Hay River (Wisconsin)

The Hay River is a river located in northwestern Wisconsin, United States. It is a tributary of the Red Cedar River, which in turn flows into the Chippewa River, and ultimately the Mississippi River.

The river's name derives from the hay meadows that were historically found along its banks, providing a valuable resource for early settlers.

The Hay River is approximately 56 miles (90 km) long. It flows through Barron, Dunn, and St. Croix counties. Several communities are located along its course, though none are significantly large.

The river and its surrounding watershed are important for both agricultural and recreational purposes. Agriculture is a dominant land use in the area. The river is used for fishing and boating, particularly canoeing and kayaking. The Hay River also provides habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife species.

There are some environmental concerns affecting the Hay River, primarily related to agricultural runoff and its impact on water quality. Efforts are ongoing to improve water quality through best management practices and other conservation initiatives.