Editor’s County
Northwoods REGION
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Editor’s Column Discover a legacy of winter fun Humans don’t hibernate. O.K., we admit some of them do head to Arizona and Florida for faux hibernation during the “cooler” months. The rest of us? Well, it’s our time to play in the sparkling snow and on the lake ice, and even up in the air via a zip line, all the while having a ball doing so.
Mother Nature brings us lots of white stuff each winter. The unblemished landscape is a source of wonder after a snowfall – so quiet you strain to catch a sound. Beauty so intense you can barely eek out, Wow! You can experience the great outdoors here in a low-key, friendly environment. So pack up the gear, load up the car and head north.
Inside this Issue Editor’s Column................................................................................... Pg. 4 Rocking W Stable.................................................... Inside Front Cover General Beer Northwest.......................................................Back Cover
Dean S. Acheson
Close to home here are several ski slopes to conquer, frozen ponds into which you can carve your initials, dozens of cross-country and snowshoe trails to explore in the pristine backcountry, hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails to take you on endless adventures, and thousands (yes, we did say thousands) of frozen lakes to reel in fish with high fives to follow. With frosty breath we cheer on the speed demons competing in snowmobile races (Turn left! Turn left!) as they hit the oval’s corners at extended throttle we dare not try ourselves! Unless it’s the Kitty Race races where adorable bundled up kiddos sometimes forget the admonishment “Turn Left! Turn Left!” and bump into the straw bales. When darkness overcomes the north, it’s time to hoist a libration, dig into a great tasting meal at one of the local restaurants, and explore the nightlife where spirited bands play their hearts out in a land they call Up North and where the sun never sets on having fun.
LODGING GUIDE................................................ 6-7 DINING GUIDE.................................................. 8-10 Western U.P. Visitor Guide ....... see center section
Published By: 5 Star Marketing & Distribution 409 Southpark Drive • P.O. Box 10 • Tomahawk, WI 54487 715-453-4511 • E-mail: info@5starupnorth.com Owner/Publisher Al Hanley alh@5starupnorth.com Editor Dean Acheson DeanAcheson@yahoo.com
Accounting Jackie Blodgett
Production Office Lori Morris
Marketing Associates Al Hanley Jeff Eberle Janine Dutton-Slatinsky
Distribution Jeff Safranek Brian Wiedeman
Graphic Designers Danelle Pretasky Brittany Hazelquist
© 2017 5 Star Marketing & Distribution, LLC. All material in this publication is copyrighted and may not be reprinted in any form without the written consent of 5 Star Marketing & Distribution.
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Map & Index
Counties Covered in this Issue NORTHWOODS REGION Florence County................................. page 11 Forest County...................................... page 13 Iron County.......................................... page 15 Langlade County............................... page 16 Lincoln County................................... page 17 Marinette County.............................. page 23 Oconto County................................... page 26 Oneida County................................... page 27 Price County........................................ page 50 Shawano Country.............................. Page 37 Vilas County......................................... page 40
NORTHWEST REGION Ashland/Bayfield............................... page 46 Burnett County................................... page 48 Polk County......................................... page 53 Sawyer County................................... page 54 Washburn County............................. page 60
U.P. REGION U.P. Michigan....................................... page 61
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Up North
Lodging GUIDE AFFORDABLE ADVERTISING TO FIT ANY BUDGET Call today to reserve your space in our LODGING GUIDE!
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ATHELSTANE Fisher’s Camp Resort W13424 Boat Landing 10 Rd, Athelstane, WI 715-757-2207 fisherscampresort.com We offer lodging in our rustic, one bedroom cabins and two bedroom cottage.
BESSEMER Big Powderhorn Lodging Association N11360 Powderhorn Rd, Bessemer, MI 800-222-3131 bpla.com Vacation rentals of different sizes, styles in Ironwood & Bessemer, MI.
BERGLAND The Timbers Resort 34275 Hwy M 28, Bergland, MI 906-575-3542 thetimbersresort.com A year round resort, we offer 11 completely furnished cabins.
BUTTERNUT Timber Breeze Resort N16243 Lake Shore Dr, Butternut, WI 715-762-3001 timberbreeze.com On Butternut Lake. 5 newly built housekeeping cabins; 4-unit lodge.
CABLE Lakewoods Resort 21540 County Hwy M, Cable, WI 715-794-2561 lakewoodsresort.com On Lake Namakagon. Lodge rooms, condominiums, golf villas, lake homes. Otter Bay Resort 46595 Otter Bay Rd, Cable, WI 715-798-3336 otterbayresort.net We have four rustic cabins and motel lodging.
CRIVITZ Pine Acres Resort N10184 Parkway Rd Crivitz, WI 715-757-3894 pineacresresortinc.com Deluxe vacation homes, modern housekeeping cottages and motel units.
Popp’s Resort W11581 County Road X, Crivitz, WI 715-757-3511 poppsresort.com Motel suites, lakeview cottages, deluxe lakeshore homes, RV & mobile home park.
DANBURY Rosenthal’s Resort 30925 Namekagon Rd, Danbury, WI 715-259-3363 rosenthalsresort.com 7 cabins, 56 seasonal campsites, heated, outdoor swimming pool, pavilion, and playground area.
EAGLE RIVER Eagle River Inn & Resort 5260 Hwy 70 W, Eagle River, WI 715-479-2000 eagleriver-inn.com 1-3-bedroom hotel suites, 3-bedroom condo. Hi-Pines Campground 1919 US Hwy 45 N, Eagle River, WI 715-479-9124 hipines.net Cabin rentals, camp sites either rustic, or with water/electric/sewer.
ELCHO Twin Oaks Resort N10870 Circle Dr, Elcho, WI 715-275-3917 Cabin rentals, daily or weekly. On ATV and snowmobile trails.
FLORENCE Nicolet Lodge 3981 Hwy 70 E, Florence, WI 715-528-5996 nicoletlodge.com Features 11 Units - 9 with kitchenettes. Right next to the ATV and snowmobile trail.
HAYWARD Musky Run Resort 12503 N Town Hall Rd, Hayward, WI 715-462-3445 Peaceful resort on Spider Lake Chain of Lakes. Riverside Motel / Mallards Landing 10429 State Road 27, Hayward, WI 715-634-2661 riversidemotelhayward.com Standard rooms, king efficiency, waterfront rooms, studio apartment.
HILES Little Pine Motel 9245 Hwy 32, Hiles, WI 715-649-3431 littlepinemotel.com Large, studio-sized rooms with kitchenettes. On ATV & snowmobile trails.
KESHENA Menominee Casino Resort N277 Hwy 47 / 55, Keshena, WI 800-343-7778 menomineecasinoresort.com 103 beautifully designed rooms and suites; smoke free.
MANITOWISH WATERS Chippewa Retreat Resort 13029 Deer Park Rd, Manitowish Waters, WI 877-937-3664 chippewaretreat.com Luxury accommodations in Lakeside, Lakeview and “Treetop” villas.
MARENISCO Fishtales Resort N10596 State Hwy M64, Marenisco, MI 906-842-3366 fishtalesup.info Spacious rooms and lakefront housekeeping cottages offer a beautiful view, whatever the seasons.
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MERCER Gateway Lodge 4695 Popko Circle W, Mercer, WI 715-476-7878 thegatewaylodge.com Modern and newly remodeled cabins. 1-4 bedrooms.
MINOCQUA Northwoods Inn & Suites 8730 Highway 51 Minocqua, WI 715-356-9541 northwoodsinnsuites.com Rustic Northwoods feel with modern amenities. Ample parking.
SPRINGSTEAD Birches Resort 1727 N Boot Lake Rd, Springstead, WI 715-583-4500 birchesresort.com 12 housekeeping cottages on beautiful Boot Lake. Springstead Lake Lodge 1065 N Springstead Rd, Springstead, WI 715-583-4403 facebook.com/springstead-lakelodge Newly remodeled 2 bedroom cabin. Sandy beach, private pier.
TOMAHAWK Twin Bay Resort 2173 County Road L, Tomahawk, WI 715-453-2679 • twinbayresort.net All season resort with 5 cabins on Lake Nokomis.
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Editor’s County AFFORDABLE ADVERTISING TO FIT ANY BUDGET Call today to reserve your space in our DINING GUIDE!
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Dining Up North
ATHELSTANE
Northwoods REGION
Fisher’s Camp Resort W13424 Boat Landing 10 Rd, Athelstane, WI 715-757-2207 fisherscampresort.com We have GREAT food and are known for our Friday Night Fish Frys!
BUTTERNUT Timber Breeze Resort N16243 Lake Shore Dr, Butternut, WI 715-762-3001 timberbreeze.com Cocktails on the deck with view of Butternut Lake, or order from the menu.
CABLE
N12025 County Hwy. L | Tomahawk, WI | 715-453-4984 6 Large Plasma TVs! DAILY SPECIALS OPEN DAILY AT 11 AM MON - AYCE WINGS $8.99 Homemade Sandwiches, TUES - AYCE TACOS $7.99 Burgers, Wraps, Salads & WED - AYCE SHRIMP $8.99 Chicago Style Pizza 14 beers on tap! THURS - $5 OFF PIZZAS
H APPY Half Price Drinks: H OUR Rail & Tap Beer Mon-Fri, 2-5 pm
SUNDAY All-U-Can-Eat
BREAKFAST BUFFET 9:00 AM $9.99 Adults to NOON $5.99 10 & Under
Friday Fish Fry All Day Long! Saturday Night Prime Rib Special Slow roasted Prime Rib with baked potato & fresh vegetable.
$14.99
ATM & FREE Wifi LIKE US ON
BillyBobsSportsBarAndGrill.com
Lakeside Restaurant 21540 County Hwy M, Cable, WI 715-794-2561 lakewoodsresort.com Rustic Northwoods décor; serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Otter Bay Resort 46595 Otter Bay Rd, Cable, WI 715-798-3336 otterbayresort.net Serving burgers, sandwiches, salads, wraps and appetizers.
CRANDON Tricia’s Treasures & Bistro 109 N Lake Ave, Crandon, WI 715-478-1161 triciastreasuresandbistro.com Coffee and specialty drinks, Panini sandwiches, soups, salads, wraps
CRIVITZ Parks Cheese & Chocolate 915 N US Highway 141, Crivitz, WI 715-854-3170 facebook.com/parkscheesecandyshop Homemade fudge and chocolates, old time candy, cheese curds and more.
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Pelkin’s Smokey Meat Market 600 S US Highway 141, Crivitz, WI 715-854-3681 facebook.com/pelkinssmokeymeatmarket The area’s best “smokey meats,” spices and related products. Wild game processing. Pine Acres Resort N10184 Parkway Rd, Crivitz, WI 715-757-3894 pineacresresortinc.com Sandwiches and pizza, daily specials and weekend breakfast. Rene’s Dining Room W11590 County Road X, Crivitz, WI 715-757-3411 poppsresort.com Fine dining, homemade soups, salad bar and cocktails, banquet hall.
DANBURY Rosenthal’s Resort 30925 Namekagon Rd, Danbury, WI 715-259-3363 rosenthalsresort.com We have a wide variety of delicious food on our menu, as well as daily specials.
EAGLE RIVER Eagle Lanes & Lounge 534 W Pine St, Eagle River, WI 715-479-4555 eaglelanesandlounge.com Serving appetizers, burgers. sandwich baskets, pizzas. Eagle River Inn 5260 Hwy 70 W, Eagle River, WI 715-479-2000 eagleriver-inn.com Restaurant and lounge, with banquet and meeting room facilities.
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Guide FLORENCE
Barb’s Cafe 633 Central Ave, Florence, WI 715-528-4219 facebook.com/barbs-café Breakfast and lunch restaurant with home cooked meals.
GLEASON Prairie Pines Country Store N5448 State Road 17, Gleason, WI 715-873-4840 Fresh baked bread, deli meats, cheeses, bulk food for canning.
GOODMAN Stoney Ridge Inn Restaurant 15224 US Hwy 8, Goodman, WI 715-336-2308 facebook.com/StoneyRidgeInn Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Daily specials and scratch made soups.
HAZELHURST Hazelhurst Pub 6617 Hwy 51 Hazelhurst, WI 715-356-9400 Tasty burgers, sandwiches, pizza, craft beers, Bloody Mary’s.
KESHENA Menominee Casino Resort N277 Hwy 47 / 55, Keshena, WI 800-343-7778 menomineecasinoresort.com Forest Island Restaurant serves full breakfast, lunch and dinner.
MANITOWISH WATERS White Oak Grill 13029 Deer Park Rd, Manitowish Waters, WI 877-937-3664 chippewaretreat.com Culinary art experiences with food and wine.
MARENISCO
Earla’s 318 Fair Ave, Marenisco, MI 906-787-2220 facebook.com/earlascominghome Sunday buffet, Italian night specials, and more! Fishtales Resort N10596 State Hwy M64, Marenisco, MI 906-842-3366 fishtalesup.info Full service pub & grub with varied daily specials. Hoop N’ Holler Tavern 115 Hoop N’ Holler Rd, Marenisco, MI 906-575-5555 facebook.com/hoopnholler On beautiful Lake Gogebic. Great lunches and dinners.
MERCER Gateway Lodge 4695 Popko Circle W, Mercer, WI 715-476-7878 thegatewaylodge.com From fish frys and burgers to steaks and lobsters. Full bar and restaurant.
MINOCQUA Mama’s Supper Club 10486 Hwy 70 W, Minocqua, WI 715-356-5070 Mamassupperclub.com Finest Italian and American cuisine, fine wines; on Curtis Lake. Polecat & Lace 427 Oneida St, Minocqua, WI 715-356-3335 polecatandlace.com Casual dining with full bar and grill, serving lunch and dinner.
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10 The Boathouse, 305 W Park Ave Minocqua, WI 715-358-3999 facebook.com/MinocquaBoathouse Fine dining and superb cocktails; live piano music, outdoor deck seating. TJ’s Butcher Block & Market 8762 Hwy 51 N, Minocqua, WI 715-356-5258 tjsbutchermeats.com Prime choice meats, seafood, homemade sausage and jerky. T. Murtaugh’s Pub 500 Oneida St Minocqua, WI 715-356-7712 murtaughspub.com Traditional Irish pub. Daily drink specials, delicious sandwiches.
MOUNTAIN, MI Mulligans Sports Bar & Grill 16707 State Highway 32, Mountain, WI 715-276-3125 mulligansmountain.com American tavern fare & Bloody Marys, TVs for sports fan, patio.
PRESQUE ISLE Last Wilderness Cafe 8279 Main St, Presque Isle, WI 715-686-2193 lastwildernesscafe.com Family restaurant serving breakfast and lunch.
RHINELANDER Bucketheads Sports Bar & Grill 46 N Brown St, Rhinelander, WI 715-369-5333 Good selection of beers and full bar; sandwiches, pizza, fish fry. CT’s Deli 17 N Brown St, Rhinelander, WI 715-369-8988 cheftomsdeli.com Hot sandwiches, Italian deli meats, artisan cheeses, craft beers, wine and liquor.
Springstead Lake Lodge 1065 N Springstead Rd, Springstead 715-583-4403 facebook.com/springstead-lake-lodge Great views of Springstead Lake. Serving lunch, dinner and drinks.
