Merrill & Tomahawk

Merrill was originally a logging town named Jenny Bull Falls. The area was first inhabited by the Chippewa Indians and by 1843 a trading post was constructed near the town; In 1854, a meeting of residents organized the town of Jenny and voted $1,000 to build a school, which was constructed behind the Lincoln House in present downtown Merrill. Prior to 1881 Jenny Bull Falls had been shortened to just Jenny. In 1881, the Town of Jenny was legally changed to Merrill and was incorporated as a city. The name was changed in honor of S.S. Merrill, the general manager of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad. At one time where there were more millionaires per capita that New York City! Merrill was also one of the first cities in Wisconsin to have an electric streetcar. There are quite a few historic places in Merrill such as the Center Avenue Historic District, First Street Bridge, Fromm, Walter, and Mabel House, Lincoln County Courthouse, Merrill City Hall, Merrill Post Office and the T.B. Scott Free Library. There have been many notable politicians, and even songwriters from Merrill. The current population is just over 9,340 people. There are over 1,400 acres of public parks and forests, and 20 miles of trails for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy – No wonder it is known as “the city of parks”. The beautiful Prairie River is a great place to canoe and kayak, and it drains into the Wisconsin River at Merrill. For a quaint drink and the best broasted chicken you will ever have, swing by Val and Mike’s place – The Beacon Bar – on the corner of Fairview and Joe Snow Rd.

Tomahawk is known for the Harley Davidson Fall ride, that wonderful time of the year when an estimated 30,000 people and 15,000 motorcycles participate in the festivities. There are Fun Runs, and the Thunder Parade followed by a street dance, lots of leather for sale, and fair food! Its a tradition that has been going on for 42 years now and counting! Kelley Castle is only open for visitors during the long Fall Ride Weekend! The current population of Tomahawk is 3,432 and sits on 9.46 square miles! Fun things to do here include Hiking/snowmobiling the Hiawatha Trail, Tomahawk Bowl, Boomba Bar & Grill (with the best Friday night Fish Fry), Mady’s Fish Trap Bar & Resort, Inshalla Country Club for golfing, Tomahawk Historical Society, and Big Bear Mini Golf & Ice Cream! Merrill and Tomahawk are the gateway to the “Northwoods” A.K.A. “up north”.