Washburn County, Wisconsin

Washburn County
Historical Museum in Shell Lake, Wisconsin
Location within the U.S. state of Wisconsin
Wisconsin's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 45°54′N 91°47′W / 45.9°N 91.79°W / 45.9; -91.79
Country United States
State Wisconsin
Founded1883
Named afterCadwallader C. Washburn
SeatShell Lake
Largest citySpooner
Area
  Total
853 sq mi (2,210 km2)
  Land797 sq mi (2,060 km2)
  Water56 sq mi (150 km2)  6.6%
Population
 (2020)
  Total
16,623
  Estimate 
(2023)
16,930
  Density20.9/sq mi (8.1/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
  Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district7th
Websitewww.co.washburn.wi.us

Washburn County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It is named after Governor Cadwallader C. Washburn. As of the 2020 census, the population was 16,623. Its county seat is Shell Lake. The county was created in 1883. The county is considered a high-recreation retirement destination by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.