Conover, WI

History

The man for whom our town is named is Seth H. Conover, who came from Plymouth, Wisconsin, and was a prominent cheese buyer. Conover’s hobbies were fishing and hunting. He came to the Northwoods on the logging trains that the timber industry used to get wood to the mills of Central and Southern Wisconsin.

Seth Conover became quite friendly with some of the officials of the CNW Railroad and went on hunting and fishing trips with them. He was familiar with our area and felt that the location of present Conover was as close as possible to Big Twin Lake where he enjoyed fishing.

After stopping at the same place for several years, the railroad men began referring to it as Conover’s Place and decided to build a station there. In time it was formally designated Conover on the railroad maps.

In 1891, seventy-three acres of land were deeded to Seth Conover on Big Twin Lake and later became Lakota Resort. Guests to the resort were met at the rail station in Conover by a team and wagon for transport. Tourists came from the city and stayed for the season.

On January 3, 1907, the town of Conover was formally set aside from the town of Eagle River. Conover is truly a wonderful place to visit because of its natural beauty and rich past. 

Today, Conover is approximately 100 square miles of a unique blend of forests, lakes, rivers and natural beauty in an area of over 600,000 acres of forests containing 1,200 lakes, 1,100 miles of trout streams and hundreds of miles of cross country ski trails, hiking, biking and snowmobile trails.

The headwaters of the Wisconsin River flows out of Lac Vieux Desert just a few miles Northeast of Conover and the scenic and historic river cuts through the heart of Conover. It offers a true wilderness canoe adventure as well as putting one in tune with nature and wildlife of all kinds.

Geography

The Town of Conover is located in central Vilas County, Wisconsin. The upper part of the Wisconsin River runs through the town, and there are several lakes that dot the area. Much of the western part of the town is made up of Vilas County Forest lands. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 87.2 square miles (225.8 km2), of which, 80.0 square miles (207.1 km2) of it is land and 7.2 square miles (18.7 km2) of it (8.27%) is water.

Population

The population in Conover is 1,265. There are 16 people per square mile aka population density. The median age in Conover is 55.8, the US median age is 37.4. The number of people per household in Conover is 2.0, the US average of people per household is 2.6.

Family in Conover

• 62.0% are married
• 14.2% are divorced
• 14.0% are married with children
• 8.9% have children, but are single

Race in Conover

• 96.2% are white
• 0.0% are black
• 0.7% are asian
• 0.5% are native american
• 1.0% claim Other
• 1.2% claim Hispanic Ethnicity
• 0.3% Two or More Races
• 0.0% Hawaiian, Pacific Islander

In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.9% under the age of 18, 3.5% from 18 to 24, 25.1% from 25 to 44, 29.1% from 45 to 64, and 20.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $31,683, and the median income for a family was $37,125. Males had a median income of $31,563 versus $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,692. About 7.1% of families and 8.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.5% of those under age 18 and 2.5% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation

Conover is served by USH 45 and STH 32, which run concurrently north–south through the middle of the town. To the north the highways run to Land o’ Lakes and on into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. To the south they connect to Eagle River and points south. STH 17 also serves a small portion of the southeast corner of the town as it makes its way between Eagle River and Phelps. There are two Vilas County Highways that serve the Town of Conover. CTH K runs east–west through the center of town, meeting USH45\STH32 in the unincorporated community of Conover. CTH K runs east along the north shore of North Twin Lakes and connects to CTH E and the community of Phelps. It proceeds east through the Vilas County Forest towards Star Lake and eventually Boulder Junction. CTH S runs from a junction with CTH K near Stormy Lake northwards into the Town of Land o’ Lakes and serves the area around the Tamarack Flowage. The Vilas County forest lands and roads are also home to many snowmobile trails in the winter, with trails leading to all the surrounding communities.

The typical American commute has been getting longer each year since 2010. The average one-way commute in Conover takes 21.7 minutes. That’s shorter than the US average of 26.4 minutes.

How people in Conover get to work:

• 81.6% drive their own car alone
• 8.6% carpool with others
• 6.9% work from home
• 0.2% take mass transit

Schools

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Conover:

• Northcentral Technical College (about 76 miles; Wausau, WI; Full-time enrollment: 3,356) 
• Michigan Technological University (about 83 miles; Houghton, MI; FT enrollment: 6,078) 
• Northern Michigan University (about 97 miles; Marquette, MI; FT enrollment: 8,258) 
• University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (about 106 miles; Stevens Point, WI; FT enrollment: 9,089) 
• Mid-State Technical College (about 117 miles; Wisconsin Rapids, WI; FT enrollment: 2,128) 
• Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (about 120 miles; Green Bay, WI; FT enrollment: 6,069) 
• University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (about 124 miles; Green Bay, WI; FT enrollment: 5,415)

Healthcare

Hospitals and medical centers near Conover

• EAGLE RIVER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (Hospital, about 9 miles away; EAGLE RIVER, WI) EAGLE
• RIVER HLTH CARE CTR (Nursing Home, about 9 miles away; EAGLE RIVER, WI)

Outdoor Points of Intererst

Whatever the season, the Northwoods of Conover offers a variety of recreation for our visitors of any age.  The unique blend of  rich, plush forest lands, sparkling blue waters of our lakes and rivers as well as the ability to either lay back and relax or power play, we have it all.  You can search for antiques, enjoy the wildlife outside the window, boat, ski, backpack, golf or bike through America’s great vacation land.   Whether your shopping or enjoying the hundreds of activities offered here in the Northwoods, you are sure to find an activity that will be of interest and great enjoyment to you.  Adventure awaits and we are the starting point. 

