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Get Your Fun On: The Best Things To Do and Places To Visit in Eagle River, Wisconsin

Catfish Lake runs 1,021 acres right out there and it is only one of the 28 in the whole chain. Eagle River Golf Course plays 18 holes and Settlers Mill plays 18 more of mini golf out there instead. The escape room gives you only 60 minutes and the derby gives you a whole weekend right out there. Pick a scale right out there. Any.

Welcome to Eagle River, Wisconsin, a charming town set in the heart of the Northwoods. Local after something new or visitor after adventure, Eagle River covers both. Lakes and water adventures through seasonal fun and family-friendly activities, you never run out of things to do in this Northwoods town.

One of the biggest draws of Eagle River is the abundance of lakes and waterways. With over 1,000 lakes in the area, you can spend the days fishing, boating, kayaking and swimming to your heart’s content. And that is not all there is here. You can also work the scenery of the town, try golfing in the Northwoods, or test the problem-solving at an escape room. And for a bite to eat or a place to stay, the dining and lodging options run plenty. So pack the bags, grab the family and friends, and get ready for a serious adventure in Eagle River.

Key Takeaways

• Eagle River, Wisconsin is a charming town that offers something for everyone.
• With over 1,000 lakes in the area, water adventures are a big draw for visitors.
• From golfing and escape rooms to scenic beauty and family-friendly activities, Eagle River has plenty to offer.

The Magic of Eagle River, WI

Welcome to charming Eagle River, WI, in the heart of the Northwoods. This quaint Midwest town suits a family vacation or a romantic getaway. Between the picturesque downtown, the lakes and the endless outdoor activities, Eagle River is where you go to get away from the noise of city life.

Walk through downtown Eagle River and you are moved back to a simpler era. Between the charming storefronts and the friendly locals, you feel right at home in this cozy town. And pick up a free guide from the Chamber of Commerce to help you navigate the fun things to do in Eagle River.

One of the main attractions of Eagle River is the lakes. With over 28 pristine lakes in the area, you can spend the days swimming, fishing, boating or simply lounging on the beach. Catfish Lake should not be skipped on the trip, with its expansive 1,021-acre size and its mesmerizing beauty.

But Eagle River is not only outdoor activities. The town also runs deep on history and culture. Take a trip to the Eagle River Historical Society Museum to learn the town’s past, or take the Northwoods Children’s Museum for a fun and interactive afternoon.

And for a night out, the Headwaters Council for the Performing Arts runs shows and events across the year. Or head over to the Warehouse Arts Center for local art and culture.

Whatever you choose in Eagle River, the town’s charm lands on you. So pack the bags, grab the sense of adventure and head to Eagle River for a vacation you keep.

Lakes and Water Adventures

Ready to make a splash in Eagle River? With over 28 lakes in the area, the water activities to keep you cool through the summer do not run short. Here are the strongest ways to take the water:

Boating and Watercrafts

What is a trip to Eagle River without a boat ride? Rent a pontoon boat or wave runner and work the clear water of the Northwoods. With that many lakes to choose from, the new places never run out. And bring the sunscreen and the sense of adventure.

Fishing and Bait Shops

Anglers do well in Eagle River. With an abundance of fish species like walleye, musky and bass, the time on the water holds up. Stop by one of the many bait shops in town to stock up on supplies and get some expert advice on where the big ones are.

River Rafting and Tubing

For a more laid-back day on the water, try river rafting or tubing down the Wisconsin River. Between the calm water and the scenery, it suits slowing down outdoors. And it beats the heat on a hot summer day.

Whatever the water preference, Eagle River carries it. So grab the swimsuit, pack a picnic and get ready to make a splash.

Seasonal Fun in Eagle River

Eagle River is a strong place to visit any time of year, and each season carries something of its own. Here are the strongest seasonal activities and attractions to take when you are in town.

Spring and Summer Activities

When the snow melts and the sun comes out, Eagle River is where you go for the outdoors. Here are the strongest spring and summer activities to try:

Fishing

Eagle River is known for its excellent fishing, with plenty of lakes and rivers to work. Seasoned angler or beginner, the chances to reel in a big one run plenty.

Boating

With over 3,000 lakes and 28,000 miles of rivers and streams, Wisconsin is a boater’s dream. Rent a pontoon or a speedboat and spend the day working the waterways around Eagle River.

