Hayward Lakes – Woods, Water, and World-class Beaches!
OK, surfing is out, but everything else you love about a beach is right here in the Northwoods! We’ve got sun, sand, water, tree-lined lakes, clean air, and beautiful summer weather. If you like to relax by a beach, here are a few of our local hot spots…
- Hayward City Beach and Park, 15627 S. 2nd St. (behind the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame). This park features a large sand beach, picnic tables, a pavilion, a playground, a grassy field, bathrooms/dressing rooms, and a few good spots to cast a fishing line from shore.
- Eytcheson Park, Smith Lake, 11601 Co. Hwy. T. If you grew up in Hayward, you probably got out of the habit of swimming at Smith Lake years ago. The beach area wasn’t nice. Well, a few years ago, the beach and park were totally renovated, and now it’s a pretty little spot. Under some tall pine trees you’ll find a small sand beach, a pavilion, picnic tables, and a nice boat ramp.
- Grindstone Shallows Community Park, 14090 W. Poplar Ave., Hayward. Grindstone Lake is a large, deep lake about 10 miles south of Hayward. This park offers a sand beach, playground, BBQ grills and picnic tables, and a pavilion.
- Silverthorne Lake Park, 13317 W. Park Rd., Hayward. This park and beach are actually in Seeley, just a half-mile north of the Sawmill Saloon. This gem is my family’s favorite swimming spot: there’s a good-sized sand beach, a large grassy lawn area, a pavilion, picnic tables, a baseball field, basketball and pickleball courts, an impressive playground, and a small but pretty spring-fed lake. After your swim, replenish with a burger and beer at the Sawmill, and you’ve had a great day!
There are over 200 lakes in Sawyer County, plus nine or ten rivers—if you can’t find a pretty spot to jump in the water, you’re not trying!