Herbster

Charming Herbster, with a population of about 100 year-round residents, has doubled in size in the past 10 years. It is well loved for its creeks and rivers, Bark Bay Slough, lovely beach and campsite with a park on Lake Superior’s shore. Located in the Township of Clover, Herbster has an agricultural history and many of the old farmsteads and pastures can still be found along Lenawee Road, as well as cabins on wooded properties, well connected by a vast system of trails and country roads. Many people have made Bark Point their home, a 7-mile north-east pointing finger-peninsula into Lake Superior, with cabins and luxury homes alike on often heavily wooded properties. There is a public boat launch on the southside of the point, as well as easy kayak and canoe entry at the park on the north side, closer to town. Having your home in Herbster will give you a deep sense of wellbeing and relaxation. Herbster kids go to the South Shore school system in Port Wing.

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Homes for sale Herbster, WI

On the southern shore of Lake Superior, the town of Herbster is a quaint community that offers a balanced mix of quiet northern living, recreational amenities, open spaces, and family-friendly areas where people can work, play, and live a fulfilling life. For those who long for a more peaceful and laidback existence, the lifestyle and leisure that Herbster, WI offers can be an irresistible temptation.

Thinking about moving to Herbster, WI? The Broad Street Brokers Team put together this community page to help you better understand the local real estate market and why homes for sale in Herbster, WI deserve to be your next best real estate investment.

WELCOME TO HERBSTER, WI!

The census-designated town of Herbster is a gorgeously idyllic location filled with wooded areas, outstanding lake views, and natural trails perfect for hiking and exploring. It’s easily one of the best places to live in Wisconsin for those who value the quiet, beautiful nature, water activities, and an easygoing way of life. Home shoppers have a great number of reasons to fall head over heels for this practically unknown Midwest gem right along Lake Superior’s majestic southern shores.

Location

Situated in the Town of Clover in Bayfield County, Wisconsin, Hersbster is 7 miles east of popular lake town Port Wing and 8 miles west of Cornucopia. The main east/west route through the community is Wisconsin Highway 13, while the primary north/south route is via Lenawee Road/Forest Road 262.

The nearest cities are Superior, WI and Duluth, MN (53 and 59 miles to the west, respectively). A true northland community, Herbster boasts a pristine lakeside locale with plenty of amenities for families, adventurers, and retirees to enjoy.

Then and now

Herbster has a land area that covers 5.57 square miles. A small area to be sure, but what the town lacks in size, it makes up for in charm.

In its early days, the population was mainly made up of farmers, fishermen, and loggers. The name Herbster comes from Billy Herbster, a literate logging camp cook who wrote and mailed letters for his companions to their families. Letters to the camp were sent in care of Billy Herbster, and soon enough, his name got associated with the place permanently.

Then and now, Herbster’s overall population has remained low, so home shoppers can always live a life of peace and quiet here if desired. Farming, fishing, and logging are still big industries in the locale, but other commercial endeavors are firmly established in the community such as wood crafting, baking, sewing, weaving, and glass making.

The backyard nature of the many local businesses contributes to Herbster’s unspoiled lakeside environment and peaceful solitude.

HERBSTER, WI REAL ESTATE

Homes for sale in Herbster, WI run the gamut from farmhouses, to ranch homes and cottages, to elegant country mini-estates. Most of the properties are at least two acres in size, so there’s plenty of room to roam and build facilities for your favorite hobbies and activities.

With multi-acre homes priced at the lower end of six figures, your money will go a long way toward realizing the home of your dreams. Want to build your home from the ground up? That’s possible in Herbster as well. Vacant lots of up to 40 acres are available for sale!

Reflecting the town’s biggest industry, lumber is the primary material in many homes for sale in Herbster, WI. As a testament to local craftsmen, these homes feature meticulous construction, especially in their handmade cabinets, shelves, and other wood features. Homes usually come with 2 to 3 beds, bathrooms from 1 to 2.5. Many of the homes have more than one living space. Secondary buildings are also a common feature, which can serve as garages, guest houses, or studio spaces.

Residents of Herbster get to enjoy close proximity to Lake Superior’s sandy beaches as well as the numerous public forests and trails around the area. As for the village itself, Herbster boasts a tight-knit community where everyone looks out for each other, ready to lend a helping hand when needed.

Needless to say, the Herbster, WI real estate market is an ideal setting for those who seek the best of country living, with pets in tow.

7 reasons to move to Herbster, WI

Relocating to a new place is a significant decision that affects every aspect of your life. That’s why the Broad Street Brokers team compiled this list of seven great reasons to move to Herbster, WI so you can make the best decision for your career, lifestyle, and more.

