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ATTRACTIONS

LAKES & BEACHES

Because we have so many lakes up here, water activities rank #1 among resident and tourist activities alike.

Swimming, scuba diving, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, boating, tubing, water skiing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, jet skiing...you can do it all.

We have many beautiful beaches but these are the best ones on which to laze away the day and soak up some rays:

TORPY PARK

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Head to the heart of downtown Minocqua to find this 4-acre waterfront park on the shores of Lake Minocqua. Here, you’ll find a large sandy beach (with lifeguards on site) and a changing facility with showers and bathrooms. Torpy Park also has public docks, a pavilion, picnic shelters, tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, and a playground.

 

Many special events and live music take place in the park throughout the summer, so there is always lots to do. 

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Big Arbor Vitae Park & Beach

Big Arbor Vitae Lake lives up to its name—it covers more than a thousand acres and offers great fishing for musky, panfish, largemouth bass, and walleye. It’s also home to a nice beach on the north end of the lake, where you can also find a park with picnic tables, grills, and restrooms.

I think this gem is one of the area's best kept secrets! It's a great park and beach and any

time we residents went there we had the

place entirely to ourselves. If you're looking to get away from the crowds, you might want to consider checking out this beach!

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Clear Lake

The Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest is a popular camping destination, and Clear Lake is one of the area's main attractions. Located east of State Highway 47, the 850-acre lake is renowned for its exceptional clarity and is a great spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. Clear Lake's beach and campground is situated on the southwestern corner of the lake and offers visitors a large sandy beach with a designated swimming area.

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Brandy Lake Beach

Brandy Park in Arbor Vitae (north of State Highway 47 and west of U.S. Highway 51) sits on the southern shore of 113-acre Brandy Lake. In addition to a sandy swimming beach with a pier, the park has two sand volleyball courts, baseball fields, a disc golf course, playground equipment, a changing house and restroom facilities, and a shoreline picnic area with tables and grills.

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Lake Katherine

Lake Katherine is a gorgeous swimming lake in Hazelhurst. The picturesque lake is extremely clear and the beach is a peaceful spot for a family-friendly beach day. The lake is easy to access, just a short distance off Hwy 51 and has restrooms, grills, tables, and play area as well. 

BICYCLING

One of the best ways to explore Vilas County in Northern Wisconsin is on two wheels.  The Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail offers riders more than 52 miles of paved trails that connects St. Germain, Sayner, Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters and Mercer.

This spectacular trail, recognized as a National Recreation Trail, winds through the Northern Highland American Legion Forest and along crystal clear lakes and rivers.

Along the trail are many scenic rest areas with picnic spots and restrooms. There are 20 

different parking areas to choose where to start your ride. You will also find swimming spots for a quick cool down in the summer months, and walking trails if you want a break from two wheels.

The trail system features smooth pavement suitable for all types of riders - from flat-to-rolling terrain, manageable hills, and multiple scenic bridges. There are also bike repair facilities along the way.

Many of the riders start their ride on the trail in Boulder Junction. In fact we have more bicycles on the roads in our town than cars during the summer months.

If you don't want to bring your own bike, Coontail right in downtown Boulder rents bikes.

WILDLIFE

The Northwoods is teeming with wildlife! To enjoy it all you have to do is walk out your door. Just in my own back yard and down at my dock I have fox, otters, beaver, squirrels, eagles, geese, several varieties of ducks, loons, a blue heron, racoons, deer, and yes, even a wild wolf that will walk right up to me when it comes to visit.

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My wild wolf visitor

Oh and I almost forgot my brother-in-law's first attempt at live trapping a squirrel...

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Eagle perched off my deck, that hunts around my dock
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Blue heron that often sits on my dock

In my little town of Boulder we're fortunate to share our town with a herd of very rare albino deer.

"Ummm Dave? That's not a squirrel..."
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But if you're a wildlife enthusiast, there are a couple of attractions up here you definitely want to visit.

