Ten of Our Favorite Things To Do in Waushara County

Discover Wisconsin

April 5, 2019

What do you think of when you hear the phrase ‘up north’? If images of campfires, towering pine trees, or a cabin on a lake come to mind, you’re not alone. Going up north is one of the most quintessential Wisconsin experiences, and in beautiful Waushara County, you can enjoy all the traditions of ‘up north’ right in central Wisconsin!

  • Lakes – There are nearly 100 lakes in Waushara County alone, which means whether you like to ski, tube, pontoon, kayak, swim, fish or just float, there are plenty of places to do so. A good number of Waushara County’s lakes have public boat launches, so you can easily spend a day out on the lake, or rent a cabin to enjoy a relaxing weekend on the water.
  • Wild Rose State Fish Hatchery – The lakes in this area are great for fishing, but Waushara County actually plays a huge role in fishing all across Wisconsin thanks to the Wild Rose State Fish Hatchery, which raises a wide variety of fish species for Lake Michigan as well as inland lakes and rivers. Take a tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at the hatchery or pop in to the visitor’s center to learn more about Wisconsin’s native fish populations.
  • Golf – Waushara County is home to two pristine golf courses: Two Oaks North Golf Club and Waushara Country Club. Both offer challenging courses in a beautiful setting and are open to the public.
  • Hunting – Grab your camo or blaze orange! With 20,000 acres of public hunting land available, Waushara County is a premier hunting destination. Turkey hunting is especially popular in the spring, with hunters capitalizing on the abundance of birds and generally less crowded hunting areas.
  • Silvercryst – One of Waushara County’s most beloved institutions, Silvercryst Resort & Motel is best known for its great steaks and great views. Sip an Old Fashioned out on the patio overlooking Big Silver Lake while waiting for a table, or let the kids go for a swim off the pier. You can even book a room at the on-site motel and make it a weekend (or weeklong!) trip.
  • Biking – Waushara County is home to three official Rustic Roads (R48, R102, and R117), and the best way to take in the scenery, especially in the fall, is on two wheels. Be prepared for a few hills, but most bikers should find these routes to be an easy-going and beautiful ride.
  • Wild Rose Car Show – Mustangs, Corvettes and Bel Airs galore! Every September, this car show brings hundreds of classic cars to the tiny town of Wild Rose. With awards given out in more than 25 classes, there’s always plenty to see!
  • Flyte’s Fieldstones – Cruise down Highway 21 in Coloma, you’ll stumble upon Flyte’s Fieldstones. This beloved family farm has plenty of fall activities to keep kids and adults busy, including a petting zoo, corn pit and even a pumpkin launcher. But the biggest draw has to be the 10-acre corn maze…or maybe the apple cider doughnuts, which are to die for!
  • Ice Age Trail – The Waushara County Chapter of the Ice Age Alliance maintains 23 miles of the trail, which is open for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Every February, luminaries light up the trail during the Sweet Heart Hike, which also includes music, food and bonfires at Caribou Bay Retreat.
  • Nordic Mountain – The ultimate destination for winter fun in Waushara County, Nordic Mountain has 18 ski runs, three terrain parks and a 1,200-foot long tubing hill. The beginner’s area is great for little ones, and a cozy chalet awaits after a long day on the slopes.


Jennifer Ingish is a producer of Discover Wisconsin. Watch the show on Fox Sports Wisconsin every Saturday at 10am or on Roku, Chromecast, Smart TV, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV.

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