Things to Do — Minocqua, Eagle River & the Northwoods
Adventures, attractions, and experiences across the region
Art Oehmcke State Fish Hatchery
woodruffOne of the oldest and largest fish hatcheries in Wisconsin, raising millions of musky, walleye, and trout fingerlings each year. Self-guided tours let you see the rearing ponds and learn about Wisconsin's legendary fishery management program.
Big Arbor Vitae Lake
arbor-vitaeOne of the largest lakes in Vilas County at over 1,000 acres with excellent musky and walleye fishing, plus great swimming and boating. Multiple public access points and surrounded by Northwoods forest.
Bo-Boen Snowmobile Trail
st-germainPart of a vast interconnected snowmobile trail network centered on St. Germain, one of the snowmobile capitals of the Northwoods. Hundreds of miles of groomed trails connect St. Germain to Eagle River, Minocqua, and beyond through beautiful winter forest.
Copper Peak Adventure Ride
ironwoodThe Western Hemisphere's largest ski jump, now converted into an adventure complex with an 800-foot chairlift ride, 18-story elevator, and jaw-dropping views from the top of the jump tower. On a clear day you can see Lake Superior and three states.
Eagle River Chain of Lakes Boat Tour
eagle-riverExplore the world's largest freshwater chain of 28 interconnected lakes by guided pontoon tour. Multiple operators offer scenic nature cruises and sunset tours.
Eagle River Ice Castle
eagle-riverA 20-foot-tall castle built from nearly 3,000 ice blocks harvested from Silver Lake, a Northwoods tradition since 1933 and a must-see winter landmark.
Forest County Potawatomi Cultural Center & Museum
crandonCultural center and museum operated by the Forest County Potawatomi Community near Crandon. Exhibits on Potawatomi history, traditions, and contemporary life. A respectful and informative introduction to the region's Native American heritage.
George W. Brown Jr. Ojibwe Museum & Cultural Center
lac-du-flambeauOne of the most complete collections of Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe history, featuring a 24-foot dugout canoe, traditional arts and crafts, a French fur trading post replica, and a world-record sturgeon.
Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail
boulder-junctionA scenic 52-mile paved bike trail connecting St. Germain, Sayner, Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, and Mercer through the Northern Highland State Forest.
Jack Lake County Park
antigoQuiet county park on Jack Lake in Langlade County with a sandy swimming beach, picnic areas, and a boat launch. A favorite local spot for swimming, fishing, and a lazy afternoon on the water.
Lac Vieux Desert
land-o-lakesLarge clear lake straddling the Wisconsin-Michigan border near Land O'Lakes. Headwaters of the Wisconsin River and renowned for excellent walleye, musky, and bass fishing. Quiet and scenic with limited development.
Min-Aqua Bats Water Ski Show
minocquaThe Min-Aqua Bats Waterski Club originated in 1950 when a group of local young people waterskiing Sunday afternoons on Lake Minocqua noticed they'd drawn an audience — and decided to put together a show. The doubles and trio acts that are now standard at nearly every amateur and professional waterski show in the country? Those originated here in the 1950s. Today the Bats are one of the oldest waterski show teams in the United States, performing free shows every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 7 PM during the summer season — June 10 opens the 2026 schedule.
Mole Lake / Sokaogon Chippewa Wild Rice
crandonMole Lake near Crandon is home to the Sokaogon Chippewa Community and one of the last naturally occurring wild rice beds in Wisconsin. The lake and surrounding area offer quiet paddling through wild rice stands — a uniquely Northwoods experience.
North Lakeland Discovery Center
manitowish-watersYear-round nature center on 66 acres along Statehouse Lake, offering 12 miles of trails, interactive exhibits with live animals, interpretive gardens, and a bog boardwalk in the Northern Highland State Forest.
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest
boulder-junctionOver 236,000 acres of public forest with the highest concentration of lakes in Wisconsin, 90 miles of trails, 18 campgrounds, and 131 remote campsites.
Northwoods Childrens Museum
eagle-riverThe only children's museum in an 80-mile radius, featuring 26 interactive exhibits including a miniature town, nature area, art studio, and music room for hands-on learning.
Ottawa National Forest Waterfalls
ironwoodThe Ottawa National Forest near Ironwood contains over a dozen waterfalls, from easy roadside stops to backcountry hikes. Agate Falls, Bond Falls, and Gorge Falls are the most accessible and dramatic — especially during spring runoff.
Pioneer Park Historical Complex
rhinelanderHome to the oldest logging museum in the country (founded 1932), plus railroad, schoolhouse, and CCC museums -- and the legendary Hodag exhibit.
Pirates Hideaway
eagle-riverPirate ship cruises on the world's largest inland chain of freshwater lakes, plus a lakeside tiki bar, woodfired pizza, ice cream shop, and live entertainment.
Razorback Ridges Mountain Bike Trail
woodruffPurpose-built mountain bike trail system in the Woodruff area with flowing singletrack through Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. Multiple loops from beginner-friendly to technical, with excellent fall color riding.
St. Germain ATV/UTV Trails
st-germainExtensive ATV and UTV trail system radiating from St. Germain through Vilas and Oneida county forests. Connected to a regional network of hundreds of miles of trails through beautiful Northwoods terrain. St. Germain is a hub for off-road riding.
The Glide at Boulder Junction Winter Park
boulder-junctionA mile-long ice skating ribbon circling Boulder Junction Winter Park, offering a unique Northwoods winter experience beyond the typical rink.
Three Lakes Chain of Lakes Paddling
three-lakesThe Three Lakes Chain is the world's largest chain of inland freshwater lakes — 28 lakes connected by navigable waterways. Outstanding paddling through diverse scenery from wide-open water to narrow channels lined with towering pines.