The first is Wildwood Wildlife Park.

Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo & Safari is home to over 1,700 animals and 229 species!

The animals are extremely well cared for and the entire park exceptionally clean. The park includes a kids zoo train, a safari tram, paddleboat rides, a budgie area where the budgies fly freely around you, a petting zoo, a giraffe feeding area, deer feeding where the deer walk right up to you, a trout fishing pond, an educational center, a snack bar and picnic area, a gift shop and much more.

Unlike a typical zoo, the more wild animals are kept in special cages that aren't typical zoo cages.

Kids and adults alike love Wildwood.

The other wildlife attraction you should make an effort to see is our Northwoods Wildlife Center.

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This is where we take our sick, injured and orphaned wildlife to be rehabilitated, then released back into the wild if at all possible.

They admit 600-700 animals a year in need of medical treatment and care. 

Their wildlife rehabilitators are licensed through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to provide professional care for over 100 species of Wisconsin wildlife. 

The Center gives daily tours: 

9 AM – 10 AM with a break between 1 PM and 2 PM.

Tuesday – Saturday, May – September

The tours are free but the Center asks for a $7 donation per person as they are non-profit and rely on donations to continue their work. This money goes directly to food and other essentials needed to care for the animals.

Guided tours showcase a variety of Wisconsin-native raptor species as well as turtles and even snakes. Guided by their wildlife educators, explore the Northwoods Wildlife Center property to learn about the amazing world of eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls, and meet some of their ambassador raptors along the way! All tours are guided and run every hour. Tours are appropriate for all ages. Reservations are appreciated. Call (715) 356-7400 to reserve your tour slot today. I've taken the tour and it's really interesting.

As long as we're on the subject of animals...

HORSEBACK RIDING
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Grassy Creek Ranch is a family owned and operated riding stable located in the middle of the Northern Highland State Forest in Boulder Junction.

They offer walk only rides, as well as walk/trot rides through the State forest on old logging roads as well as the old snowmobile trails. 

Horses are selected on rider ability and they will take groups of 2 to 6 riders.

Reservations required by PHONE ONLY.

CALL 715-892-1438

6350 County Road M, Boulder Junction

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If you want to combine horseback riding with miniature golf in a mining setting and some go karting then head to Rock Falls on Hwy 70 East in Arbor Vitae.

Be sure to check out their ALL 3 package where you pay $50 for a 45 minute trail ride, 18 holes of miniature golf and a 6 minute go kart ride. Big savings to do it this way!

THEATER

Whether you're looking for live theater or a movie theater we've got you covered.

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Our Campanile Center for the Arts offers both live theatrical productions and musical concerts. It also offers a variety of Arts Education programs.

Campanile is located at 131 W. Milwaukee St., Minocqua. Parking next to Campanile is limited so I recommend getting there early.

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If it's a flick you want to catch then head to the Lakeland Cinema at 1002 2nd Avenue, Woodruff.

​If you go on a Tuesday, all seats for all shows are only $5.

Note: The street in front of the theater is one way! So if you're on Hwy 51 heading north, you want to pass the street the theater is on and go to the next stoplight. Turn right at the light, then make the first immediate right you can. Then turn right again at the next street and you'll be on the street in front of the theater.

WATER SKI SHOW

The Min-Aqua Bats Water Ski Club is the oldest continually running amateur water ski show in the world. The club originated in 1950 when a group of local young water skiers started growing a crowd that grew bigger every week. 72 years later they continue to amaze crowds.

The shows are free to attend and are held every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday during the summer at the Aqua Bowl at 422 W. Park Avenue, Minocqua. Shows are held rain or shine at 7:00 pm.

SCHEER'S LUMBERJACK SHOW

Scheers Lumberjack shows perform in a private arena in Woodruff. Located at: 1112 Hwy 47 East. Go East on Highway 47, you’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the towering climbing poles. They'll be on your left.

