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 the Minocqua Area, which includes the communities of Minocqua, Hazelhurst, Arbor Vitae, and Woodruff and is home to a stunning chain of lakes, unique attractions, tasty restaurants, and great places to stay.
Learn more about the Minocqua Area here.
Outdoor recreation
Minocqua, Arbor Vitae, Woodruff, and Hazelhurst sit in the heart of northern Wisconsin’s Lake County, which boasts thousands of lakes and countless rivers and streams, making it the perfect place to get out on the water. Lake Minocqua (1,300 acres) is a popular spot for boating and fishing; there is also a beach at Torpy Park in downtown Minocqua. The Minocqua Chain of Lakes includes 7 lakes that boast nearly 6,000 acres of water and more than 15 miles of shoreline. It’s a great destination for fishing, paddling, boating, and other aquatic adventures. (Public boat landings for the chain of lakes are available on Kawaguesaga Lake, Lake Minocqua, and Tomahawk Lake.)
One of northern Wisconsin’s most iconic trails, the Bearskin State Trail covers more than 20 miles between Minocqua and Tomahawk to the south and is a popular spot for biking, hiking, and walking. Other popular hiking and biking routes include the Madeline Lake Trail, the Schlecht Lake Trail, and the Yawkey Forest Reserve. In winter, Minocqua and the surrounding area are home to more than 1,700 miles of snowmobile trails and great places for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing like Minocqua Winter Park and the Raven Trail.
Events
The Minocqua Area is home to lots of popular events throughout the year, from art shows to an annual celebration of all things beef. In February, the American Pond Hockey Tournament welcomes teams from across the Midwest to compete outdoors on the area’s frozen lakes. Fun summer events include Minocqua’s 4th of July Celebration, the Woodruff Fire Department Pig Roast in July, and Arbor Vitae Fireman’s Summerfest in August. On the last Saturday in September, Minocqua shuts down Main Street for Beef-A-Rama™, a one-of-a-kind celebration that features a beef cookoff, kids’ activities, a craft show, and live entertainment.
Find more Minocqua Area events here.
Shopping & Dining
Minocqua’s retailers offer everything a Northwoods vacationer needs, from outdoors gear and essentials for a week at the cabin to home décor and fashionable clothing for all seasons. Coontail is a great place to go for rentals and outdoor equipment, Glik’s sells men’s and women’s fashions, and the Gaslight Square Shoppes offer a wide range of stores to explore.
Find more Minocqua Area shopping options here.
Visitors to the Minocqua Area will find a wide variety of great places to eat, from lakeside bars to classic supper clubs to family friendly options. Popular spots include Norwood Pines Supper Club, Otto’s Beer & Brat Garden, Slo’s Pub, and The Thirsty Whale.
Find more Minocqua Area restaurants here.
Places to stay
It’s easy to find the perfect Northwoods getaway in and around Minocqua—the area is home to classic Northwoods resorts, cozy cabins and cottages, hotels with all the modern amenities, beautiful campgrounds, and welcoming vacation homes.
Find places to stay in Minocqua, Arbor Vitae, Woodruff, and Hazelhurst here.
