Oneida County is a land of lakes—it’s home to more than 1,100 of them, from postage-stamp-sized ponds to sprawling reservoirs—so it’s easy to find a scenic, serene place to stay on your next getaway to the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Use our searchable listings to find lodging properties by amenities, from easy lake access to pet-friendly cabins.

I’m looking for…

…a lunchtime lakeside cookout

If you’re staying in Oneida County, there are several lakeside resorts and lodges that offer places to grill and scenic picnic spots, including Bay Pines Cottages in Three Lakes, Three G’s Resort in Rhinelander, Tomahawk Resort on Lake Alice and Jung’s Birch Lake Cottages in Minocqua. There are also lots of lakeside parks in Oneida County where you can cook up burgers, brats or anything else you want. Head to Hodag Park on the banks of the Wisconsin River in Rhinelander, Minocqua’s Torpy Park (on Lake Minocqua) and Bradley Park on Lake Mohawksin in Tomahawk.

 

…lazy afternoon shore fishing

Fishing is a great way to spend an afternoon in Oneida County, and you don’t even need a boat to cast a line—there are plenty of shore fishing opportunities to be found.  As you head into the “island city” of Minocqua on Highway 51, you’ll find a fishing pier on the shore of Lake Minocqua off Park Street. The pier has benches and seats for anglers, restrooms and picnic area. The lake is home musky, walleye and panfish. A short drive away on Carrol Lake on the Oneida/Vilas County border is another fishing pier; to get there, head to the Carrol Lake Campground (on the southern edge of the lake), which is home to 19 campsites, a picnic area, parking and a boat landing. The fishing pier is ADA accessible, and anglers can cast for musky, walleye, bass and panfish on Carrol Lake. Many lakeside lodging properties offer great spots to cast for keepers, and some even have boat rentals.

…sunset & drinks

Raise a glass to a beautiful Northwoods sunset when you’re in Oneida County. There are several bars and restaurants with outdoor decks and patios that are wonderful in warm weather, but there’s something special about being outside when the sun’s setting over the Northwoods. Outboards Bar & Grill in Tomahawk, located on the Wisconsin River, has a picturesque outdoor dining area and deck; don’t miss the Friday fish fry or the Wisconsin breakfast burger. Bonnie’s Lakeside in Three Lakes sits on the shores of Spirit Lake and is home to one of area’s best Bloody Marys and a great outdoor patio where you can enjoy a tasty meal and a beautiful view. See a searchable list of Oneida County restaurants here.

…stargazing on a summer night

Here’s a great way to end a day in the Northwoods: setting up a blanket or a beach chair outside your cabin and gazing up at the stars. In Oneida County, you don’t have to worry about light pollution from nearby cities—depending on where you stay, you can be far away from signs and streetlights, giving you an unblemished view of the night sky. Secluded spots include Blue Lake Resort, a short drive from the heart of Minocqua on the shores of aptly named Blue Lake, and Your Great Escape, a three-bedroom rental tucked on the western shore of Big Fork Lake. In Rhinelander, get away from it all at Conro’s Resort on Moen Lake, or enjoy the sights at Somo View Resort in Tomahawk.

Reminder: Local and state safety regulations may lead to reduced hours or changes in operations at lodging properties and other businesses. Please contact specific businesses for more information.

See a searchable list of Oneida County lodging properties here.