Rhinelander, WI
Population: 7,497
Rhinelander was the only town on my trip that I had already been to. I visited a camp on the outskirts of town every summer from when I was 10 to 15 years old. So returning to Rhinelander was something I was looking forward to doing once I started on the road. However, I found new and amazing things in Rhinelander that reminded me why I fell in love with the place.
Old Meets New
This part of Wisconsin relies heavily on two pillars of industry, forestry and farming. Here you can see one of the original farmsteads that came to the area. After being acquired by new ownsership the dairy farm decided to renovate while also paying homage to the history of Rhinelander. As it's private land you can't go in, but pictures from the fence are encouraged.
Gloria, Kerry, and Mary - Rhinelander Pilgrimage Complex
The Rhinelander Pilgrimage Complex acts as both a great learning experience and walking tour. Visiting the old county school house, blacksmith, and Conservation Corps. quarters really places you back in time.
My favorite part of the complex is the train models that can be found in the basement of the building dedicated to Rhinelanders railroad history. The gentleman I met there had been working at the complex for over 30 years, and just loves seeing new people come in and get excited about the set. Put a dollar in quarters in and you can watch the train go around a model version of Rhinelander and the surrounding area.
I spoke with Kerry about great places to eat and visit around town, and he absolutely recommended visiting CT's after I got my fill on adventure for the day. He loves living in Rhinelander because of the community and culture. The outdoors is a great bonus, and he loves getting to tell folks about the history and all the stories he learns working at the Complex.
Stop by and say hello to the gang at the Pilgrimage Complex, and ask to see their Hodag!
CT's Deli - BBQ Pulled Pork Sub with Cream Ale
Just about to finish their first year of business, CT's is a warm and inviting deli and bar combo. Chef Tom decided one day that he wanted to take his passion for food and make it into a business.
I ate a pulled pork sub with a cream ale that was extremely refreshing after the day of hiking and exploring around Rhinelander. The sandwhich was so filling and hearty that I almost couldn't finish it despite being starving before I sat down for dinner.
Moments like these were some of my favorites on the trip. I really enjoy seeing self-made businesses succeed in their own communities and beyond. This truly is the american dream. Chef Tom had an idea, a passion for something, and he wanted to make that passion work for him.
I found dreamers and innovators like Tom all throughout the midwest making their own dreams a reality. Whether it was an art depot, a restaurant, a craft gallery, whatever, I loved seeing people taking their passion and making them into reality. That's what this country needs more of.
Stop by CT's and have a couple cream ales, and tell them Luke sent you.
Rhinelander, WI
This beast is Rhinelander's official mascot, the Hodag. In 1893 local land-surveyor Eugene Shepard started a rumor that found its way to the local paper. He had seen a beast with "the head of a frog, the grinning face of a giant elephant, thick short legs set off by huge claws, the back of a dinosaur, and a long tail with spears at the end," and so the Hodag was born. Over 100 years later and the Hodag has become more than just an urban legend to the people of Rhinelander. It's their official high school mascot, and the town is dotted with painted Hodag sculptures. I loved the story as a kid, and seeing the familiar green statue for the fist time in 7 years brought up a lot of memories. Until next time, Rhinelander.