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Port Wing

Located on the Lake Superior Scenic Byway, Port Wing is a town of about 350 residents. You will drive through it on Hwy 13, without seeing its hidden treasures off the beaten path. The Boreal Forest Trail head and Boreal Forest State Natural Areas surround a wetlands extension of the estuary of the Flag River, a beautiful natural treasure. Port Wing has a small marina with a beach, a great launch area for your kayak. In town, you will find a variety of smaller, older homes, while Quarry Shores Rd offers spectacular lakefront properties with northern vistas and brilliant sunsets. Inland from Port Wing are thousands of acres of conservancy and public lands, with trails and campsites. Many of the original agricultural lands are now recreational with cabins and rural homes. You won’t hear about Port Wing in the news, it’s a lovely and consistent place to live. The consolidated South Shore school system is located in Port Wing.


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Port Wing WI Real Estate

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Imagine waking up to the soothing sights of Lake Superior, with the gentle lapping of waves greeting you each morning. Whether you’re drawn to the allure of a private beach or the promise of peaceful woodland, Port Wing, Wisconsin offers a slice of tranquility that’s hard to resist.

For those who love the idea of living surrounded by nature, Port Wing provides the perfect setting. Take your morning coffee or meditation with a view of blissful woods that stretch for acres. Find your special spot by a scenic stream, where you can cast your line and fish for trout right from your backyard. Enjoy a delightful picnic by a bonfire, with the gentle rustling of leaves providing a serene soundtrack.

And on weekends, quiet afternoons can be spent exploring the numerous trails or simply relaxing by the lake. As the day winds down, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of warming up in a sauna or gathering around the fireplace, with the sun setting in the background. This is what you can expect at Port Wing: calm, serenity, and a true rural retreat.

There are truly so many things to do in Port Wing, WI and this has made real estate in this stunning town highly coveted.

All About Port Wing, Wisconsin

Port Wing is a charming small town in Bayfield County, Wisconsin, covering just around 1.15 square miles. Nestled on the southern shore of Lake Superior, this peaceful community offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and serene living. Port Wing is located along Wisconsin Highway 13, and is easily accessible while still feeling secluded from the hustle and bustle of city life.

In its early years, Port Wing was a thriving center for sandstone mining, logging, quarrying, and commercial fishing. To this day, it has retained its old-world charm with quite a few homes and structures from the early 1900s still standing to this day.

While a quiet town, Port Wing has grown in popularity for its stunning waterfalls, sandy beaches, dense forests, and expansive farms and orchards. The town is also the perfect base for exploring the south shore communities of Cornucopia, Herbster, Bayfield, Washburn, and Ashland.

Celebrated as a Bird City by the Bird City Wisconsin organization, Port Wing is the ideal escape for nature enthusiasts, offering the perfect setting for recreational activities like bird watching, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. With a population of less than 400, you can truly enjoy the best of what nature has to offer, immersing yourself in the breathtaking environment that defines the town.

History of Port Wing, Wi

Port Wing was founded by Theodore Okerstrom in 1891, a Swedish national who moved to the United States in 1867. Okerstrom purchased 300 acres with the grand aspiration of turning it into a town for Swedish immigrants. He named the town “Port Wing” after Colonel Isaac Wing, his close business associate and respected figure in Bayfield. However, even before Okerstrom officially established Port Wing, the community was already thriving due to commercial fishing in Lake Superior. But business was boosted further when the Swedish immigrants, many of whom were fishermen in their homeland, started settling in the area around the 1870s.

PORT WING WI REAL ESTATE

Port Wing, WI real estate

Whether you choose a permanent home by the sandy shores or a vacation property surrounded by lush forest, Port Wing, WI real estate guarantees stunning views and a tranquil commune with nature.

Homes for sale in Port Wing, WI include lake houses and cabins, some built as early as the 1940s. Vacant lots overlooking the lake, wooded acreage surrounded by stately hardwood and pine trees, and wide, open farmlands are also available, perfect for building your dream home and homestead.

In Port Wing, WI, 83% of the population are homeowners, while the remaining 17% rent their homes. Houses for sale range widely in price, but real estate in the town is significantly more affordable compared to the rest of Wisconsin considering that properties here come with extensive lot areas, ranging from around 5 acres to over 90 acres.

Special Features and Amenities

As Port Wing provides residents with unparalleled access to nature’s beauty, homes here are designed to fully embrace the stunning scenes of the locale. Expect features like expansive windows that capture breathtaking views and exteriors that complement – and not block – the natural surroundings.

