Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Lac du Flambeau is a premiere place to visit for those seeking an exciting cultural and hands-on historical experience. Ojibwe culture is alive and well-respected in this community which has much to offer in the ways of both nightlife and outdoor living. Come to Lac du Flambeau to have a quiet walk in the woods, an exciting game of blackjack at the casino, or an authentic cultural experience at the local Ojibwe museum. This is one of the unique places in the world where the balance of natural resources and modern development co-exist to protect future generations. The rich history and culture of the Lac du Flambeau reservation brings the past alive into the present. Many years ago, the ancient Ojibwe came from the Big Salt Water in the East. Their migration was prophesied to end where they found food that grew on water. This food they found was wild rice, which continues to be a staple in the Ojibwe diet. Fish were also abundant and were harvested by the light of a flaming torch; thus the name Lake of the Torches. The Ojibwe name for this region was Waswagoning, meaning, "A place where they spear fish by torch light." During the summer months, visitors to the reservation can experience what it was like in the old days at Waswagoning Village. Experience Ojibwe culture at the George W. Brown, Jr. Museum. Pow-wow's are held each Tuesday evening where you can watch or take part in the celebration of life, dancing to the rhythm of the drum, the heartbeat of the earth. Simple surroundings near the water's edge and traditional dance regalia accompany beautiful sunsets and gentle evening breezes. Old songs and dances float across the lakes, reminding us of the hundreds of years of continued Ojibwe presence. It's a fun and friendly event for the whole family where you will be invited to dance with the dancers. The George W. Brown, Jr. Museum also offers top- notch exhibits dovetailing the old ways and the new ways into a holistic picture of Ojibwe life and history. The museum displays many rare artifacts while at the same time represents the present day in multi- media displays. An informational video is offered to show how tribal tradition is still maintained today. The video shows the harvesting of wild rice, fish, and wild game and other traditions that the Ojibwe still practice. For those visitors with outdoor ambitions, Lac du Flambeau offers hundreds of lakes, streams and rivers which are ideal for recreational water sports and abundant with a variety of fish. In fact, a visit to the local fish hatchery guarantees catching a fish in the trout pond. Local fishing guides are available and can add an interesting perspective to your expeditions. Travel for miles on beautiful snowmobile trails through the scenic woods and over the lakes for winter sport enthusiasts. A variety of special events are available year-round in Lac du Flambeau ranging from the annual Bear River Pow-wow to top entertainment acts at the Lake of the Torches Resort Casino. You can stay in comfort at the Casino Hotel or bring your camper and pitch a tent at the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Campground on Flambeau Lake. The lakes, rivers and woodlands team with culture and modern amenities to make Lac du Flambeau one of the most popular destinations in north central Wisconsin. It is a place where you can visit the historic past while enjoying one of the most popular recreation areas of the beautiful northwoods. Whether your interest is in culture, fishing, swimming, or recreation, Lac du Flambeau has something for everyone all year round. You are welcome in Lac du Flambeau to experience our history, heritage, and culture. For more information call (888) 588- 9052, (715) 588- 9052 or visit www.lacduflambeau.com Did You know Facts Lac Du Flambeau is the location of sacred Strawberry Island "the place of the little people", a site ecognized by the National Register of Historical Places. This island is the place where the last battle betweenthe Sioux and Ojibwe was fought in 1745. In 1966, the island was identified through an archaeological survey as aplace with rtifacts and remains datingback to 200 B.C. The Lac du Flambeau reservation has 260 lakes, 65 miles of streams, lakes and rivers and 24,000 acres of wetlands. The lakes and other waterways are regularly restocked by the tribal fish hatchery withover 200,000 fish per year. Over the last 30 years the tribal fish hatchery has restocked the lakes with well over 