Visitor Information

  Sun 6/30/2013

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   The main attraction to Chetek is, of course, our fabulous Chetek Chain of Lakes - Chetek, Prairie,  Pokegama, Ojaski, Ten Mile, and Moose Ear Lake. Together these lakes cover over 3,800 surface acres with 120 miles of shoreline.
   About one hundred and fifty  years ago Barron county was primarily forest land. The Chetek lakes area was a marshy area  with only Chetek, Pokegama and Prairie lakes existing as well defined  lakes.
   The first inhabitants here were the Ojibway Indians. The name Chetek is thought to originate from "Shadack" the Indian name for a long-legged bird abounding in the wild rice growing in the marshy land.

   The first inhabitants here were the Ojibway Indians. The name Chetek is thought to originate from "Shadack" the Indian name for a long-legged bird abounding in the wild rice growing in the marshy land.
   Chetek lake originally was a source of wild rice for the Indians. Some wild rice beds can still be found in the Ten Mile Creek area.  The Chippewa Indian name for Chetek was "Jede-sagaigan", Jede meaning swan or pelican and sagaigan meaning island lake. When the first post office was established, "Chetek" became the preferred spelling which has continued to today.

   A pipestone quarry also attracted many Indians to the area. A pipestone formation called "Catlinite" is a dark red clay easily worked with a knife which then hardens and takes on a high red polish upon being exposed to the air. Catlinite was fashioned into beads, ornaments and building blocks. The pipestone ridge just north of Chetek and the one running through Minnesota are the only ones in the U.S.
    With the construction of the first dam in 1863 the original lakes were greatly enlarged and Ojaski, Moose Ear and Ten Mile lakes were formed.
   Today fishing abounds in the fertile waters of these lakes. Crappies, bluegills, perch, bullheads, bass, northerns and walleyes are all sought after and caught in the chain. The lakes have been stocked  over the years with thousands of  walleye fingerlings, courtesy of the DNR and the local Lakes Protection Association. By all estimates, over 400,000 fish are taken annually from the waters of this popular fishery.
  Along the lakeshore there are twelve public boat landings, numerous public fishing areas, and a public beach with lifeguards.
  The city also has an airport with 3400 foot all-weather lighted runway, NDB navigational beacon and fuel facilities, 
  The Chetek area currently boasts a year round population of 7500 people with the summer population  burgeoning to over 40,000.  With groceries, bait and tackle shops, restaurants, and convenience stores all of your vacation needs can be conveniently met in Chetek.

Contact/Location

Chetek Chamber of Commerce
CHETEK, WI
715-924-3200