Waterfront homes often include amenities for easy access to Lake Superior, while many properties boast grand decks, beautiful backyards, and fire pits perfect for outdoor living and entertaining.

Inside, homes are often fitted with fireplaces, creating cozy settings for welcoming evenings spent with family and friends.

Additionally, saunas are a special amenity found in some houses for sale in Port Wing, WI, offering residents a luxurious way to unwind and relax after a day of exploring the outdoors or enjoying water activities on the lake.

LIVING IN PORT WING, WI

Life in Port Wing epitomizes relaxation and tranquility, offering an unhurried pace that is starkly different from city life. Port Wing is the preferred address of many retirees, professionals, and families, with the median age being around 55 to 60 years old.

Getting Around

With the town’s intimate size, residents mostly rely on driving to get around. With the crisp fresh air and breathtaking scenery, walking or biking to reach their destinations are also popular among the locals and visitors.

Climate

Port Wing enjoys a pleasant climate year-round, characterized by refreshing breezes from Lake Superior and the surrounding woodlands. July marks the warmest season, with temperatures reaching highs of 79 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying the scenic outdoors. In contrast, January tends to be the coolest month, with temperatures averaging around 3 degrees Fahrenheit.

Annual precipitation in Port Wing totals approximately 29.55 inches, contributing to the area’s lush greenery and natural beauty.

Cost of Living

In Port Wing, the cost of living reflects its rural setting within Bayfield County, where residents benefit from a lifestyle that generally costs 13.4% lower than the national average and about the same as the Wisconsin average. This affordability encompasses various aspects such as housing, food, childcare, transportation, healthcare, and taxes, offering residents a more budget-friendly environment compared to many other parts of the country.

Schools

Port Wing is served by highly rated public schools, including South Shore Elementary School and South Shore Junior and Senior High School. These schools provide quality education and foster a supportive learning environment for students in the area.

THINGS TO DO IN PORT WING, WI: EXPERIENCES AND ATTRACTIONS

Port Wing, WI real estate

Residents and visitors can explore a variety of outdoor activities in Port Wing, from hiking along wooded trails and fishing in the Flag River to enjoying peaceful afternoons by Lake Superior. Whether you’re drawn to its vibrant community events, the allure of its historic sites, or simply the breathtaking views at every turn, Port Wing invites you to unwind, recharge, and experience the unparalleled lakeside lifestyle in Wisconsin.

Here are some of the top-rated activities and attractions worth trying in Port Wing.

Rediscover History at Port Wing Heritage Hall Museum

Explore the rich history of Port Wing at the Port Wing Heritage Hall Museum. Here, delve into comprehensive archives, view historical photos, and check out land records. The museum also houses a library where you can pick up a book and enjoy a leisurely afternoon of reading.

Enjoy Water Activities at the Beach at Quarry Point

Unwind and enjoy the beach at Quarry Point, named one of South Shore’s finest beaches by Lake Superior Magazine readers. Relax by the serene waters of Lake Superior and soak in the natural beauty of the surrounding Boreal forest, offering a perfect retreat for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Fishing at Flag River

Cast a line and experience fishing at its finest along Lake Superior’s south shore. Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to reel in trout along the Flag River and other freshwater spots renowned for their abundance of fish.

Bird Watching at Port Wing Boreal Forest SNA

Go bird watching and witness migrating birds that visit the area during their seasonal journeys. The Port Wing Boreal Forest SNA (State Natural Area) is a prime birding location where you can spot purple finches, northern parulas, Blackburn Ian warblers, and more! For the best spots, take a stroll along Big Pete Road on the east side of the forest or explore Quarry Beach to discover a diverse array of bird species in their natural habitat.

Skiing at Port Wing Boreal Forest SNA

Experience the thrill of skiing in Port Wing’s Boreal Forest, where winter transforms the landscape into a snowy playground for both beginners and advanced skiers. Hit the trails for an exhilarating adventure!

Camping at Anchor Inn Campground

For a rustic outdoor retreat, pitch a tent or park your RV at Anchor Inn Campground, which has complete amenities and is located near a grocery store and gas station. You can also rent cozy cabins and indulge in Everett’s smoked and fresh fish, perfectly paired with a refreshing beer.

Hiking up Battleaxe Trail

Hiking enthusiasts will find paradise on the Battleaxe Trail, which spans 19 miles from Port Wing to Iron River in Bayfield County. This trail also connects to the Lenawee Trail and the Tri-County Trail, offering endless opportunities for more adventure.