Shows are approximately 1-1/2 hours. All shows are rain or shine with some covered seating so you want to arrive a bit early to get a good seat. Check their website for show schedule and ticket prices.

The performers in this show are real lumberjacks, including some world champions!

CAMP 5 LUMBERJACK STEAM TRAIN

In keeping with the Northwoods logging history, take a day trip over to Laona's Lumberjack Steam Train and Camp 5 logging museum

Take the whole family on a trip back in time with a ride on a vintage steam train. Head for Laona and climb aboard the famed Lumberjack Steam Train for a journey into the late 1800’s. Sit in a rare cupola caboose as the vintage steam engine takes you to an actual site of a Northwoods logging camp.

The “4-spot” Steam Locomotive, built in 1916 pulls two all-steel passenger coach cars, an open air observation car and three cabooses. The “4-spot” is the only “PRAIRIE” style steam locomotive operating in the state of Wisconsin.

Visitors board the Lumberjack Steam train at the 1880’s Soo Line Depot, located 1/4 mile West of the junction of Highways 8 & 32 on Highway 8. Inside the depot, tickets can be purchased for the train ride, just as people did at the turn of the century.
A ticket on the Lumberjack Steam Train takes you out to “Camp 5”, the site of an old logging camp. Later it became the site of the Lumber Company Farm. When you arrive, you find some of the old buildings which were a part of the Lumber Company Farm. There is the old Hog Barn which is now the Petting Corral, the Blacksmith Shop which is now a part of the Museum, and the Old Slaughter House. In the distance is the old Boarding House and several original barns, as well as the “Woods Boss’s House”.
Your ticket is all-inclusive and includes the round-trip ride on the Lumberjack Steam Train and admission into the Logging Camp Complex of historic and natural attractions, including the Logging Museum and Blacksmith Shop, Green Treasure Forest Tour, Animal Barn and Corral, the Nature Center, Cracker Barrel Store and Choo Choo Hut Restaurant.
This is an attraction both the 'big kids' and the little kids will love!
SHOPPING

Yes, downtown Minocqua is largely a tourist trap...but that doesn't mean there aren't some places worth visiting!

One of my personal favorites is Gaslight Square. If you've ever been to the Streets of Old Milwaukee at the Milwaukee Museum, that's how Gaslight Square is set up - like an 1800's shopping district.

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There are so many unique shops in Gaslight Square on it's three levels.

Lower level is where you'll find an escape room and Minoc-Woods mini golf.

On the main level there's:

Ala Carte : Unique gifts, home accessories, Wisconsin-made products (including wine), customized gift baskets, coffee served daily.

Lake Country Boutique: Women’s boutique specializing in inclusive apparel sizing from Small through Curvy 3XL. We also carry accessories, jewelry and gifts.

Envies Footwear: Envies Footwear offers comfort and style. Brands including Birkenstock, Dansko, Keen, Saucony and many more brands to choose from.

Flamingo Bay Boutique: A unique women’s clothing boutique with accessories and gifts. Womens apparel, hats, gifts and Devotionals.

WM James Leather: 

A large selection of  Minnetonka moccasins, boots, sandals, handbags, purses as well as leather jackets and small leather goods.

WM James Leather also carries Pandora and Brighten Jewelry. (My fave shop)

Naturally Up North: Handcrafted artisan  soaps and other products to help your entire world smell good. They offer body butter, sugar scrub, body oils, shower steamer and bath bombs, as well as deodorant and lotion bars.

But the real treasure lies on the upper floor at Gaslight Antiques.

Gaslight Antiques houses merchandise from over 100 antique and collectible dealers. They carry a unique selection of antique furniture, quilts, toys, crystal glasses, dishes, jewelry, maps and so many more hidden gems. 

I've spent entire afternoons just browsing through the different booths!

Dan's Minocqua Fudge is another must stop! I've been visiting Dan's since I was a little kid. 

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You can watch them make the fudge through the front window. The inside looks much like an old fashioned candysoda fountain, with the ice cream and soda fountain shop located at the back of the store. 

