comedians, and this week features two standout events:

  • Friday Night: Violinist Hannah Kennedy and pianist Casey Rafn present Histoire, an evening of evocative French music.

  • Saturday:The Hayward Fly Fishing Company hosts the International Fly Fishing Film Festival, featuring short films from across the globe. Better yet, ticket sales benefit the Wild Rivers Conservancy.

If you're looking for even more action, downtown Hayward is also hosting its annual Shamrock Shuffle this Saturday. The event kicks off with a 1K for the kids followed by a 5K. Personally, I only run if there’s a bear chasing me—but you can definitely find me at the Lucky Charms eating contest!

While spring is not the busy tourist season, don't discount Hayward for your getaway. In addition to the planned events, we have a lovely downtown with many shops and great restaurants in town and surrounding the area. It's the perfect quiet get-away! Check out our Promotions page for a discount on a 3 night stay!

3/8/2026

Did you know that the DNR participates in a wide variety of wildlife studies? Recently I was made aware of one that is taking place right here on the Spider Chain of Lakes in Sawyer County. Anyone who knows anything about Hayward knows that this area is a big fishing community. Shoot…we are home to the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame! You can take a look at some of the data here on the DNR Facebook page if you are interested in what they are doing. 

As the thaw begins, I think a lot of us are dreaming about the fishing season. Ice fishing is winding down, but you don’t have to stop fishing! The DNR has a guide to fishing seasons that you can use to help determine what you can fish for at all times of the year. That said, we are about 2 months from the general inland fishing season opening on May 2nd! There are so many businesses and individuals in the Hayward community who will provide you with a wealth of information about fishing in the area. I’ll include some here, but this is not an exhaustive list, search Facebook and google fishing in Hayward to find more information! Take a look and start planning your fishing getaway in the northwoods! 

Jeff Evans Fishing Company

Hayward Fly Fishing Company

Hayward Bait and Bottle Shop

Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau

3/1/2026

Spring is in the air, but the winter fun isn’t over yet!

Yesterday we had the Fat Bike Birkie and one of our very own guests won his age class! We absolutely love when our guests share their adventures with us. We look forward to seeing Greg again in the future for his next big race! If you are staying with us and doing something you're excited about, please stop in the office and share your stories, pictures, and successes.

From March 9–14, the Birkie organization will host the Cross Country Junior National Championship right here on our local trails. We look forward to welcoming elite young athletes from across the country to Hayward. If you’re traveling to town to support a competitor, be sure to visit our website to view our latest promotions!

In other news, as the landscape warms, local wildlife is emerging in full force. It is common to spot deer, turkeys, songbirds, and squirrels throughout Hayward. Please stay alert while driving, as deer have been active even in broad daylight. On a more "majestic" note, keep an eye out for convocations of eagles gathered along the roadsides—nature’s very own cleanup crew in action. I wonder when the bear will emerge?!?

The Birkie fever continues! While the skis are tucked away, the fat bikes are taking over Hayward this weekend for the Fat Bike Birkie on Saturday, Feb 28th. As North America’s premier on-snow bike event, it’s a weekend you don't want to miss. We’re ready to welcome you—and your gear! Give us a call today to learn how we can provide a secure, comfortable home base for you and your bike.

Heading to the Northwoods for the 2026 Cross Country Junior National Championships? As the best young skiers in the country descend on the Birkie trail this March 9–14, we still have a few rooms available for families looking for a cozy home base. While the races take place at the Mt. Telemark Village trailhead in Cable, staying in nearby Hayward (just 30 minutes away) gives you the best of both worlds: full access to local dining and amenities, with the convenience of a quick drive to the trails to cheer on your athlete!

2/15/2026

It’s Birkie Week!
Mother Nature has quite the sense of humor… we have had snow since Thanksgiving and suddenly this week we are crossing our fingers to keep what we have as the temps rise up into the 40’s for the next few days. Mainstream weather apps are saying we should expect little to no snow this week, but the Facebook page Midwest Weather is predicting that we are right on the border of 1-3” and 3-5”. Fingers crossed Midwest Weather is right!

The Birkie organization has great resources for those of you who would like to check out the schedule of events and get all of the details you need. AND, if you are curious how they make the downtown into a winter wonderland for the Birkie finish line, check out the Northern Nerd’s post from last year’s Birkie!

In other news, this past weekend we saw a few snowmobilers who were hoping to get in one more ride before the snow melts. We were happy to give them a clean comfortable place to stay and also happy to feel the sun and warmer weather on our skin! The warming weather has brought to life our area with deer, squirrels and birds. We are truly looking forward to the upcoming summer season. Last year was such a blur as we learned to run a business and met so many guests. We are grateful for those of you who stayed with us and hope we will see you again this summer!