ST. GERMAIN The Timbers Bar & Grill 1053 Elbert Rd, St Germain, WI 715-479-3059 facebook.com/thetimbersbarandgrill/ 7 TVs, Sandwiches, Appetizers, Pizzas, Soups, Huge Deck, FREE Wi-Fi
TIPLER Whitetail Inn 5836 State Hwy 139, Tipler, WI 715-674-2184 facebook.com/TheWhitetailInnTipler/ Sports bar, Friday fish fries, next to ATV trail.
TOMAHAWK Billy Bob’s Sports Bar & Grill N12025 Co Rd L, Tomahawk, WI 715-453-4984 billybobssportsbarandgrill.com Unique dining experience; nightly specials; six 55-inch plasma TVs. The Happy Snapper 315 S Tomahawk Ave Tomahawk, WI 715-453-8686 thehappysnapper.weebly.com All your favorite drinks, food including Friday fish fry. Nelson’s County Market 662 N 4th St, Tomahawk, WI 715-453-2174 nelsonscountymarket.com One-stop shopping: groceries, postage, banking, floral, liquor, deli, bakery. Outboards Bar & Grill 616 N 4th St, Tomahawk, WI 715-224-3594 facebook.com/OutboardsTomahawk/ Located right on the Wisconsin River/ Lake Mohawksin and features a very creative menu.
The Woodpecker Bar & Grill 6776 Co Hwy K, Rhinelander, WI 715-282-5353 facebook.com/woodpeckerbargrill Family friendly atmosphere; beer garden; daily specials.
Tomahawk Family Restaurant 1020 N 4th St, Tomahawk, WI 715-453-4504 Good variety on breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Friendly staff.
The Brick 16 N Brown St, Rhinelander, WI 715-369-2100 thebrickrhinelander.com Inventive dishes, attentive service and stylish atmosphere w’ classic bar.
Twin Bay Resort 2173 County Road L, Tomahawk, WI 715-453-2679 twinbayresort.net Home-made pizza, appetizers, sandwiches, wraps, gyros, soups and salads.
SPRINGSTEAD
WAKEFIELD
Birches Resort 1727 N Boot Lake Rd, Springstead, WI 715-583-4500 birchesresort.com Pizza, full liquor bar, 4 large tv’s, pool table, video games.
Randall Bakery 505 Sunday Lake St Wakefield, MI 906-224-5401 facebook.com/Randall-Bakery-Wakefield-Mi-the-best-YOOPER-bakery Best fresh & frozen pasties, glazed donuts, potato rolls, & coffee.
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Florence County
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Calendar of Events Dec. 3 Florence – Christmas in Florence: Florence High School, 10 am to 3pm. Jan. 27 Florence – Roberts Memorial Ski Race: Kids ski lessons followed by races.
Kids can learn to ski at Keyes Peak Ski Hill FLORENCE – Coaches from Granite Peak’s Ski Team out of Wausau will be offering a downhill ski learn to ski clinic and optional Roberts Memorial Ski Race on Saturday, Jan. 27 at Keyes Peak Ski Hill, 4960 Hwy. 101, Florence. The lessons are for kids ages 6-17. The cost is $10 per child ($20 per family) and includes lessons, lift ticket and ski rentals, if needed.
From 9-11:30am coaches will guide students in small groups through proper skiing techniques on the slopes. Then from 12:30-3pm these students have the option of taking several timed runs through a NASTAR type ski racing course where they will receive times that could qualify them for other racing events. All participants will receive a medal. Awards will be given to top finishers in age categories. Lunch concessions will be available at the ski lodge. For more information, call 715-528-5377 ext. 101. All proceeds from the day will be returned to the Keyes Peak Ski Hill Committee to continue funding this facility.
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Northwoods REGION
Feb. 10-11 Florence – Snowmobile Hillcross and Hillclimb Championship Races: Keyes Peak Ski Hill. 10 am start both days.
Florence County
Northwoods REGION
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Forest County
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Calendar of Events
Dec. 9 Crandon – Breakfast with Santa: School Jan. 20 Crandon – Lions Fisheree: Community Hall. Jan. 27 Crandon – Homemade Sled & Shovel Race: Mission Hill. Jan. 27 Pickerel – LMT Snowmobile Club Ride-In & Chicken Booyah Jan. 28 Mole Lake – Sokaogon Chippewa Ice Fishing Jamboree: Oak Lake.
CRANDON – The Crandon Lions Club is again sponsoring its winter Fish-O-Ree on Metonga Lake Saturday, Jan. 20 with the Crandon Community Building the headquarters.
day. There is also a raffle with the drawing at 6pm with someone going home $500 richer. Tickets will be available at this event.
The 35th annual fishing tournament offers cash prizes for the longest northern, walleye, perch, crappie and panfish, paying out to third place. Anglers will register their fish at the Community Building.
HILES – The Hiles Fire Department’s annual Fisheree will be Saturday, Feb. 3 with headquarters at the Hiles town hall. There are prizes for the heaviest walleye, northern, bass, bluegill, crappie and perch. Registration ends at 5 p.m.
Scheduled are meat raffles, paddle wheel and children’s games all
There will be food, raffles and the paddle wheel, plus lots of drawings.
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Northwoods REGION
Fishing contests set in Forest County
Northwoods REGION
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Forest County
Explore Forest County’s excellent XC ski trails COUNTYWIDE – Cross-country skiers in Forest County can enjoy some 40 miles of groomed XC trails with variations suited just for beginners on up to technical trails to challenge the experts. Here’s a look at the more popular trails: Ed’s Lake Trail, Nicolet National Forest: This groomed trail is located on Hwy. W between Wabeno and Crandon. There is a 2.3mile loop trail suitable for beginners, with the intermediate trail offering a 2.7-mile loop as well as a 3.5-mile loop. Nicolet North Trail, Nicolet National Forest: Nicolet North is located 10.5 miles east of Eagle River to Forest Road 2460, then south on FR 2460 for 2 miles to the trailhead. There are 13 miles of groomed trails with several loop opportunities. Beginner to advanced. Anvil Trail, Nicolet National Forest: Anvil Trail is located 8.5 miles east of Eagle River on Hwy. 70. There are 12 miles of groomed loop trails ranging from gentle, rolling to hilly terrain. Beginner to advanced. Otter Springs Trail, Forest County Forestry Dept.: This trail is located 4 miles east of Crandon off Hwy. 8 on Forest Road 2378. Located in a large area of hardwood forest, the trail offers a scenic view of Otter Springs and Bug Lake. The eight-mile trail comes complete with a parking area and a ski shelter between the two intermediate trails. The 0.75-mile loop is suitable for beginners. The intermediate trails consist of a 1.25-mile segment and the third is a 3-mile loop with more hills and curves than the others. Decades ago, a WCC crew built the shelter out of cedar logs from an adjacent cedar stand. It’s equipped with benches and an area for a small fire. Hemlock Lake Ski Trail, Forest County Forestry Dept.: Hemlock Lake Ski Trail is located 1 mile east and 4 miles south of Crandon off Hwy. W on Hemlock Lake Road. The first loop is 1.25 miles in length. It is the advanced trail and has more aggressive, hilly terrain. The second loop is more of a beginner/intermediate trail with more gentle and rolling terrain. Parking area available.
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Iron County
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Calendar of Events
Dec. 9 Mercer – Candy Cane Parade: 2:30pm. Bake and craft sale.
Dec. 29 Hurley – Vintage Snowmobile Parade and Fireworks: Line-up 5pm at Ironwood Depot, parade leaves at 6pm for Hurley for the fireworks show.
MERCER – The 13th annual Justin Donner Memorial Fisheree will be Saturday, Jan. 27 with headquarters at Donner’s Bay on the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage. The JPD Warrior Project, Inc., sponsors the event and invites everyone to come out and enjoy the day, even if you are not fishing.Hours of the event are 7am to 4pm. There will be auctions, raffles, food and refreshments in the big heated tents that will be set up on the ice.
Jan. 27 Mercer – Justin Donner Memorial Fisheree: jpdwarrior.com. Jan. 27 Mercer – MECCA Candlelight Ski & Snowshoe
Jan. 27 Mercer – Sno-Goers Cookout: Dear Lodge, 11am to 4pm.
The event usually draws several hundred participants. Last year, anglers in the adult and kids divisions registered a total of 244 fish: 55 walleyes 40 crappie, 77 perch, and 72 northern. The largest fish in each of the four categories this year wins $100. Those registering a fish will have his or her name entered into a drawing for a chance to win additional prizes. Proceeds will help support the JPD Warrior Project, a non-profit group for suicide prevention and awareness. Any questions, call Jeff or Jane Donner at 715-762-2956, or visit jpdwarrior.com for registration and rules information.
UpNorthAction.com
Northwoods REGION
Justin Donner Memorial Fisheree date announced
Jan. 13 Mercer – Sno-Goers Winter Blast: Vintage snowmobile show, pig roast, music, kids games, food, raffles.
Northwoods REGION
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Langlade County
Calendar of Events
Dec. 6 Antigo – Chili Cook-off: 5:30pm, downtown. Dec. 6 Antigo – Christmas Parade: 6:30pm, downtown.
Feb. 3 Neva Corners – Vintage & Antique Snowmobile Ride
Classic Cruise snowmobile ride set NEVA CORNERS -- The Deerbrook Bridge Runners Snowmobile Club’s 15th annual Classic Cruise Vintage & Antique Snowmobile Ride will take place Saturday, Feb. 3 with registration at 10am at Quinn’s Bar and trail riding at noon. The $10 registration fee includes a commemorative lapel pin, soup and sandwich supper and a chance to win $100. Riders of new sleds are also welcome to take part in the family event. There will be food, drawings, prizes and karaoke after the ride. Quinn’s Bar is located five miles north of Antigo on Cty. A. For more information contact Mike at 715-350-1731 or visit deerbrookbridgerunners.com.
Parade features lighted floats ANTIGO – The annual Community Christmas Parade in Antigo on Wednesday, Dec. 6 will feature more than 40 floats with lights, sights and sounds of Christmas. Entries include the Antigo High School marching band, color guard and the arrival of Santa. The parade starts at 6:30 pm and goes through downtown Antigo. Children can enjoy a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus hosted by the Antigo Fire Department after the parade. Stop in for a tasty cookie and some hot cocoa while warming up. Downtown Antigo gets a little “chili” that same day when the Antigo/Langlade County Chamber presents its 20th annual Chili Cookoff. Teams compete to find out who has the best chili in Langlade County. The public can sample the hot chili beginning at 5:30pm.
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Lincoln County
Merrill Winterfest welcomes back sled dog races
More than 100 mushers are expected to compete in the International Sled Dog Racing Association-sanctioned races, which will feature a cash purse and trophies for the top six places. Races will be held at the Pine River School for Young Learners, W4165 Hwy. 64. Races begin at 10am on Saturday and 9am on Sunday. There will be 3-dog junior, 4-, 6-, and 10-dog, 1- and 2-dog skijoring races, as well as kiddie and celebrity races. Spectator admission is free. However, please don’t bring your personal dog from home, as it can be a distraction to the sled dogs.
Calendar of Events
Jan. 1 Tomahawk – Polar Bear Plunge: 11:30am registration; 1: 30pm jumps. The Happy Snapper
Jan. 27-28 Merrill – Winterfest: Sled dog races each day, volleyball tournament, ice-skating, ice drags.
Other happenings Winterfest also includes other family-style events to either participate in or to watch, including a co-ed volleyball tournament on Jan. 27 & 28 at Kate Goodrich School, with start time 8am Saturday. Past Winterfest events have also included an ice sculpturing contest, open ice-skating at the Smith Center, cardboard sled races, kids coloring contest, and ice drags hosted by the Merrill Ice Drags at the Council Grounds State Park. The sled dog races and other outside events are dependent on acceptable weather conditions. Bitter cold may cause a cancellation or delay. For updates, go to witrailblazers.org or the chamber’s site, merrillchamber.org.
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Northwoods REGION
MERRILL – The popular sled dog races will return to Merrill during that community’s Winterfest celebration the weekend of Jan. 27 & 28.
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Northwoods REGION
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Lincoln County
Join in the fun at 2018 STAR Splash
TOMAHAWK – The charitable fundraising total keeps climbing as the polar bear keep jumping in the icy waters of Mohawksin Lake to support the Tomahawk STAR Foundation. They have raised tens of thousands of dollars for this cause! This year’s STAR Splash will again fall on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, with headquarters at The Happy Snapper, 1315 S. Tomahawk Ave., Tomahawk. Prizes and raffles from noon until jump time. Watch the football game and enjoy the tailgate party with brats before the big splash! Registration is at 11:30am for all plungers, with the jumps beginning at 1:30pm. Afterwards, plungers can warm up at the bonfire. All jumpers will receive a custom beach towel, with prizes for best costume and for most donations raised. Pledge sheets and registration forms are available at The Happy Snapper, or you can e-mail your name to starsplashjump@ gmailcom and download the form at tomahawkstarfoundation. org. For more information, call 715-453-8686. Even if you come just to watch, consider making a donation or a pledge to support the STAR Foundation. The STAR Foundation serves the Tomahawk area by acting as a community chest for businesses and individuals by making charitable grants to community groups, clubs and non-profit organizations that contribute to the health and vitality of the area.
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Lincoln County
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TOMAHAWK – The AMVETS Post 724 and The NCO Club’s 10th annual Lake Nokomis ice-fishing tournament will be Saturday, Jan. 13, with headquarters at the County Road N boat landing. Registration is from 7-9am. The tournament hours are 8am to 2pm. First through fourth place awards will be given for longest walleye, pike, crappie, perch and bluegill. Awards will be presented and bucket raffles will be drawn at 2:30pm. There are 10 early bird prizes and door prizes.
and turn right on Cty. Road N, go 1.3 miles on Cty. Road N to boat landing on Lake Nokomis just before Maday’s Fish Trap Bar and Resort. In the event of poor ice, the event will be a banquet, same hours, at the Nokomis town hall.
Open 7 days a week 11am-2am
There will be food and beverages. All proceeds will benefit the chapter members, military programs and military families. This event will also benefit the Wounded Warrior program. To make early registration or for more information call Dan Keck at 715-490-0531. Driving directions from Tomahawk: Take Hwy. 51 to Hwy. 8 (west). Go 2.9 miles and turn right on Cty. Road L, go .3 miles
Formerly: “The Bridge Inn”
FULL SERVICE MENU HAPPY HOUR: MON-THURS 2-5PM 1/2 OFF DRINKS & APPETIZERS CARRY-OUT & CATERING AVAILABLE Outdoor Seating overlooking the Tomahawk River 616 N. 4th Street, Tomahawk • (715) 224-3594
outboardsbarandgrill.com
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Northwoods REGION
Fishing tournament set on Lake Nokomis
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Your Area Northwoods Real Estate Specialists, Ed & Chris Raasch
Chris Raasch, Broker Owner 715-612-7926 chris@woodlandlakesrealty.com
Ed Raasch, Broker Owner
303 N. 4th Street Tomahawk, WI 54487 Office: 715-224-3800
715-612-7925 ed@woodlandlakesrealty.com
Make us your “home” page
www.WoodlandLakesRealty.com
Northwoods REGION
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Lincoln County
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Lincoln County
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Exciting ice drags set for Lake Alexander N12025 County Hwy. L | Tomahawk, WI | 715-453-4984 6 Large Plasma TVs! DAILY SPECIALS OPEN DAILY AT 11 AM MON - AYCE WINGS $8.99 Homemade Sandwiches, TUES - AYCE TACOS $7.99 Burgers, Wraps, Salads & WED - AYCE SHRIMP $8.99 Chicago Style Pizza 14 beers on tap! THURS - $5 OFF PIZZAS
H APPY Half Price Drinks: H OUR Rail & Tap Beer Mon-Fri, 2-5 pm
Most motorists have a hard time getting traction on ice, but how about blowing the doors off the competition with an elapsed time of 5.431 seconds and a top speed of 141.6 mph down a 660-foot strip of Mother Nature’s finest lake ice? That’s the standing record at the World Championship Ice Drags.