Between the front and the back of the shop are rows of bushel baskets filled with just about any candy you could think of, including homemade saltwater taffy in a sizeable variety of delectable flavors.

Personally, I like visiting Dan's at Christmas when the shop is all decorated up. You just never know who you might run into sampling the fudge !

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For all you gaming aficionados, this one's for you. Check out Talonsong Gaming LLC at 225 Front Street in Minocqua. 

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TalonSong Gaming LLC is an expert in role-playing games, miniature games, card protection, dice, and board and card games, such as Magic: the Gathering and Flesh and Blood TCG.

TalonSong Gaming offers a venue for gamers to socialize and indulge in their interests through events, tournaments, and gaming nights. In-store gaming is available for informal playtesting and demos.

Minocqua's Farmer's Market is another stop you might want to make.

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The Minocqua Farmer's Market is a vibrant market where area farmers, producers, artisans, and non-profit groups come together to offer a variety of agricultural and related products directly to the public.

Come shop the Minocqua Farmer's Market Fridays from 8 am -1 pm for all of your market favorites. 

408 E. Chicago Street in Minocqua. The Farmers Market runs from Mid May to Mid October. 

GOLF
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Reputably good, Timber Ridge Golf Club is one of Minocqua’s top golf locations. It has won numerous awards. Known as one of the best championship golf courses in Northern Wisconsin, Timber Ridge Golf Club is a public 18-hole facility.

In addition to offering breathtaking views, each hole on the course has five tee boxes, accommodating players of all skill levels. Every hole at Timber Ridge Golf Club offers breathtaking views, and the fairways and greens are kept in immaculate condition.

It has a pro shop and snack bar. 10030 Timber Ridge Road, Minocqua

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A beautiful and difficult 18-hole golf course, St. Germain Golf Club is carved out of a thick forest of red and white pines. It provides a picturesque and demanding golfing experience. offers a variety of teeing areas to suit players of different ability levels.

Enjoy the splendor of the Northwoods while having fun among the tall pines. For your golfing needs, St. Germain Golf Club provides a driving range, gear, clothing, and accessories.

9041 State Highway 70 W, Saint Germain

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The Trout Lake Golf Club course has a great layout and is impeccably maintained. The tee areas are well cared for, the fairways are superb and the greens are immaculate. Playing Trout Lake you will experience the “Devil’s Elbow.” The elbow is a golfer’s challenge to be experienced.

Last but not least, the screened-in porch offers you a chance to relax with a cold one, grab a sandwich after your round and watch other players navigate the 18th hole.

Wildlife is in abundance. Nature at it’s finest. 3800 Hwy 51 North, Arbor Vitae

MUSEUMS
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The Minocqua Museum displays of Minocqua’s early days and the people who made a difference in the history of our community. Open 10 am - 4pm, Early June to Labor Day.

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2024 marked the 70th Anniversary of  Dr. Kate's surprise appearance on the then popular television show, "This Is Your Life",. The show aired on March 17, 1954. After the incredible events of Mr. Otto Burich and his Geometry students at the AV-W High School brought the Million Penny drive to the world's attention the television show wanted to tell the inspiring story of the humble, shy lady doctor who made house calls on snowshoes, canoe or on foot to serve her patients over 300 square miles in Northwoods of Wisconsin without a hospital. 

The Million Penny parade was held on Memorial Day, 1953. Over 10,000 people came to Woodruff to see the pennies on display in the AV-W school gym. After Dr. Kate, Otto Burich, Av-W student Eva Lou Clauson and others told of the efforts to build a hospital Ralph Edwards, the show's host, asked his viewers to send pennies to finish the project. Ten tons of mail came-- mostly by train-- containing over $105,000. Community volunteers sorted and counted all the mail at the AV-W school gym.

The Dr. Kate Museum showcases the life of this incredible woman and the Million Penny campaign, including a replica of her medical room. 

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The world's largest penny is still on display in Woodruff.

