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Area Info

view from resort of downtown Minocqua

About Minocqua, WI

Minocqua, Wisconsin, has a rich and diverse history. The land, once inhabited by Ojibwe Natives, was officially founded in 1889 after Gus Nolan surveyed the land and brought logging to the area. This lead to the development of a railroad system.

 

Over time, the town transitioned from a logging community to a resort town, with many people traveling via train to the area for vacation. Today, Minocqua is a popular vacation destination, with its vast chain-of-lakes, beautiful nature, and many recreational activities.

Things to do

Spring

Canoe on lake

Summer

Child fishing

Autumn

couple walki9ng on trail

Winter

snowmobiler on trail
deer in the woods on resort

Downtown Minocqua

Dining

Minocqua is home to restaurants offering everything from American pub-style food to Italian, Mexican, Asian, and Greek. Also fast food, sub shops, sushi, old-fashioned fudge, ice cream and more! 

Drinking

Featuring corner pubs, beer breweries, spirits distilleries and wine bars. Minocqua offers a variety of spots to enjoy a refreshing beverage after a day out on the lake or while the others in your group go shopping.

Shopping

From gift shops and clothing boutiques to dime stores and tackle shops, Minocqua has just what you want. T-shirts, souvenirs, Northwoods home goods, local artisan art, Native American wares and more.

Entertainment

Experience the Northwoods through an array of festivals, events, local attractions, dancing, theater, music and more. Don't miss our biggest party - Beef-a-Rama - every year in September for beer, beef and fun!

Antique Shop in downtown Minocqua woman holding clay pottery

Recreation

Fishing

Fishing Lake Minocqua is a great outdoor activity with many species of fish to catch including walleye, muskie, northern pike, bass, and pan fish. Being connected to other lakes provides tons of opportunities for anglers of all ages and skill levels. 

Boating

Located on a chain-of-lakes, Lake Minocqua offers day-long fun on the water. Cruising on a pontoon, fishing off a flat bottom, tubing or skiing behind a speed boat, paddling yourself in a canoe or kayak, or riding the waves on a jetski.

Hiking/Biking

Spanning a total of 21.5 miles, the Bearskin trail is a recreation path that connects Minocqua and Tomahawk. It is made of compressed granite and is ideal for activities such as biking, hiking, and snowmobiling, depending on the season.

Winter Sports

With an average snowfall of 111 inches per year, Minocqua is the perfect place for winter fun. Snowmobiling, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snow tubing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and more. Just be sure to dress warm!

canoe on Lake Minocqua

Local Attractions

Festivals

There are numerous exciting events going on year-round that one should not miss: Beef-a-Rama, June Bloom Festival, Community Christmas Kick-off, 4th of July, After Loon Delight, Turkey Trot, and our weekly Farmers Market.

Adventures

The Minocqua area is full of outdoor adventures for all ages from zip lining and ATVing, to horseback riding, mini golf and go-karts. Guests can enjoy a day on the golf course in the summer or a day on the snow-covered slopes in the winter.

Family Fun

Kids of all ages can enjoy a day of exploring our local zoo Wildwood Wildlife Park or splash around at our local indoor waterpark. Take the whole family over to watch the Min-Aqua-Bats perform on skis or hang out at one of our parks or beaches.

Down the Road

A short ride from Minocqua offers visitors plenty of attractions and events to enjoy like Boulder Junction's weekly flea market, Rhinelander's Hodag Country Festival, or Manitowish Waters' Car & Boat Show just to name a few.

kid ziplining across lake and forest
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