Northwoods: local rooms, events and more

Photo: Royalbroil · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Countryside and towns · Wisconsin · 71k people

Northwoods

“Up North”

Lakes, pines, and the quiet hum of the north.

Forest GreenLake BlueAutumn Orange

Welcome to the Northwoods, where the lakes are clear, the pines are tall, and everyone knows the best spot for a Friday fish fry. Whether you're here for the snowmobile trails or the summer bass, you'll find a community that loves the outdoors as much as you do.

Clubs for Northwoods

No clubs for Northwoods yet.

The room

Northwoods Quiet now Lakes, pines, and the quiet hum of the north.

One room for everyone around Northwoods. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.

Ask the neighbours

All

A good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.

Coming up

No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.

Marketplace

Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Northwoods. Sign in to sell something.

Things to do

Hodag Statue Statue of the mythical Hodag creature in Rhinelander's Pioneer Park.
Eagle River Chain of Lakes 28 connected lakes offering boating, fishing, and water sports.
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Vast forest with trails, lakes, and camping across the region.
Bearskin State Trail 27-mile rail trail for hiking, biking, and snowmobiling.
Crandon International Off-Road Raceway World-famous off-road racing track in Crandon.
George W. Brown Jr. Ojibwe Museum Cultural center in Lac du Flambeau showcasing Ojibwe heritage.

Outdoors Fishing for walleye, musky, and bass
Outdoors Hiking or biking the Bearskin State Trail
With kids Visit the Hodag Statue in Rhinelander
With kids Explore the Northwoods Children's Museum
Evenings Enjoy a brandy old fashioned at a supper club
Evenings Listen to live music at a local tavern
Locals love Supper clubs
Locals love Bait shops

Through the year

Hodag Country Festival July A multi-day country music festival in Rhinelander, a summer staple.
World Championship Snowmobile Derby January Premier snowmobile racing event on the Eagle River track, drawing international competitors.
Crandon International Off-Road Race September Off-road truck and buggy races at the Crandon track, known as the 'Big House'.
Vilas County Fair July Traditional county fair with livestock, rides, and local food in Eagle River.
Forest County Fair August County fair in Crandon with agricultural exhibits and family activities.

The Northwoods has a continental climate with long, snowy winters and short, mild summers. Best time to be out is from Memorial Day to Labor Day for water activities, and January to February for snow sports. Best: Late spring through early fall (May–September) offers comfortable temperatures and long days, ideal for lake activities.

Talk like a local

“Hodag”: The mythical creature mascot of Rhinelander.
“Musky”: A type of fish, also used to refer to musky fishing.
“Chain of lakes”: The interconnected lakes of the Eagle River area.
“Supper club”: A traditional restaurant serving steak and seafood, often with a relish tray.

Getaways

Merrill Explore the River Bend Trail and historic downtown.
Wausau Visit Granite Peak Ski Area or the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum.
Iron Mountain Check out the Cornish Pump Museum and nearby ski hills.
Western Upper Peninsula Drive to the Porcupine Mountains or Lake of the Clouds for rugged scenery.

Local flavour

Rooting for Green Bay Packers (NFL), Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA), Milwaukee Brewers (MLB), Milwaukee Bucks (NBA)

Eat and drink

Fish boil A traditional outdoor cooking method with whitefish, potatoes, and onions, often accompanied by a story and a splash of kerosene flame.
Friday fish fry A Wisconsin staple, with beer-battered cod or perch, coleslaw, and rye bread, served at supper clubs and taverns.
Wild rice soup Creamy soup using locally harvested wild rice, a nod to the region's Ojibwe heritage.
Cheese curds Fresh, squeaky curds, often deep-fried, a Wisconsin favorite.
Brandy old fashioned The quintessential Wisconsin cocktail, sweet and garnished with an orange slice and cherry.

Where people go

Supper clubs Classic Northwoods dining institutions known for relish trays, prime rib, and brandy old fashioneds.
Bait shops Essential stops for live bait, tackle, and local fishing advice, often doubling as general stores.
Lakes and rivers Thousands of glacial lakes and rivers for fishing, boating, and swimming, including the Wisconsin River headwaters.
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest A vast expanse of managed forest with trails for hiking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
Small town main streets Charming downtowns with historic storefronts, local cafes, and seasonal festivals.

Make this page better

Know a place, a festival, a word locals use, or something here that's wrong? Suggest it; someone at Popchat checks every one.

Nearby

Every area

MerrillWisconsinWhere the pines meet the lakes WausauWisconsinWhere the river meets the pines.MedfordWisconsinWhere the pines meet the lakes, and everyone knows your name.Iron MountainMichiganWhere the Northwoods meet the iron range Western U.P.MichiganDeep woods, big water, and a warm welcome.ShawanoWisconsinWhere the river runs through the pines.Wisconsin RapidsWisconsinWhere cranberry bogs meet the Wisconsin River Stevens PointWisconsinWhere the river runs through a pine‑green heart.

Oneida, Vilas and Forest counties, WI. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.