The Town of Washburn, Wisconsin Welcomes You
The Town of Washburn, a rural community with a population of approximately 560, is conveniently located just west of Highway 13, adjacent to the cities of Washburn and Ashland. Primarily residential and agricultural, the Town is 12 miles south of Bayfield Wisconsin and 70 miles east of the Twin Ports of Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin.
Recreational opportunities abound with Lake Superior and Chequamegon Bay on our doorstep and several river systems nearby. The Iron River and Mount Valhalla hiking/riding trails, the Chequamegon National Forest, and the extraordinary Apostle Islands National Lakeshore are all within a short driving distance. With our close proximity to several larger communities, we have access to outstanding schools, churches, excellent medical facilities, great shopping, services, and fine restaurants.
The Town of Washburn, created in 1884, was noted to have been named for Cadwaller C. Washburn, Governor of Wisconsin from 1872-1874 and founder of Gold Medal Flour. The original township included the present City of Washburn, but in 1904 the city was incorporated and the town formed its own government.
Congratulations, Mike!
At the April 14, 2026 Town Board Meeting on behalf of the Town Board, Chair Sandstrom presented Mike Harvey, Town of Washburn Road Superintendent, a gift certificate to a local restaurant in honor of his service to the Town and Town residents for 20 years.
It has become a rarity that employees, these days, stay at their current position for 20 or more years. So, with much appreciation for Mike’s dedication to the Town Board, we thank him for his many years of service to us all.
Thanks Mike, and Congratulations on reaching this milestone of service for the Town!