He was repaired and returned to the Holcombe Dam site where he remained until the dam was abandoned and a new modern hydroelectric power plant was built.
As a symbol through the years, the brave has been the guardian spirit of loggers and of the mighty Chippewa River. Come see the Holcombe Indian at the Holcombe Town Hall Park in Holcombe!
The Holcombe Indian was known to river men along the Chippewa since 1876. He was called the King of the Chippewa River. This wooden statue stood guard on the Old Holcombe (Little Falls) Dam and was a most welcome site to lumberjacks driving their logs down the river to be sawed into lumber at the local mill, or held and sliced through the log-way in the dam to be cut at the big mills at Chippewa Falls or Eau Claire.
The Indian brave was created by Luke Lyons using an axe, drawshave and a pocket knife. Lyons, a former sailor, was a straw boss employed by the Chippewa Lumber and Boom Company. He carved the Indian straight, impressive, and nearly eight feet tall from a carefully selected white pine log cut by Jene Juvette near Pine Lake, just north of Holcombe. During a flood in 1881, the Holcombe Indian was dislodged from his place on the dam and over the falls and rapids he went, down the river all the way to Jim Falls where he was rescued.
Our goal is to provide a fulfilling and prosperous community for all business members, tourists, and residents through cohesive and transparent events and funding.
We are 100% community and member funded to provide immersive and wholesome experiences for both the collective community and private businesses. Donate and support #localliving!
There is no place like Lake Holcombe!
From the large river to the serene woodlands, Lake Holcombe is truly a vacation paradise. Experience premium fishing, water skiing, snowmobiling, hunter kayaking, biking, hiking, and so much more!
Relax at our of our beautiful resorts or check out the local listings for the perfect getaway. Check out our summer night life and tasty dining options for a sunset view of the lake!
Learn more about our mission and how you can give back today!
