Planning a Northwoods getaway but don’t have time to see everything? Here are a couple ideas for a quick getaway to Oneida County this summer, whether you want to trek the tree-lined trails or cast for trophy fish in northern Wisconsin’s lakes.
For trail lovers
Looking for a scenic stroll through the woods or some challenging single-track to conquer on your mountain bike? Wherever you go in Oneida County, you’re sure to find a trail that fits the bill. Here are a few ideas for a trail trip to Rhinelander and Three Lakes.
Day 1
Arrive in Rhinelander or Three Lakes and check into one of the area’s welcoming lodging properties—many resorts, cabins, cottages, and hotels have easy access to scenic trails and other outdoor attractions. Click here to see Oneida County lodging options (you can filter by location, type of lodging, and more).
If you want to get out on the trails right away, a short but scenic trail can be found just off Boyce Drive near the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce. The Holmboe Nature Preserve contains a roughly one-mile trail that passes through a section of old-growth forest along the Pelican River. In Three Lakes, the Sam Campbell Memorial Trail offers two miles of hiking through pines, balsam, and hardwoods.
Day 2
Get up early and get ready for an adventure on the trails. Fuel up for your day of exploration at Tilly’s in Rhinelander or Fika Bakery & Coffee in Three Lakes to enjoy fresh coffee and breakfast favorites.
Hikers: Head to Almon County Park south of Rhinelander to find more than 2 miles of trails that will take you through uplands and wetlands on the shores of Buck Lake. Mountain bikers will find good riding at the Washburn Lake Trail about 8 miles west of Rhinelander—there are more than 10 miles of mountain bike trails to explore, including six miles of challenging single-track for experienced riders.
Three Lakes visitors shouldn’t miss the Three Eagle Trail, which connects to Eagle River in Vilas County more than a dozen miles to the north via two separate segments. The trail, which has a crushed limestone surface suitable for all uses, starts at Don Burnside Park in Three Lakes and is open to hikers and bikers in the summer.
After you’re done traversing the trails, relax and refresh with a cold drink on the outdoor patio at local watering holes like Backwaters Bar & Grill in Rhinelander or Pike’s Pine Isle Lodge in Three Lakes.
For anglers
Oneida County is home to one of the largest collections of freshwater lakes on earth, so it’s no surprise that it attracts anglers from across the state and the region in search of trophy fish. Here are some suggestions on where to go in Tomahawk and the Minocqua Area.
Day 1
Two great spots for fishing are the Minocqua Area on the northern border of Oneida County and Tomahawk near the southern border of Oneida County. Both locations are filled with welcoming resorts, lakeside lodges, hotels, and other places to stay that are the perfect spot for launching your angling adventure.
In fact, both Minocqua and Tomahawk are home to great shore fishing spots in the heart of their downtowns. Head to Bradley Park, located on the shores of Lake Mohawksin in Tomahawk, and you’ll find a boat ramp where you can cast from shore as well as a children’s fishing area. In Minocqua, Torpy Park on Lake Minocqua is home to a public fishing pier where you can try to lure in walleye, bass, panfish, and musky.
Day 2
Grab a bite to eat and get out on the lakes! What’s Brewin’ Coffee Shoppe in downtown Tomahawk serves up coffee, breakfast, and lunch, and Great Northern Coffee Traders in downtown Minocqua is open year-round and features organic coffee, bakery items, and more.
Anglers shouldn’t miss the world-famous Minocqua Chain of Lakes, which includes Mud Lake, Minocqua Lake, Kawaguesaga Lake, Little Tomahawk Lake, and Tomahawk Lake. Tomahawk Lake is big—more than 3,000 acres—and offers easy access via three public boat landings and outstanding fishing for musky, panfish, smallmouth bass, and walleye.
The Spirit River Flowage is a 1,200-acre body of water west of Tomahawk that can be accessed via four public boat landings and is home to a healthy population of panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, and walleye. Other popular fishing destinations in Tomahawk include the Wisconsin River, the Tomahawk River, and Lake Nokomis.
Learn more about fishing in Oneida County here.
