Crandon is situated in the southwest corner of Forest County. It has a population of 2,133 and is the county seat. With four lakes within the city it has year around recreational opportunities to enjoy. Fishing, boating, swimming, hunting,hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing as well as enjoying the scenic beauty of the area makes Crandon an idea vacation spot. With events like World Championship Off Road Races, Brush Run 101, Great Northern Snocross Challenge, Figure 8 Barefoot Open and Kentuck Days, Crandon is known through out the country.

Crandon was the dream of Samuel Shaw an entrepreneur who acquired the property in the 1880's with a vision of a city built between two hills and around the four lakes that touch the city limits. It was part of Oconto County, with the help of Major Frank P. Crandon the tax commissioner of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad they successfully lobbied the legislature for the creation of Forest County in 1887. In 1902 Page and Landeck Lumber Company built a Hugh sawmill on Clear Lake on Crandon's north side, it later became known as Keith & Hiles Lumber Company. It produced fruit boxes, wagon hubs, broom handles, shoe lasts, and lumber. The town's population grew from 800 to over 2400 in just a few years.

In 1909 the city of Crandon was incorporated, a courthouse was started in the center of the town, a high school was built and the outlook for the town was good. In 1921 the timber started to play out. In 1923 the big sawmill burnt down and was never rebuilt but a small one was built by Forest Himes and he became the biggest employer. Crandon still boast a good many logging companies, has a healthy tourist industry and is experiencing growth in light industry.