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Racing will take place on Lake Alexander on four consecutive Saturdays. Registration begins at 8:30am with racing beginning at noon. Get a preview of the action on Saturday, Jan. 20, which is the “test & tune” day for racers and their support teams. Race dates are Jan. 27 (Winterfest), Feb. 3 (Mayor’s Choice Award), and Feb. 10 (MID Memorial) and Feb. 17 (Championship). They also have Feb. 24 down to hold the post-season “grudge matches” (ice conditions permitting). Check merrillicecrags.com for updates, including potential race date changes. Council Grounds is located just north of Merrill. Enter through Council Grounds State Park (state park sticker or daily permit required if parking on state park grounds, parking on the ice is free). An ice road is plowed for easy access. You can also purchase a pit pass. Food and refreshments will be available. The Merrill Ice Draggers have been racing on the 1/8-mile track on Lake Alexander (upper Wisconsin River) since 1965. Speeds reach 100 mph in less than seven seconds. The series features single elimination in 15 divisions, including 4-wheel drive classes and 2-wheel drive classes for cars, trucks and dragsters. You can race your own car in the rubber tire class or enter any of the 13 other “nailie” classes (tires have 5,000 to 6,000 screws in each tire). They award weekly cash and trophies with yearly points, trophies and payouts. They run a five tenths, full tree, complete with time slip. The course record set by a bottle-fed supercharged dragster in the Outlaw class stands at 5.431 ET and 141.6 mph.
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Northwoods REGION
MERRILL – Drivers piloting cars and trucks from the “rubber tire” class to “outlaw” class will battle it out for supremacy over several weekends during the Merrill Ice Draggers’ 2018 World Championship Ice Drags season.
Friday Fish Fry All Day Long!
409 South Park Dr. | P.O. Box 10 | Tomahawk, WI 54487
info@5starupnorth.com | 715-453-4511
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Marinette County
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COUNTYWIDE -- Marinette County has over 600 miles of snowmobile trails for you to explore. The trails are scenic, wide, well groomed and clearly marked. The trail system opens anytime after Dec. 15 each year depending on the snow conditions.
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Kumalong Sno-Riders (Coleman/Pound/Crivitz areas in Marinette County) kumalongsnoriders.com.
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Marinette County trails are all tied into the statewide system. Many of them will take you right to the doorstep of your resort or other lodging. For more on the trails, visit marinettecosnowtrails. com. They list the following information on their site:
Near North Trail Riders (Athelstane area in Marinette County) silvercliff.com.
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Ranger City Riders (Amberg/Wausaukee areas in Marinette County) rangercityriders.com.
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River Road Riders (Peshtigo/Marinette/Menominee River/ Lake Noquebay/Crivitz/Wausaukee areas in Marinette County) riverroadriders.org.
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Pemenee River Riders (Pembine/Niagara areas in Marinette County) pemeneeriverriders.com.
The 10 clubs that make up the Marinette County Snowmobile Alliance include eight that maintain 500 miles of funded snowmobile trails, and two that are just riding clubs. Get more information on the trail system by contacting the Marinette Area Chamber of Commerce at (715) 735-6681, or check the snowmobile club and links information below.
Snowmobile Clubs •
Dun-Good Riders (Dunbar/Goodman areas in Marinette County) dungood.com.
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Iron Snowshoe (High Falls & Caldron Falls Flowages of the Peshtigo River/Thunder Mountain/Twin Bridges/Silver Cliff areas in Marinette County) ironsnowshoe.com.
Social Clubs (No Trails) •
Bear Point Snow-Cruisers (Menominee River/Lake Mary areas in Marinette County) bearpointsno-cruisers.org.
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Low Buck Vintage Riders (Northeast Wisconsin & UP area) newlowbuckvintageriders.com.
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Northwoods REGION
Excellent snowmobile trails in Marinette County
Northwoods REGION
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Marinette County
Marinette County’s XC COUNTYWIDE – In Marinette County, a simple pair of crosscountry skis can launch you into thickets of snow-laden trees, across smooth white fields, and along tracks running parallel to frozen creeks and past scenic waterfalls. In Marinette County, you’ll find both a state park and state forest with miles of groomed trails open to skiers. Peshtigo River State Forest features two groomed loops, one that is 5 miles long and another that is 3 miles long. Gov. Thompson State Park also has 6 miles of groomed ski trails. Candlelight ski and hike nights are held at both locations.
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Marinette County
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All MCCCSA trails are packed, groomed, and tracked to an average width of 15-17 feet to accommodate both skating and diagonal stride technique. Their trail system is recognized as one of the top 20 in Wisconsin. Designated trails off County Road W west of Crivitz offer over 30 km of award winning, groomed ski trails. These trails are groomed, packed and tracked for skating and diagonal stride techniques. Park in one of two designated parking lots adjacent to the trails. The MCCCSA has published a map of these trails, which outlines three levels of difficulty. Call 715-854-7540 for a printed copy of the map and current trail conditions.
ski trails beckon you Marinette County also offers cross-country ski trails along the Peshtigo River at the Hemlock Curve trails. This is a two-mile system with easy terrain that can also be hiked. The Woods Road ski trail is another great option. It’s about 6 miles in length and lends itself well to snowshoeing.
Paust Enterprises, N9007 Caldron Falls Rd., Crivitrz. 715-7573722. Cross-country ski trails (5 miles) & on-site equipment rental. Pine Acres Resort, N10184 Parkway Rd - 2 miles north of X Twin Bridge Area. 715-757-3894. Cross-country ski trails & onsite equipment rental. Popp’s Resort, W11581 Cty Rd X - 1 mile east of Parkway. 715757-3511. Scenic cross-country trails.
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Northwoods REGION
The Marinette County Cross-Country Ski Association (MCCCSA) manages several well-mapped, well-marked trails. In addition, local resorts have developed trail systems, which are available for use at a fee or as a part of resort packages. (See below.)
The following businesses offer cross-country ski trails and as noted equipment rental as well:
Northwoods REGION
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Oconto County
Calendar of Events Dec. 9 Oconto Falls – Booya/ Chili/Raffle fundraiser: 10:30am to 3pm. Jan. 27 Lakewood – Paul Bunyan Snow Fun Day Feb. 3 Townsend – Farfromsnoozin Bed Races on the Ice Feb. 17 Townsend – FishA-Ree: Sponsored by Red Arrow Snowmobile ATV Club.
Scenic cross-country ski trails await you OCONTO FALLS – The Machickanee Cross-Country Ski Club welcomes everybody to enjoy the cross-country ski trails that they maintain in the Machickanee Forest in Oconto County. Scenic ski trails are available for both the beginner and more advanced skier. The trails lead through a series of forest types, including red pine plantations, coniferous swamps, oak ridges, and birch and aspen stands. They undulate through topography ranging from creek bottoms to ridge tops. Numerous hills and curves of various slopes and lengths make this course a challenge for the intermediate to advanced skiers. The ski trails also include a beginner loop that can be enjoyed by skiers of all ability levels. The ski trails are located on Timberline Road, south of Oconto Falls.
Booya break
Take a break from skiing (if there’s snow on the ground) or from shopping on Saturday, Dec. 9 and head over to Oconto Falls for the second annual Booya/Chili/Raffle fundraiser sponsored by the Oconto Falls Area Ambulance Service. They will be serving delicious booya and chili from 10:30am to 3pm. There will be take-outs, pre-orders and deliveries, too. The many bucket raffle drawings begin at 2pm with the large raffle items to follow. Big raffle items include guns, outdoor items, homemade quilt, overnight getaway and more. Proceeds will be used to purchase a second Ferno power cot. For more information: call 920-846-2662 or e-mail of ambulance@rescue30.com.
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Oneida County
Photo by Dean S. Acheson
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Calendar of Events Dec. 9 Minocqua – Cookie Walk: United Methodist Church of the Pines. Dec. 30 Minocqua – Chill Out Polar Bear Plunge: Thirsty Whale.
Dec. 31 Woodruff – Red Hot Fun New Year’s Eve: Woodruff Community Center. Fireworks, ice-skating and food. Jan. 6 Three Lakes – Polar Plunge
Jan. 13 Rhinelander – RASTA Snowshoe Hare Snowshoe Race: Holiday Acres. Feb. 3 Minocqua – Wolf Tracks Rendezvous: Minocqua Winter Park.
Feb. 10 Minocqua – Photography Gala: 6-8pm, Campanile Center for the Arts. Results of Northwoods Wildlife Center’s photo contest. Feb. 10 Three Lakes – Family Ice Fishing Tournament: Cash prizes, raffles, door prizes. Fishing on Maple Lake.
Polar bear plunges revive a Northwoods tradition MINOCQUA & THREE LAKES – Veteran polar bears likely have built up a layer of tolerance, if not ice, seeing this is the 10th annual Chill Out Polar Plunge on Saturday, Dec. 30 in Minocqua. Likewise, there’s another long-time polar plunge over in Three Lakes on Saturday, Jan. 6. We’ll tackle the Minocqua event first. It’s going to be held on Lake Minocqua just outside of The Thirsty Whale, downtown Minocqua. Proceeds from the event help support Ministry St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, the local Children’s Miracle Network hospital. Pledge forms are available online at nrgnorthwoods.com or they can be picked up at Woodruff Ace Hardware in Woodruff. A $35 minimum pledge is required to take the plunge, but donations are gratefully accepted from spectators. The first 50 jumpers will receive a beach towel and Chill Out t-shirt.
March 3 Minocqua – Squirrel Hill Loopy Loppet & Beat the Bunny: Minocqua Winter Park.
April 21 Rhinelander – Hodag Hops & Vines: 4-8pm. Hodag Banquet Center. Microbrew and wine tasting.
Three Lakes / Polar Bear Plunge The 18th annual Angel on My Shoulder Polar Bear Plunge will take place at Bonnie’s Lakeside, 1426 Hwy. 32, in Three Lakes on Saturday, Jan. 6, with the polar bears jumping starting at 1pm. Get there early for the fun, food, beverages and the raffles. All plungers will receive a plunge towel and plunge t-shirt. Plungers must raise a minimum of $35 in pledges to participate in the event. Anyone under the age of 18 must have parental consent. Last year, 83 plungers raised nearly $44,000 for Angel on My Shoulder, an organization that provides free retreats and camps for families and children whose family members are affected by cancer and those who have lost their loved ones. Go to wrjo.com to download a pledge form or call 715-479-4451
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Northwoods REGION
Jan. 7 Minocqua – Moose Tracks Snowshoe Race: Minocqua Winter Park.
Northwoods REGION
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Oneida County
Snow tubing on MINOCQUA – For a real winter treat for the entire family, you should head out to Minocqua Winter Park & Nordic Center, Minocqua, where they have a terrific tubing hill for thrills (but no spills). No experience is necessary! Minocqua Winter Park is well known for its outstanding cross-country trails, but its tubing hill (Squirrel Hill) is receiving plenty of accolades. The tubing hill (formerly a “mild” downhill ski) has a 70-foot vertical drop and 400 feet of sliding. That’s enough to bring smiles on faces as kids and adults blast down the hill. They also have a handle tow lift system to bring everybody back up for another fun run. Kids have to be at least 42 inches tall to snow tube. Tubes are also provided, so don’t bring one. The tubing hill, weather permitting, is open Saturdays and Sundays. The morning session is from 11am to 1:30pm. The afternoon
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Oneida County
session is from 2-4:30pm. Those buying morning session tickets can purchase afternoon tickets at half price. To keep wait times under five minutes, they limit each tubing session to 120 persons. But the max limit is relaxed on holidays and ski race days. They recommend that you download and complete a tubing release form before coming out to save time. There will be days when it just gets too icy to stay safe, and they will have to close the hill unexpectedly. Call 715-356-3309 for updates on conditions. If there’s freezing rain, or if the ambient temperature is -10F or below the tube hill lift will be closed. You can purchase a day tubing pass or a park pass that includes tubing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Call 715-3563309, or e-mail events@minocquawinterpark.org if you’re interested in renting the tubing hill and chalet after normal business hours for a private party.
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Northwoods REGION
Squirrel Hill is a blast
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Oneida County
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Ring in the New Year with fireworks, festive events will be live music, hot chili, hot dogs, hot chocolate and hot cider along with indoor activities for kids and adults. Enjoy the out-of-door activities too: horse-drawn wagon rides, ice-skating, sledding and a bonfire followed by a spectacular fireworks show.
The fireworks will cap off four hours of fun at the annual New Year’s Eve Chili Feed and Fireworks set for Sunday, Dec. 31, from 3:30-7:30pm in Woodruff.
Most people arrive by car but a snowmobile trail goes right by the venue. Remember, the downtown gets congested just before the fireworks show, so be sure to arrive early if you are coming just for the fireworks. Besides, why miss all the other fun things going on!
The Minocqua Area Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Woodruff are partnering to bring you this festive event. There
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UpNorthAction.com
Northwoods REGION
WOODRUFF – Celebrate the arrival of 2018 with a BIG BANG! Followed by another, another, and pretty soon your hands will be clapping in rhythm with the fireworks bursting over the Woodruff Community Center.
Northwoods REGION
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Oneida County
Both stores located downtown Minocqua, WI
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Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula
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Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula
2018 Visitor Guide
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WElcome Sponsored by the following chambers Ironwood (906) 932-1122 ironwoodchamber.org Lake Gogebic 1-888-GOGEBIC lakegogebicarea.com Wakefield (906) 224-2222 wakefield-chamber.com
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Showcasing the Western U.P.
he three Western U.P. community Chambers of Commerce who have joined together to welcome you with this publication have their own individual stories to tell, but we also want you to look at us together—showcasing the Western U.P. — a travel destination rich with promise. Whether it’s an extended vacation or day trip; a place to settle down and raise a family; the ideal retirement retreat; or a place to start your own business — the Western U.P. presents outstanding opportunities for recreation and livelihood! We have an incredible landscape, full of iconic beauty. From the Porcupine Mountains to Lake Superior, to the great Ottawa Forest and Lake Gogebic. The Western U.P. is truly a four-season
wonderland where nature presents an enormous range of vistas and experiences. Residents here enjoy it year-round, and will be happy to help you with your travels, and point out those “special places” that make this region completely captivating. Our combined histories have made us strong as individual communities. We are connected with one another and proud of all that we can offer to both visitors and would-be residents: outstanding educational and medical facilities, a well-established and growing manufacturing and commercial sector, and a newly blossoming arts and cultural panorama. If you have never ventured “Up North” to the U.P., this is the time to pay us a visit! You might just decide to stay!
table of contents
Welcome Story ........................................................4
Waterfalls .........................................................10-11
Felivelife.org Calendar............................................5
Michigan’s Trailhead ............................................12
Attractions ...............................................................6
Lake Gogebic Area ..........................................13-14
Biking......................................................................7
Ironwood Area .................................................15-19
Copper Peak ............................................................8
Wakefield Area .................................................20-21
Black River Harbor .................................................9
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Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula
events Felivelife.org is your portal to Western U.P.
