History
Over a century of life on Lake Julia — the families, events, and landscapes that shaped this place.
Over a century of life on Lake Julia — the families, events, and landscapes that shaped this place.
The Story
Lake Julia's recorded history begins in 1910 with "Piney Woods," the first cabin, built at what is now the public boat landing. Two years later, the "Point House" followed. Both were constructed with materials hauled by horse and sled across the frozen lake surface from the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad line that then ran between Virgin and Julia Lakes.
The forests surrounding the lake were significantly shaped in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps — young men paid a dollar a day to reforest, build roads, and restore natural resources across northern Wisconsin during the Great Depression.
Today, 49 properties ring the 6.4-mile shoreline, many of them in the same families for generations. The lake spans Oneida and Forest Counties and was formally recognized as part of the Three Lakes region in 2021 when it was added to the TLWA map.
Timeline
"Piney Woods" — the first cabin on Lake Julia — is built at the boat landing.
"Point House" is constructed. Building materials are ferried across the winter ice from the C&NW railroad line between Virgin and Julia Lakes.
The Civilian Conservation Corps transforms the forests of northern Wisconsin, including the land surrounding Lake Julia. Learn more →
A significant tornado outbreak affects the region. April 2–3, 1956 outbreak →
Annual Boat Parade is held despite pandemic conditions, becoming a cherished community moment.
Lake Julia is formally added to the Three Lakes Waterfront Association map.
CCC centennial tributes held in Minocqua and Manitowish Waters, celebrating the corps' legacy across northern Wisconsin. Read more →
Those who have gone before — including obituary links, family connections, and property associations for longtime lake residents dating back to 1893.
View → ArchivesChronological records of events of particular Lake Julia or regional interest, including the Norway Club, railroad history, and annual community events.
Browse → CCCThe Depression-era federal program that reforested and restored northern Wisconsin — and shaped the landscape we enjoy today.
Learn More → PropertiesAt their choice, owners may record the ownership and development history of individual parcels. Currently includes Bradford Lane and Harmony Lane properties.
View Properties →Further Reading
Three Lakes Historical Society, 1985. A foundational history of the Three Lakes region.
View on Amazon →Tulppo, Alan; McMahon, Kyle. Three Lakes Historical Society, 2014. A more recent visual and narrative history of the area.
View on Amazon →The CCC Museum at Pioneer Park in Rhinelander preserves the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps in Wisconsin.
Learn More →