The Lobby Plaza

Honoring the Pioneering Legacy of Tony Wise

If you live or recreate in northwestern Wisconsin – or if you’re a cross-country skier – you’ve been touched by the legacy of Tony Wise.

A native of Hayward, Wisconsin, Wise was a visionary entrepreneur whose bold ideas helped shape the future of cross country skiing and the outdoor recreation culture that thrives in the region today. From founding the Telemark Ski Area and its landmark four-star Telemark Lodge, to creating the Lumberjack World Championships and the legendary American Birkebeiner, Wise’s innovations left an indelible mark on both sport and state.

Now, his pioneering spirit will be permanently honored with a life-size bronze statue at the historic Telemark Lodge site – set amidst the very trails that hosted the first FIS Cross-Country World Cup and just steps from the starting line of today’s American Birkebeiner. It is a fitting tribute to a man whose passion for sport continues to inspire generations.

Wise’s transformative vision was sparked during his service as a U.S. Army officer in World War 2 Germany, where he witnessed firsthand the power of skiing in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Motivated to bring that same vitality to his hometown, he returned to Wisconsin, purchased a wooded hill near Cable, and in 1947 launched Telemark Ski Area – setting in motion a new era of outdoor recreation in the American Midwest.

But Wise’s contributions extended far beyond skiing. He played a key role in the development of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, using it as a platform to help protect the Namekagon River. He was also instrumental in advancing infrastructure in the region, lobbying for improvements to U.S. Highway 53, which today serves as a main artery for visitors flocking to the Northwoods.

Since his passing in 1995, the legacy of Tony Wise has only grown. Tourists continue to travel year-round to Hayward, Cable, and the surrounding region, enriching local communities. And around the world, tens of thousands of skiers stride through Worldloppet races – a global circuit founded by a man who simply wanted to give back.

Tony Wise Statue

The Tony Wise legacy statue is being created by a noted Wisconsin artist. The life-sized bronze will stand on the site of the Telemark Lodge, overlooking the Mt. Telemark Ski Hill and the ski trails that were used for the first FIS Cross Country World Cup where Alison Spencer claimed victory.

How You Can Help

The visionary work of Tony Wise continues to shape the culture and economy of northwestern Wisconsin – and the sport of cross-country skiing worldwide. Thanks to his pioneering spirit, events like the American Birkebeiner have thrived for 50 years, inspiring countless athletes and enriching entire communities.

Now, you can help ensure that his legacy lives on.

Your gift – large or small – will support a permanent tribute to Tony Wise at the historic Telemark Lodge site, reminding future generations of the extraordinary impact one individual can have. All contributions are tax-deductible and go directly to a special fund established by the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation.