Blue Lake is a crystal clear 456 acre lake with an island in the center.  It is located between Minocqua and Hazelhurst, and the beginnings of its present appearance can be traced back more than 100 years.

After the first railroad line reached Minocqua in 1887, developers were able to access the area, and by the end of the 19^th century, most of the land around Blue Lake had been purchased for lumbering purposes.  The virgin forest surrounding the lake was gradually cut down, leaving large stumps in its place.  The stumps have long-since been replaced by impressive second growth trees.

The first settlers on Blue Lake were Frank and Ida Roemer, who opened Blue Lake Resort on the island in 1903.  Their guests arrived in Minocqua by train and were transported to the resort by horse and buggy.  The resort is now operated by the family of Ernie and Cleo Luedtke who purchased it from the Roemers in 1922.  Camp Agawak for girls opened in 1924, and it is still in operation as well.  A number of other resorts once operated on Blue Lake, but all have either been subdivided or converted to private ownership with the exception of Blue Lake Pines which has recently been remodeled and reopened.

With the advent of better roads and more automobiles, the Northwoods became a summer get-away for residents of cities such as Milwaukee, Chicago and Minneapolis, even though the trip entailed a two-day drive over dusty, rutted roads.  Beginning in the 1920s, much of the land around Blue Lake was subdivided and people started to build cabins, many of which are still occupied by descendants of the original owners.  After World War II and into the present day, more homes were built, and now over 160 homes dot Blue Lake’s shores.

The Blue Lake Preservation Association was founded in 1975 to educate residents, promote fellowship and actively work to preserve the quality of the lake.  Today approximately 80% of lake homeowners are members of this strong environmental association.

Read more about Blue Lake in BLUE LAKE LORE by Cynthia Holmberg.  Available at The Shade Tree in Minocqua or by contacting bluelakeminocqua@gmail.com.