Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
A visit to the Bad River Chippewa Reservation in Northwestern Wisconsin is an
exciting and enlightening experience for young and old. More than 95% of the
reservation's 124,234 acres remain undeveloped and wild. It is located along
Wisconsin's northern most coast of Lake Superior - the largest freshwater lake
in the world.
Bad River Chippewa have been living in this area for thousands of years, although
the present Bad River Reservation was established by a treaty in 1854 with
the United States Government. Odanah, the Chippewa word for "town," has
been the cultural center for generations. It is located five miles east of
Ashland on U.S. Highway 2. Some newer settlements have grown, but governmental
and social
activities remain in this area.
The Kakagon and Bad River sloughs, 16,000 acres of high-quality Lake Superior
wetlands, have been called Wisconsin's Everglades. It is from these sloughs that
past generations of Chippewa have been able to sustain life through the harvesting
of wild rice. This is done during the month of August and is followed by the
Menominee (Wild Rice) Fest and Pow-wow, and the Harvest Pow-wow, true celebrations
of culture.
The Bad River Chippewa operate a fish hatchery, annually stocking more than 15
million walleye into reservation rivers and other area lakes and streams. Important
note! It is necessary to secure tribal permission to hike or explore tribal lands
or to navigate tribal waters. For information, call the tribal office at the
number given below.
Visitors to the reservation enjoy the Bad River Lodge and Casino facilities.
The casino recreation complex offers line dancing, the music of local bands,
karaoke, restaurants serving ethnic foods, plus gift and souvenir shops featuring
genuine Indian crafts. The new Lodge houses 50 beautiful rooms and jacuzzi suites,
along with a swimming pool and hot tub.
Area events include the Chequamegon Fat Trie Race, Red Clay Classics, Bayfield
Apple Festival, Ashland Snowmobile Races, Northland Folk Fest, Bay Days, Winterfest,
and the Muskie Festival, to name just a few.
For more information on this beautiful area, call the tribal offices at (715) 682-7111.
Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
P.O. Box 39
Odanah WI 54861
Tel. 715/682-7111
Fax 715/682-7118
http://www.badriver.com/
Courtesy of Great Lakes Intertribal Council.