There’s a new calendar on the web – www.felivelife.org -- that will put you in touch with all the fun things to do and see in Western U.P. Going to www.felivelife.org will put you on the doorsteps of Gogebic and Iron counties. Both counties have strong ties to the days of iron ore mining, so it was a natural to use Fe (ferrous, or iron, in the periodic table) to encourage viewers to live life to its fullest here. The website has events categorized to get you where you want to go! Listed are community events, entertainment, arts & culture, health & fitness, farmers markets & gardening, motorsports, and silent sports. The website also has listings for “adventure,” “beauty,” “community,” and “economy.” So whatever your interests, you can drill down to those samplings. For instance, if you want adventure, you’ve come to the right place. The Gogebic Iron Range offers loads of adventure sports. In the winter, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice climbing, ice fishing and snowmobiling await you. In the summer, there’s mountain biking, hiking, swimming, running, canoeing and kayaking, ATV’ing, fishing, hunting, trap shooting and rock picking. Up for a race? Find out when they’re held at felivelife.org. Give the legs a workout with the Festival Ironwood Run, Copper Peak Mountain Bike Race, and many more. Clicking on “beauty” takes you to the best scenery in the Upper Midwest, including Black River Scenic Byway, and any number of campgrounds. Find maps and directions and information on various scenic sites to visit. Looking for the good life for your family, business, or maybe a new career? Going to “community” and “economy” will kickstart you on that path. There’s information on local, regional and state agencies and others that can help you start and grow a business.
2018 Visitor Guide
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attractions
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Attractions are plentiful in Western U.P.
isitors can find lots of recreational and educational activities when they journey to the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The area boasts a number of wonderful waterfalls, especially scenic throughout late fall and winter. In addition to the Ironwood Theater, the area also has outstanding museums that will enthrall young and old.
Any number of hiking possibilities exists, several of them centered on those beautiful waterfalls. But to really see the countryside, visit the Alligator Eye near the south end of Lake Gogebic on M-64. It’s a mildly challenging, one-half mile hike to the crest of this prominent, scenic igneous rock outcrop, which rises 300 feet above Lake Gogebic. The quartz veins found on this site were the focus of quarrying efforts by ancient miners, nearly 3,500 years ago. The quartz was used for the production of tools. To reach Alligator Eye, exit U.S. 2 onto M-64, then north 6.7 miles; or 1.3 mile north of Gogebic County Park. Contact (906) 575-3265 for more information. Another site to visit is the Plymouth Open Pit Mine, 7,600 feet long, an average of 900 feet in width and a maximum depth of 360 feet. The water depth is now approximately 325 feet. It began operations about 1913 and shipped out a total of 16.9 million tons of iron ore before closing in 1952. It was the only open pit mine in operation on the Gogebic Range. It’s located between Wakefield and Ramsay on Old U.S. 2. From the junction of U.S. 2 and M-28 in Wakefield, travel one mile south through the business district of Wakefield, turn west on Old U.S. 2, travel 3 miles to Plymouth Mine Road, turn right for about 100 yards. Alternate route: three-fourths of a mile east of Ramsay on Old U.S. 2. For more information contact (906) 575-3265.
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Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula
The Big Stormy Kromer Cap is another quirky and fun sight to take in while visiting Ironwood. The cap symbolizes one of the products—and the best-known one at that—of Jacquart’s Fabric Products, Ironwood’s home-town manufacturing facility. You can see the cap just outside the Stormy Kromer Factory Store at 1238 Wall Street. Want to see how the caps are made? Take the free daily factory tour! For more information, call 888-455-2253 or visit www.stormykromer.com. The Ramsey Keystone Bridge 57 feet above the Black River was built in 1891 by the Chicago and Northwestern Railway Company, and is constructed of limestone quarried from Kaukauna, WI. A series of arches, each with a center keystone at the top, locks the entire structure. It is one of the few arch bridges of this type in existence. It’s located in Ramsay. Exit U.S. 2 between Bessemer and Wakefield at Ramsay Road, then two miles south to Ramsay and Bessemer Township Memorial Park. The famous Hiawatha statue is at the Old Norrie Iron Mine site located on Suffolk Street, just a few blocks from downtown Ironwood. Billed as the “World’s Tallest and Largest Indian,” it was built in 1964 and is made mainly of fiberglass. Known by the locals as “The Big Indian,” it is 52 feet tall, weighs 8 tons and looks north to Lake Superior. Hiawatha was the leader and founder of the Iroquois Confederacy and the statue was designed to symbolize unity and peace within each nation that had joined the confederacy. There are more attractions, so stop by at the local chambers of commerce for details and directions.
Biking
Do you love mountain biking? As the love of mountain biking grows across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, so do the number of venues for the sport in Western U.P. They include the very rugged and highly technical trails to be found on Adventure Mountain, to the easy riding on some of the Porcupine Mountain’s cross-county ski trails. The annual Miner’s Revenge event at the Adventure Mine Trails actually runs part of its race underground, through abandoned drifts! Wolverine Mountain near Ironwood has an extensive loop system, built on private land. The Powers Trail System features about 25 miles of trails in far western Gogebic County. Copper Peak trails highlight elevation change, from the banks of the Black River, up and around the ski-jump’s base, with the last two miles being a fun downhill section. The area’s newest trail, the Split Rock Trail, is located just east of Wakefield. Let’s not forget those who bicycle on paved roads as a pastime or to keep fit. Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail is now paved from the state line to Bessemer, and the Miner’s Memorial Heritage Park offers an easy 2.6 mile loop past historic mine sites and interpretive markers, all within the Ironwood city limits.
2018 Visitor Guide
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Copper peak
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Copper Peak International Ski Flying Hill and Recreation Area
ind your next adventure way up in the clouds with a trip to Copper Peak International Ski Flying Hill and Recreation Area, just north of Bessemer, where the Adventure Ride lets visitors rise to the same heights as the athletes who have “flown” down the giant ski hill jump in years past. Copper Peak and Chippewa Hill where it sits, was named a Michigan Historical Site because of its rich copper mining history. As a part of the “copper rush” of the mid-1840s, four exploratory pits were dug on the eastern and southern face of the hillside with several of them marked and accessible to visitors. While copper was found on the site, like so many other exploratory sites, the quantity did not warrant full-scale mining. Copper Peak visitors will find numerous historic markers and points of interest that tell the story of the unique iron and copper mining history of the area. Copper Peak is one of only six international ski-flying hills and the only one in the Western Hemisphere. The iconic 26-story cantilevered, engineering marvel rises 241 feet above the crest of a 365-foot copper-bearing volcanic outcrop (Chippewa Hill). A chairlift takes you up to the 18-story elevator (you can also drive up to the elevator) during the summer and early fall season. From there, it’s a quick ride to the main observation deck. The fearless can walk up another eight stories to the very top!
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Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula
From either level, the view is spectacular no matter the season. But once the fall color is at its peak – just breathtaking! Enjoy the highest, most awe-inspiring, unobstructed vista in the Midwest overlooking over 2,500 square miles of the Lake Superior Basin, three states (Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota) and even Canada on a clear day. Points of interest include the Apostle Islands, the Porcupine Mountains, Isle Royale, and numerous historic sites. The Copper Peak Museum & Gift Shop offers a variety of gifts and souvenirs, as well as artifacts illustrating the rich history of ski flying. The building also includes restroom facilities. Copper Peak Mtn. Bike Trails The mountain bike trails at Copper Peak offer a great cross-country mountain bike experience to those of all abilities. The ride is not a “technical” trail system, but it is made fun, challenging, and exciting by 600 feet of elevation gain over the 5.5-mile trail system. Your ride begins at the base of the ski jump’s landing hill and descends down to the beautiful Black River to enjoy the river scenery. From there, winding trails lead you on a 600-vertical foot ascent to the top of the ski jump, where you can take in the 360-degree view and have a look at the massive ski jump structure. Rest up for an exhilarating descent back down to the base, with dozens of bermed corners and many fun “play” features along the trail. Copper Peak is located 10 miles north of Bessemer on County 513 in the Black River Scenic Byway. Call 906-932-3500, or visit copperpeak.com.
black river harbor
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Black River Harbor & Rec Area is a major attraction
ld growth hemlock and hardwood forest, five waterfalls, picnic area, campground, and a Great Lakes harbor all add up to one thing – you’re in the Black River Harbor and Recreation Area. Located just north of Bessemer at the end of the Black River Scenic Byway, the Black River Harbor is a favorite place to go when traveling in Western U.P. Visitors usually come for the magnificent waterfalls, especially in the spring, and later to linger at the harbor where there are picnic tables and grills as well as an enclosed pavilion with a fireplace and flush toilets. A short walk to the harbor mouth offers breathtaking views of Lake Superior and the occasional fishing boats as they enter or leave the harbor. Usually you can find one or two docked at the harbor.
and the breezes flowing over the cold water in the spring will make you wish for a light jacket if you didn’t bring one. Campers can also enjoy the recreation area. Available are 40 sites on the bluff including some with outstanding views of Lake Superior. The nice sandy beach is perfect for rock pickers, sunbathers and lovers strolling hand-in-hand into the sunset. The park also has a store/visitor center at the waterfront from Memorial Day through September. Ice, ice cream, snacks, pop and snacks are available. The Black River flows into the big lake and often fishermen will seek out trout and other species from the river or the breakwall. Located 15 miles north of Bessemer, via County 513.
On the way to the harbor there are access roads that lead directly to the falls including the barrier free trail to Potawatomi Falls for people with disabilities. Other waterfalls are Gorge Falls, Conglomerate Falls, Sandstone Falls, and Rainbow Falls, all with observation facilities. An alternate route to reach the Rainbow starts in the harbor. (This also provides access to the North Country National Scenic Trail, which covers 118 miles across the Ottawa National Forest. Once you are in the picnic area, cross the neat suspension bridge, then up the steep steps to the trail. Follow the trail to the right through the old growth hemlocks, white pine and climax forest hardwoods and finally to the falls. (You can also turn left at the top of the steps and take in a view of the Big Lake from the high vantage point.) We recommended good hiking boots, as the exposed roots can be tough on feet clad in light walking shoes or sandals. In the spring, the trail is muddy in places and the exposed tree roots slippery. Consider taking a walking stick. Also, the big lake takes a while to warm up,
2018 Visitor Guide
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Western U.P. waterfalls never cease to amaze
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here are more than 150 waterfalls across this breathtaking area of the Upper Peninsula. Some of the little ones gurgle like little babes in the woods (which they are); some race silently along their own chosen paths toward faraway finish lines; others thunder as if the gods of ancient mythology themselves have taken up residence behind the curtains of cascading water. Some of the smaller waterfalls aren’t as well known as say Rainbow Falls, but their capacity to delight you makes the extra effort to find them worthwhile. The waterfalls are at their finest during the spring snowmelt or after heavy rains, but summer’s splendor, autumns colors and winter’s snow and ice make them a delight to visit anytime of the year. Caution must be taken when approaching the rivers, especially in the spring when the water volume soars. Stay a safe distance from the falls, and remember that trails, rocks and moss are slippery when wet. Stay behind the barriers and don’t venture off paths and overlooks. Don’t let children run ahead of you or “explore” on their own. The Western U.P. Convention & Visitor Bureau offers these suggested waterfalls for you to visit on your next trip to the Western UP: Black River National Forest Scenic Byway The National Black River Scenic Byway includes, Great Conglomerate Falls, Potawatomi, Gorge, Sandstone, and Rainbow Falls. As you visit these waterfalls, stop and take notice of the signs explaining the conglomerate rock formations. Directions: From US 2 in Bessemer take Powderhorn Road North.
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Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula
When you come to the “T” in the road at the stop sign, make a left hand turn on Black River Road. You will find all the waterfalls on this road. This road is approximately 14 miles long, ending in the only harbor and marina operated by the USDA Forest Service in the lower 48 states. Great Conglomerate Falls - This is a very large waterfall, which is divided by a wide conglomerate rock formation. This waterfall is well marked. Walking trail 3/4 mile. Potawatomi Falls - Potawatomi, which is barrier free, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the Black River. This waterfall is well marked. A restroom is available at this site. Walking trail is approximately 1/8 mile. Gorge Falls - This conglomerate canyon has a 34-foot drop. Potawatomi and Gorge Falls are accessible by the same parking area. Walking trail is approximately 1/8 mile. Sandstone Falls - This waterfall meanders over rocks giving it a unique appearance. It is located on a beautiful spot on the Black River, with a well marked, short 1/4 mile walking trail. Rainbow Falls - A beautiful waterfall that is extremely photogenic on the east part of the River. Enjoy the scenery on your 1/2-mile walk to the waterfall. Take is easy, there are many stairs. Porcupine Mountains Presque Isle Park At the Presque Isle Park you will find Manido, Nawadaha, and Manabezho Falls. At the parking areas, you will find signs showing you the way to the waterfalls. Guests are able to walk both sides of the River on a well-developed walkway. Historical markers along the river will intrigue any hiker. Caution: The falls and rapids of the Presque Isle River have very
strong currents and numerous deep holes. Please respect the power and hidden dangers of this turbulent and beautiful river. The park includes a picnic, camping and parking area. There are numerous other waterfalls within the Porcupine Mountains State Parks interior. For more information on these waterfalls you can reach the park office at 906-885-5275. Directions: Just outside of Wakefield on Hwy. M28 take Cty Rd 519 north up an incline. Follow that road. When you come to South Boundary Road keep going straight. This will lead you to the park. This road is approximately 22 miles long. Manabezho Falls - This is a very wide beautiful waterfall with an extremely large drop. Easily accessible and very few steps. Manido Falls - This waterfall is a short additional walk from Manabezho Falls. It is smaller than Manabezho Falls, but proves to be just as wide and photogenic. Nawadaha Falls - This waterfall is an additional short walk from Manido Falls. The rapid current will be sure to grab your attention.
Bond Falls - A unique large waterfall that you should be sure not to miss, which is located on the middle branch of the Ontonagon River. This waterfall has been photographed for commercials and other various advertisements. Directions: Take Hwy US 45 to the town of Paulding. You will find the waterfall 2.5 miles east of Paulding on Bond Falls Road. Walk the well-marked and cultivated trails to the waterfall. There’s a small store at the falls where you can ice cream and refreshments. There’s also a large parking lot (fee accessible) that leads you to a wooden walkway below the falls. Bakers Falls - This waterfall has two large drops. The walk is short and easy, but not marked with signs. Directions: Between Bessemer and Wakefield on US 2 turn north on Blackjack Road. At the second gas line clearing park your car and walk to the west. At the river bank go north. The view is best from below. This is a steep bank, but walkable with care.
