Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are two great ways to experience the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin—and they’re also great ways to work up an appetite. Here’s a look at some ideal pairings of trails and tasty nearby restaurants to help you plan your next Oneida County adventure. (And if you want to skip the skiing part and just focus on the snacking, that’s fine with us, too.)
Before you head out, be sure to check the latest Oneida County snow report.
Reminder: Local and state safety regulations may lead to reduced hours or changes in operations at restaurants and other businesses. Please contact specific businesses for more information.
Three Eagle Trail – Black Forest Pub & Grille
The Three Eagle Trail runs for nearly 12 miles from Three Lakes in Oneida County to Eagle River in Vilas County to the north, and the trail’s northern section—a 5-mile stretch from Sundstein Road to Highway 32/45 near Clearwater Lake—is groomed for cross-country skiing in the winter. The trail includes a classic ski track as well as a “skate” lane and winds through beautiful Northwoods scenery, including a bridge over Mud Creek. When you’ve reached the end of your adventure on the Three Eagle Trail, head into downtown Three Lakes to visit the Black Forest Pub & Grille, which has been serving locals and visitors for more than 80 years. Whether you’re looking for authentic German dishes or lighter fare, you’re sure to find something tasty at the Black Forest Pub.
Minocqua Winter Park – Otto’s Beer & Brat Garden
Minocqua Winter Park (located about a 20-minute drive from downtown Minocqua) is a sprawling complex that offers great options for outdoor recreation, including an exciting tubing hill, 10 miles of snowshoe trails, fatbike trails and an ice skating rink. But the real star is the more than 50 miles of impeccably groomed cross-country ski trails that wind through and around the forested 6,500-acre site. There are lots of trails to choose from, including easy routes like the X-C Express or challenging courses like the 5-mile-long Nutcracker. All that work can make you hungry (and thirsty, so check out another Minocqua favorite, Otto’s Beer & Brat Garden, a European-style restaurant that offers Sheboygan bratwurst, 11 beers on tap and more.
Raven Nature Trail – Shamrock Pub n’ Eatery
Enjoy beautiful Northwoods scenery as you explore more than 14 miles of trails at the Raven Trail System east of Minocqua. The natural site is part of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest around Clear Lake and Inkpot Lake, offering several loops from 1.4 to 5.6 miles for cross-country skiers and a 6.8-mile loop for snowshoers. (Note that a state trail pass is required for cross-country skiing.) When you’re done exploring the trail system, take a short 5-minute drive down Highway 45 to find Shamrock Pub n’ Eatery in the heart of Lake Tomahawk. It’s a great place to warm up and grab a bite—don’t miss popular dishes like pressure-fried chicken, flatbreads, lettuce wraps, prime rib and Turkish kabobs.
See more Oneida County restaurants—filterable by location, type of cuisine and amenities—here.
You’re gonna need a place to rest and relax when you’re done skiing and snacking, so be sure to browse our sortable listing of lodging properties, too.
