National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame

The National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame is a museum spread across several buildings dedicated to freshwater fishing. The exhibits display mounted fish, outboard motors, historic fishing equipment, and thousands of lures gathered over the decades.

The museum was founded in 1960 through a partnership that brought initial support to the project. Growth came in the following years as new buildings were constructed to house expanding collections.

The museum honors anglers and fishing guides through recognition programs that reflect who is valued in this community. Visitors can see how traditional fishing culture is preserved and celebrated in American tradition.

Visitors should plan for several hours to explore the buildings properly, as collections are spread across multiple structures. It is helpful to arrive early to avoid crowds and to have enough daylight for viewing all the exhibits.

A massive fiberglass muskie sculpture features an observation deck inside its mouth where visitors can climb up. The structure serves as a memorial displaying the names of the museum's founding members.

Location: Hayward

Inception: 1960

Website: http://freshwater-fishing.org

GPS coordinates: 46.00780,-91.47970

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:02