Hidden Secrets of the Western U.P. Superior Falls - Extremely beautiful gorge. Access is moderately easy. Directions: From Hwy US 2 in Ironwood. Go North on Lake Road. This is approximately 25-mile drive. You will see a marker on the road that says Superior Falls. Turn north (right) on that gravel road. Continue down the small hill to the parking lot. Walk down the road to the river mouth and Lake Superior. Then walk upstream 1/3 mile to Superior Falls. Superior Dam Falls is a little further upstream. If you have time, stop at Little Girls Point Park for a picnic. You will see this park on Lake Road on your way to the falls. Agate Falls - Large beautiful waterfall that is visited by many people. The trail is well marked and easy to find. Directions: Go 6.5 miles east of Bruce Crossing on Hwy M-28. You will see a sign on the highway at the bridge. Park in the parking area on the south. Follow the well-marked trail under the bridge to the waterfall.
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“michigan’s trailhead”
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Come to where the snow is always great
he Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan – “Michigan’s Trailhead” -- is renowned for its lake effect snow that blankets the ski resorts and trails each winter season. Western U.P. averages 14 feet of pristine snowfall each season, living up to its “Big Snow Country” reputation! However you want to mix it up – downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, nightlife – Big Snow Country offer visitors a multitude of recreational pursuits, entertainment and great dining spots. Ice fishing Whether you’re looking to hook walleye, perch, whitefish, bass, lake trout, northern pike or a variety of panfish – we have you covered during the winter months, as well as the open water seasons. Hunting in the Western U.P. Deer, black bear and grouse hunting are all popular in the forests. Hunting for other small game and waterfowl as well as fur bearing trapping are also excellent in the Western U.P. Snowshoeing The area offers nearly 100 km of trails across various snowshoeing terrain, some winding along roaring rivers and most through pristine wilderness. • ABR – 10 km of snowshoeing with rentals available. Friends of the Miners Memorial Heritage Park – MMHP trailhead starts at the Ironwood High School baseball field. The first loop is 1 mile in length; total trail length is 2.6 miles of easy, groomed trail. • Michigan Welcome Center Snowshoe Loop – Michigan Information Center west end of Ironwood on U.S. Hwy. 2 is the trailhead for the cemetery trail system. The trail consists of 3 loops or one big loop: half mile, one mile & 1.5 miles. • Indianhead Mountain – Over 2 km of snowshoeing on the mountaintop trail. • Wakefield’s Sunday Lake – North side of lake has free trails. • Wolverine Nordic Trails & Snowshoe –Trailhead for Wolverine snowshoe trail starts at Wolverine cross-country ski area northeast of Ironwood. The advanced trail is 2.1 miles long. Great snowmobiling Our Lake Superior “Snow Maker” is still the key to the most reliable and lasting snow for some of the best riding the Midwest has to offer! Located at the hub of about 2,000 miles of trails, the
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Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula
Western U.P. offers more quality riding time than most can handle in one visit via groomed trails, unplowed logging roads and secluded National Forest trails throughout the area. Readers of American Snowmobiler rate our area #1 snowmobile destination. Downhill Skiing Visit these downhill ski areas: Indianhead Mountain Resort – Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort -- Blackjack Ski Resort -- Mt. Zion. • Indianhead Mountain Resort -- Vertical 638 ft / 30 downhill skiing slopes. • Blackjack Ski Resort - Vertical 465 ft / 26 Runs / Two terrain parks. • Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort - Vertical 622 ft / 33 Runs / 250 skiable acres, multiple terrain parks. • Mt. Zion Recreation Complex – Vertical 300 feet / 10 slopes and trails / snow tubing park. Cross-country skiing Western U.P. offers over 100 km of cross-country ski trails. Piston Bully groomed for skating and diagonal striding, and backcountry ski/snowshoe trails of varied terrain. • ABR Trails -- 60 km of scenic cross-country ski trails located on 1,100 scenic acres of varied terrain along the Montreal River in Ironwood. • Bergland Nordic Trails -- Hwy. M-64, in Bergland, (906) 884-2411. • Lake Gogebic State Park -- Hwy. M-64, west shore of Lake Gogebic, (906) 842-3341. • MECCA, Montreal & Uller Ski Trails – In Mercer and Pence, WI. • Porcupine Mountain Nordic Ski Trails -- Hwy. M-107, Ontonagon, (906) 885-5209 or Porkies.org. • Sylvania Wilderness Trails – Skijoring, cross-country skiing, winter hiking, or camping in the Watersmeet and Sylvania Wilderness areas. • Mount Zion – On the campus of Gogebic Community College in Ironwood. • Wolverine Ski Trails – 8 trails that provide 25 kilometers of both skate skiing and track-set skiing. • Sisu Ski Fest – Annual ski event with a “Finnish” in downtown Ironwood. Ski through historic mining areas, scenic bluffs, along the Montreal River and by the world’s tallest Native American statue. • Miner’s Ski Trail – 4.6km of cross country skiing in Ironwood. For more detailed information, contact the Chambers listed in this guide.
Welcome to lake gogebic
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elcome to the beautiful Lake Gogebic area, a four-season vacation gem! Our winters are wondrous, our summers spectacular and our fall colors fantastic!
The Lake Gogebic area has a wide variety of attractions and activities. Trail riding, whether it’s snowmobiling or ORV’ing, along with biking, mountain biking, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, fishing, kayaking, hunting, sightseeing, and camping are just some of the many pursuits available here. Lake Gogebic (pronounced “go-GEE-bic”) has 13,000 acres of prime fishing water for walleye, smallmouth bass, jumbo perch and pike, with 36 miles of winding, scenic shoreline. It’s the largest inland lake in Western U.P. The Lake Gogebic Area Chamber of Commerce holds a fall walleye tournament each year with thousands of dollars in prizes. The chamber also sponsors a monthly tagged-fish contest beginning May 15 and ending September 15. In the late 1880s, the lake was known as one of the best black bass lakes in the country. Anglers came from all the major population centers by rail to Gogebic Station, five miles south of the lake. There they boarded a stagecoach for the bumpy ride to the Gogebic Hotel & Cottages, now known as the Whitehouse.
www.gogebiclodge.com “BEST OF THE BEST”
The last stagecoach robbery east of the Mississippi River took place on the road to Gogebic Station on August 26, 1889. The robber was captured five days later. “Stagecoach Road” runs straight south of the lake to State Hwy. 2. Winters bring up to 300 inches of snowfall (thanks to lake effect snow) for outstanding snowmobiling opportunities. Hundreds of miles of trails transverse rail grades to winding, wooded trails to spectacular vistas for a variety of challenging rides. American Snowmobiler Magazine consistently recognizes Western U.P. as the “Top Destination.” Trail grooming officially begins December 1, but excellent riding can be had in March. Gogebic Area Grooming maintains some 150 miles of snowmobile trails, which link to other trails throughout Western U.P. and beyond. Michigan Trails and Recreation Alliance of Land and the Environment (MI-TRALE) offers over 585 miles of ATV, ORV, multiuse and horse trails in Western U.P. Gorgeous scenery, mines, historic settlements, unique little towns and waterfalls are yours to explore. Snowmobile and ORV maps are available upon request.
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GREAT SNOWMOBILING FUN ON LAKE GOGEBIC IN MICHIGANS U.P. • Cottages • Bar & Dining Room • Heated Garage • Satellite TV • Sauna
• 6 New Ultra-Modern Chalets • Premium Unleaded Gas /Amsoil Products • Snowmobiling (On Trail #1) • Open Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Host: The Berquist Family • (906) 842-3321
N9600 Highway 64 • Marenisco, MI 49947 • 8 miles North of US 2 on M-64
Like us on Facebook for Deals & Steals
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Gogebic County, which covers the southern half of the lake, is Michigan’s Western Gateway and includes the 21,000-acre Sylvania Wilderness. Within are 1,200 miles of rivers and streams, over 300 lakes, woods, accented by over 50 breathtaking waterfalls. The million-acre Ottawa National Forest covers most of Ontonagon County and the north end of Lake Gogebic. The area is flush with wildlife, with a few shy or rare species adding to the excitement as you come across them, such as black bear, coyote or fisher and the occasional moose wandering about. Predator birds are especially exciting to watch: peregrine falcon, osprey, owls, bald eagles and occasionally golden eagles. Wild turkeys, loons and sandhill cranes, blue herons all call this area home. The Lake Gogebic area has campgrounds, resorts, motels, private home rentals, rustic or deluxe cabins -- even a yurt at the Porcupine Mountain State Park! Several businesses have boat rentals and there are hunting and fishing guides available. The area’s eating establishments are all family friendly and casual. We invite you to enjoy one of the most relaxing and scenic vacations you’ve ever taken and meet some of the friendliest “Yoopers” in the U.P. Visit www.lakegogebicarea.com or call 888-GOGEBIC (464-3242) Lake Gogebic Area Chamber of Commerce
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Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula
“find your north!” in ironwood
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estled amidst the hills of the Gogebic Range, the City of Ironwood boosts educational and business opportunities and a quality of life that many communities aspire
square feet, employs over 120 Midwestern workers and is owned and managed by the second and third generations of the Jacquart family. Jacquart Fabric Products offers factory tours each weekday afternoon.
Ironwood was established in 1885 as one of the largest producers of iron ore in the world. The mining, logging and railroad boom came to an end when the last mine was shut down in 1964. Ironwood began the long trek to reinvent itself both as a visitor destination and a place with a true hometown atmosphere that appeals to those raising families.
We’re also proud of our very own craft brewery, Cold Iron Brewing, as well as our other long-time business partners. Quality medical care and extended living facilities are also hallmarks of Ironwood.
to have.
Ironwood is now a premier, adventure sports community. Our small but vibrant urban downtown is connected to the wilderness that surrounds it and the adventure opportunities contained within. From the Porcupine Mountains down to the Ottawa National Forest and up to Lake Superior and everywhere in between, you will be in complete awe of the clear air, fresh water and adventure that is with you wherever you go! There are numerous festivals and special events held here or close-by throughout the four seasons – we never stop having fun! We would like to mention a few of our outstanding businesses and industries. Ironwood is home to world-renowned Ironwood Plastics, a subsidiary of CTB, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company. Its plastics injection molding, mold design/build operations serves various industries, including automotive, electronics, military, industrial and medical. Another Ironwood-proud company is Jacquart Fabric Products, maker of the legendary “Stormy Kromer” caps and much more, including embroidery and large format printing. Today, Jacquart Fabric Products occupies over 90,000
Excellent highways and the Gogebic-Iron County Airport, served by Air Choice One with daily flights to Milwaukee and Chicago, connect us to the rest of the Midwest and beyond, The two-year Gogebic Community College (GCC) in Ironwood offers associate degree courses for a new career, as well as classes for life-long learning. GCC has been named one of the top 150 community colleges in the U.S., and now is in contention for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence! We’re passionate about our history (check out the local museum, historical sites, beautiful landmark buildings) and also are proud of the local art scene. Talented artists find inspiration in nature and weave it in their creations. What is it that you’re truly looking for? You can find it here. Find a new shop, a great restaurant, or a new favorite trail. Find a community group and make new friends. Find an interest in the history that this great city was founded on, and the arts that are breathing new life into it today. Find a local need that is not currently being met, and start a new business or relocate yours to our community. Find your purpose, your niche, your calling. And where “North” embodies one’s spirit, explore our place, discover your passion, and find yourself – Find Your North! Ironwood Area Chamber of Commerce
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Come see the beauty of the
WESTERN U.P. Plan your visit today!
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Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula
ironwood
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Historic Ironwood Theatre is a true gem from the past
ronwood has held onto its many historical buildings that framed its early years, each worthy of a visit. Chief among them is the famed Ironwood Theatre, which has been nearly restored to its original grandeur that attracted generations of visitors from the silent film era to today’s productions. The Ironwood Theatre in downtown Ironwood was built as a vaudeville and silent movie palace in 1928 at a cost of $160,000 (equivalent of approximately $2 million today). The theater flourished during The Hollywood Golden Age of the 1930s, 40s and 50s.
first installed, and the restored 3-panel Proscenium Mural on the theater’s ceiling. The theater can seat 732 patrons. Various performances, including singers and comedians, along with the showing of films occur throughout the year. The theater is located at 113 E. Aurora Street. For more information on the theater and upcoming performances, visit ironwoodtheatre.net or call 906-932-0618.
The Ironwood Theatre was donated to the city in 1982 and was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1985. Today, a non-profit organization operates the theatre and hosts numerous musical and dramatic performances, both local and touring, every year. Locally, Theatre North and the Awkward Stage Drama Club have staged plays, while Superior Horns & Blue Ice has filled the theatre with the power of jazz and the big band era. Noteworthy historic features of the theater include the Barton Organ, an original fixture intact as it was in June 1928, when it was
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Experience Western U.P. on the Iron Belle Trail
ump on the longest designated state trail in the nation – Iron Belle Trail -- as you hike or bike your way between historic Ironwood in the Upper Peninsula and Belle Isle Park in Detroit. Explore pristine forests, pass cool rivers and visit charming towns, historic sites and find out why Michigan is known as “The Trails State.”
Iron Belle Trail comprises two trails – one for hiking, the other for biking. Ironwood is “Mile 0” and features 0.7 miles of paved trail from the Montreal River to North Moore Street in Bessemer. The 1,259-mile hiking route (about 70% complete) incorporates
a large portion of the existing North Country National Scenic Trail. It traverses the west side of the Lower Peninsula and borders Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula. The 774-mile bicycle route (about 65% complete) uses existing multi-use trails and follows U.S. 2, a designated national bicycling route in the Upper Peninsula.
The Iron Belle Trail is the site of several events (runs, walks, bike rides, snowshoe walks) throughout the seasons. Stop in one of the communities and enjoy local fare, including pasties, microbrews, coffee and sandwiches. Get more information at www.IronBelleWesternGateway.org.
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ironwood Visit ‘Little Girls Point’ and learn about its legend Don’t miss an opportunity to visit one of the nicest stretches of sand beach in the Western U.P. Little Girl’s Point offers legendary summer sunsets and is a bit of a legend in itself. Legend has it that the “Point” is the site where an Ojibwa maiden became lost in the “Great Forest” on her wedding day (see below). Today, the “Point” offers more than romantic sunsets. It’s the site of a campground and day use park. The park is located on a high Lake Superior bluff with a nice level parking area with direct access to endless stretches of sand beach. You’ll see couples sunbathing, youngsters agate hunting, families at picnics, and dads with their small children making the first forays into the waves. Also available: swings, picnic tables, pavilion, grills, restrooms and electric hook-ups for campers. For more information call (906) 932-1913. Little Girl’s Point is located 17 miles north of Ironwood on County Road 505.
