Our Communities

Four Communities. One Up North Destination.

Welcome to Minocqua, Arbor Vitae, Woodruff, and Hazelhurst—four Northwoods communities, each with its own personality, places to explore, and stories to tell.

Together, they make up the Minocqua Area, where lake days, trail adventures, local flavors, small-town charm, and plenty of fresh air are never far away. Explore downtown Minocqua, discover the lakes and trails of Arbor Vitae, dig into Woodruff’s one-of-a-kind history, or slow things down on the quiet side of the Northwoods in Hazelhurst.

Make your way north—we'll show you around.

Hazelhurst

Start on the Quiet Side of the Northwoods

Heading north on Highway 51, your Minocqua Area journey begins in Hazelhurst. Known for its forests, lakes, and laid-back Northwoods setting, it's a place that invites you to slow down and take the scenic route.

Explore the Bearskin State Trail, wander through the protected woodlands of the Yawkey Forest Reserve, spend a day on the water, or stop for a bite before continuing north.

Explore Hazelhurst

Minocqua

Next Stop: The Island City

Keep heading north and you'll soon reach Minocqua, where Highway 51 carries you right through the heart of downtown and onto the Island.

Park the car and explore on foot. Browse locally owned shops, grab something to eat, take in the lake views, or catch one of the community's signature events. Just beyond downtown, you'll find even more opportunities for boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, biking, and year-round outdoor adventure.

There's plenty happening here, so don't be surprised if your quick stop turns into an entire afternoon.

Explore Minocqua

Woodruff

Big Stories Just Up the Road

Continue north on Highway 51 to Woodruff, where some larger-than-life Northwoods stories are waiting.

Keep an eye out for the World's Largest Penny, a 15-foot-tall tribute to the Million Penny Parade and one of the area's most recognizable landmarks. Dig deeper into the story at the Dr. Kate Museum, explore local shops and restaurants, or discover more of the area's outdoor recreation.

It's a small community with plenty of history—and a penny you definitely won't lose between the couch cushions.

Explore Woodruff

Arbor Vitae

The Area Blessed by Nature

The farther north you go, the closer you get to what you came for. In Arbor Vitae, Highway 51 leads to lakes, forests, trails, attractions, and all kinds of ways to get outside.

Spend the day boating or fishing, head out on the trails, visit a local attraction, play a round of golf, or stop for a meal. With plenty of ways to explore in every season, Arbor Vitae is a fitting final stop on your trip north through the Minocqua Area.

Explore Arbor Vitae