From breweries and wineries to family-friendly zoos and zip lines, Oneida County offers something for everyone in the summer. Here’s a look at a few attractions you shouldn’t miss on your summer getaway to northern Wisconsin.
Breweries, distilleries, and wineries
Raise a glass to the Northwoods at one of Oneida County’s breweries, wineries, or distilleries. Minocqua’s Northern Waters Distillery crafts whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, and moonshine that you can sample in specialty cocktails on site or at home by grabbing a bottle to go. Catalyst Wine in downtown Rhinelander offers a wide selection of wines, as well as delicious menu items like bruschetta, fondue, and build-your-own charcuterie plates.
Beer lovers are in luck in northern Wisconsin, too. Rhinelander Brewing Company originated the iconic “Rhinelander shorty” bottles and has its own taproom shop in downtown Rhinelander with 10 rotating brews on tap, as well as to-go beer and Rhinelander Brewing Company merchandise for sale. Rocky Reef Brewing Company in Woodruff has a nice outdoor patio where you can sit outside and enjoy favorites like their Musky Bite IPA.
Museums & historical attractions
If you’re interested in history, you can learn about the people and events that shaped northern Wisconsin at Oneida County’s historical sites and museums. Rhinelander’s Pioneer Park Historical Complex is home to a logging museum, a historical train, a Civilian Conservation Corps museum—and plenty of Hodag re-creations. The Mecikalski Stovewood Museum east of Pelican Lake is a National Historic Site that preserves a unique style of construction in a turn-of-the-century general store.
Tomahawk’s Log Cabin Museum was built in 1927 and tells the story of the area, including exhibits on logging, farming, and Tomahawk’s railroad history.
Unique outdoor attractions
What’s a summertime trip to the Northwoods without spending some time outside? Thankfully, you can find lots of fun things to do while enjoying the season in Oneida County. Enjoy aquatic accomplishments at water ski shows throughout the area—don’t miss the Three Lakes Aqua Devils, Min-Aqua Bats, or the Hodag Water Shows all summer long.
Northwoods Zip Line in Minocqua is home to Wisconsin’s largest zip line canopy, a unique aerial trekking tour, and plenty of adventure opportunities for visitors of almost any age. Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo & Safari, also in Minocqua, is home to more than 1,700 animals, from giraffes and zebras to African penguins and snow leopards.
Find more Oneida County attractions here.