The Legend
Leelinaw was the daughter of an Ojibwa hunter whose lodge was at the base of the Kaug Wadjuu, the area now known as the Porcupine Mountains. As a young girl she loved to climb to the upper heights of the Kaug to look over the pine forest stretching to the west known as the Manitowak, or Sacred Forest. The furthest she could see along the Superior shore was the point of land we now call Little Girl’s Point. The Ojibwa seldom visited the Manitowak because they believed it to be inhabited by the PukWudjinees, the Little Men of the Forest, who possessed strong magical powers. When bad weather or the hunt might force Ojibwa hunters into the Sacred Forest they never failed to leave an offering of tobacco and meat for the Puk
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Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula
Wudjinee when they departed. The hunter’s daughter did not share the superstitious fears of her parents and one day she ventured to its outskirts of the Sacred Forest. Hearing of her adventure her parents and the tribe’s elders warned her of the dangers of the place and its magical inhabitants. They warned her to stay away, but this only increased to frequency of her visits, going further into the forest each time, until she reached the point itself. Leelinaw’s mother, fearing that bad spirits were enticing her daughter into the forest, followed her. Deep in the Sacred Forest she saw her leaning against a tree and murmuring: “Spirit of the green wood plume, shed thy leaf perfume, Such as spring from buds of gold, which thy tiny hands unfold. Spirits, hither spirits repair.” And like an answering echo, the rustling leaves seem to say: “Maiden, think of me not a tree, but thine own dear lover free: Tall and youthful in my bloom, with the bright green nodding plume. Thou are leaning on my breast; Lean forever there and rest.” When Leelinaw became old enough to marry, her parents chose a husband for her, and fixed a date for the wedding. On the day of her wedding she once again ventured into the Sacred Forest and disappeared. A search was made, extending into the night, but the bride returned no more to her father’s lodge at the base of Kaug Wudjoo. As time passed it was reported that passing fishermen often saw a female figure, clad in green, standing on the point. If they rode closer she would retreat into the Sacred Forest, accompanied by a youth wearing a waving green plume in his hair.
ironwood Theatre North has deep roots in community
Ironwood is home to the Theatre North playhouse. The production company is among the three oldest continuously operating community theaters in the United States.
Admission was just $1 when Theatre North opened its doors in 1964 with their first production, “Blithe Spirit.” After a couple of moves, Theatre North settled in its current location, the former Bark River Culvert and Equipment building. It was renovated in 1987, with more made later. In 2002, local artists painted eight large murals on the building’s exterior.
Since opening in 1964, Theatre North patrons have enjoyed more than 130 productions by the talented casts. The non-profit group provides a minimum of three major shows per season from fall to spring. For more information call (906) 932-4371 or visit www. threatrenorth.org. Theatre North is located at 825 North Lake Street.
Historic Ironwood Depot serves dual purpose
Built in 1892, the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad Depot in Ironwood now houses the Ironwood Area Historical Society’s Old Depot Park Museum and also serves as the headquarters of the Ironwood Area Chamber of Commerce The Depot was designed in the Richardson Romanesque style. It was the hub of an elaborate railroad yard operation in the center of Ironwood for the Milwaukee Lake Shore and Western Railway. As the mines closed, so too did the fortunes of the railroads, with the last iron ore trains ending in 1967 and passenger trains ending their service at the Depot in 1970.
walk/runs and food booths -- all on the grounds and under a large big top tent and two smaller ones for dancing and other programs. The Historical Society staffs the Depot daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day, open daily from noon to 4 p.m. offering explanatory tours of the exhibits as well as local historical lore. The Ironwood Area Chamber of Commerce office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. year-round. Stop in for area maps, brochures, visitor guides and knowledgeable advice on where to go and what to do.
The Ironwood Area Historical Society (IAHS) is restoring the building as well as maintaining historical exhibits of local history. In 1986 the Depot was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Depot features displays on early railroading, and a large exhibit illustrating the history and operation of the Ironwood iron mines. Local cultural exhibits (Finnish and Italian) also preserve other local historical items. The IAHS also has a research center for historical and genealogical searches and a gift shop.’’ Each summer in mid July, the depot is the site of Festival Ironwood. The weekend events include music, crafts, a car show,
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Wakefield
Wakefield – It’s ‘Someplace Special!’
The City of Wakefield (pop. 1,851 year-round residents) is a small community near Lake Superior in the western end of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, right in the heart of Big Snow Country! We are near three of the finest ski hills in the Midwest. Wakefield’s history goes back over 100 years. Stop by at the local museum for a fascinating trip back to time when our community was an iron ore-mining town. Hugging the Little Black River and beautiful Sunday Lake, a scenic three-mile walking and biking path provides residents and visitors an opportunity to stroll or ride. Eddy Park sits on the north side of the Lake, offering fishing, swimming beach, two pavilions, and extensive playground and camping facilities. Across the lake (and still in town) enjoy a pasty from our world famous bakery, partake in a Friday night fish fry, or dine at a handful of local favorites.
We are surrounded by thousands of acres of Ottawa National Forest and Gogebic County Forest land. Lake Superior, with its unparalleled views and spectacular sunsets, is a 20-minute drive north on Route 519. The fabled Porcupine Mountain State Park and waterfalls are also just minutes north of Wakefield. To the east, the largest lake in the U.P., Lake Gogebic, is a great place to take a daylong fishing trip.
Wakefield is the proud home of a huge wooden carving of an Ojibwa hunter, Nee-gee-nee-gee-bow. Carved by the internationally known artist Peter “Wolf” Toth as part of his “Trail of the Whispering Giants,” the trail includes at least one of these remarkable works in each of the 50 states, and a couple of Canadian provinces. Toth accepted no payment for any of these carvings, earning him the title, “The Indian Giver,” and a listing in Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Visit the carving, and the nearby Wakefield Visitor’s Center, on the shore of Sunday Lake. Wakefield is able to maintain a low cost of living while providing excellent year round recreational opportunities and services. Regardless of having only one stoplight, Wakefield has multiple professional, family-owned and retail businesses to serve residents and visitors. Wakefield is known for its Fourth of July celebration and, in particular, the fireworks display over Sunday Lake. This city is also known nationally for hosting National Stock Outboard APBA Boat Races on Sunday Lake (typically every 2-5 years depending on race schedules). You will find there is much to do and see in Wakefield. We are a small city, but we have big hearts and we go the extra mile to ensure that visitors to our town leave with fond memories of having been to “Someplace Special.”
Wakefield’s Toth-carved statue
Up in Wakefield, one can find a statue of a Chippewa Indian, Nee-Gaw-Nee-Gaw-Bow, carved by notable American artist Peter “Wolf” Toth. Created from a single piece of pine donated by the Ottawa National Forest, Nee-Gaw-NeeGaw-Bow was the 59th Indian statue of Toth’s “Trail of the Whispering Giants.” Toth spent 1971-88 carving different Indian sculptures with at least one in each of the 50 states and a couple of Canada providences. His creations (now, at least 76) earned him a listing in Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Nee-gaw-nee-gaw-bow means “Leading Man” in Chippewa. The statue head with a feathered headdress and a pendant around his neck was placed on a circular base. It’s easily accessible by the public as it sits on a pier over Sunday Lake, next to the Wakefield Visitor’s Center.
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Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula
Wakefield Relive days gone-by at Wakefield Historical Society Museum When visiting downtown Wakefield a stop at the Wakefield Historical Society’s Museum is a must. A true hometown museum, the displays reflect the humble lives of the families who built Wakefield from its beginning in 1883 as simply “Siding 339” on the Chicago North Western Railroad. The museum building was completed in 1887, immediately serving as the first doctor’s home, office and hospital. The dangers of living in this early northern frontier provided daily excitement to the tiny clinic, not always with the happiest endings. The two floors of exhibits depict families arriving in Wakefield shortly thereafter, the beginning of extensive mining operations, and the first school classes being conducted in the railroad’s
section house. Much of the museum’s space is dedicated to the difficult work of the miners and loggers, who supported those families and accelerated the town’s growth. Attractions include a classroom display, general store and mining exhibits. The society’s collections include artifacts of local interest dating from 1884. Many believe that the spirits of some of those who passed there still reside in the 130-year-old building. Led by a professional paranormal investigator, occasional ghost watches are open to the public, typically on mid-summer and autumn Friday evenings. The museum is located at 306 Sunday Lake Rd., Wakefield.
Exciting powerboat races take place on Sunday Lake
Powerboats have been racing on Wakefield’s Sunday Lake for almost 80 years. Sheltered from the winds on three sides by hills, the lake’s surface is rarely choppy, ideal for the small, fast boats. The American Power Boat Association (APBA) adopted Sunday Lake, a favorite of many racers, as one of its regular venues for their National Stock & Modified Outboard Finals more than 50 years ago.
Spectator admission to the weeklong, mid-summer event is free!
Racing teams, their families and fans alike share the food, refreshments, and souvenir concessions that fill Eddy Park, making attendance a memorable experience for all. Eddy Lake also has a large playground and beach to occupy youngsters.
Cardboard box and kayak races Local promoters flip the lake (so to speak) on its ear each year, when they sponsors kayak and cardboard box races on Sunday Lake. Kayak races are held for both adults and kids. The adults race the length of Sunday Lake west to east, while the kids event and cardboard box races are held in the beach area.
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Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula
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Western UP
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Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula
Oneida County
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Get your Hodag Country Festival tickets
They’re adding artists as we go to print, but so far they have signed the following to appear on the Hodag Stage: Neal McCoy, Toby Keith, Cole Swindell, Clint Black, John Conlee, Drake White, Chris Janson, Midland, Brett Young, LOCASH, and of course Marty’s Party. Plus, there will be a band playing in the pavilion every day start-
ing the Saturday before and a karaoke contest on that Thursday. Each year, local and regional bands vie for the title “Wisconsin State Country Band Champion.” Amenities at the festival grounds include a Jumbo-Tron screen, food and merchandise vendors (including official HCF tees) modern flush toilets, primitive camping sites (some electric) and showers. For ticket and camping information and latest updates, visit hodag.com or call 800-762-3803 or 715-369-1300.
Happy Hodag!
RASTA Snowshoe Hare Snowshoe Race RHINELANDER – The Rhinelander Area Silent Trails Association (RASTA) will host its fifth annual Snowshoe Hare Snowshoe Race on Saturday, Jan. 13 at Holiday Acres, Rhinelander. The race is part of the Braveheart Snowshoe Racing Series. Scheduled are the 5K, 10K and non-competitive kids races. Age divisions for the 5K and 10K: up to 12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 4049, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. To preregister, visit rastatrails.org. On-site registration opens at 9am with the race start for the 5K and 10K at 10:30am and the kids race at 11:30am.. Awards will be given to the first overall male and female finishers as well as the top three males and females in each division. Registration fee includes a chili lunch, and entry for door prizes and a drawing, for which prizes will include beverages, gloves, hats, coffee, Dion snowshoes, etc. All proceeds will go to RASTA to help maintain the Washburn trail system, cross-country ski trail, hiking and biking trails, and Mud Lake near Camp Tesomas.
UpNorthAction.com
Northwoods REGION
RHINELANDER – Block off the July 12-15 dates on your 2018 calendar because you don’t want to schedule anything else that week, as the 41st annual Hodag Country Festival returns to Rhinelander with a line-up of popular performers.
Northwoods REGION
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Oneida County
Downtown Come experience the revitalization of Historic Downtown Rhinelander RHINELANDER – The last phase of Rhinelander’s downtown construction is almost complete and the final “streetscape” work in progress will not only beautify the new streets and sidewalks, but will pave the way for new businesses and visitors. Come visit and discover new upscale restaurants, a new deli and bakery, specialty retail shops, tattoo parlors… with over 200 businesses, there is sure to be something for everyone. A vibrant nightlife with entertainment venues featuring music and opportunities to gather year-round.
The events and festivals
The Downtown is host to events throughout the year that encourage family and friends to gather. The Taste of Chocolate held in February challenges the saying “you can never have too much chocolate”! In March, the downtown becomes Irish with the St. Patty’s Day parade and the seven-day day Pub Crawl. The Second Saturday in June brings together three different enthusiasts … the car show brings out classic and antique car enthusiasts from near and far. The same day hosts the Art Fair on the Courthouse Lawn. New this year is the “Bikes and Burgers” showcasing antique motorcycles on the streets of downtown, a burger cook-off between the restaurants, and live music on the street
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Oneida County
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Rhinelander
The streets are filled with candy-seeking costumed families the Saturday before Halloween as Downtown businesses hand out treats to the masses. The holiday season kick off is the Holiday Open House held the weekend of opening deer hunting. New holiday lights will fill the downtown with Christmas spirit.
The arts and museums
You can spend an hour or more looking at the unique architecture and the arts found in the downtown. The Oneida County Courthouse with its spectacular dome is on the National Register of Historical Places. View art displays at ArtStart, a downtown destination arts and cultural center (former Federal Building). The Rhinelander Logging Museum (within the Pioneer Park Historical Complex) is an authentic logging camp. The Rhinelander Historical Society operates a museum at 9 S. Pelham Street. It’s a time capsule of the city’s past.
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Northwoods REGION
The Fourth of July parade makes this locale a star spangled sight. Bargain hunters descend on the downtown for the Redikulus Dae affair in August. The downtown is also a hop, skip and jump from Pioneer Park where the Oneida County Fair is held the first weekend in August.
Oneida County
Northwoods REGION
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Shawano Country
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Calendar of Events
Dec. 16 Wittenberg – Santa Meet & Greet Day: Swim with Santa at Aquatic Center. Bowl with Santa at Resch Lanes. Dec. 30 Bonduel – Lions Ice Fishing Derby: 7am to 4pm Sparky’s Sunset Grill, Shawano Lake.
Northwoods REGION
Ice fishing derby set on Shawano Lake BONDUEL – They’ll be offering “surf and turf” opportunities during the Bonduel Lions’ 49th annual ice fishing derby on Saturday, Dec. 30. That’s because in addition to the fishing contest on Shawano Lake, the Lions are running a meat raffle. So if you catch fish during the tournament, and score meat with a raffle ticket, you’ll go home with both “surf and turf.” The event will take place from 7am to 4pm with headquarters at the Bamboo Bar, W5884 Cedar Court, Shawano Lake. There will also be cash prizes awarded.
