Things To Do

Water Activities, Trails, & Attractions

There is a reason families have been coming back to the Northwoods for decades. You can't do it all in one visit. Fulfill your Minocqua area bucket list by checking out our unique attractions, escaping into the outdoors, swinging into a popular local shop, or plan your trip around some of our famous yearly events like Beef-a-Rama™.

ON THE WATER

Minocqua Area Water Activities

The Minocqua Area is filled with H2Oh So Much Fun! With thousands of lakes, rivers, and streams, we have earned our title of "Nature's Original Water Park."™ Any day of the week and all year round, you can enjoy our many bodies of water. In the warmer months, you could spend an entire day on our lakes fishing, water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, or taking a relaxing sunset pontoon ride.

Water Sports

Year-Round Fishing

Whether you are a hard-core musky angler or an aspiring bass-master, a fly-fishing trout enthusiast or a parent taking the kids out for their first fishing adventure, the Minocqua area remains a premier Midwest fishing destination.

Fishing Guide

ON THE TRAILS

Northwoods Trail Activities

On foot or by bicycle, explore the Northwoods extensive scenic trails. Go for a run along an old railroad corridor. Take the kids for a bike ride on a paved trail. Hike through thick pine trees. On the trails, you are sure to find some true locals, from white-tailed deer to bald eagles. Scenic routes can be found in a variety of technical levels and terrains. Our trails are also a great place for birdwatching, geocaching, and ATVing.

Northern Wisconsin Hunting

Out of the water and into the woods, hunting season is practically an unofficial holiday in Wisconsin. The Northwoods is an excellent habitat to build and grow family traditions of hunting.

Hunting Guide

Attractions

The lakes and trails may get plenty of attention, but there’s a whole lot more to Minocqua.

Catch a show, meet some wild residents, soar through the trees, step into local history, challenge the family to a round of mini golf, or discover an only-in-the-Northwoods experience. From longtime traditions to kid-approved adventures, Minocqua Area attractions give you plenty of reasons to add another stop to the itinerary.

And when the weather doesn’t cooperate? No problem. Museums, entertainment, shopping, and other indoor activities keep the fun going rain or shine.

Explore Attractions

SHOPPING & DOWNTOWN

Save some room in the itinerary for a little wandering. Browse locally owned shops, hunt for the perfect Up North souvenir, discover something made locally, or simply spend an afternoon exploring downtown Minocqua.

It’s an easy way to slow down between adventures—and you never know what you’ll find.

Explore Shopping

SEASONAL ACTIVITIES

Northwoods Winter Activities

The temperatures falling set the scene for a family experience worthy of a Christmas card. When our waters turns to ice, the adventure continues. Trade your bathing suit for ice skates and your fishing pole for a tip up. Keep cruising the lake on a snowmobile instead of a boat. Strap on some skis or snowshoes and trek through our winter wonderland. When the cold starts nipping at your nose, gaze at snow-dusted pine trees by the warmth of a fire with a cup of hot cocoa.

Explore Winter Activities

Fall Color Trips

Nothing says scenic drive like Wisconsin's expansive Northwoods. Hugged by more than 107,000 acres of state and national forest land, you'll have plenty of options for scenic drives during our peak color season in October. The leaves changing colors paint a picturesque backdrop that draws visitors back year after year.

Explore Fall Colors