Get ready to play, Wisconsinites! We’re heading to Rhinelander to explore fan-favorite places to play, compete, and have some fun in the Northwoods. From trails to arenas, this small town offers countless places to get in the game and stay active year-round. Without further ado, let’s dive into the top eight of Rhinelander’s sports scene!
Hodag Sports Club
We’re starting at Hodag Sports Club, the go-to place in Rhinelander for outdoor sports enthusiasts! With hunting season upon us, this nonprofit club offers rifle, shotgun, pistol, and archery ranges so you can get some practice before heading into the woods.
Once you’re sighted in, check out the public lands open to hunters! If you’re after deer, turkey, black bear, or ruffed grouse, be sure to explore the Oneida County Forest, the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
Pioneer Park
Next up is Pioneer Park, the third must-visit place on our list! You may know the Pioneer Park Historical Complex as a place to dive into local history, but did you know it’s also right next to a place to play pickleball?
In fact, Pioneer Park is one of the most popular places to play, home to eight outdoor hard pickleball courts that have permanent lines and nets. And the best part? They’re free to use! So pack up your gear and get in the game this fall in Rhinelander!
Heal Creek Recreation Area
Trade your paddle for pedals and head to Heal Creek Recreation Area! This fan-favorite place is home to an array of outdoor activities to keep you moving this fall and winter. First, explore by mountain bike, then be sure to come back when the snow flies.
Heal Creek Recreation Area transforms into the ultimate snowy playground, offering pristine cross-country skiing trails and even more winter fun. Bringing the family? Pack the sleds and hit the sledding hill.
Cedric A. Vig Outdoor Classroom
Love the outdoors? Our next stop is the Cedric A. Vig Outdoor Classroom (CAVOC), known as “A Jewel in the Northwoods.” Spanning 160 acres, this property offers endless opportunities to play, explore, and learn through hands-on outdoor activities.
Open to the public year-round, CAVOC features an array of trails for walking, skiing, and even snowshoeing. Enjoy a crisp fall walk under the canopy or explore the snowy trails when winter arrives. There’s truly a reason to get out in every season in Rhinelander!
Hodag Dome
When the temperatures start to drop, the fun doesn’t have to stop! The Hodag Dome in Rhinelander is the largest air-supported high school dome in the country, with over 128,000 square feet of climate-controlled, indoor space to stay active no matter the weather.
From football and soccer to softball and baseball, the dome is the go-to place to play indoors. If you’re looking for a more relaxed way to get moving, check out the community walking area or take a few laps around the track.
YMCA of the Northwoods
Next on our list is the YMCA of the Northwoods, another great place to play in Rhinelander! With health and fitness opportunities for all ages, this is a place for kids and adults alike to get moving and have some fun.
Feeling competitive or just playing for fun? Join a sports league! Up for a fitness class? Sign up for one of the many options! And for the kiddos, there are countless lessons and camps to choose from, too.
Rhinelander Ice Arena
If you love hockey or figure skating, we have just the place for you to hit the ice! Welcome to the Rhinelander Ice Arena, a staple in the local sports scene, run by the non-profit, all-volunteer Rhinelander Ice Association.
The Rhinelander Ice Association strives to give kids the chance to build skills, make friends, and have some fun while they’re at it. Want to lace up your skates, too? The Rhinelander Ice Area also hosts open skate times, so anyone can come and get in on the fun!
Northwood Golf Club
Come back in spring to keep the competition rolling at Northwood Golf Club, a stunning 18-hole municipal golf course that welcomes locals and visitors alike to play a round! Carved by ancient rock and timber in Rhinelander, this course is truly breathtaking—especially during fall.
After hitting the links, head to the clubhouse for a bite to eat or a drink at the amazing Bar & Grill. Before you go, check the club’s schedule to see what’s happening throughout the season. Then, grab your clubs and enjoy an incredible spring day at Northwood!
Hodag BMX
Springtime also brings two-wheeled excitement and family fun to Rhinelander’s sports scene. Check out a local nonprofit club in Rhinelander—Hodag BMX. This club offers the greater Northwoods community amazing youth BMX programs and USABMX-sanctioned races.
Up for a challenge? Hodag BMX holds local races on Friday nights from April through October. If you’re just looking to ride, the track is open to the public during normal park hours, weather and track conditions permitting.
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Ready to get out and play? From a morning on the trails to an afternoon on the ice, there are endless ways to stay active in Rhinelander this fall and winter. Come explore these fan-favorite places to play—and discover even more fun in Hodag Country!
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Hailey Marien: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.