Hiking

Lace up the hiking boots and hit the trails. Eagle River runs plenty of hiking trails to work, from easy nature walks to hard mountain hikes.

Autumn Attractions

As the leaves start to change and the air cools, Eagle River is where you go for fall. Here are the strongest fall attractions to take:

Cranberry Fest

Every year in October, Eagle River hosts Cranberry Fest, a celebration of all things cranberry. Take live music, arts and crafts, and plenty of cranberry treats.

Fall Color Tours

Take a scenic drive through the fall foliage around Eagle River. And bring the camera.

World Championship Snowmobile Derby

Wait, what? That is right, the World Championship Snowmobile Derby is actually held in January, and we list it here because tickets go on sale in the fall. Get the tickets early and get ready for high-speed thrills in the snowmobile capital of the world.

Winter Wonderland

When the snow starts falling, Eagle River turns into a winter wonderland. Here are the strongest winter activities to try:

Snowmobiling

As we mentioned, Eagle River is the snowmobile capital of the world. Rent a snowmobile and hit the trails for some high-speed fun.

A town this size usually asks nothing of you and gives nothing back either. Eagle River does the opposite, because the bartenders talk and the events calendar never empties. There are clubs to join and causes to volunteer for and strangers who say hello. Nobody here makes any of it an obligation at all.

Ice Fishing

When the lakes freeze over, it is time to break out the ice fishing gear. Bundle up and try your luck at catching some fish through the ice.

USA Adult Pond Hockey Championships

Every February, Eagle River hosts the USA Adult Pond Hockey Championships. Bundle up and cheer on your favorite teams as they battle it out on the ice.

Whatever season you visit Eagle River, something fun is always running. Get out and work it.

Family Friendly Activities

Eagle River, Wisconsin is a strong destination for families after fun activities together. Outdoor recreation or indoor entertainment, the town covers both. Here are the strongest family-friendly activities in Eagle River.

Kid’s Corner

With little ones along, do not miss the Northwoods Children’s Museum. This interactive museum is built to hold children in hands-on learning. The kids take to the Little Grocery Store and the Transportation Room with the train. There is also a fishing pond, a Bubble Maker and a fire tower to work.

Outdoor Recreation

Eagle River is known for its outdoor recreation, and the options for families run plenty. You can rent gear and hit the trails on an ATV or snowmobile. For something lower-key, try mini-golfing at Pirate’s Hideaway. It suits an afternoon and settles who in the family has the best putting.

Indoor Entertainment

If the weather turns, the indoor entertainment options in Eagle River run plenty. Head over to the Eagle River Kartway for some high-speed thrills. They run karts for both kids and adults, so everyone gets in on it. You can also take the Eagle River Historical Museum to learn more about the area’s history.

Whatever you choose, Eagle River keeps you entertained. And with plenty of programs and special events across the year, the things to do never run out. So grab the family and get ready.

Dining and Snacking in Eagle River

On dining and snacking in Eagle River, you will not be disappointed. This small town runs a big appetite for strong food and drinks. Here are the strongest places to satisfy the cravings:

Restaurants and Eateries

Leif’s Cafe is a strong local breakfast joint that puts out some of the best pancakes and omelets in town. The friendly staff make you feel right at home, and the cozy room suits a lazy morning. For something heavier, try the Friendship House Family Restaurant. Their cheeseburgers and patty melts are worth the drive, and their fries come out crispy.

Old Fashioneds and Tiki Bars

On drinks, Eagle River carries the range. In the mood for an old fashioned? Head over to the Dublin Sports Bar and Grill LLC. They make some of the strongest old fashioneds in the Northwoods, and their bartenders are always up for a chat. For a more tropical feel, take the Honey Bear. This tiki bar puts out strong Mai Tais and Pina Coladas, and their outdoor patio suits a sunny day.

Fish Fry and Cranberries

No trip to Eagle River is complete without their famous fish fry. The places to get your fix run plenty, and the Chanticleer Inn is the pick. Their fish fry comes out crispy, and their homemade tartar sauce goes with it. And for something sweet, try some of Eagle River’s famous cranberries. You find them in everything from muffins to ice cream, and they end a meal well.

So a hearty breakfast, a tropical drink or some crispy fish fry, Eagle River covers all three. Just bring the appetite.

