Douglas County

Douglas County is an administrative division in northwestern Wisconsin that encompasses hundreds of lakes and multiple river systems across its expanse. The landscape is fundamentally shaped by water features, with waterways and lakes defining much of the terrain.

The county was established in 1854 after being separated from La Pointe County. It took its name from Stephen Douglas, an Illinois politician who held influence during the period of territorial expansion.

The population carries strong European roots, particularly German, Norwegian, Swedish, Irish, Finnish, and Polish heritage, which still shapes distinct communities throughout the region.

The region is accessible via multiple highways and interstate routes, with rail lines also serving the area. Visitors should plan for distances between communities, as this is a rural county with spread-out settlements.

The territory divides into two distinct landscape zones: the flatter Lake Superior Lowland in the north and the rolling Northern Highland covering the central and southern areas. This geological split creates strikingly different environments within a single administrative region.

Location: Wisconsin

Inception: February 9, 1854

Capital city: Superior

Shares border with: Burnett County, Bayfield County, Sawyer County, Washburn County, Pine County, Carlton County, St. Louis County

Website: http://douglascountywi.org

GPS coordinates: 46.45000,-91.91000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:08