Mercer (CDP), Wisconsin

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Mercer, Wisconsin
Census-designated place
Downtown Mercer
Mercer, Wisconsin
Coordinates: 46°09′N 90°03′W / 46.150°N 90.050°W / 46.150; -90.050Coordinates: 46°09′N 90°03′W / 46.150°N 90.050°W / 46.150; -90.050
Country United States
State Wisconsin
County Iron
Area
 • Total 5.479 sq mi (14.19 km2)
 • Land 4.452 sq mi (11.53 km2)
 • Water 1.027 sq mi (2.66 km2)
Elevation 1,601 ft (488 m)
Population (2010)
 • Total 516
 • Density 94/sq mi (36/km2)
Time zone Central (CST) (UTC-6)
 • Summer (DST) CDT (UTC-5)
ZIP code 54547
Area code(s) 715 & 534
GNIS feature ID 1569357[1]

Mercer is an unincorporated census-designated place located in the town of Mercer, Iron County, Wisconsin, United States. Mercer is located on U.S. Route 51 20.5 miles (33.0 km) south-southeast of Hurley. Mercer has a post office with ZIP code 54547.[2] As of the 2010 census, its population is 516.[3]

Mercer identifies itself as the "Loon Capital of the World" in order to promote tourism. This is based on a wildlife study that found Mercer had the highest concentration of common loons in the world. In front of the Mercer Chamber of Commerce's information center, there is a 16-foot (4.9 m), 2,000-pound (910 kg) statue named "Claire de Loon." Mercer also hosts an annual "Loon Day" festival, which features a large arts and crafts fair, live music and a loon calling contest.[4]

History

Like other towns in the region, Mercer is in a resort area that has a background in mining and logging.

In the 1930s Mercer was known to be frequented by the Capone brothers, Al, Ralph, George, and Matte.[citation needed] Ralph Capone eventually returned to Mercer, built a home, and ran a tavern called "The Rex Bar" until the early 1970s. He was said to be one of Mercer's most respected, well-liked residents who was always ready to help his fellow townspeople.[citation needed]

The fiberglass Claire de Loon, mascot of Mercer

Tourism

Mercer's main industry is seasonal tourism, which is based on the large amount of undeveloped land and secluded waterways. Summer activities include boating, fishing, biking, hiking, and swimming. Summer tourism is often based on the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage and other bodies of water, such as Tank Lake (Grand Portage Lake), former home to weekly water ski shows and site of a public beach. Fishing and other water sports include water skiing and jet skiing. Autumn and winter recreation includes snowmobiling, skiing, and hunting.

Mercer is home to the Mercer Area Historical Society housed in the former train station; it contains a small museum of local history. Other buildings include a jail, schoolhouse, barbershop, and a reconstructed caboose.

Images

  • Mercer's central district. The tourist store Wampum Shop is on the left, with the Historical Society in the background

  • The Historical Society, housed in the former train depot

  • Haines Fire Hall

  • Community center / library

  • Post office

  • Sign on US 51

  • Welcome sign

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mercer, Wisconsin.
  1. ↑ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Mercer (CDP), Wisconsin
  2. ↑ ZIP Code Lookup
  3. ↑ "American FactFinder". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved 15 April 2011. 
  4. ↑ http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cced/economies/northernedge/bestpractices/iron3.cfm
Municipalities and communities of Iron County, Wisconsin, United States
Cities
Towns
CDPs
Unincorporated
communities
Footnotes
‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties
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