Museum Hours

Mid-June through Labor Day

Monday - Friday

11 AM - 3 PM

Month of September

Tuesday & Thursday

11 AM - 2 PM

Admission is free but donations are appreciated.

923 2nd Avenue, Woodruff

The Vilias Historical Museum contains exhibits, photographs and memorabilia showcasing the history of Vilas County. It includes:

Military Exhibit      

Logging Exhibits

Clothing

Toys       

Dolls

CCC Photos

Wild Animal Display

Fishing Guides       

Outboard Motors

and the first Snowmobile, invented in Sayner

Admission is $4.00 per person ages 10 & up. The museum is open Tuesday,  Thursday  & Saturday  10 am - 2 pm. 2889 Wisconsin Highway 155, Sayner

 

 

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Vilas Historical Museum
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My great nieces and nephews absolutely love the Northwoods Children's Museum, a short drive from Minocqua in Eagle River. It's an Interactive children's museum, fostering hands-on learning and play! This place is like Mother Nature decided to open a fun house.

Inside, it’s a smorgasbord of 26 hands-on exhibits that celebrate the natural world and the spirit of exploration. It’s part science lesson, part magic show, and entirely mesmerizing.

But the real showstopper is the “Up North Cabin.” It’s a fully furnished log cabin where kids can pretend to rough it in the great outdoors, minus the mosquitoes and the risk of encountering a grumpy bear.

It’s like glamping, but with more educational value and less risk of food poisoning from undercooked hot dogs.

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The Up North Cabin
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OTHER ATTRACTIONS

During the 1930's the Northwoods was the hideout for gangsters like Al Capone and the John Dillinger gang.

If you've seen the movie Public Enemies starring Johnny Depp the FBI shoot out scene with the Dillinger gang was filmed at Little Bohemia Lodge - the site of the actual FBI shootout in the 1930's.

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Little Bohemia is now a supper club but I don't recommend eating there...simply going to see the museum where everything Dillon left behind the night of the shoot out is exhibited - including all of the bullet holes everywhere.

If you're here in early August (7th-10th 2025), visit the Vilas County Fair in Eagle River.

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4 day event with exhibits, vendors, food trucks, ice cream, nightly bands and children's entertainer, and fair rides by Sheridan Amusements. The fair attracts 10,000 visitors from around the region. It features agricultural and educational exhibits, various contests and competitions, and fun for the whole family. 

Location: Vilas County Fairgrounds 164 Forest St, Eagle River

Northwoods Zipline Adventure Tours offers 4 different tours:

The Full Adventure Tour

Original Zipline Canopy Tour

Aerial Trekking Tour

Kids Zipline Tour

Whether you want to zip line, aerial trek, hike, or take part in wilderness group dynamics, Northwoods Zipline has it all! All of their tours include professional, trained guides to show you the ropes as well as to teach you a bit about the Northwoods forest and surroundings.

Reservations are required. Book online or phone 844-947-7464

7849 Hwy 51 Minocqua

PLAYGROUNDS FOR KIDS
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The town just completed building the Boulder Junction Sports & Recreation Park and what a park it is!
 

Located off of County Hwy M just behind the Chamber of Commerce. The sports and recreation area is home to our brand new playground, the baseball field, a skate park, tennis/pickleball courts, a basketball court, and direct access to the HOV paved bike trail. There are restrooms on site with a picnic pavilion and various other benches throughout the park.

My great nieces and nephews love going to this park.

Another really nice playground sits next to the Manitowish Waters Community Center. It was built by the Manitowish Waters Lions Club and is called the Community Playground Park.

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Located at the Community Center on Airport Road, 1 mile south of CTH W. Public restrooms near tennis courts 24/7 or inside the Community Center when the building is open.

