Coldwell Banker Mulleady Realtors^® - Wisconsin Northwoods and Upper Peninsula Michigan Real Estate MLS Listings - Rhinelander, Minocqua, Eagle River, & Manitowish Waters

Great Times Come With the Territory

Photo by Dawn Roper

During the winter, this community known as the "Snowmobile Capital of the World", hosts the Eagle River 500, an annual event for snowmobile enthusiasts.

The Eagle River chain of 28 lakes is a paradise for boating activities as well as some of northern Wisconsin's best Musky fishing.

Other area activities include golfing, horseback riding, biking trails, hiking trails, bowling, casinos and more.

Location

The land area of Eagle River is 2.55 square miles along the Eagle River in Vilas County. Latitude: 45.92 N, Longitude: 89.25 W. It is 144.4 miles N.W. of Green Bay, WI and 292.8 miles N. of Chicago, IL. The nearest city to Eagle River with a with a population of 200,000+ is Madison, WI which is 196.9 miles south.

History

In 1853 at Watersmeet Lake, where the Wisconsin River and Chain O' Lakes meet, eagles nested in abundance and the Old Copper Indians lived. Notable loggers and fur traders began camping in the area in 1857. The growth of the community is credited to John O'Conner and his son for their participation in its civic and political affairs. The town of Eagle River was formed in 1885 by an act of State Legislature and on April 12, 1893 the county of Vilas was created. Logging and fur trading were the dominant trades. It wasn't until 1925 with the development of the automobile that the resort industry began to grow. Eagle River Incorporated in 1937.

Elevation

1647 ft.

Population

1,700 (as of 2009)

Snowfall

The annual snowfall for the Eagle River area will range from approximately 53 to 98 inches.