1. Move to Herbster, WI for its affordable homes

   When it comes to housing, Herbster shines as a community that offers great value for the money. According to statistics, housing costs can be up to 20% below the national average! While major Wisconsin cities like Milwaukee and Madison are far more expensive, houses for sale in Herbster, WI are more affordable and deserve some looking into if you want to make the most of your housing budget.

2. Move to Herbster, WI for the relaxed way of life

   Life in Herbster moves at a less hectic pace. For those weary of the hustle and bustle of city life, Herbster can be the sanctuary you’re looking for. With its natural beauty, endless outdoor opportunities, and laidback lifestyle, plus tons of amazing varieties of food, it’s not a stretch to think that Herbster could be the next place you call home.

3. Move to Herbster, WI for its rich history

   The opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 encouraged more immigrants from Europe to settle in Wisconsin. Many new arrivals saw huge potential in the location’s natural resources, which led to a flourishing logging industry in the north and wheat farming in the south. As the industries grew and more people started moving in, new counties were created. The original La Pointe County for instance, was split into three – Douglas, Ashland, and Bayfield, to which Herbster belongs. A lot of local families are connected to each other and to the community’s history. The town offices at the historic Herbster Gym provide better insight into Herbster’s storied past.

4. >Move to Herbster, WI because of its fresh produce

   Widely known as America’s Dairyland, Wisconsin is the nation’s number one producer of cheese, and also one of the top makers of butter, milk, and other dairy products. And with more farmland than most other states, locals are assured of easy access to fresh food – from produce, to meats, and more. There’s ample farm-to-table dining experiences to savor. The seasonal farmers markets at Port Wing and Cornucopia allow you to stock up on all your favorite farm essentials to make delicious and nutritious meals at home.

5. Move to Herbster, WI for its economic stability

   In Wisconsin, it is estimated that nearly one-third of the population have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The state also has a high concentration of STEM degree holders. In recent US News & World Report Rankings, Wisconsin ranked 8th for Pre-K-12 public education. A highly educated population has benefitted the state in terms of low unemployment, better tax revenue, and reduced reliance on public assistance. All these benefits contribute to Wisconsin’s impressive economic stability.

6. >Move to Herbster, WI for the low sales tax

   Bayfield County enjoys a combined sales tax rate that’s nearly half of many major cities including Chicago, Seattle, Oakland, and more. Low sales tax translates to lower costs for goods and services, which can mean more savings and disposable income for Herbster residents.

7. Move to Herbster, WI for its access to Duluth International Airport

   Duluth International Airport is 62.7 miles away from Herbster, which is about 75 minutes worth of travel. While the drive time is considerable, you won’t have to contend with heavy traffic en route, as you would if you were living in a major city. There are no traffic lights between Herbster and Superior, the first 50 miles of your trip.

LIFE IN HERBSTER, WI



Investing in the Herbster, WI real estate market can greatly benefit those who want to live in a family-friendly location, are planning to retire, want a quiet secure place to live, or are looking for a community with tons of outdoor activities to enjoy. In addition to the reasons we enumerated above, here is everything else you need to know about what life could be like should you decide to be the proud owner of one of the excellent homes for sale in Herbster, WI.

Getting around

As a sparsely populated town, it’s best to have your own vehicle to get around – especially if you plan to explore Herbster, WI attractions, such as the Log Gymnasium, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, and Twin Falls, which is a good distance away. depending on where your home is located. For other attractions on Lake Superior or the Apostle Islands, the Madeline Islands Ferry Line from nearby Bayfield can get you there. A kayak can also be an effective mode of transportation.

Climate

Herbster and the rest of Bayfield County experiences a continental climate characterized by significantly cold winters and cool summers. Lake Superior adds a level of unpredictability to the local weather, so residents are advised to stay abreast of weather conditions before heading out during the cold months. The area sees 177 sunny days per year, and although this is 28 days fewer than the national average, it still allows for plenty of time to walk and enjoy the parks and nature trails.

On winter days, the lake contributes to fluffy and wet snow. Although you don’t have to worry about strenuous driveway shoveling, a thick raincoat is a must-have to stave off the wet and cold.

Cost of living

According to 24/7 Wall St, the total cost of living in Herbster and the rest of Bayfield County is slightly higher than the annual cost of living in the state. This alludes to the higher quality of life found in the area, and the peaceful setting and breathtaking views that make living here worth it. Comparing nationwide however, the total cost of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other necessities in Herbster are significantly lower than the national figure. Simply put, your hard-earned money will go a long way when you choose to buy houses for sale in Herbster, WI.