  • One-acre playground

  • Sun shelter with picnic tables

  • Picnic tables

  • Water fountain next to Community Building (and inside near restrooms)

  • Bauer Field Baseball Diamond

  • Golf driving field (bring your own equipment; first come first served)

  • Tennis courts

  • Paddleball court (equipment available in attached building)

  • Situated on the M.W. paved hike/bike path (parking available)

BIPLANE RIDES
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Biplane Rides of America offers biplane rides past the Manitowish Waters Community Center parking lot. Just look for the biplane.

The plane is a 1929 New Standard (5 place) Biplane. Length of ride is 15 minutes around the local chain of lakes.

Hours of operation vary throughout the summer so call or check online at our website. All tours are weather dependent. Longer rides are available with prior notice.

5733 Airport Road, Manitowish Waters

ADVENTURE GOLF

Settlers Mill is Northern Wisconsin’s finest 18 hole adventure golf.  After golfing, treat yourself to a scoop of velvety smooth frozen custard or test your skills in the modern video game room.

Located 1/2 mile south of the Bridge on Hwy 51 South in Minocqua.

Just look for the big water wheel!

If you're driving north into Minocqua it will be on the right hand side of

the road.

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Most people only travel to the Northwoods during the summer and fall. That's a shame because as brutal as our winters can be, they're also equally as beautiful and there's still plenty to see and do.

#1 on the list? Snowmobiling! The snowmobile was invented in Sayner and Eagle River is the official Snowmobiling Capitol of the World, where the World Championship Snowmobile Derby is held.

We have a phenomenal trail system! (Thanks to all of our local snowmobile clubs who keep them groomed)

The World Championship Snowmobile Derby is held in Eagle River every January. The event draws sledheads from all over the world. 

Officially recognized as the Snowmobile Capital of the World® and home of the World Championship Snowmobile Derby for more than 60 years, Eagle River is also home of the World Snowmobile Headquarters museum. The Headquarters, aka “HQ,” showcases many snowmobile groups that have been or are instrumental in the development and operation of the sport of snowmobiling.

Ladies, if you really want to kick it up a notch, then race in one of our bikini snowmobile races! They're not just held in St. Germain...we used to have them on Big Arbor Vitae Lake as well:

"For snowmobiling enthusiasts, the Arbor Vitae area in Northern Wisconsin is a winter wonderland. With miles of well-groomed trails that criss-cross through the forest and along the shoreline of Big Arbor Vitae Lake, it's easy to see why this is a popular destination for snowmobilers. One of the highlights of the winter season is the snowmobile races and radar runs that take place on the frozen surface of Big Arbor Vitae Lake. These events attract riders from all over the region, eager to show off their skills and compete for prizes."

One of the most recent bikini snowmobile races raised over $80,000 for charity.

WINTER PARKS

Boulder Junction has a free Winter Park located on Old Hwy K, 1/4 mile east of Lakewood Market.

The park features:

  • Lighted ice skating rink

  • Warming shelter

  • Sledding hill

  • Picnic pavilion

  • Bonfire pit

  • Ice skates, sleds, and other winter equipment available for borrow

  • Portable restroom

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Just last year the town added The Glide to the Winter Park - a 0.8 mile skating ribbon through the Northern Highland-American Legion State forest. There are a limited amount of skates for borrow on site or you can rent skates from Coontail in downtown Boulder Junction.

The other Winter Park we have is Minocqua Winter Park. It offers cross country skiing, a tubing hill, skijoring, snowshoeing and ice skating. There's a ski shop and school, chalet and food, tea house, shelters and fire pits.

However, unlike the Boulder Junction winter park which is free, you must purchase passes to use the Minocqua Winter Park.

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You can also cross country ski in the Northern Highland State Forest.

The Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest offers a variety of cross-country ski trails suitable for different skill levels and preferences. Here are some of the key trails and their features:

Escanaba Trail System: This trail system winds around five kettle lakes and offers four routes of varying difficulty due to length and challenging hills. It's a glacially-carved landscape with inclines

between 20 and 30%, making it moderately difficult according to hiking and cross-country skiing standards. The trailhead is located at 9588 Nebish Road, Saynor. 

