Washburn County

Washburn County is an administrative division in northern Wisconsin that spreads across a landscape filled with lakes, dense forests, and small rural communities. These towns and villages are connected by back roads and form a network of farming areas, woodlands, and water bodies.

The county was founded in 1883 to organize the growing settlements in northern Wisconsin. Shell Lake became its administrative seat and has remained the center of county government.

Local festivals throughout the year bring together residents of Shell Lake and neighboring communities to celebrate Wisconsin traditions and customs.

Visitors will find the county seat in Shell Lake with administrative offices and visitor services for those exploring the area. Summer and early fall offer the best conditions for exploring, with warm weather and calm lakes suitable for swimming and fishing.

The area stands out for its remarkable concentration of lakes, which make up nearly a tenth of its total surface and define much of its landscape character. This water-filled terrain offers surprising opportunities for exploration and reveals a geography quite different from typical rural regions.

Location: Wisconsin

Inception: 1883

Capital city: Shell Lake

Shares border with: Douglas County, Bayfield County, Sawyer County, Rusk County, Barron County, Burnett County

Website: http://co.washburn.wi.us

GPS coordinates: 45.90000,-91.79000

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:52