RHINELANDER WHITEWATER TRAIL
History
Historically known as Pelican Rapids of the Wisconsin River, this reach of river had been dewatered for nearly 100 years.
Before the railroad came to this area,
Rhinelander was known as the Town of Pelican Rapids, taking its
name from the most significant natural feature in the area, the
Pelican Rapids of the Wisconsin River.
These are the same rapids that attract us to
the Rhinelander Whitewater Trail today.
At the turn of the century the river was used as a highway to transport logs harvested from the Northwoods. To clear a path for the logs, large boulders and even bedrock was blasted out of the way to clear a path for the enormous log drives.
In the early 1900's a dam was built to harness the power of the Wisconsin River. With the entire river diverted to electric turbines Pelican Rapids remained dry for nearly 100 years.
You can help bring Pelican Rapids back to life by contributing to Rhinelander Whitewater Trail Project.