Wisconsin’s Northwoods
Whether it is spring, summer, fall, or winter, the Northwoods of Wisconsin has something for everyone. If you like to fish or just to go boating it is available. Fall and winter offer a number of activities from the many festivals and fairs to skiing and snowmobiling. Do you like to camp or hunt? Camping is plentiful and so is the game; deer, birds and even bear!
The many lakes and rivers offer fishing at its best or boating for all sizes of vessels. If you want to be on the big water, just mosey on up to Lake Superior.
The big boats have no trouble out there and the fishing is fine. The smaller waterways offer outstanding fishing as well with guided tours if you wish, by knowledgeable fishermen who know where all the best fishing hot spots are. In the dead of winter you can bring an auger and your winter gear. People drive right out on the lakes with fishing shanties or huts and catch their limit. Don’t forget to bundle up though; it gets quite cold, although from what I understand one barely feels it when the fish are keeping you busy!
There are several hundred miles of snowmobiling trails that even when Mother Nature is being a bit on the ornery side and won’t give us the snow we would like, have many miles available for using your ATV instead. Trails for the ATV enthusiast are open all year long. Don’t worry about going hungry on the trail snowmobiling. There are plenty of restaurants and convenience stores open to help you warm you toes and your tummies. You can even gas up while you’re there. The friendly wait staff and clerks are always glad to see you. Hardly a weekend goes by that a snowmobile club, church group, or fire department isn’t hosting a pancake breakfast or a chili supper for the snowmobile riders or hunters. There is always plenty so you won’t go away hungry, and you can’t beat the camaraderie with the local folks.
If you just like to do a driving tour, the Northwoods of Wisconsin has some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. Beautiful lake front log homes, forest land, lakes, and even the fall foliage is a sight to see. Motorcycle clubs and enthusiasts, and bicycle rallies come through the area every year as well as antique car shows. Now that is a sight you don’t want to miss.
Don’t forget to stop at the local antique and rustic furniture stores, even it is just look around; I’ll bet you leave with at least one item though. Your reaction will probably be something like, “Oh my gosh! Look at this!”
Other interesting activities include hiking at the public access areas on rivers and nature trails. Hillcrest Paintball between Catawba and Kennan in Price County has several tournaments every year with camping on site for paintball enthusiasts. But if you would prefer to take in a museum or two there are several historical society museums, small wildlife museums, and even a Concrete Park in Phillips (Price County). It isn’t your run of the mill park. There are statues and sculptures made of concrete and all sorts of odd things you wouldn’t expect to find in concrete that depicts the history of the area.
There are several hotels, rustic themed as well as modern, if you decide to stay a while. Maybe you like to visit the casinos. Up near Lake Superior fine dining, as well as theatrical performances, both inside and out, are near the casinos. My parents visited one near Bayfield and they had an excellent time. There are plenty of rooms available in the hotels, so plan to stay try your luck.
The next time you’re in Wisconsin, give the Northwoods a visit. You’ll be glad you did.