Water Activities at the Marina

At Holiday Pines Cabins and Port Wing Marina, make the most of water activities with access to the beach and boating facilities. Whether you prefer kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding, or simply relaxing by the water, these destinations provide everything you need for a memorable lakeside getaway.

Chasing Waterfalls at Orienta Falls and Twin Falls Park

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Orienta Falls on Falls Spur Road or Twin Falls Park along State Highway 13. At Twin Falls, take in views of the majestic eight-foot-tall waterfalls from the observation deck, offering a serene escape into Port Wing’s natural wonders.

Shopping

While you won’t find typical large shopping malls or bustling shopping centers in Port Wing, what you will discover are delightful small markets and local stores that offer handmade crafts, artisanal goods, and an authentic shopping experience.

Check out these markets.

Port Wing Saturday Market

Experience the vibrant community spirit at the Port Wing Saturday Market, where local vendors gather weekly to showcase their locally grown, fresh produce, handcrafted items, and other enticing local treats. It’s not just a market; it’s a gathering place where residents and visitors can mingle, shop, and connect with others in the community.

Silver Sage Farm & Flowers

Discover the beauty of Wisconsin’s natural bounty at Silver Sage Farm & Flowers, a haven for those seeking locally grown vegetables, seasonal berries, and fresh-cut flowers. Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Port Wing, this charming store also offers homegrown herbs and a variety of produce that thrive in the region’s ideal climate.

Johnson’s Store

Step into nostalgia at Johnson’s Store, a rustic gem that serves as the town’s sole grocery store and gas station. Beyond its convenience items and beverages, Johnson’s is renowned for its year-round offerings of fresh and smoked fish, a local delicacy worth stocking up on.

Dining

Take a seat and savor the classic flavors and warm hospitality of Port Wing at its well-loved dining spots.

Jardine’s South Shore Bar

At this local hangout, indulge in traditional favorites like burgers, wings, and pizzas, complemented by local specialties such as grilled trout and shrimp. Families can enjoy Sunday buffet breakfasts, while friends can gather for a casual beer or two in a relaxed atmosphere.

Lake Wind Coffee

For your well-deserved coffee break, visit Lake Wind Coffee. Unwind amid the homey atmosphere and enjoy their donuts, bagels, and other delicious offerings. Don’t forget to sample their selection of artisan brews and roasts for the perfect cup!

Port Bar & Restaurant

Experience no-frills dining at Port Bar & Restaurant, where you’ll find a variety of American cuisine, from shrimp boils to burgers, tacos, and pizza. Open daily, it’s a convenient spot to enjoy hearty meals and friendly service in the heart of Port Wing.

Community Events

Port Wing, WI real estate

Join the vibrant community of Port Wing as it comes together to celebrate its special events and activities, showcasing the town’s unique culture and camaraderie.

Port Wing Plein Air Painting Festival

Experience creativity at its finest at the Port Wing Plein Air Painting Festival, an annual event that draws artists and art enthusiasts around the area. Drawing from Port Wing’s marvelous landscapes, this festival celebrates the art of outdoor painting (“en plein air”), capturing the town’s natural beauty and local landmarks on canvas. Participants and visitors can enjoy workshops, demonstrations, and exhibitions within a lively atmosphere of artistic inspiration.

Port Wing Fish Boil

In true small-town style, celebrate tradition and local flavors at the Port Wing Fish Boil, an iconic event considered the state’s largest fish boil festivity. Organized by the town, this annual fundraiser takes place every Labor Day and offers residents and visitors the opportunity to gather and feast on freshly boiled lake trout together. The festivities include live music, fun games, and performances. It’s an occasion not to be missed!

HAVE YOUR OWN WISCONSIN HAVEN IN PORT WING, WI

Live amid the great Wisconsin outdoors in beautiful Port Wing! At Broad Street Brokers LLC, we specialize in finding the right Port Wing WI real estate opportunities to suit your needs and aspirations.

With years of expertise in the local market and a diverse portfolio of properties, we prioritize understanding the unique preferences and standards of our clients. Our specialized knowledge extends to negotiating deals, particularly in agricultural and waterfront properties, ensuring you receive the best possible outcomes.

Having facilitated transactions totaling over $30 million since 2015, we have earned the trust of numerous clients. Let us be your trusted partner in navigating Port Wing’s real estate landscape, where we guarantee a seamless and exceptional experience tailored to your goals.

Call us today at 715.779.3220 or send us an email to learn more.
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