2/8/2026

We are getting excited about the Birkebeiner! February 18-22 Hayward will be alive with guests to our community and our motel here to participate in the largest North American ski race (3rd largest in the world)! Our family is new to this and can’t wait to be part of the experience!

Check out the American Birkebeiner website for all they have to offer during that week. 

For anyone who has not experienced this event, lodging in the area is probably full at this time. If you are considering coming next year, please make your reservations early. Here at the Northwoods Motel, we allow this year’s guests to have the first refusal on our rooms, but feel free to give us a call if you wish to be placed on a waitlist for 2027. 

In other news, the Lumberjack World Championship is taking place July 16-18 and tickets are on sale now! While summer feels a long way off, it will be here before we know it. Lumberjack weekend is a busy one around town, so make your reservations early

**photo Credit https://www.birkie.com/

1/25/2026

Did you know that Hayward has more than just skiing and snowmobiling? If you enjoy hiking, winter doesn’t have to bring it to an end, the Hayward area has many snowshoeing trails available for the public to enjoy! Don’t own snowshoes, we have you covered there too. New Moon Ski Shop and the Cable Natural History Museum both have snowshoe rentals, check out their websites for more information. 

In the Hayward area, there are three free trails available for snowshoeing and several more in surrounding communities. 

- The town of Hayward Recreational Forest has a 4 mile snowshoeing trail that is groomed to keep it usable. You can find some pictures and information at their facebook page here.

- The Hatchery Creek Trail is located just outside of Hayward at the Hatchery Creek Trail head (county park). Hatchery Creek offers 3 miles of intermediate level trails.

- The third, Hospital trail, starts on Hospital Road. A 4 mile trail that is marked with color tape to help users stay on the snowshoe trail. 

All the information you need about snowshoeing can be found at the Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau’s website.  

1/18/2026

Snow, Snow, and More Snow!

For those of you visiting Hayward this past weekend—wow, what a surprise! While predictions were all over the map, we managed to eke out several inches of fresh powder. It was a fantastic outcome for our guests who wanted to hit the trails right from our front door.

If you’re a snowmobiler planning a getaway to Hayward, we highly recommend following the Sawyer County Snowmobile and ATV Alliance on Facebook. Their team works tirelessly to keep the trails groomed and ready for action. Their page offers:

  • Regular trail condition updates

  • Safety warnings and alerts

  • Behind-the-scenes highlights of the hardworking volunteers who keep the system running.

We cannot thank them enough for their service to our community! Please give them a "like" and a follow when you get a chance.

Hayward is a community that works together to provide the best guest experience possible. For more local tips, visit the Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau. Their website is an excellent resource for finding local businesses to support and checking live trail reports.

Pro Tip: Don't forget your trail pass! They are required by the DNR. While you can buy them locally, we recommend arriving prepared by ordering yours online today via Go Wild.

1/14/2026

Winter in Hayward

Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin's picturesque Northwoods, Hayward is more than just a charming small town—it's a vibrant hub of activity all year long! Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a fun family getaway, Hayward has something special in store for you.

Winter in Hayward has already proven to be full of outdoor activities, but we have only just begun! This weekend, January 16-18, we have something for everyone! The Ski de She camp and race are being hosted by the American Birkebeiner Association. For those of you looking for a Fat Tire event, the 2026 CAMBA Seeley Big Fat Race is taking place this Saturday (January 17th). And, for those of you looking to put some miles on your snowmobile, there are the hundreds of miles of maintained trails that Hayward is known for, but this weekend in Winter, WI the Winter Sno-Xtravaganza is taking place! 

January has many more upcoming events including NABA Family Ice Fishing event. You can find this and other local events at the Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau’s calendar of events (https://haywardlakes.com/events/calendar/)

As we approach February, the Birkie Week activities will be on everyone’s mind, but don’t forget about the Hayward Lions Pre-Birkie happening on February 7th. The main event, the 52nd American Birkebeiner, will be taking place from February 18th-22nd. All of Hayward will be buzzing with excitement and there will be a variety of family-friendly events ensuring a race for every age and skill level!

We all know that Hayward slows down in the spring, but don’t be fooled. The Park Center is hosting events all year long, including throughout March when you can attend a variety of musical performances and The International Fly Fishing Film Festival!

On top of all of the scheduled events, don’t forget that we have so many outdoor, unscheduled opportunities from snowmobiling and skiing to ice fishing and snowshoeing. Hayward has something for everyone!

If you are looking for a place to stay, check out our website or give us a call!