Population (2020)16,623 (2020)
Local Landmarks and the Stories They Preserve
Washburn County, WisconsinStart exploring Washburn County, Wisconsin, from its county seat in Shell Lake. This guide brings together local history, county facts, and links to the public services that help you plan a visit or settle into everyday life. Discover historic places such as George V. Siegner House, browse photographs from the county's National Register listings, and find official resources for parks, libraries, schools, transportation, and more.
Washburn County at a Glance
Population (2020)16,623 (2020)
County SeatShell Lake
Largest Municipality¹Spooner city
Created (Effective)07 Apr 1883
Municipalities¹25
Total Area²853.3 sq mi
Major HighwaysUS 53, 63 • WIS 48, 70, 77, 253
Office Area Code715
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Discover the County
Washburn County
The history of Washburn County can be explored through its civic buildings, neighborhoods, and other registered landmarks. George V. Siegner House is one place to begin. The county's National Register listings also include Mrs. Richard Polson House. Together, these places offer different ways to look at the communities that make up the county. Shell Lake is the county seat, while the Newberry Library's county chronology records 07 Apr 1883 as the effective creation date. Use the linked historic-place list to explore individual entries and their source records.
Everyday life extends across communities including Spooner city, Shell Lake city, Evergreen town, Bashaw town. The 2020 Census counted 16,623 residents in Washburn County, with Spooner city its largest municipality by population within the county. Its total area of 853.3 square miles includes both land and water. Whether you are looking for a county office, planning time outdoors, or researching a place in the photographs, the resources below connect you with official information and practical next steps.
What Connects Us
Local Heritage
Explore George V. Siegner House and other registered places through the county's historic-place listings. Each entry connects a local landmark with its documented history.
Community Connections
Begin with Shell Lake, the county seat, and explore the towns, villages, and cities that make up Washburn County. County government provides a starting point for public services.
Useful Resources
Find official links for parks, education, transportation, libraries, and public services. Check the responsible agency for current hours, requirements, and access before making plans.
Many Communities, Shared Stories, and Places to Explore
Places Across Wisconsin
Washburn County in Pictures
9 Local Views • Our County Stories
DrydenWire
Washburn County Now Hiring: Explore Career Opportunities At WashburnJobs.com
WASHBURN COUNTY — If you’re looking for a meaningful career that makes a difference in your community, Washburn…
Read the Story Oct 14, 2026 • 2 min read
Washburn County & Wisconsin News
County and regional reporting first, with statewide headlines when more stories are needed.
Washburn County Now Hiring: Explore Career Opportunities At WashburnJobs.com
WASHBURN COUNTY — If you’re looking for a meaningful career that makes a difference in your community, Washburn…
Oct 14, 2026 • 2 min read
View Today's Obituaries on DrydenWire – Oct. 14, 2026
DrydenWire.com has published 5 new obituaries today, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026. Stay up to date with new and…
Oct 14, 2026 • 2 min read
$5M Cash Bond Ordered for Man Charged With Washburn County Homicide
WASHBURN COUNTY — A 25-year-old Minnesota man is facing a homicide charge in Washburn County Circuit Court after…
Oct 14, 2026 • 2 min read
Washburn County Weekly Jail Bookings Report - Oct. 13, 2026
WASHBURN COUNTY, WI — The Washburn County Sheriff’s Office has provided DrydenWire with the following recent jail booking…
Oct 13, 2026 • 2 min read
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SPOONER, WI — With Election Day approaching, Republican congressional nominee Michael Alfonso returned to DrydenWire Live on Tuesday,…
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Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Public Resources
Useful Links for Washburn County
Find county, state, and federal resources in one place. County links appear alongside clearly named statewide services. For current hours, locations, and requirements, follow the responsible agency’s website.
¹ Municipality counts and largest-place ranking use 2020 Census county subdivisions, including only the portion within this county. ² Total area includes land and water.
Government
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Washburn County Government
Official county government, departments, and resident services.
Phone 715-468-4600
Washburn County — Clerk of Circuit Court
Official Washburn County information and services.
Schools
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Washburn County — UW Madison, Division of Extension
Official Washburn County information and services.
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Public education and school information.
Wisconsin Technical College System
Technical colleges, programs, and training options.
UW–Madison Extension
Community education, youth development, and county Extension offices.
