Herbster, Wisconsin

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Herbster, Wisconsin is an unincorporated community in the Town of Clover in Bayfield County, Wisconsin, located on the south shore of Lake Superior. Its zip code is 54844.

The Cranberry River joins the lake in the middle of the village. Herbster is 7 miles east of Port Wing and 8 miles west of Cornucopia on Highway 13, the main route through the community. The primary north/south route is by Lenawee Road, leading from Lake Superior to the Chequamegon National Forest. The unique ecosystems of Bark Point and Bark Bay sit just to the east of Herbster.

[edit] History and economy

The mouth of the Cranberry River was settled during the logging era at the end of the nineteenth century. According to legend, Herbster was originally to be called Orchard City, but a logger with the surname "Herbster" confused the postal service, and his name was given to the village. The name Orchard City still appears on many deeds to properties in the Herbster area.

Herbster School closed its doors in 1990, but its historic log gymnasium remains open as a community center and town hall. Schoolchildren from Herbster now go to school in Port Wing.

In 2006, Herbster celebrated its centennial.

[edit] Economy

Logging remained the force in Herbster's economy throughout the 20th century, driven by the Isaakson family who still operate the sawmill and remain by far the largest landowners in the area. Today, service trades and a growing tourism industry have emerged as major players in the Herbster economy.

Two taverns and a gas station/convenience store operate at the crossroads of Lenawee Road and Highway 13. Master cabinetmaker Howard Bowers runs a woodworking shop nearby with other gift shops. Celinsky's greenhouse and Glasener's Orchards are important businesses that ceased operation only within the past few years.