Population (2010)
338
Introduction
Hager City may not look like much (it isn’t), but it has a place that you must visit, especially if you like authentic Jamaican food.
Arriving in Town
County Highways VV and K are the main routes in town.
History
Hager City had the distinction of getting the first post office in the township but apparently not much else worth writing down. When the railroad came through in 1886, the village was platted as Hager Chatfield, but the following year the Postmaster General suggested that Hager City would be a better name. That’s all I have.
Exploring the Area
The rock formation called Bow and Arrow, on a hillside visible from the River Road, is quite a mystery. This petroform was first noticed in 1902 by archaeologist Jacob Brower who thought the rocks were arranged in a shape that resembled a bow and arrow pointing toward Lake Pepin. Others have suggested that the shape is more likely a bird effigy, but no one really knows what it was meant to be or when it was made, although all agree it has been there a long time.
**Hager City is covered in Road Tripping Along the Great River Road, Vol. 1. Click the link above for more. Disclosure: This website may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products we link to.
Where to Eat and Drink
The Harbor Bar (N673 825th St.; 715.792.2417) is party central, especially on the weekends, with live music, boaters coming and going, and the grill pumping out the best damn jerk chicken this side of Kingston. The standard menu includes Jamaica-inspired entrées like steam roast red snapper or you can opt for a salad or sandwich. Unless you’re a party animal, you may have a better experience going earlier in the evening rather than later.
Where to Sleep
Camping
Most of the sites at Freedom Island Campground & Marina (N650 825th St.; 715.222.1808; open May 1–Nov 1) are strung along a single road on—you guessed it—an island just across from Red Wing with a good view of Barn Bluff. The sites are shaded, with many right on the main channel of the river.
Resources
Post Office: W8123 165th Ave.; 715.792.2919.
©Dean Klinkenberg, 2024, 2021, 2018,2013,2011
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