NORTHCENTRAL REGION

NORTHCENTRAL REGIONNorthcentral Region

Calendar

Dec. 1 Antigo – Christmas Parade, Chili Cook-Off Dec. 4 Merrill – Christmas Parade Dec. 4 Phelps – Holiday Tree Lighting Dec. 4 Rhinelander – Parade of Lights Dec. 4 Mercer – Northwoods Winter Wonderland Dec. 4-5 Merrill – Tannenbaum Tour Dec. 10 Presque Isle – Olde Time Christmas Celebration Dec. 11 Merrill – Breakfast with Santa Dec. 18 Antigo – Gartzke’s Moonlight Ski/Snowshoe Dec. 22 Elcho – Ski Junket Dec. 26-Jan. 1 Manitowish Waters – Marvel in Manitowish Waters Dec. 29 Manitowish Waters – Winter Family Play Day Dec.29 Minocqua – Fat Bikes by Candlelight Dec. 31 Woodruff – New Year’s Eve Fireworks Dec. 31-Jan. 2 Park Falls – Tuscobia Winter Ultra Jan. 1 Rhinelander – Fireworks Jan. 7-8-9 Eagle River – Vintage World Championship Snowmobile Derby Jan. 8 Tomahawk – Ice Fishing Tournament Jan. 8 Tomahawk – STAR Splash Jan. 14-16 Eagle River – World Championship Snowmobile Derby Jan. 15 Boulder Junction – Big Fish Ice Fishing Tournament Jan. 15 Mercer – Sno-Goers Winter Blast Jan. 15 Minocqua – Fat Bike and Cornhole Biathlon Jan. 15, 22, 29 Merrill – Ice Drags Jan. 22-23 Merrill – Pine River Sled Dog Races Jan. 12-23 Phillips -- Winterfest Jan. 29 Minocqua – Kitty Kat Races Jan. 29 Sayner – Vintage Snowmobile Show Feb. 5 Boulder Junction – Frozen Tozen Ice Fishing Tournament Feb. 5 Minocqua – Wolf Tracks 24K & 42K Jan. 5 Tomahawk – Ice Fishing Festival Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 Merrill – Ice Drags Feb. 5-6 Land O’ Lakes – Three Bear Sled Dog Races

Glide Through Winter with a Visit to MECCA Trails Winterfest

MERCER – Come to the second annual MECCA Trails Winterfest, an event with two live ski races on Saturday, Feb. 5 and three virtual ski races, along with a virtual snowshoe tour, the latter ones to be held anytime from Dec. 18 to Feb. 18. The event is a fundraiser for Mercer Cross Country Ski Club, a non-profit organization. All MECCA Trails will be open throughout the skiing season. The entire trail system is groomed regularly with a set of tracks and a skate lane. The Winterfest events are the Flowage 15K Freestyle, Claire d’ Loon 5K, Turtle River Pursuit, and Mercer Springs Snowshoe Tour. The inaugural Flowage 15K Freestyle ski race on Feb. 5 showcases most of the MECCA Trail system. The course goes through upland hardwoods and pines, spruce and cedar wetlands, crosses the Little Turtle River Flowage and Waterfowl Wildlife Area to the west side of the trail system at Voss Lake. The course is rated moderate to advance with numerous hills. Also on Feb. 5, will be the Claire d’ Loon 5K ski race. It shares the same start and finish line as the Flowage 15K Freestyle. The course leaves the forest behind the chalet and moves through the forests and fields near the chalet. The Claire d’ Loon 5K is a favorite of younger skiers, families and first-time racers. The course is easy to moderate.

After the Feb. 5 events, there will be an awards ceremony and meal at the Mercer Community Center. The virtual skiing events include the fourth annual Turtle River Pursuit. The Pursuit is a combined time race with an 11K classic leg and an 11K skating leg. Racers can ski the Pursuit course whenever they would like and turn in their times for the two legs. The course is rated moderate with hilly terrain. Individual or 2-person teams can compete. The Mercer Springs Snowshoe Tour highlights the beauty of the looped snowshoe trails at MECCA. The Klondike Trail is just over 1 mile and starts and ends behind the chalet. The new Mercer Springs Trail starts just across Fierick Road from chalet, winds through the forest of hardwoods and pines, then enters the Mercer Springs wetlands. There’s even a beaver dam to walk across. The Mercer Springs Trail meets the Klondike trail, so participants can choose 1, 2 or 3 miles of beautiful trails. Participants are offered a discount option to add a MECCA membership. To register for the events, go to runsignup.com. For information about MECCA, visit meccatrails.com. Northcentral Region

