History

Our Story

It all started when a group of citizens in northern Wisconsin saw gaps in healthcare resources in their community. Rather than accept the status quo, they rolled up their sleeves and designed a solution to address those needs. After successfully securing federal grant funding, they established a board of directors, became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, hired staff, and secured a building. In just four months, this dedicated group created a community health center that would transform healthcare access in the region.

The Foundation (2008-2012)

In 2008, a building with a colorful history—previously serving as a home, winery, coffee shop, and more—became The Lakes Community Health Center in Iron River, Wisconsin. We also partnered with the city of Ashland to open a dental clinic, marking the beginning of our commitment to comprehensive healthcare services.

Growing Through Partnership (2013-2019)

In 2013, The Lakes had the opportunity to expand our impact by merging with North Woods Community Health Center. North Woods, founded in 1976 by a similar community-driven group, operated clinic locations in Hayward and Minong. This merger created NorthLakes Community Clinic, combining our shared mission to serve rural communities.

Our growth continued strategically:

  • 2015 – Opened a clinic in Washburn
  • 2018 – Added clinics in Turtle Lake and Park Falls
  • 2019 – Opened in Hurley; Welcomed Northern Health Center (founded in 1978), which brought established sites in Lakewood, Oconto, and White Lake

Rapid Expansion (2020-2025)

Building on our strong foundation, we accelerated our growth to meet increasing community needs:

  • 2022 – Opened clinics in Eau Claire and Marinette
  • 2023 – Added Cumberland and Rice Lake clinics, and acquired Orthopedic & Spine Therapy in Bayfield, Iron River, Poplar, and Solon Springs
  • 2024 – Expanded to a second location in Eau Claire, as well as a clinic in Augusta
  • 2025 – Combined Rice Lake and Birchwood clinics into a single, larger facility

Our Healthcare Network

These organizations have joined NorthLakes:

  • Ashland Area Council on AODA, Ashland
  • Treehouse Occupational Therapy, Ashland
  • Fullmoon Dental, Turtle Lake
  • Bay Area Mental Health, Washburn
  • Birch Point Dental, Birchwood
  • Gilbaugh Chiropractic, Ashland
  • Chiropractic Health Services, Park Falls
  • River Valley Pediatric Dental Specialists, Chippewa Falls
  • Sateren Eye Care, Ashland
  • Habeck Chiropractic, Lakewood

Days Gone By

Staff members outside of building cutting a white ribbon
NorthLakes Community Clinic - Turtle Lake ribbon cutting.
Staff members standing outside of NorthLakes Community Clinic in front of large red ribbon
Large group of men and women standing outside of brick clinic building. One woman is holding a large pair of scissors to cut a red ribbon.
Large group of staff members standing in front of Hayward clinic and cutting reb ribbon
3 staff members in the optometry office
Staff members in face coverings cutting yellow ribbon in optometry office
Turtle Lake staff members holding a red ribbon with a dog next to them
Staff members wearing orange holding a yellow ribbon and one woman cutting it with large scissors
Nine staff members posed outside of Turtle Lake Clinic
Hard hats with NorthLakes logo