Wisconsin Northwoods Travel Guide
2020 - 2021
Thousands of lakes, sprawling forests, and small-town charm… welcome to the Northwoods of Wisconsin.
Since there isn’t an official geographic location for the Northwoods, I’ve chosen to focus this guide on three Wisconsin counties: Lincoln, Oneida, and Vilas. Most of the recommendations will be based within these counties as well as just outside their borders.
To see a complete overview of everything listed below, check out my interactive Google map of the Northwoods! You can also find the map at the very bottom of this post.
Jump to Each Section
Your go-to Wisconsin Northwoods Travel Guide.
My name is Kristen, photographer and blogger behind Miss Northerner. Similar to my Door County Travel Guide, this one features restaurants, events, outdoor adventures, etc.
I hope this guide inspires you to visit or to explore your own backyard.
Your go-to Wisconsin Northwoods Travel Guide.
My name is Kristen Carlson, photographer and blogger behind Miss Northerner. As a permanent Northwoods resident who’s constantly discovering new things up here, I wanted to put together a comprehensive guide sharing my personal recommendations for the area. Similar to my Door County Travel Guide, this one features restaurants, events, outdoor adventures, etc. I’ll be adding more to this guide over the next few months so keep an eye on it for new content!
I hope it inspires you to visit or to explore your own backyard. Welcome to the North!
Kristen
Where to Stay
Cabin Fever at Wildcat Cabins.
High Point Village | Ogema
Just outside of Lincoln County is a whimsical place featuring five chalet-style cottages. In addition to these cottages, there’s also a restaurant and coffee shop that goes by the name Hill of Beans. Read about my visit here.
White Birch Village | Star Lake
A beautiful resort located on the shores of White Birch Lake. The resort grounds are impeccably well-kept and the cabins are stunning. I stayed here last September, check out the blog post here.
Wildcat Cabins | Boulder Junction
These individually-owned cabins are cozy and well-kept. They’re set on Big Kitten Lake, just outside of Boulder Junction, and they each have their own private docks. Read about my weekend stay here.
High Point Village.
The Eagle’s Nest at White Birch Village.
More Top-Rated Recommendations
(alphabetically listed by town) boulder junction • eagle river • manitowish waters • merrill • minocqua • rhinelander • tomahawk
location | boulder junction
.
location | eagle river
.
Log Cabin on Lehto Lake (VRBO)
location | manitowish waters
.
location | merrill
.
Log Cabin on Little Arbor Vitae Lake (VRBO)
location | minocqua
.
location | rhinelander
.
location | tomahawk
location | boulder junction
.
location | eagle river
.
The Lodge at Manitowish Waters
location | manitowish waters
.
location | merrill
.
location | minocqua
.
location | rhinelander
.
location | tomahawk
location | boulder junction
.
location | eagle river
.
Log Cabin on Lehto Lake (VRBO)
location | manitowish waters
.
location | merrill
.
Log Cabin on Little Arbor Vitae Lake (VRBO)
location | minocqua
.
location | rhinelander
.
location | tomahawk
location | boulder junction
.
location | eagle river
.
The Lodge at Manitowish Waters
location | manitowish waters
.
location | merrill
.
location | minocqua
.
location | rhinelander
.
location | tomahawk
Where to Dine
The Guides Inn | Boulder Junction
One of my all-time favorite Wisconsin supper clubs, The Guides Inn is an elegant spot to dine.
Rena's Restaurant at Pitlik's | Eagle River
This is a cozy spot just outside Eagle River. Make sure to try their famous beef sandwich called The Bomber!
Aqualand Ale House | Boulder Junction
This is one of those restaurants where you know you’re always going to get a good meal in a nice atmosphere. I highly recommend trying this place!
Bitters & Bull | Lake Tomahawk
A new restaurant in the tiny town of Lake Tomahawk (not to be confused with Tomahawk). Known for their locally-sourced ingredients and old-fashioneds.
The Historic Davenport House | Rhinelander
Fine dining in an elegant and upscale setting.
Monical's Pizza | Minocqua
My favorite pizza place in the Northwoods!
Favorite Trails
Raven Trail | Minocqua
14.5 miles of trails just 10 minutes from Minocqua. Read about my hiking experience here.
Lumberjack Trail | Boulder Junction
This scenic hiking spot has 12.5 miles of trails winding through tall timbers and along the edge of the Manitowish River.
WinMan Trails | Manitowish Waters
A 1,300-acre silent
Schlect Nature Trail | Minocqua
This is a great spot right outside of Minocqua. You can go cross-country skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer and fall.
Anvil Lake Trail | Eagle River
A 6.6 mile loop, great for hiking, mountain biking, or cross-country skiing.
Annual Events in 2020
January
St. Germain Arctic Warrior | Jan 11, 2020 | St. Germain
World Championship Snowmobile Derby | Jan 17-19, 2020 | Eagle River
February
9th Annual Tara Lila Snowshoe Celebration | Feb 1, 2020 | Eagle River
15th Annual Adult Pond Hockey | Feb 7-9, 2020 | Eagle River
37th Annual Ride with the Champs | Feb 15, 2020 | St. Germain
March
Taste of Tomahawk | Mar 21, 2020 | Tomahawk
April
9th Annual Maple Syrup Fest | April 4, 2020 | Phelps
May
34th Annual Lions Club Pork Steak and Chicken Dinner | May 23, 2020 | Boulder Junction
Boat and Car Show | May 23, 2020 | Manitowish Waters
June
16th Annual Northwoods Birding Festival | June 5-6, 2020 | Manitowish Waters
24th Annual Lakesfest | June 13, 2020 | Lac du Flambeau
July
Tomahawk’s Annual Arts & Craft Show | July 3, 2020 | Tomahawk
38th Annual Bear River Pow Wow | July 10-12, 2020 | Lac du Flambeau
August
7th Annual Sayner Street Fair | Aug 3, 2020 | Sayner
64th Annual Musky Jamboree | August 7-9, 2020 | Boulder Junction
September
Fall Ride | Sep 17-20, 2020 | Tomahawk
Beef-A-Rama | Sept 26, 2020 | Minocqua
October
Cranberry Fest | Oct 3-4, 2020 | Eagle River
25th Annual Harvest Fest | Oct 10, 2020 | Boulder Junction
November
Old Fashioneds Up North | Nov 14, 2020 | Eagle River
December
New Years Eve Fireworks | Dec 31, 2020 | Woodruff
Did I Miss An Event?
Fill out the form below if there’s an annual event in the Northwoods that should be listed here!
City Guides
Northwoods Lifestyle Posts
2017 Recap!
It has been a busy year for me! Here’s a fun 2017 recap of what I got up to this past year.
6 Midwestern Things You Should Try This Winter
Why not make these cold, blustery months about coziness and adventure? Here I have six Midwestern things you should try this winter.
Interactive Google Map
Everything listed in this guide is pinned in the map below.