415 million walleye fry. The world's largest sturgeon to be speared was hauled in on the shores of Lac du Flambeau's Pokegama Lake. It measured feet and 1 inch, weighed 195 pounds and was 40 inches around. This world record fish is located in the local museum. William J. Poupart, Sr. Fish Hatchery & Trout Pond The Lac du Flambeau Fish Hatchery was established in 1936. It is located on Pokegema Lake on Highway 47. The emphasis is on raising walleye and musky to stock in reservation lakes that are open for public fishing. Both lake and well water is used to control temperatures for year round production. Fish eggs are harvested from local lakes and hatched in incubators. Some of the fry hatched are put back into area lakes and some are raised to fingerling size and then released. The fish culture program raises all fish necessary for stocking reservation waters. Since 1960 the hatchery has raised nearly 600 million walleye fry, three million walleye fingerlings, two and a half million muskellunge fry and just over one hundred and twenty-five thousand muskellunge fingerlings. The original structure was recently replaced with a new state-of-the-art facility that doubles fish production. In the summer months you can fish in the trout pond even without a fishing license. It is fun for the whole family and your fish are bagged while you wait. Group tours can be arranged by calling ahead for an appointment at (715) 588-9603. Lac du Flambeau Famous Eagle: A Civil War Legend The most famous bird in American history came from the Waswagoning area, now known as the Lac du Flambeau Indian Reservation. In 1861, The Lac Du Flambeau Indians were on their annual spring expedition into the maple sugar bush of the northern forests. Chief Sky, the son of Chief Thunder-of-Bees, encountered two baby eaglets way up atop the pines and took them down. As the people traveled down river they came upon the home of Dan McCann to whom they gave the baby eaglet who would one day become the famous "Old Abe". McCann cared for the eagle until it became older and decided to present the special eagle to the Union soldiers of Wisconsin. McCann presented Old Abe to the 8th Wisconsin Regiment at Eau Claire. After accepting the eagle, the company changed their name from the Badgers to the War Eagles and Old Abe served as their mascot for many years. As a part of the War Eagle Company, Old Abe became more famous each day and provided a great source of pride to the men of the Wisconsin 8th. Abe was carried into battle on a perch in the same way as the American Flag. He withstood battles in Wisconsin, Illinois, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. After the war ended, Old Abe traveled across the country and attended national conventions, centennial celebrations and many major events. Abe rested in his home in Madison, Wisconsin at the end of his life and actually resided in the Capitol building. In recent years, Abe has been awarded honors by the U.S. government and military service. In 1999, the 8th of Wisconsin rededicated the Old Abe statue in Jim's Falls, WI, along with a 20-mile trail in that area in his name. This famous bird, born in the beautiful north country of Lac du Flambeau, an area still abundant in eagles, was found by Chief Sky, and then spent his life with the brave soldiers and historical leaders of the United States. Attractions George W. Brown, Jr. Museum & Cultural Center Downtown Lac du Flambeau, 10a.m.-4p.m. weekdays, 10a.m.-2p.m. Saturdays. Call for seasonal hours. (715) 588-3333 Lac du Flambeau Indian Bowl Pow-wows, July-August, downtown Lac du Flambeau.(715) 588-3333 Adjacent to George W. Brown, Jr. Museum & Cultural Center Lac du Flambeau Fish Hatchery. Hwy. 47 North. Open May-August, scheduled tours. Trout fishing daily, no license needed. Contact (715) 588-3303 or (715) 588-4213 Wa-Swa-Goning Ojibwe Indian Village North on Cty. Hwy. H, 1/3 mile from Hwy. 47, Lac du Flambeau. Twenty acres of Ojibwe culture with guided tours. Memorial weekend through Labor Day. (715) 588-3560 The Lac du Flambeau Heritage Tourism/Chamber of Commerce located in the Planning & Information Center 602 Peace Pipe Rd. For tour and attractions information, call (715) 588-9052 LDF Smoke Shop and the Asema Wigamig (Tobacco House) Discount tobacco products, Native American jewelry and gifts. Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa P.O. Box 67 Lac du Flambeau, WI 54538 Phone: (715) 588-3303 Fax: (715) 588-7930 http://www.lacduflambeautribe.com Lodging Information