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Northwoods REGION
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Shawano Country
Shawano Country
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Northwoods REGION
Northwoods REGION
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Vilas County
Calendar of Events
Dec. 8 Sayner – Santa Comes to Sayner: 5-8pm, Community Center. Dec. 9 Phelps – Christmas Crunch Bazaar: Arts and crafts at Phelps School. Dec. 15 Presque Isle – Sleigh Rides, Santa & S’mores: 6-9pm, Pipke Park. Dec. 26-31 Manitowish Waters – Marvel in Manitowish Waters Dec. 27 Boulder Junction – Between the Holidays Community Celebration: 4-6:30pm, Winter Park. Jan. 2 Manitowish Waters – WinMan MoonShoe: 7-8:30pm, Discovery Center. Jan. 12-13 Arbor Vitae – Cross Country Cruisers Open House: Friday – dinner; Saturday -- Kitty Cat races, antique snowmobile display, raffles, food and beverages. Jan. 12-14 Eagle River – Vintage World Championship Snowmobile Races Jan. 13 St. Germain – Arctic Warrior Race: 10am, Little St. Germain Lake. 1K kids and 5K/10K snowshoe races, 5K/10K obstacle races. Jan. 18-21 Eagle River – World Championship Snowmobile Derby Jan. 27 Phelps – Great Northern Ice Fishing Tournament Jan. 27 Sayner – Jessie Roman Memorial Fundraiser: 9am to 4pm. Feb. 2-3 St. Germain – Radar Run: Includes bikini races, food and refreshments. Radarraces.com. Feb. 3 Phelps – Winter Carnival: Inflatables, games, free dinner, live music and cook-offs. Feb. 3 Presque Isle – Candlelit Snowshoe & Sky Lantern Send-Off Feb. 3 Boulder Junction: Frozen Tozen Feb. 3-4 Land O’ Lakes – 3 Bear Sled Dog Races & Craft Sale
Sleigh rides, candlelit snowshoe hike offered at Presque Isle
PRESQUE ISLE – Sleigh rides, Santa visit, s’mores and more will be offered at Pipke Park in Presque Isle from 6-9pm on Dec. 15. Enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride along snow-covered roads, complete with caroling and clear views of the night sky. Youngsters are invited to enjoy the games, bonfire, s’mores and to visit with Santa. Be sure to mark the calendar for a follow-up visit on Saturday, Feb. 3 when the chamber hosts its candlelit snowshoe & sky lantern send-off. From 5:30-7:30pm, enjoy snowshoeing by candlelight, with luminaries lighting the way along the 1-mile Presque Isle Nature Trail Loop (longer/shorter options available). Bring your own snowshoes (limited number of pairs will be available). Sip hot cocoa under the outdoor pavilion, and roast marshmallows next to the toasty-warm fire. Take a moment to renew your resolutions or to make a wish with your own sky lantern send-off ($10 per biodegradable lantern). There is plenty of parking and indoor restrooms are available at the Presque Isle Community Center. Donations for this event are appreciated.
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Vilas County
41
Week of family fun set during ‘Marvel in Manitowish Waters’ MANITOWISH WATERS – The Manitowish Waters Area Chamber of Commerce invites everybody to the “Marvel in Manitowish Waters celebration,” an enchanting week of fun events in Manitowish Waters for families. Events will take place Dec. 26-31, with some scheduled at the North Lakeland Discovery Center. Events are either free or low cost and some will be held indoors. Events that will appeal to all ages include horse-drawn wagon rides (sponsored by the chamber), ice-skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoe hikes (including an evening snowshoe hike from 5-7:30pm Dec. 29), fat tire bike demo, live music and dancing, library story hour and crafts, and New Year’s Eve fireworks at Pea Patch Motel & Saloon.
Don’t forget the cross-country ski trails at the Discovery Center and at North Lakeland Elementary School. The groomed and tracked trails are open daily. There will be after-Christmas sales at unique shops, and good eats at restaurants. For updates and more information, call the chamber at 715-543-8488, or visit ManitowishWaters.org.
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Northwoods REGION
Winter Family Play Day at the Discovery Center will be Dec. 28, from 11am to 2pm. The free drop-in activities include winter scavenger hunts, snow critter building, crafts, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. A chili cook-off lunch will be available from 11am to 1pm. Taste and vote for your favorite entry. Cost of the chili lunch is $5 and for children 6 and under, $3.
Northwoods REGION
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Vilas County
Embrace winter & become an Arctic Warrior ST. GERMAIN – There is no off-season for having fun in St. Germain, especially this January when the St. Germain Area Chamber of Commerce invites all to their second annual Arctic Warrior snowshoe and winter obstacle course races.
Arctic stair challenge, frozen switchback climb, snowy tundra tunnel crawl and a frozen tire bike race.
The 2018 event will be Saturday, Jan. 13 with events for all ages on Little St. Germain Lake and nearby trails. The Wild Bear Grill and Pub at Black Bear Lodge in St. Germain will be the base camp. Last year’s event drew about 100 participants and the chamber is expecting a bigger turnout this year. Spectators are welcomed to watch the races, too.
At the end of each race, there will be hot soup and chili to warm the racers.
The Arctic Warrior 5K and 10K snowshoe races will start at 10am, followed by the 1K Little Warrior snowshoe race. The 5K and 10K Arctic Warrior obstacle course race (staggered start) is set to begin at noon. (Race times are approximate.) The 5K and 10K obstacle course races will wind around Little St. Germain Lake and on trails under towering pines. A variety of adventure obstacles await, including a stuck-in-snow tire shuffle,
The 10K Obstacle Course Challenge is a team event, so bring your friends and family along (team sizes can range from 2-8).
The Most Spirited Arctic Warrior Team will be recognized at 3:30pm at the Wild Bear Grill & Pub. Whether you race as a team or not, costumes are encouraged. For more information and to register online go to St-Germain. com or call 715-477-2205. There is a family registration package available for the snowshoe races. Snowshoe race participants will receive a long sleeved t-shirt and a finisher buff. Obstacle Course racers will receive a long sleeve 1/4 zip sport t-shirt and a finisher buff. A Dec. 22 deadline is in place for guaranteed shirt size. Proceeds from the race will help support the St. Germain nonmotorized trail system fund.
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Vilas County
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Northwoods REGION
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Northwoods REGION
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Vilas County St. Germain Radar Run to rule the ice ST. GERMAIN – Each year, one of the hottest and fastest winter events in northern Wisconsin occurs on the West Bay of Little St. Germain Lake – “Home of the fastest shaved ice track in Wisconsin” – in St. Germain. Thousands of spectators and snowmobile racers covered the ice last year for the 14th annual St. Germain Radar Run. This year promises to be just as exciting when the 2018 version is held Friday and Saturday, Feb. 2 & 3. Novice and veteran drivers are invited to see what their sleds can do (professional timing) on the snow-packed track and the shaved-ice track. Women of all ages are invited to take part in the bikini radar runs as they raise money for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Central Wisconsin, St. Germain Fire & Rescue Department and the Plum Lake Ambulance. The radar runs take place on the 660-foot packed and groomed snow track and speed runs on the 1,000-foot shaved ice track. Entry fees apply to both tracks. There is spectator parking with bus shuttles on land. There is parking on the ice (at your own risk) for vehicles and trailers. On both days, there will be music and a large heated beer tent with hot food provided by the Bo-Boen Snowmobile Club. A “vendors row” with snowmobile related gear is also planned.
Photo by Dean S. Acheson Friday’s events start at noon and they go until 8pm. In addition to the radar runs and speed runs, there will be grocery cart races, the Snow Outlaw Winter Nationals (both days) and Friday Night Under the Lights racing from 5-8pm. Saturday’s events go from 10am to 4pm. They include the fun runs and speed runs, the top 10 Snow outlaw racing finale, the immensely popular Bikini Run at 1pm, and the Snow Outlaw Winter Nationals finale at 3pm. The fastest class on Saturday wins a $500 cash purse. Top speed wins the Sno-King traveling trophy that goes on display at the Snowmobile Hall of Fame in St. Germain. Kholby Martin of Galesburg, IL had the fastest time last year, at 171.71 mph. Trophies and prizes will be awarded at Knocker’s Pizza at 5:30pm Saturday. For more information and updates on the races, visit radarracers.com.
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Northwest REGION
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Ashland/Bayfield County
Calendar of Events
Dec. 8 Glidden – Santa and Mrs. Claus Come to Town Dec. 9 Bayfield – Santa Arrives on the Ferry: Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion. Visit with Santa, refreshments. Dec. 9 Iron River, WI – Holiday and Craft Show Jan. 6-7 Cable – Cor PowerSports SC Snowmobile Races: Lake Namakagon, Lakewood’s Resort. Jan. 13 Ashland – Sleigh & Cutter Rally: Antique sleighs, free rides, food. Jan. 20 Cable – Ice Fishing Tournament: Lake Namakagon. Feb. 3-5 Bayfield – Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race
Photo by 447 Photography
XC snowmobile series opens 2018 season at Cable
CABLE – Exciting cross-country snowmobile racing comes to Cable the weekend of Jan. 6 & 7 when Cor PowerSports XC opens its 2018 race season on Lake Namakagon with its headquarters at Lakewood’s Resort. There will be a parade lap each day at 8:30am with racing underway at 9am.
Semi Pro Stock class. Those latter classes will run a 2-lap qualifier race in the morning and based on their time, earn a starting position for the 100-mile race at the end of the day. They all start at the same time with the first rider crossing the finish line the winner.
These are timed races on the 7-8 mile plowed course organized by Cor PowerSports. There will be up to 17 racing classes including Pro, Semi-Pro, Women, Jr., Vet, Vintage, Sprint, and Distance. New this year is the 800cc sleds will be allowed in the Trail class.
Admission is free for spectators. There are many vantage points around the lake to watch but be sure to keep 100 feet away from the course.
Races feature 2-3 classes running on the course at the same time. Each rider competes based on time except for the Pro Stock &
Lodging is available on-site at Lakewood’s Resort. For more details on the race series, including rider registration, visit corpowersports.com.
Santa arrives on the ferry BAYFIELD – Santa and Mrs. Claus will catch a ride to Bayfield on the Madeline Island Ferry on Saturday, Dec. 9, and will meet children at the at the historic Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion, 2 E. Front St., from 11:30am to 1pm. Children can share their wish lists with Santa and receive a goody bag from Mrs. Claus. Be sure to bring your own camera for this photo opportunity. Snacks and warm drinks will be provided compliments of the Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau.
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Ashland/Bayfield County
Ride back in time at Sleigh & Cutter Rally ASHLAND – Be a part of history when the Northwoods Harness Club presents the 32nd annual Sleigh & Cutter Rally on Saturday, Jan. 13, at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland. There will be free sleigh rides from 11am to 12:30pm.
They will be harnessing the horses and ponies at 11am, followed by a parade of all entrants, then the exhibition (narrated parade) of individual units beginning at 1pm. A number of antique sleighs will be present, along with drivers and passengers dressed in
Photo by Dean S. Acheson
1800s clothing, either authentic or replicas. The horses are also dressed up, some with bells that jingle merrily as they trot. The rally features several styles of sleighs and different breeds of horses, including “mini-horses” that are a couple inches shorter than a yardstick, the pony class, driving horse class, and draft horses as large as barns – or so it seems! For more information, check out the website nglvc.org. The Visitor Center is on Ashland’s west side, north on Hwy. G, just a short distance from Hwy. 2.
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Northwest REGION
Admission for spectators is free. Food will be available inside the Visitor Center, which is also a great place to warm up.
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Northwest REGION
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Burnett County
Calendar of Events
Dec. 9 Danbury -- Christmas at The Forts: Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park. Dec. 9 Webster – Santa Day Dec. 18 Sarona – Christmas Bird Count: Hunthill.org.
Burnett County has scenic XC ski trails Scenic cross-country skiing at its finest can be found in all areas of Burnett County. No matter what your skill level is, you can find the kind of skiing experience you are looking for at one of several trails. Seventy-five kilometers of trails are available and can be skied in either classical or skating techniques. Known locally as the “Big G”, the Grantsburg Nordic Ski Trail near Memory Lake gets a lot of attention from cross-country skiers. Easy to see why because the trail offers breathtaking scenic views and several fun loops that are well laid out and groomed nicely. A local favorite for moonlight skiing is Grettum Ski Trail at Fish Lake Wildlife Area. The short figure-eight trail loops gently through rolling terrain. There are no steep hills so the 2.2-mile trail is perfect for those seeking an easy ski outing. Parking available at the trailhead just off Hwy. 41. Another recommend XC trail is Brandt Pines, a state operated trail system six miles northwest of Grantsburg. All the trails run through woodlands and are gently to moderately rolling. There’s a splendid little run through tall pines down to the river basin. The Tall Pines Trail is 2.7 miles. The YCC Trail adds another 6.5 miles to your day of skiing. Sandrock Ski Trail as an interesting possibility. This loop trail (5 miles, 4 loops) follows the river closely then turns onto a ridge
providing a variety of terrain and scenery. Beginner to intermediate skiing. The groomed trail derives its name from the fact it’s built on a knob of Cambrian sandstone some 600 million years old.
Other possibilities
Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park -- The Forts are located 3 miles west of Hwy. 35 between Danbury and Webster. For trail conditions visit the web site or call 715-866-8890. Hay Creek – This trail at Crex Meadows is 1.5 miles long. Also at Crex Meadows, the Upper Phantom Lake trails are 3.7 miles long and are located north of County Road D on East Refuge Road. Contact Crex Meadows Education Center for trail conditions. 715-463-CREX. Timberland Hills -- Located 15 miles south of A & H and 18 miles southeast of Siren, Timberland Hills is located in the Burnett County Forest on County Road H. Check out their Facebook page facebook.com/timberlandhills. Voyager Village Trail -- Located on Kilcare Road between County Road A (North Sand Lake) and Webb Lake. Webb Lake Ski Trail -- Located 13 miles east of Danbury. Located on North Bear Lake Road, you can access it off of County Road H between Webb Lake and Hwy. 77.
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Experience living history with ‘Christmas at the Forts’
Burnett County
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DANBURY – Friends and families can experience the sights and sounds of the early 1800s fur trade era with a trip to Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park near Danbury for the unique and fun “Christmas at the Forts” celebration. Sponsored by the Burnett Historical Society, the last day of “Christmas at the Forts” will be Saturday, Dec. 9, from 11am to 5pm. Admission is free. In the visitor center and around the grounds, visitors can get some Christmas shopping done, entertain out-of-town guests or a few friends for a getaway (plenty of lodging and restaurants nearby, but don’t forget there’s food at this event also). Visitors are invited to take holiday photos of the grounds, which will be decorated in the Christmas spirit, including thousands of colorful lights. The historic ambience at Christmas at the Forts will provide a memorable old-fashioned holiday scene.
Call 715-866-8890 or visit theforts.org for more information.
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Northwest REGION
They’ve drawn up a checklist of activities sure to please everyone, no matter the age. • Horse-drawn sleigh rides at a reasonable fee • A North Pole visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus • Live holiday music performed by local musicians • Storytelling by Angelique • Affordable shopping -- for children only -- at the Elves’ Store • Home-cooked wild rice soup or chili, hot dogs, popcorn, beverages for purchase • Unique books and gifts for purchase in the gift shop • Hundreds of items on the silent auction (ends Dec. 3 at 2pm)
Northwoods REGION
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Price County
Calendar of Events
Dec. 8 Phillips – Football Chili Feed: 4-7pm, high school. Food and raffles. Dec. 8-10 Phillips – Madrigal Dinner: Club 13. Dec. 9-10 Park Falls: Santa Weekend & Light up the Town: Kids activities with Santa, tree lighting, caroling. Dec. 29-31 Park Falls – Tuscobia Winter Ultra: St. Anthony School start. Run, bike, ski. Jan. 1 Phillips – Polar Bear Plunge: Harbor View: Starts at 10am with plunges at 1pm. Raffles, door prizes. Jan. 6 Phillips – Ice Fishing Rumble: 7am to 5pm, Roll-In Point, Solberg Lake. Jan. 6 Phillips – Picnic in the Park: 10am to 4pm, food and beverages. Solberg Lake County Park. Jan. 20 Phillips – Ice Fishing Jamboree: 6am to 4pm, Musser Lake. Jan. 20 Park Falls – Fisheree: 7am to 5pm, Butternut and Schnur Lake Association sponsored. Jan. 20 Phillips – Vintage Snowmobile Show & Speed Run: 10am to 3pm, Solberg Lake at Roll-In Point. Jan 27-28 Phillips – Winter Fest: Ice fishing contest, snowmobile parade, fireworks and more. Jan. 27 Phillips – Ice Fishing Tournament: 8am to 5pm, Soo Lake. Jan. 27 Phillips – Phillips Flurry 5K and 10K Snowshoe Race: 10:30am start. Phillips School Forest Trail. Jan. 27-28 Phillips – Cross-Country Snowmobile Race: Wilson Lake, upwards of 17 classes held by Cor Powersports.
