All aboard for an adventure like no other! Tucked away in Northeast Wisconsin, Camp 5 is a hidden gem accessible only by the charming Lumberjack Steam Train. Along the way, experience a nostalgic train ride, discover hands-on attractions, and uncover the rich history behind this remarkable place. Ready to find out what makes this trip unforgettable?
Riding the Lumberjack Steam Train
There’s no better way to start an adventure than by boarding the historic Lumberjack Steam Train in Laona, Wisconsin. This isn’t just any ordinary train ride—it’s the only way to reach Camp 5, and it’s been carrying passengers along these very tracks for nearly 150 years!
As the train pulls out of the depot, the whistle echoes through the Northwoods, instantly transporting you to another era. The journey itself is a one-of-a-kind experience, with open freight cars and classic cabooses offering incredible views of forests and lakes.
In just ten minutes, you’re whisked away and arrive in the heart of Wisconsin’s logging legacy.
Exploring Camp 5
Stepping off the train at Camp 5 feels like stepping back in time. There’s truly something here for everyone! Kids absolutely love the farm corral, where they can get up close with pigs, bunnies, kittens, and chickens. History buffs won’t want to miss the Forestry Museum & Blacksmith Shop, filled with authentic tools, wagons, and artifacts that bring the logging era to life.
But there’s more to explore! The Cracker Barrel Store & Gift Shop offers a glimpse into early 20th-century life, while the Nature Center and Ecology Walk feature native plants and displays about the unique rocks and wildlife of the Northwoods. For those curious about forestry, the Green Treasure Forest Tour is a guided tour through healthy woods that highlights sustainable practices.
And just when you think you’ve seen it all, the Cowboy Reenactment adds a fun twist—costumed riders stage a playful “hold-up” of the train.
With so much to discover, Camp 5 makes every trip unforgettable.
Wisconsin’s Logging Legacy
Far more than just a collection of ancient buildings and artifacts, Camp 5 is a living tribute to the men and women who shaped Wisconsin’s landscape and economy.
Did you know that this quiet corner of the state was once the epicenter of a booming lumber industry? It’s true! In fact, the timber harvested here built the cities of Milwaukee, Chicago, and countless river towns along the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers.
For over a century, sawmills and paper mills powered these communities. While many have now fallen silent, Camp 5 stands as a testament to their enduring legacy. Generations return to share this place with their children and grandchildren, grateful for the chance to teach them about the hard work, ingenuity, and resilience that built the Midwest.
As you ride the train back to the depot, you can’t help but feel a deep appreciation for the history that lives on at Camp 5—a place where the past is always just a train ride away.
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Camp 5 is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families seeking a unique adventure! From the charming steam train ride to hands-on exhibits and captivating stories of Wisconsin’s logging legacy, every moment brings the past to life.
Next time you’re in the Northwoods, hop aboard the Lumberjack Steam Train and experience a journey you won’t forget!
Want to see more before you visit? Check out this Discover Wisconsin original short, ‘XX,’ today:
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Hailey Rose: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.