ATV & UTV

Conover is your starting point of adventure by ATV and UTV.  From May to October, come ride and enjoy our route system over a variety of terrain, from paved roads to dirt routes on former fire roads.  Travel through our beautiful forests and past scenic lakes.

Travel north to Land O’ Lakes and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan or travel south to Eagle River and Oneida County.  Travel west to St. Germain and the Minocqua area or travel east to Phelps and Forest County. Conover is your perfect starting point for your four wheeled adventure!

Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing

Conover is your starting point of adventure for exploring our forests on cross country skis and snow shoes. Few sights fill the heart with peace like the beauty of the Northwood’s forests in winter. Whether it’s the sun sparkling off the blanket of white, the sharp tingle of a breath of icy air or the silence broken occasionally by the harsh call of Blue Jays, something magical happens.  Our area trails are the place to find it.

The Pioneer Creek Cross Country Ski Trail is where skiers can enjoy more than 10 miles of machine-groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing. The trails begin at the Conover Town Park and connect to a series of loops that meander through portions of the Vilas County Forest. A large plowed parking area is available at the Conover Town Park, plus there are heated restrooms.

Biking & Hiking

Conover is your starting point of adventure on our biking and hiking trails.  Visitors are in awe of the stunning natural beauty of Conover. We welcome you to hike or bike through our bountiful forests and around our peaceful waters. Discover the true serenity of the Northwoods here in Conover!

The Great Headwaters Trails foundation’s goal is to build 40 miles of biking and walking trails in eastern Vilas County, the headwaters of the Wisconsin River. The first leg of the Great Headwaters Trails system is the newly completed Conover-Phelps Trail. When completed, the Great Headwaters Trails system will connect the towns of Land O’ Lakes, Conover, Phelps, and Eagle River and beyond to the Three Eagles Trail, Heart of Vilas Trail and Wilderness Lakes Trail.A grand vision – a connecting system of over 110 miles of trails.

Equestrian

Conover is your starting point of adventure on horseback. Among the woods and waters surrounding Conover are Vilas County Horse Trails which are a well maintained network of riding lands connected to the River Road Equestrian Campground. The campground showcases a new toilet building, a hand pump well, room for portable pens, high lines, mowed open areas for camping and a graveled day use parking area.

Hunting

Conover is your starting point of adventure for hunting. Hunters can utilize thousands of acres of public forest land in Conover year round. Popular hunting seasons include bear, deer, duck, grouse and turkey. Whether you are searching for that trophy buck or looking to bag your limit of grouse, Conover is a hunter’s paradise!

Great Lakes or Chains

Lakes & Waterways

Conover is your starting point of adventure year round on our lakes and waterways. Conover have 11 major lakes, the Wisconsin River, and numerous smaller lakes and streams for your enjoyment. Spend a perfect summer day canoeing or kayaking searching for wildlife. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruising along many shores in the pontoon boat with the family. If you are an angler, the fishing opportunities are endless here in Conover, from catching panfish with the kids, to landing a trophy musky, or fishing one of our many trout streams. By boat or paddle or with your fishing pole, Conover has what you are looking for.

Everything you need for your water filled adventure is also here in Conover. Gas up the boat, pick up some bait and tackle, stay in a cabin on the lake, or go by boat to dine in one of our restaurants. 

 

Upper Buckatabon Lake. Upper Buckatabon Lake is a 493 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 47 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye. The lake’s water is moderately clear.

Lower Buckatabon Lake. Lower Buckatabon Lake is a 378 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 16 feet. Fish include Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye. The lake’s water clarity is low.

Stormy Lake. Stormy Lake is a 523 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 63 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike and Trout.

Pioneer Lake. Pioneer Lake is a 429 acre lake located in Vilas County. It has a maximum depth of 27 feet. Fish include Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye. The lake’s water is moderately clear.

Hunter Lake. Hunter Lake is a 134 acre lake located in Sawyer County. It has a maximum depth of 17 feet. Fish include Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye. The lake’s water clarity is low.

Art Centers, Community Centers, and ETC

Community Town Park

The park is located at 4697 Park Circle. Playground equipment, basket ball court, pickle ball court, soccer fields, baseball backstop, sledding hill, hockey, ice skating, pavilions and picnic shelter, and heated restrooms.

Conover Chamber of Commerce Office is located in the Conover Center at 4665 County K East

Average Home Price Sold

2018 Ave Price Sold: $270,878.77

2021 Ave Price Sold: $292,556.21

2023 Ave Price Sold: $425,541.82