Lifestyle



With endless natural features, interesting geography, and open space activities to enjoy, Herbster and its surrounding areas is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.

• The mile-long Herbster Beach is the community’s go-to spot for swimming, kayaking, boating, picnicking, camping, and more.
• Bark Bay, one of two Class A trout streams in the area, is an internationally recognized estuary. Located 4 miles from Herbster in Bayfield County, this watercraft-only accessible beach is home to many unique species of vegetation and wildlife.
• The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, which covers 1.5 million acres, has plenty of hiking trails and camping sites. You can look forward to scenic views, abundant wildlife, and some spectacular waterfalls.

Outdoor adventure

Herbster, WI has a veritable list of things to do in and outside of its borders.

• Lake Superior promises plenty of things to do, including swimming, kayaking, boating, and more.
• Twin Falls, on the outskirts of Port Wing, as well as Siskiwit Falls and Lost Creek Falls in Cornucopia, boast short but sweet trails that lead to stunningly beautiful falls.
• For camping fans, RV sites and cabins not far from Herbster include Stargazer On Superior in Port Wing, Gitchi-Gami Christmas Tree Farm in Ashland, and Amnicon Adventures in South Range.
• During winter, nearby Mt. Ashwabay offers excellent alpine skiing, snowboarding, and fat tire biking. Fancy some ice skating? There’s an ice arena in Superior that has an olympic-size ice sheet available for rentals throughout the year. Explorers on the other hand, can head to the Apostle Island Ice Caves for a unique experience in winters when the ice has the necessary thickness.

Community events and attractions

Living in Herbster, WI means anticipating plenty of possibilities day in and day out. You’re also just minutes away from top Herbster, WI attractions such as the Historic Herbster Gym, a structure made entirely of logs used for all sports related activities. The facility also serves as a public events venue on occasion. The town’s administrative offices are located here.

Every April, Herbster’s Annual Smelt Fry showcases the tastiest fried smelt dishes served with homemade beans, relishes, bread, and beverages. The event, which includes fun games and raffle prizes, serves as both a community gathering and fundraiser for community projects and scholarships. Other local events to look forward to include the Corn and Brat Feed in August, Halloween Night in late October, and the town Christmas Party in December.

Schools



Herbster is served by the South Shore School District, which manages

South Shore Elementary and South Shore Junior/Senior High School in Port Wing, just 7.1 miles away. Both schools are rated 8 out of 10 or higher by GreatSchools, with students scoring proficient in both math and reading. In addition to academics, the schools encourage students to pursue skills in sports, music, art, and other talents that can prove useful in adult life. The school district makes it a point to create a learning environment where students have all the tools they need to become well-rounded citizens.

Dining

You’ll find a number of top-rated restaurants in Herbster serving classic Wisconsin favorites. Within the neighborhood, there’s The Cranberry Over Superior that serves homemade mac and cheese, fried chicken, and their bestselling beer-battered deep fried cheese curds. Over at Cornucopia, Little Nikki’s By The Lake has a full menu of American delights including burgers, pizzas, and fish fries. Cornucopia Sweet Shoppemakes premium pastries, ice cream, and coffee to delight dessert lovers.

Shopping

Herbster doesn’t have any shopping malls, but a handful of general merchandise stores meets everyday, and a few special, needs of residents. Both the Boardwalk Trading Post and Elsie Blue General Store & Timberrr Bar on WI-13 have quality merchandise at low prices, including ice cream, pizza, all-beef hotdogs, chili dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, steakhouse potato salad, and occasionally, live music.

Gichi Gumi Creations on Lenawee Road sells handmade art pieces using materials sourced from Lake Superior such as beach glass, stones, and agates.

Other activities

As Herbster is small, and the parcels large, you may have to venture out to indulge in other pastimes. Avid golfers will want to head out to Washburn, Bayfield, Ashland, and Madeline Island. Those who want to explore Lake Superior may want to book boat tours or chartered fishing trips to Apostle Islands and other points of interest on the lake. Food lovers will definitely want to check out Glasener’s Orchards and Elsewhere Farm,

READY TO DIVE INTO THE HERBSTER, WI REAL ESTATE MARKET?

We at Broad Street Brokers have more than 40 years of combined real estate experience in Wisconsin and its communities. If you’re interested in homes for sale in Herbster, WI, our seasoned professionals will help you find the property that fits your needs.

Let one of our Herbster, WI real estate agents assist you in finding your first home or in expanding your property portfolio. Call Broad Street Brokers at 715.779.3220 or send us an email to get started.