Showcasing History
Gathering Patio and Historic Installations at the Former Telemark Lodge Lobby and Across Mt. Telemark Village
Lobby Plaza
Situated at the site of the former Telemark Lodge lobby, the Lobby Plaza will be a gathering place not only for remembering the history of the Telemark Lodge and resort, but a new place to share memories to come. The area will provide a location to meet and gather, share a picnic meal and have a great time.
Plans for the site include:
- Gathering patio with picnic seating
- An outside fireplace to pay tribute to the former lobby fireplace
- Murals and historical installations with stories of Telemark Lodge and the community built around it
- A life-size bronze statue of Tony Wise
Showcasing History Through Art
The history and legacy of Telemark Lodge, Tony Wise, and the American Birkebeiner have influenced and inspired multiple generations of cross-country skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, and our community members here in Cable and Hayward. Showcasing those people, their stories, and the land our stories are made on is an opportunity to inspire the next generation to keep building on the legacy. Coming in summer 2027 the storytelling of the Tony Wise Museum of the American Birkebeiner will go beyond the walls of the Hub and across the Mt. Telemark Village property for everyone to connect with.
- Lobby Plaza will showcase the history of Telemark Lodge and the people who have shaped our community
- The Hub Mural on the concrete retaining wall along Birkie Blvd will be a journey through the landscape and through time with the changing activities, equipment, and wildlife of not just the seasons, but of the years of enjoyment.
- The Community Mural will adorn the doors of the Derksen-Douglas Bathrooms at the Great Hall and created in a way that will give everyone a chance to connect and paint and bring to life the stories of our community.
Project Budget
Two amazing lead gifts have started us on the road to completion, and we now have a matching donation challenge from an anonymous donor to get us the rest of the way to our goal! Join us today in celebrating our history and community by donating to bring these stories to life.
| Expenses | Total |
|---|---|
| Fireplace | $53,000.00 |
| Hardscaping, Picnic Area & Seating | $110,000.00 |
| Tony Wise Statue | $72,000.00 |
| Historic Installations & Mural Art | $195,000.00 |
| $430,000.00 |
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.
- Make a donation online.
- Mail a check using these Offline Payment Instructions.
- Use a donor advised fund. Make your contribution payable to:
The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation/Telemark
Our EIN is: 39-1503175
Our mailing address is:
ABSF/Telemark, PO Box 911, Hayward,
Wisconsin 54843.
Do you want to transfer stock, contribute an IRA distribution, learn about naming rights for a larger donation, or ask questions? Contact Louise Droessler or Ben Popp via the phone numbers or email addresses listed below.
Your support is truly appreciated. Please contact us with questions or comments.
Louise Droessler
Development Director
louise.droessler@birkie.com
608-843-8451
Ben Popp
Executive Director
ben.popp@birkie.com
715-558-3091
(50th Anniversary of the American Birkebeiner)
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.
