Discover one of the most unique fishing legacies in all of the Northwoods. Jim Bokern will share a detailed presentation regarding Richard Southgate’s “one-of-a-kind” fisherman’s paradise. Creating an ambitious estate for fishing, using canals and the Chicago North Western Railroad for access, Southgate fashioned a personalized and sprawling Northwoods’ destination.

For about 25 years these canals created a link between Southgate’s isolated retreat on Little Trout Lake and the modern world. The canal extended from Alder Lake in Manitowish Waters, to just beyond White Sands Lake in Lac Du Flambeau. Southgate and his guests enjoyed the finest delicacies of the world, furniture and decorations from Southgate’s international travels, and modern conveniences like electricity.

Sadly, this estate ultimately fell to ruin, but not before inspiring other Northwoods estates and leaving a string of fascinating stories.