Tomahawk: The Gateway to the Northwoods

Looking for the ultimate year-round Northwoods getaway? Tomahawk is the place for you! There are all sorts of outdoor activities on water and land. Tomahawk also creates fantastic foods and specialty meals with some local Northwoods flavor! And it doesn’t stop there. There is also an abundance of events happening all year round. Keep on reading and find all kinds of fun in the gateway to the Northwoods! 

Things to Do

Photo Credit: @tomahawk_wisconsin via Instagram

Up for some water-filled fun? Tomahawk has got you covered! Plan your next getaway in the summertime and explore thousands of acres of water through a variety of activities from boating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing! One lake you need to check out is Lake Mohawksin where you can cruise along 40 miles of scenic shoreline on the vessel of your choosing. If you’re just looking to swim, head to Otter Lake Recreation Area to the south shore beach. Or, take a cast into these waters for some fun fishing and even enter a fishing tournament for a variety of species. Species include walleye, musky, northern pike, bass and panfish. Check out more trophy-holding lakes and flowages here. 

But there’s more than just water-filled fun in Tomahawk! There are plenty of activities by land including biking, hiking, and ATV or UTV routes and trails all throughout the area. These trails are especially beautiful as the fall leaves begin to turn colors. Biking and hiking trails that showcase the spectacular fall colors all season long include Bearskin State Trail, built on a railroad corridor following through prime Northwoods beauty, and Bradley Park highlighting natural water vistas. 

Ready to speed up? Hit the gas on the ATV and UTV trail systems in Tomahawk and click here to find out the details from maps to trail conditions. As the temperature cools off and the snow begins to fall, there’s still so much in store from snowmobiling to ice fishing! Tomahawk takes pride in their snowmobile trail system, maintaining 275 miles of trails. In fact, in 2019, Tomahawk was named to be a “Snowmobile-Friendly Community.” For a scenic trail of Tomahawk’s winter wonderland, try out Hiawatha Trail, built on an old railroad bed looping through the forests and past pristine lakes. There are so many more so be sure to choose your snowmobile trail here as well as read the trail reports to stay in the loop!

Places to Eat

After a long day of adventuring in any season, the local restaurants and quaint shops have you covered with the best fresh foods whether you’re coming from the water, woods or downtown! Tomahawk truly has it all when it comes to dining from full service restaurants and bars to supper clubs and the cutest coffee shops. 

If you’re traveling by water, Happy Snapper Bar & Grill is a must-stop dining destination! It is accessible by car, boat or snowmobile and open year-round. They are situated in a beautiful location overlooking Lake Mohawksin and they offer a variety of delicious foods from their specialty burgers, homemade pizzas, and handcrafted sandwiches on freshly baked breads, just to name a few! Not to mention their iconic Friday fish fry and special Saturday slow cooked ribs!

Pine Tree Supper Club is another tasty option located in the heart of downtown Tomahawk. Pine Tree serves foods including flavorful steaks, ribs, and seafood. Though, they are best known for their house special, broasted chicken, made the same way for 40 years! 

And if you love a local coffee shop, you’ll want to wake up and smell freshly brewed coffee at What’s Brewin’ Coffee Shop! They brew a variety of unique coffees and teas. Additionally, they make fresh breakfast and lunch as the day goes on. To top it off with a tasty treat, they are famous for their fudge! 

Events to Enjoy

Throughout the year, Tomahawk always has events in store to enjoy and get involved in! In the summer, the Tomahawk Farmer’s Market takes place every Tuesday selling local produce including vegetables, fruits, honey, maple syrup, baked items, and a series of different plants and flowers! During the summer nights, Music on the River provides a six-week series of a free concert every Wednesday starting in late June. They take place at the Veterans Memorial Park along the Wisconsin River. Around the fourth of July, Lion’s Club Pow Wow Days offers numerous activities from fun runs, food and refreshments, parade, water ski show, and fireworks to top off the celebration. 

For more summer fun, be sure to check out the annual golf tournament at the local country clubs right here in Tomahawk! In early July, the Chamber’s Annual Firecracker FORE!some 2022 will be held at Inshalla Country Club. Later in July, the Haven 4-Person Golf Scramble will take place at Edgewater Country Club.

As the fall colors turn, join in on the Northwoods Fall Ride to see the leaves in their prime! This year, 2022, marks the 41st year of thousands of motorcyclists coming together to spend the weekend in Tomahawk. During the weekend, a variety of fun activities are held like the Thunder Parade! During the prime of fall hunting season, Tomahawk Venison Feed celebrates with free venison burgers, chips and beverages of your choice! 

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Tomahawk is the ultimate Northwoods getaway from all of its outdoor activities like boating and biking to atv/utv-ing and snowmobiling. Tomahawk also offers phenomenal food and handcrafted meals famous to the area. And for entertainment, there’s never a dull moment in any season with an abundance of events happening year-round! 

Want more? Watch ‘Together in Tomahawk’, a Discover Wisconsin original short, here:

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Hailey Rose: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.