6 Places to Get Lost in Wisconsin’s Northwoods

Kortnee Hass

December 22, 2020

Ahhhh Wisconsin’s Northwoods! Spacious, secluded and stunning. It’s a place where distance comes naturally, where every season brings an array of new adventures and colors to explore. Whether it’s a quick stop, a weekend getaway, or a full vacation destination, our Discover Wisconsin crew picked a few of our favorite places and ways to get lost in Wisconsin’s Northwoods for you to explore all year-round.

Photo Credit: @smmichiels via Instagram // Spread Eagle, WI

Three Lakes

Three Lakes, located in Oneida County, features beautiful trails for biking and hiking plus plenty of lakes for everyone’s favorite water sports during warm Wisconsin summers. With room for mountain bikers, and hills for hikers, Three Eagle Trail is the perfect route for some fresh air and exercise all year-round.

Presque Isle

Photo Credit: @rachel_kuzicki via Instagram

Located in Vilas County, and surrounded by over 1000 lakes and 70 rivers, fishing, sightseeing, and relaxing are some great ways to utilize your time in Presque Isle. There is plenty of water to fish and dive into within this secluded tip of Wisconsin.

Minocqua 

Mariah Haberman in Minocqua via Discover Wisconsin

Minocqua, located in Oneida County, offers outdoor enthusiasts great options for both land and on-the-water activities. For hiking and biking, the Hiawatha-Bearskin trail has both short and long options. With its beautiful scenery along every stretch of the trail, you are sure to enjoy your surroundings at every step. For those who prefer adventures on water. Minocqua is home to the Minocqua Chain of Lakes connecting Lake Kawaguesaga to Little Tomahawk Lake. With a total of 6 lakes and approximately 15 miles of waterfront, there’s plenty of room to canoe, swim, or go out for some fishing. And we know the fish bite here! For more on Minocqua, watch our latest Minocqua episode.

Arbor Vitae

Arbor Vitae, Minocqua and Woodruff are all neighboring towns near many of the Vilas and Oneida County lakes. This area is tucked away from downtown with available hotels, campgrounds, and cabins for a nice, secluded trip. There are extensive trails for bicyclists, hikers, and snowmobilers, so no matter what time of year you are in Arbor Vitae, there are always outdoor activities to take advantage of!

Woodruff

Woodruff is fishing central of the Northwoods. The town is surrounded by lakes where you can motor out to the open water and catch yourself some impressive Muskies and Northerns! If casting a line isn’t your thing, you can visit the Woodruff Fish Hatchery and see them without the catch and release.

Antigo & Langlade County

Langlade County has gorgeous wildlife and deep woods to get lost in, whether you’re on ATV, boat, or in a hunter’s tree stand. Hiking and bike trails flow throughout Langlade Co, as does the Wolf River where many canoe and kayak down for its impeccable scenery. Augustyn Spring Trails has over 16 miles of pristine trails through Wisconsin’s Hardwoods. The County Forest Crop Program and other designated state land allows for hunters of small and big game to sport through the Langlade woods. For more on Langlade County, watch or read our latest posts on Langlade County.


Other ways to enjoy the great Northwoods include finding the majestic waterfalls throughout the thick of the woods, boating through the narrow channels and spacious lakes of the stunning Vilas County Chain of Lakes, and enjoying the peace and quiet in the wonders of Wisconsin Nature through meditation. Soak in the sounds and scenery around you where distance comes naturally in the Northwoods.
What’s your favorite way to get lost in the Northwoods? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to tag your snapshots on social: #discoverwisconsin.

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