Chili Golf Open features ice golf, chili contest
PHILLIPS – Don’t worry about losing your golf ball in the woods during the 18th annual Chili Golf Open in Phillips on Saturday, Feb. 3 – they’ll be playing on the ice and snow of Long Lake. The Harbor View Pub & Eatery is the event headquarters. You can golf the 9-hole par 3 course with plowed fairways and “greens,” or enter a chili cook-off, at this annual fundraiser for Flambeau Home Health & Hospice. For more information, call 715-339-2626 or visit harborviewonline.com. Continuous registration begins at 9am and goes until 2pm. You can begin your round as soon as your register, but specific tees times are available. The registration fee includes 9 holes of golf, a bowl of chili to warm you up after golfing, and other treats. “Golf” balls are provided; golfers may bring their own clubs (only one club per golfer) or borrow clubs on site. Corporate challenge for teams sponsored by businesses with a traveling trophy going to the winning team. There will be cash prizes for golfing and special prizes for most outrageously dressed golfers. Chili cook-off for restaurants and individuals of all ages is also part of event; pre-register to donate a crock-pot of chili to be judged. Call the above number for more information.
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Price County
51
Experience ‘Santa Weekend’ at Park Falls PARK FALLS – Don’t miss the inaugural Santa Weekend in Park Falls set for Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9-10. Join Santa and his helpers for breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 9-10am, at the Family Worship Center, Boyer Road. Kids can decorate cookies and cupcakes and get their pictures taken with Santa. Grownups, and kids, too, can do their holiday shopping at the arts & crafts fair at the American Legion Hall from noon to 6pm. 4-H youth leaders will assist kids with crafts, decorations and activity stations (kids have an opportunity to do some secret Santa shopping for Mom and Dad). Then join Santa for dinner from 4-6pm at the American Legion Hall, where kids can also get a picture taken with Santa. Dinner will be free for children.
On Sunday, all kids are invited to stop by Santa’s workshop to build and decorate special crafts with Santa and his elves at Park Falls Ace Hardware.
Polar bears will take a short jump in a Long Lake PHILLIPS – We’ve got deer (lots). We’ve got moose (a few). We even have polar bears! (The latter cleverly disguised as humans with goose bumps all over!) Some of them will be showing up at the annual “Get freezin’ for a reason” polar bear plunge in the oh-so-cold waters of Long Lake in Phillips on Monday, Jan. 1. Headquarters for this hilarious event will be the Harbor View Pub & Eatery. The event runs from 10am to 5pm, with registration for plungers beginning at 10am and the plunges beginning at 1pm. A
minimum of $35 in pledges entitles you to a jump. There will be a big bonfire on the beach so everyone can warm up afterwards. Cash prizes for the group raising the most pledge amount, also for the individual with the highest total and to the best-dressed person or group. All pledge money will be given to the local snowmobile or ATV club of your choice. Inside the Harbor View will be food and drinks to purchase, along with raffles and door prizes. For more information and updates, visit harborviewonline.com.
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Northwoods REGION
At 6pm, join Santa and Chequamegon Madrigal Singers will travel to Triangle Park for Christmas caroling and the “Light up the Town” tree lighting ceremony. Hot cocoa will be available, too.
Polk County
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Calendar of Events Dec. 16 Cushing -- Santa in Cushing: Photos & treats.
Dec. 25 Balsam Lake -- Chamber Christmas: Santa, refreshments & cookies.
Dec. 30 Balsam Lake – Iceman Eliminator UTV Race: Balsam Lake, Paradise Landing. Jan. 1 Amery – First Hike & Fat Bike: 2pm – Nye parking lot. Jan. 6 Amery - Vinterfest/ Fun Day: DD Kennedy Park.
AMERY – Apparently candlelight ski isn’t just for skinny skis, hiking boots and fat ’shoes anymore. Want proof?
Jan. 6 Luck - Football Ice Fishing Contest: Bone Lake.
Jan. 20 Clear Lake - Fireman’s Oyster & Chili Feed: Community Center. Jan. 27 Balsam Lake -- Ice Fishing Contest: 8am to 3pm, Balsam Lake.
Jan. 27 Frederic -- Winter Fun Day: 10am to 3pm, vintage snowmobiles, fishing contest, hockey, more. Jan. 27 Amery -- Candlelight Ski: 5:30pm & Fat Bike 7pm, Soo Line Park.
Jan. 27 Amery -- “Celebrating the Haggis”: Northern Lakes Center for the Arts. Jan. 28 Amery – St. Joseph’s Ice Fishing Contest: North Twin Lake.
The Friends of the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail will host a candlelight ski and snowshoe event from 5:30-7:30pm on Saturday, Jan. 27. The event is open for a winter night ski, snowshoe, hike or bike. Meet at the trailhead at Soo Line Park in Amery. Luminaries will light the way to County Road C, a four-mile round trip. If the night ski is clear, stargazers will be looking upwards from 6-7:30pm to take in the bright stars. Those with bikes with fat tires are invited to ride on the trail from 7-9pm. If you plan to ski or bike and you’re 6 and older, be sure to have a 2018 State Trail pass in hand. Passes will be available for purchase at the event. After some good exercise, you can enjoy hot chocolate or hot apple cider furnished by the Friends.
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Northwest REGION
Fat bike enthusiasts invited to candlelight event
Northwest REGION
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Sawyer County
Calendar of Events
Dec. 6 Hayward – Festival of Trees Dec. 9 Hayward – Light Your Engine Parade Dec. 16 Hayward and Cable – Christmas Bird Count: 715-7983890 to volunteer. Jan. 6 Hayward – Tipper Tournament: Chippewa Flowage, Pat’s Landing headquarters. Jan. 13 Seeley – Seeley Hills Classic: 22- and 42-km XC races. Jan. 13-14 Hayward – Great Northern Sno-X Series: LCO Casino. Jan. 14 Hayward – Birkie Tour: Birkie.com. Jan. 14 Seeley – Seeley Hills Classic: 22 and 42 km XC races. Jan. 20 Hayward – NABA Ice Fishing: 715-634-5025. Feb. 3 Winter – Candlelight Ski: 6-9pm, Flambeau River State Forest. Feb. 10 Hayward – Lions PreBirkie: 26 & 42 km classic and skate races. Feb. 24 Cable to Hayward – American Birkebeiner: Various XC races.
Pre-Birkie – so you can get ready for the ‘big one’ HAYWARD – The Hayward Lions will present their 36th annual Pre-Birkie on Saturday, Feb. 10. The Pre-Birkie has become a large marathon event on the American Birkebeiner trails and many of the participants race it to prepare mentally and physically for the “big one” – the American Birkebeiner! The 26 & 42 km classic races will start at 9:30am; the 26 & 42 km skate races will start at 10am, all from the city beach on Lake Hayward, with the finish at Hwy. “00”. There are four food stations on the 26km course and six on the 42 km course, which are manned by local youth groups. At the finish line are refreshments and the Lions’ famous doughnuts. Every skier will receive a special Pre-Birkie sweatshirt, and all skiers who register before Jan. 15 will get their sweatshirt at the spaghetti feed/late registration or on race day late registration at the VFW. There is also a spectator bus near the Hayward public beach Saturday morning until 10:15am at which time the buses leave for the finish line (Birkie trailhead parking lot). This year the Hayward Lions will hold the “all-you can-eat: spaghetti feed, served until 8pm Friday. Don’t miss out on what’s called the “Best Birkie prep race in the Midwest.”
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Volunteers needed for winter bird census
Sawyer County
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HAYWARD and CABLE – Volunteers are needed to assist the National Audubon Society in its annual Christmas bird census, which this year is set for Saturday, Dec. 16. Viewed in comparison with other long-term monitoring programs, such as the breeding bird survey, Christmas bird count data helps to provide an understanding of bird population trends across North America in early winter.
For more information or to volunteer, contact the Cable Natural History Museum at 715-798-3890 or e-mail naturalist Haley Appleman at haley@cablemuseum.org.
Fishing tournament set on the ‘Big Chip’ HAYWARD – Pat’s Landing will host its sixth annual Tipper Tourney on the west side of the famed Chippewa Flowage on Saturday, Jan. 6. Entry fee is $15 and fishing goes from 8am to 4pm, with prizes for the highest combined length of largemouth bass and northern pike, longest northern and longest bass. All fish must be registered by 4:30pm. Pat’s Landing Bar & Grill is the registration site. Door prizes will be randomly drawn (must be present to win). For more information, call 715-945-2511.
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Northwest REGION
Participants will record and count birds and bird species within 15-mile diameter circles in the Cable and Hayward area from dawn to dusk. Bird feeders within the circles are also surveyed, so feeder counters are also needed.
Northwest REGION
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Sawyer County Flambeau River State Forest to host candlelight ski
WINTER – Cross-country skiing at night by candlelight will be offered from 6-9pm, Saturday, Feb. 3 for the 26th year at the Flambeau River State Forest. Starting at 5pm all day-use fees at the Flambeau Hills trailhead will be waived. This family-type outing is designed for families and friends to spend the evening together. The candles will provide a luminescent atmosphere for all to enjoy. If the skies are clear, the stars will be blazing as well! A 1.8-kilometer loop of trail will be groomed, tracked and lit with more than 600 candles. This event will take place regardless of snow conditions. If there is no snow, take a candlelight walk.
The trail is for skiers or hikers and winds through the heart of the forest. The trail is wide enough for diagonal striders and skate skiers. Hiking and snowshoeing are also permitted during this event. Picnic tables and a large barbecue grill will be available near the trailhead for persons who wish to cook their food. Forest staff will provide hot dogs, chili and spiced tea. Large warming fires will be built and maintained throughout the night. The Flambeau Hills trailhead is located on Highway W, 21 miles west of Phillips and 15 miles east of Winter.
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Sawyer County
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Northwest REGION
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Editor’s County
Northwoods Northwest REGION REGION
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Northwest REGION
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Washburn County
Calendar of Events
Lots of fun planned at Jack Frost Festival
Northwest REGION
Dec. 23 Shell Lake – Holiday Santa Jan. 13 Spooner – Jack Frost Fest: Ice fishing contest, minnow race, pond hockey, and more. Feb. 3 Stone Lake – Sledding Party: 11am to 4pm. Food and games.
SPOONER – Enjoy a winter day with family and friends at the 2018 Jack Frost Festival set for Saturday, Jan. 13 on the Yellow River Flowage and pond (near Tony’s Riverside) in Spooner. Hours are 8am to 4pm. Admission to the festival is free, but a couple events carry a fee for participation. Frosty fun includes a ice pond hockey tournament, intro to ice fishing, family ice fishing tournament on the Yellow River Flowage, open skating, antique snowmobile show & ride, snowshoe jaunt, fat bike demonstrations, turkey bowling, rib and
chili contest, bonfires and s’mores bar, ice golf game, minnow races at Big Dick’s Buckhorn Inn, and other great family events. Check spoonerchamber.org for updates on times and events. Call 715-635-2168 to register for the ice pond hockey tournament. Hours of the ice-fishing contest are from 8am to noon with registration beginning at 7:30am on the ice. There is a $5 entry fee for all the antique and classic snowmobiles you wish to bring. Registration starts at 10am, trophies awarded at 1:30pm and the ride begins at 2pm.
Sledding party planned at Stone Lake STONE LAKE – The Stone Lake Community invites everyone to bring along their favorite sled and enjoy sledding down the 1st Street hill on Saturday, Feb. 3. Hours of the third annual sledding party are 11am to 4pm. Gather at
the top of 1st Street hill near the Stone Lake Wesleyan Church. There will be a rope lift (no trudging back up the hill!) and a bonfire. The church will be open to warm up in, and they will also have food and games inside.
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U.P. Michigan
Historic Ironwood Track to host ice oval races IRONWOOD – The legend of the Ironwood Olympus is alive and well! Fans of snowmobile racing will see exciting oval ice racing when the historic half-mile Ironwood Track – “Where Legends Race” -- hosts two races: one featuring vintage sleds, the other modern sleds. More than 55 races are scheduled at the track located in the Gogebic County Fairgrounds in Ironwood.
The following weekend, Jan. 6-7, is the Ironwood Snowmobile Olympus. The USSA Pro Star Race Series/TLR races start
Calendar of Events
Dec. 9 Iron River – Hometown Christmas: Day-long shopping specials, Santa visit, tree lighting at 5pm, ice shack parade at 6pm, movie at Crystal Theatre. Dec. 30 Ironwood – Pro Vintage Snowmobile Race: 9am to 4pm, Gogebic County Fairgrounds. Jan. 5 Ironwood – Depot Dash: 4pm, kids 10 and under free XC ski event.
at 9:30am each day. The Ironwood Snowmobile Olympus race weekend begins with practice on Friday. The popular GPR F-500 or Jim Adema Memorial Cup is run on Saturday. Kids can race for a trophy, when the Wisconsin Kids Snowmobile Racing Association (WKSRA) holds their races, also Jan. 6-7 at the track.
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U.P. REGION
First up are the vintage snowmobile races under the flag of Pro Vintage Racing series on Saturday, Dec 30. Racing starts at 9:30am.
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Editor’s County
86 ironcountylodging.com • iron river, michigan
Lakeshore Motel on Beautiful Ice Lake
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula 906-265-3611 • www.lakeshoremotelicelake.com
Open all year round
Northwoods REGION
Iron County Lodging Association
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FIND US ON:
Great Fishing, Kitchenettes, Boat rental, WiFi, Continental breakfast
AMERICINN LODGE & SUITES Iron River, MI 49935 906-265-9100 or 1-800-634-3444 ironriver.mi@americinn.com
www.americinn.com
CHICAUGON LAKE INN Iron River, MI 49935 906-265-9244 osieger@fast-air.net
www.chicaugonlakeinn.com
LAC O’ SEASONS RESORT
Iron River, MI 49935 • 906-265-4881 or 800-797-5226 • randy@lacoseasons.com
www.lacoseasons.com
LAKESHORE MOTEL
Iron River, MI 49935 • 906-265-3611 lakeshoreland@yahoo.com
www.lakeshoremotelicelake.com
PIONEER LODGE
Iron River, MI 49935 • 800-362-7853 info@skibrule.com
www.skibrule.com
SKI BRULE VILLAGE
Iron River, MI 49935 • 906-265-4957 800-DO-BRULE • info@skibrule.com
www.skibrule.com
TALL PINES
Amasa, MI 49903 • 906-822-7713
tall_pines@hotmail.com
Editor’s County
Northwoods REGION
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