Things to Do — Minocqua, Eagle River & the Northwoods
Adventures, attractions, and experiences across the region
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Turtle River Falls & Dam
mercerScenic waterfall and historic dam site on the Turtle River near Mercer. A short walk from the road leads to the falls — a peaceful spot for photos and a quick nature break. Especially beautiful after spring rains.
Wolf River Dells
antigoStunning granite rock formations along the Wolf River near Hollister in Langlade County. A short trail leads to dramatic narrows where the river squeezes through ancient rock walls — one of the most photogenic spots in the Northwoods.