Lodging and Accommodations

So you are planning a trip to Eagle River and you need a place to stay? Fear not, dear traveler, because Eagle River runs lodging options to fit any budget and style.

First up is the classic hotel and motel experience. Budget-friendly options like the Super 8 and Days Inn through more upscale choices like the Best Western Derby Inn and Eagle River Inn & Resort, the range is covered. And with the added continental breakfasts, the day starts on the right foot, or the left, we do not judge.

For a more unusual stay, try one of the many vacation rentals in the area. With options running from cozy cabins to sprawling lakefront properties, the right fit for the group is out there. Take places like Wild Eagle Lodge or Anchor Rentals for some top-notch options.

Nature lovers are covered in Eagle River too. The campgrounds in the area run plenty, the popular Three Lakes Campground among them, where you can pitch a tent and take the outdoors. Just do not forget the bug spray.

And last, the resorts. Eagle River holds some serious resorts, the Chanticleer Inn and Eagle Waters Resort among them, where you can slow down and take the amenities. Just be warned, leaving gets hard.

So budget-friendly hotel or luxurious resort, Eagle River covers both. Book the stay and get ready for a vacation you keep.

Golfing in the Northwoods

Golf people are in luck, because the Northwoods runs some of the strongest golf courses in the state. Seasoned pro or beginner, there is a course for you.

One of the most popular courses in the area is the Eagle River Golf Course. This 18-hole course is well-maintained and gives a strong challenge to golfers at every skill level. The course is ringed by Northwoods scenery, so even on a bad day on the greens the view holds up.

Another strong course to take is the Trout Lake Golf Club. This course is known for its long views and its hard holes. The course sits on the shores of Trout Lake, so the scenery comes with the round.

For a more relaxed golfing day, take Settlers Mill Mini Golf. This 18-hole mini golf course suits families or anybody after a little fun on the greens. And a good game gets rewarded with some frozen custard.

Whichever course you choose, golfing in the Northwoods is a day you keep. So pack up the clubs and get ready to hit the greens.

Escape Room Experience

After a fun and hard activity with friends or family in Eagle River? Then head to the Northwoods Escape Room. This escape room should not be skipped by anybody in the great Northwoods.

You and the team get 60 minutes to solve puzzles, find clues and escape the room before time runs out. With multiple rooms to choose from, each with its own theme and challenges, you come back again to try them all.

Can you crack the code and escape the Cabin in the Woods room? Or will the challenges in the Escape the Island room stump you? Either way, you are in for a thrilling hour that tests the problem-solving and the teamwork.

But beware, the clock is ticking and the pressure is on. Will you escape in time? Or will you be trapped in the room forever? Okay, not forever, and at least until the next group comes along to try their luck.

So gather the friends, family or coworkers and head to the Northwoods Escape Room for a serious adventure. Book the escape room experience and see if you have what it takes to escape before time runs out.

Scenic Beauty of Eagle River

You cannot visit Eagle River without taking the scenery around you. The town sits in the heart of the Northwoods, which is known for its natural landscapes and its abundant wildlife.

Avid hiker or simply somebody after a slow stroll, the trails through the scenery of Eagle River run plenty. One of the most popular hiking trails is the Franklin Lake Nature Trail, which carries long views of the lake and the forests around it.

To get close to nature, head to one of the many parks in the area. Northwoods Children’s Museum Park is a strong place to take the kids for a picnic and some outdoor playtime. The park runs a playground, picnic tables and plenty of open space to run around in.

For a more secluded day outdoors, head to one of the many lakes in the area. Catfish Lake is one of the most picturesque in Eagle River, with its clear water and towering pine trees. Take a slow boat ride or cast a line and try your luck.

However you take the scenery of Eagle River, the natural landscapes around you land hard. So pack the bags, grab the hiking boots and head out into the outdoors in this charming Northwoods town.

Eagle River Events

You might think a small town like Eagle River would not have much going on, and you would be wrong. The events across the year run plenty, and they keep you entertained.

One of the biggest events is the World Championship Snowmobile Derby. Snowmobile enthusiasts should not skip it. You see some of the strongest riders in the world competing for the title. And if snowmobiling is not your thing, the other events run plenty.

Another popular event is Cranberry Fest. This festival marks all things cranberry. You find everything from cranberry pies to cranberry wine. And the activities for the whole family run plenty, a parade and live music among them.

