Eland, WI

Eland is a small, quiet community tucked into Shawano County, originally founded in the late 1800s as a bustling railroad junction. Back during the regional logging boom, dozens of trains rolled through daily, hauling freight, connecting passengers to Chicago, and supporting local sawmills and shops. The village got its distinctive name from the African antelope, and that railway heritage remains a big part of the local identity.

Today, Eland offers a relaxed, rural pace surrounded by green pastures, thick woods, and friendly neighbors. Volunteers have restored the vintage downtown depot into a community museum, keeping historic train cars and equipment on display. The old rail corridors have found new life as scenic walking and biking routes, connecting right to parks, fishing spots, and nearby Northwoods recreation. It is an easygoing spot for anyone drawn to open space and quiet small-town living.