Lakewood is a peaceful, nature-rich destination that is popular with visitors and residents seeking outdoor recreation and solitude. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest offers a variety of activities such as fishing, hiking, canoeing, and water sports on local lakes and streams. Lakewood’s relative isolation helps maintain a tranquil atmosphere.
 

Tourism plays a vital role in Lakewood’s modern economy and has gone a long way toward replacing the logging industry which once dominated the region. The town attracts visitors from all over the world, who come for its outdoor activities and serene setting.
 

History of Lakewood
 

The history of Lakewood, Wisconsin, is deeply tied to the logging industry, which shaped much of northeastern Wisconsin in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The town began to develop as logging companies moved into the area to harvest the vast stands of virgin white pine that covered the region. The Holt and Balcom Lumber Company played a major role in this development, and established the Holt and Balcom Logging Camp No. 1 in 1881. The camp is located near McCaslin Brook, and is the oldest known logging camp in the U.S. still standing on its original site. For decades, it served as a base for loggers who felled trees and transported logs downstream to sawmills​.
 

Logging defined Lakewood's economy for much of its early history. The area's dense forests were gradually cut down as logging expanded; logs were floated down McCaslin Brook to major cities where they were processed and sold. The town's proximity to these valuable natural resources made it an important hub for the timber trade. However, by the mid-20th century, the area had been heavily logged, which led to a shift in the local economy. As timber resources dwindled and the logging industry slowed, Lakewood began to transition toward other sources of income​.
 

Lakewood's Heritage
 

One of the key figures in Lakewood’s preservation of its natural heritage was Lucy Rumsey Holt. She influenced her husband, W.A. Holt, to preserve a stand of old-growth white pine. This area is known as the "Cathedral of Pines" and is still a notable natural landmark today. It demonstrates the town’s efforts to protect the environment, even while the logging industry flourished. This preservation effort marked a turning point as Lakewood began to pivot from a timber economy to one that emphasized natural beauty and tourism​.

By the late 20th century, Lakewood had fully embraced its new identity as a destination for tourists, particularly those interested in outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The surrounding Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest became a central attraction, and was regularly drawing visitors from nearby cities like Green Bay and Appleton. Historic sites, such as the Holt and Balcom Logging Camp - was converted to a museum - offered visitors a glimpse into the town's logging past while providing a connection to its natural surroundings. Lakewood's history and preserved natural areas make it a peaceful retreat and a reminder of Wisconsin's logging legacy.