Beginning in 1886 William H. Bradley, a Michigan-Wisconsin lumberman with many far-flung business interests first proposed a dam on the Wisconsin River in Tomahawk to service the areas sawmills. The company’s plan to construct a dam and large boom works caused great concern to lumber interests in Wausau and Merrill.
They feared that the company would attempt to monopolize the trade on the river, thus jeopardizing their own interests. After several face-to-face negotiations between the two parties, Bradley’s dam was finished in the winter of 1888-89 at a cost of $250,000

At the time, the dam and boom works were the second largest in the United States and the largest on the Wisconsin River. The flowage was originally named Tomahawk Lake but changed to Mohawksin Flowage in 1926 to avoid confusion with the lake in Oneida County. It was derived from names of the three rivers that make their confluence in Tomahawk.

Tomahawk Dam to Camp New Wood County Park

Looking for a more challenging paddling trip? Head to the Great Pinery Heritage Waterway and paddle from Tomahawk Dam to Camp New Wood County Park, covering 15 miles of scenic landscapes. This moderate difficulty segment invites you to camp, hike, and enjoy all that nature’s playground has to offer. The first segment of the trail will have good internet but the rest of the trail will have no internet connection.

Beginning in 1886 William H. Bradley, a Michigan-Wisconsin lumberman with many far-flung business interests first proposed a dam on the Wisconsin River in Tomahawk to service the areas sawmills. The company’s plan to construct a dam and large boom works caused great concern to lumber interests in Wausau and Merrill.
They feared that the company would attempt to monopolize the trade on the river, thus jeopardizing their own interests. After several face-to-face negotiations between the two parties, Bradley’s dam was finished in the winter of 1888-89 at a cost of $250,000

At the time, the dam and boom works were the second largest in the United States and the largest on the Wisconsin River. The flowage was originally named Tomahawk Lake but changed to Mohawksin Flowage in 1926 to avoid confusion with the lake in Oneida County. It was derived from names of the three rivers that make their confluence in Tomahawk.

The put-in is located below the Tomahawk Dam at Mile Marker 114 on the left bank. Ample parking exists if your plans call for leaving your car at this portage for an all-day paddle.

Not far below the landing is Spirt River, known by the Ojibwa as Manito Sibi. From this point south to the first portage at Grandmother Dam, Mile Marker 121.4 the river takes on a wilder feel to it. Its banks are heavily wooded with Maple, Oak, Ash, Pine, and Hemlock. Wildlife returns in abundance out of the eyesight of the urban Tomahawk.

At Mile Marker 121.4, one encounters Grandmother Dam. In J.D. Norwood Journal of Discovery, he describes this section of the river dated October 6th, 1847. Believed to be the river channel underlying the Grandmother Flowage – “There is a succession of small rapids for the next four miles, the rocks showing themselves in the borders of the river, at short intervals, the whole distance. The river is very shallow, very wide and the bed is covered with boulders, many of which are from thirty to fifty feet in circumference. Today the river is placid and calm with a short portage on the right.

A little over two miles downriver one passes Barry Creek on left where Benjamin Berry an early lumberman in the area resided in the mid 1840’s. As one passes below the County E bridge, Mile Marker 126 and about a half mile from here is where Julius Posey, one of the early Canadian lumbermen in the area built a trading post/stagecoach station in 1858.

Grandfather Falls Dam, Mile Marker 127 to 128 represents the highest drop of the river at over 90 feet, the portage is located on the left, being one of the longest on the trail due to the rapids and bolder fields at the dam’s base. This is truly a spectacular spot on the trail, worthy of a bit more time to enjoy what Mother Nature has bestowed on us. Two segments of the Ice Age National Scenic trail adjoin the water trail on both sides offering some incredible views.

Our journey comes to an end at Camp New Wood County Park, Mile Marker 129, a CCC camp from the 1930’s where one can camp and reflect on an incredible day on the water!

Please review these important safety reminders before getting on the water.

Please review these important safety reminders before getting on the water.

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