Hospitals
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Washburn County — Health & Human Services
Official Washburn County information and services.
Wisconsin Hospital Directory
Find licensed hospitals and official facility information.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Public health programs and health-service information.
Public Safety
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Emergency Services
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Washburn County — Emergency Management
Official Washburn County information and services.
Washburn County — CodeRED – Rapid Emergency Notification System Registration
Official Washburn County information and services.
Washburn County — Law Enforcement/Emergency Management
Official Washburn County information and services.
State Parks
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Washburn County — Forestry, Parks, and Recreation
Official Washburn County information and services.
State Park Camping Rules
Check camping requirements before planning an overnight stay.
Trails
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Washburn County — Forestry, Parks, and Recreation
Official Washburn County information and services.
North Country National Scenic Trail
Explore the national trail's Wisconsin connections and plan a visit.
Utilities
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Wisconsin Public Service Commission
State utility regulation and consumer information.
Utility Assistance Programs
Find information about utility payment and access assistance.
Wisconsin Broadband Maps
Explore internet availability and broadband planning data.
Libraries
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Wisconsin's Digital Library
Find digital books and audiobooks through participating libraries.
Courts
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Washburn County — Clerk of Circuit Court
Official Washburn County information and services.
Washburn County — Circuit Court Judge
Official Washburn County information and services.
Washburn County — Northwest Regional Housing Program – Douglas County Courthouse
Official Washburn County information and services.
Wisconsin State Law Library
Find legal research materials and help locating information.
DMV
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Vehicle Information for New Residents
Official vehicle title and registration guidance for new residents.
Transportation
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Washburn County — Highway 23 Sep, 2026 CTH D Road Closure
Official Washburn County information and services.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
State transportation programs, travel information, and project updates.
Postal Services
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Veterans
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Washburn County — Veteran’s & Military Affairs Commitee – Cancelled
Official Washburn County information and services.
Washburn County — Veterans Service
Official Washburn County information and services.
Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs
State veterans benefits, programs, and services.
County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers
Locate an officer serving your county or tribal community.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Federal benefits and services for veterans and their families.
Employment
COUNTY & LOCAL RESOURCES
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Employment services, worker information, and workforce programs.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Employment support information for people with disabilities.
Find the Information You Need
Practical starting points for visitors and residents.
Helpful Information
Questions About Washburn County
County facts, historic places, public services, and planning information.
The county’s National Register list includes George V. Siegner House and Mrs. Richard Polson House. Browse the county historic-place listings for photographs and source records. Listing on the register does not itself mean a property is open to visitors; check access with its owner or managing organization.
Shell Lake is the county seat. Start at Washburn County Government for departments, public meetings, and office contact information.
Spooner city, Shell Lake city, Evergreen town, Bashaw town are among its municipalities. The 2020 Census county-subdivision records list 25 municipalities or municipal portions within the county. View Census municipal data.
Washburn County had 16,623 residents in the 2020 Census. That is a census count, rather than a current-year population estimate. View the Census county table.
Start with parks and recreation information and the Wisconsin DNR trail directory. Review each property’s location, access, seasonal conditions, and permitted activities before visiting.
Use the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and its school and district report cards. Confirm enrollment boundaries directly with the school district for your address.
The Wisconsin DHS hospital directory is an official starting point for finding hospitals. The Hospitals resource tab also links to public health and provider directories.
The main county number listed by the Wisconsin Counties Association is 715-468-4600. Visit Washburn County Government to confirm the department, location, and office hours for your request.
ZIP Codes follow postal delivery routes and can cross municipal or county boundaries. Use USPS ZIP Code Lookup with a complete mailing address, or USPS Locations to find a post office.
Use 511 Wisconsin for roadway conditions and the National Weather Service for official forecasts and warnings. Check the conditions for your actual route and destination.
Photographs are documented through Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons, with photographers, original file pages, and licenses listed on the Picture Attribution page. News combines county or regional reporting where available with Wisconsin-wide coverage. Open a story to read the full article from its publisher.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
Explore Your County
Historic Places and Public ResourcesFind local history and useful public information to help plan your next day out.
Historic Places
County Services
Parks and Trails
Libraries and Learning
Plan Your Journey
Explore the History
Photo Credits
Every community has a story.Explore the places that tell it.