Madeline Lake Trail System: This trail system offers roughly 10 miles of wide trails split into four designated routes. Some of the trails were used as logging roads, providing a remote feel with stands of pine and picturesque lake overlooks. The trailhead is at 1060 Rudolph Road, Arbor Vitae. 

 

McNaughton Trail System: This trail system follows old logging roads and is a very easy scenic trail. It has a red loop that circles McNaughton Lake and is the only NHAL trail that is also groomed for skate-style skiing.


Escanaba-Pallette Lake Trails: These trails feature rolling hills and pass through different types of northern Wisconsin woodlands. They are groomed for classic skiing, and a Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required. 

 

Lumberjack Trail: This trail system connects to the Escanaba-Pallette Lake Trail and offers up to 12 miles of trails that pass through wetlands and tall pine forests. Trail segments range from roughly 3 miles to nearly 6 miles. 

 

North Trout Lake Nature Trail: This short but scenic 1-mile loop winds through a mature spruce-tamarack bog and along the shores of Trout Lake, offering great views of the lake. 

 

Raven Snowshoe and MTB Loop: This loop provides 377 ft of elevation gain and is ideal for snowshoeing and mountain biking. 

 

Camp Mercer Trail: This trail follows the Manitowish River and has 22 interpretive signs to help discover how the Civilian Conservation Corps protected Northwoods natural resources during the Depression. 

Escanaba Lake Loop

Maps

ICE FISHING

Ice fishing is big up here and is generally good on just about any lake.

If you're not into ice fishing, take a stroll out onto Lake Minocqua and just take a look at some of the ice fishing shanties.

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ICE SKATING
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During the winter months Torpy Park has an ice skating rink that's free to use.

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Located behind the Woodruff Town Hall is a free public ice skating rink. Twirl & skate through a winter wonderland surrounded by snow-covered pine trees. Bring your own skates and some hot cocoa for a fun family outing or a date night. The rink is also lighted at night. 

Brandy Park: In the winter, the skate park becomes a lighted ice skating rink. You can often find kids playing a pickup game of hockey.

Lakeland Hawks Ice Arena: Winter doesn't always cooperate. So if that's the case, why not skate indoors? Head to the Lakeland Hawks Ice Arena on Old Hwy 51. Check out their website for public skate times and rental options. 

DOWNHILL SKIING
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If you're like me and downhill skiing or snowboarding is more your thing than cross country skiing, Rib Mountain in Wausau is only about 1.5 hours south of the Minocqua area. 

Here's a drone view of the ski area.

And if you head north traveling about the same amount of time, there are numerous ski resorts in Michigan.

CHRISTMAS IN THE NORTHWOODS

For a change of pace consider spending Christmas in the Northwoods!

You can even cut your own Christmas tree. Simply go to the DNR and purchase a $5 permit. Details are available on the DNR website.

(This has been a tradition in my family for years.)

Need ornaments for your tree? Head over to the Christmas Chalet just off Hwy. 51 South before you get into Minocqua.

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A superb selection of ornaments, many with a Northwoods 'flavor' to them.

Then check this website for any Christmas kickoff activities scheduled in the area.

This year (2025) Community Small Shop Saturday Events include:

  • Visit Santa & Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides at Ace Hardware- Woodruff: 10 am- 1 pm

  • Cookie Decorating & local craft vendors at Northfork Fin & Filet- Arbor Vitae: 9:30- 1 pm

  • Christmas Train Village Show at the Train Station Shops- Minocqua: 10 am- 4 pm 

  • For the kids: Elf Scavenger Hunt throughout Minocqua, Woodruff,  Arbor Vitae & Hazelhurst: During Store Hours.
    Prizes awarded.

The Northwoods is a beautiful place to visit any time of year, not just the summer months. Countless people get hooked on the Northwoods as a travel destination on their first visit and many end up purchasing property up here. Plan a visit yourself and you'll see what I mean!

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