Lake Namakagon

Lake Namakagon is a large freshwater lake located in the Chequamegon National Forest in northern Wisconsin. The lake derives its name from the Ojibwe language, and it means "Lake abundant with sturgeons." It is known for tourism, fishing, and as the home of the legendary Anishinaabe Chief Namakagon.Early historyThe area around Lake Namakagon was logged heavily during the timber boom years from post-Civil War days through the mid-1920s. The Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Omaha and Northwestern Railroad arrived nearby in 1880, delivering timber and tourists.Area forests are temperate deciduous forest containing many varieties of coniferous trees, such as white spruce, and other vegetation.From the early 1830s through 1886, a Native American made his home on the lake. Known locally as Chief Namakagon, he became legend as a result of Ashland Daily Press articles about his trading shards of silver for supplies. His secret source for the silver was never discovered and people still search for it today.Logging has given way to tourism as the primary economic driver.The Namakagon River sources from this lake.Islands in the lakeNatural islands in the lake include: Anderson IslandPaines IslandChief Namakagon IslandChampagne Island