Minocqua Area Information

Wisconsin's Northwoods

Cool summer nights filled with starry skies, the crackle of a campfire, good stories and yes, smores, hot dogs, and marshmallows. Just a few of the sensations of a Northern Wisconsin vacation spent with family and friends. In the Minocqua area you will find your winter and summer filled with good times for the whole family. Whether you are enjoying a spectacular sunset or splashing in a cool freshwater lake or taking in the sights on one of the 100's of miles of snowmobile trails, you will find the right activity at the right pace.

Fishing

One of the most popular activities in the Minocqua area is fishing. The abundance of Walleye, Perch, Musky, Bass and other sport fish has made the Minocqua area one of the Mid-West's premiere fishing destinations. Many of the area marinas offer boat and motor rentals as well as expert advice on how to have a great time fishing. Swimming and water-skiing are also popular activities. In Northern Wisconsin, recreational opportunities abound.

Boating, Canoeing, Skiing, Winter Sports & More!

With the abundance of clear, freshwater lakes it's hard not to get out for a day of aquatic fun and excitement.  From canoeing and kayaking to pontoon boat rides or a lazy afternoon floating on the tube you can't go wrong! No matter what type of water sports you are into, the Minocqua area holds opportunities to enjoy it all. Many of the lakes have public boat landings and if they do not, the resort you are staying at may have its own landing or other arrangements worked out.

Snowmobiling

Thanks to the hard work of our area snowmobile clubs and volunteers, an extensive network of professionally groomed trails — more than 1600 miles — are maintained in the Minocqua area. These trails traverse a magnificent natural environment that includes 1,300 glacial lakes and 233,000 acres of public forest land. This, combined with our 65-inch annual average snowfall, makes for some of the Midwest's best sledding.

Take off in any direction to sled on spacious and well-marked routes across forests and frozen lakes. The locale features a number of trail side pit stops, as well. Step inside and enjoy the atmosphere, but please be responsible. Don’t drink and drive.  Area trail maps are available at the chamber office or can be mailed to you upon your request.

The Bearskin State Trail - Right in our back yard!

Named for the Bearskin Creek the trail follows, this 18-mile, former railroad corridor, is an opportunity to experience the north woods of Wisconsin.The trail stretches for 18 miles through the forests of Oneida County.  The original purpose of the railroad line was to export white pine logs from the forests of northern Wisconsin to the cities of the Midwest. Today the Bearskin trail is recreation corridor, surfaced with compacted granite suitable for walking and bicycling in summer, and snowmobiling in winter.

The Bearskin State Trail passes through the communities of Minocqua, Hazlehurst, Goodnow and Harshaw. The South Blue Lake rest area is at the center of the trail, and has water, rest rooms, picnic tables and grills.

A state trail pass is required for bicyclists 16 years and older. Trail passes are available at local DNR offices, at the Minocqua Chamber of Commerce, and at the Northwoods Store near the south end of the trail. Self-registration boxes are also available at both trailheads.