A Rich Northwoods History
Explore the stories, individuals, resorts, and landmarks that helped shape the history of the Moen Lake Chain and the surrounding Rhinelander area throughout the last century.
Moen Lake
When Rhinelander was established, it did not take long for its residents to discover the abundance of lakes throughout the area. Fishing the lakes east and west of the city quickly became a popular pastime, especially as the river itself was often crowded with logs floating downstream toward the sawmills during the logging era.
John O. Moen
John O. Moen was just 19 years old when he immigrated from Norway and settled in Portage County. Surrounded by relatives and fellow Norwegians near Amherst, Moen began building his American life and eventually became closely associated with Jerome Nelson and the growing lumber industry in northern Wisconsin.
Webster E. Brown
While Anderson W. Brown became known as the Father of Rhinelander, his brother Webster E. Brown earned a reputation as the community’s favorite uncle. Webster played a significant role in the development of the area while balancing education, business, and family life during Rhinelander’s formative years.
Webster Brown’s Family Celebrates Cottage Centennial
More than one hundred years ago, while Webster Brown and his brothers helped build the Rhinelander Paper Company, Webster was also building a lasting foundation for his family at Wa-be-ka-nish, the Brown family cabin located on First Lake of the Moen Chain.
Moens Lake Resort
Fred A. Risberg moved to Rhinelander in 1921 after purchasing the Schlitz Hotel on South Brown Street along with lakeside property on Moens Lake. The property eventually became part of the long and storied resort history that helped shape tourism and recreation throughout the chain.
Worth Moves On, Leaving His Mark on the Community
Larry Worth became a well-known figure within the Rhinelander and Moen Lake Chain communities after purchasing Birchwood Lodge on Third Lake in 1971. His contributions to the area and involvement within the local community left a lasting impact on residents and visitors alike.