Oneida County’s friendly communities offer everything a visitor to the Northwoods of Wisconsin could want, from exciting outdoor recreation to great places to stay. Here’s a closer look at Lake Tomahawk, which is home to outstanding recreational opportunities, great places to stay, and a fun summer sport you’ve probably never seen before.
Learn more about Lake Tomahawk here.
Outdoor recreation
The massive Rainbow Flowage—a 3,100-acre lake that’s an impoundment of the Wisconsin River—is one of the area’s most impressive natural attractions and a top destination for anglers, boaters, and paddlers. (Canoers and kayakers can also use the flowage as a starting point for more adventures on the Wisconsin River.) The Rainbow Flowage is home to northern pike, walleye, panfish, musky, and bass. Other popular lakes in the area include Tomahawk Lake (3,462 acres) and Two Sisters Lake (719 acres).
The community of Lake Tomahawk is surrounded by the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, which offers great opportunities for camping, paddling, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The McNaughton Trail, located just south of Lake Tomahawk, is open to hikers, bikers, and cross-country skiers and offers nice views of McNaughton Lake, Hawk Lake, and Helen Lake.
The fun doesn’t stop in winter, either. The New-Tom Sno-Fleas Snowmobile Club oversees more than 125 miles of excellent snowmobile trails in the area, and Lake Tomahawk’s routes connect with hundreds of miles of additional trails in the surrounding communities of Minocqua, Rhinelander, and Tomahawk. Great cross-country skiing is available on local trails, including the Raven Nature Trail and the Madeline Trail.
Events
Lake Tomahawk is home to a one-of-a-kind sporting event that attracts big crowds every summer—this Oneida County town is known as the “World Capital of Snowshoe Baseball.” What is snowshoe baseball? Well, it’s a unique sport that’s essentially a game of softball but played on a sawdust-covered field while wearing snowshoes. It’s been a tradition in Lake Tomahawk since 1961, and games are played every Monday night from June through August.
Shopping & Dining
If you’re looking for a hearty meal after a day of adventures in Lake Tomahawk, you’re in luck. The Shamrock Pub-n-Eatery serves upscale pub-style food like flatbreads, lettuce wraps, Turkish kabobs, and more—and don’t miss the popular pressure-fried chicken. Lizzy T’s Tamarack Tap offers indoor and outdoor seating where diners can enjoy homemade brick-fired pizzas, burgers, and more.
If you’re staying at a resort or other lodging property where you can whip up your own meals, stop by the Lake Tomahawk Meat Market, a popular shop that carries a wide variety of brats, steaks, chops, and much more.
Find more Lake Tomahawk restaurants & shopping options here.
Places to stay
Lake Tomahawk is home to a wide array of classic Northwoods getaway options, from cottages and cabins to resorts and RV parks, many of which sit on the shores of local lakes and offer outstanding views of the surrounding scenery.
Find places to stay in Lake Tomahawk here.