But the fun does not stop there. There are also events like the Classic Car Show, the Eagle River Fire Department’s Ice Fishing Derby and the Annual Klondike Days. Whatever time of year you visit, something is going on.

So snowmobiling fanatic or simply somebody after a good time, Eagle River runs the events. Check the local calendar for what is coming up next.

Making Friends in Eagle River

So you are in Eagle River and looking to make some new friends? You are in luck, because this charming town is full of friendly folks who are happy to welcome new faces. Here are the tips to help you make some new pals during the stay:

Attend Local Events

Eagle River has a lively community that loves to gather and celebrate. Check the local events calendar for what is happening during the visit. Live music through art shows through outdoor festivals, something is always on. Attending these events is a strong way to meet people who share your interests.

Join a Group or Club

Have a hobby or interest you care about? Joining a group or club is a strong way to connect with like-minded people. Hiking, bird watching or knitting, there is probably a group in Eagle River that shares it.

Volunteer

Volunteering gives back to the community, and it is also a strong chance to meet new people. The organizations in Eagle River that could use your help run plenty, from animal shelters to food banks to community centers. Find a cause that speaks to you and get involved.

Strike Up a Conversation

Sometimes making friends is as simple as striking up a conversation with a stranger. At a coffee shop, a park or a local store, do not be afraid to say hello and start chatting. You never know who you meet or what connection comes of it.

Bring Your Family and Friends

Of course, the easiest way to make friends in Eagle River is to bring the family and friends with you. There is nothing better than working a new place with the people you love. And having the crew with you makes it easier to strike up conversations with locals and other visitors.

So there you have it. Making friends in Eagle River is easy and fun. Attend local events, join a group, volunteer, strike up a conversation or bring the crew, and you meet some strong people during the stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some hidden gems to explore in Eagle River?

Eagle River is full of quiet corners waiting to be found. For an unusual day outdoors, head to the Silver Lake Nature Center. This quiet corner suits a peaceful hike or a slow picnic. The other one is the Eagle River Historical Society Museum, which carries a close look into the town’s history.

What are the most Instagrammable spots in Eagle River?

For the right Instagram shot, head to the Eagle River Chain of Lakes. This chain of 28 interconnected lakes runs endless photo opportunities. The other Instagram-worthy spot is the World’s Largest Penny. This giant penny in downtown Eagle River should not be skipped.

Are there any quirky activities to do in Eagle River?

Eagle River is full of quirky activities that make the trip stick. For an unusual day, head to Pirates Hideaway. This pirate-themed restaurant and bar runs strong food and drinks, along with mini-golf and a zip line. The other quirky one is the Paul Bunyan Fest, where you watch lumberjack competitions and take live music.

What are some unique souvenirs to bring back from Eagle River?

Eagle River is known for its natural scenery, so why not bring a piece of it home? Stop by the Eagle River Trading Post for handmade wooden souvenirs, or head to the Eagle River Roasters for locally roasted coffee. And for something sweet, pick up some maple syrup from the Wisconsin River Co-op.

Can you recommend any must-try local dishes in Eagle River?

No trip to Eagle River is complete without some classic Wisconsin dishes. Head to the Blue Heron Supper Club for a fish fry, or grab a burger and a beer at the Kickback Grill. And for something sweet, stop by the Eagle River Sweet Shoppe for homemade fudge or ice cream.

Frequently asked questions about Eagle River, Wisconsin

How big exactly is the whole of Catfish Lake actually sitting out there in Eagle River, then, really now, in the end?

Over 1,021 acres of it out there, and the water runs clear right the way through. Towering pine trees stand round the whole of the shore and the fishing holds up all season. It is only one of the 28 lakes sitting out there in the area. Big.

How long exactly does the whole of the Franklin Lake Nature Trail actually run out there, then, really now, in the end?

One of the most popular trails around out there, and it carries long views right throughout. The lake sits on one side and the forests close in on the other. Easy nature walks and harder mountain hikes both run out there as well. Wooded.

How many of the lakes does the whole of the Eagle River Chain of Lakes actually hold out there, then, really now?

Twenty-eight interconnected lakes out there, which is a genuinely serious run of water. Photo opportunities come endlessly along the whole of that chain out there. The World’s Largest Penny sits downtown out there for the other shot instead. Linked.

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