Winter Park Boasts 80 km of Groomed XC Trails

MINOCQUA -- Winter Park & Nordic Center located just west of Minocqua enjoys a reputation as one of the top cross-country ski areas in the Midwest. The facility and staff provide a full range of services for the cross-country skier, including 80 km (45 miles) of Piston Bully groomed terrain with 70 km groomed for both skating and striding and 10 km groomed for striding only. Skijoring is allowed on a 6 km loop every day except Saturday. There is a 2 km lighted base loop for evening skiing. There are two separate snowshoeing trails totaling 12 km. Snow tubing is open all week, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, due to lack of staffing, the lift will not operate this season, according to the general manager Mark Stuber. The ice-skating pond is also doubtful this season due to a low water table. The chalet has a cafe, day lodge and heated waxing room, ski shop (retail, rental and P.S.I.A. certified ski school). Winter Park has announced the Wolf Tracks Rendezvous cross-country ski race is back with in-person competition for 2022, according to Stuber. The race date is Saturday, Feb. 5 with races starting at 9 a.m. Race distances are 42K and 24K with either the classic- or skate-style method. Race day fee is $110 with early registration discounts available. The price includes one meal ticket and two beverage tickets. To register and for more information, go to runsignup. com/Race/WI/Minocqua/WolfTracksRendezvous24k42k. Other events at Winter Park include candlelight outings on Dec. 31 (snowshoe) and Jan. 15 (snowshoe and ski). They will have guided snowshoe hikes also on Dec. 23, January (TBD) and Feb. 12. Times are 1-2 p.m. each day. For rates, directions and information call 715356-3309 or visit minocquawinterpark.org.

LAMBO will Light Up the Fun for Fat Biking

MINOCQUA – The Lakeland Area Mountain Biking Organization (LAMBO) will light up the Zip Mountain Biking Trail in Minocqua the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 29 for all you fat bike enthusiasts. If you have snowshoes, bring them along because the snowshoe trails will also be open that night. From 6-9 p.m. that night, the beginner trail will be open for fat bike riding. No fat bike? Loaner bikes will be available if you need a fat bike to try. This is a great opportunity for all ages, for families, and for anyone new to fat biking in the winter. Enjoy an evening around a bonfire with fellow silent sport enthusiasts. LAMBO merchandise and fat bike raffle tickets will be available for purchase. Volunteers will be share information about LAMBO, the Zip, and other biking and snowshoe trails in the area. The event is free to the public, but donations are appreciated. All funds are used to build, maintain and groom trails in the Lakeland area. COVID guidelines will apply. The bike demos were canceled this year due to COVID concerns. The Zip trails are located just south of the Island of Minocqua, off U.S. Highway 51.

‘Marvel in Manitowish Waters’ Promises Week of Family Fun

MANITOWISH WATERS – The Manitowish Waters Area Chamber of Commerce invites everybody to their “Marvel in Manitowish Waters” celebration. It’s an enchanting week of fun events for families, starting Dec. 26 and ending Jan. 1. Events are either free or low cost and some will be held indoors. On tap are New Year’s Eve fireworks. Winter family play day at the Discovery Center will be Dec. 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free dropin activities include winter scavenger hunts, snow critter building, crafts, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Snowshoes will be available for complimentary onsite use. You are encouraged to register for these events in advance. Visit the ManitowishWaters.org for more information. 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 in the area and good eats at restaurants.

Blizzard Blast Blows Away the Blues

CONOVER – The eighth annual Northwoods Blizzard Blast on Saturday, Feb. 19 will entice the entire family to the Conover Community Park for outdoor fun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Spectator admission is free, with a small fee for participation in the competitive events. Among the events are horse-drawn sleigh rides through the forest, giant ski races (teams of four on 8-foot-long skis!), recliner races, ice bowling, slap shot hockey, and Firefighter Challenge competitions. The artisan bazaar at the Community Center features hand-crafted winter wear, wildlife art, seasonal crafts and nature-inspired jewelry. Try tasty samplings of artisan breads, dips, cheeses and candy and take home your favorites. Chilly Charlie’s Children’s Carnival offers prizes for games such as Snowman Pong, Ring Toss, Chilly Charlie’s Challenge, Find My Buttons, and more. Children will also enjoy Snow Art Fun, the Dogsled Dash, face painting and pony rides. The sledding hill is always a hit. The Conover Snow Buddies’ tractor does the “heavy lifting” as it pulls sledders back up the hill. There’s a giant ice rink for future Olympians and pro hockey players (some skate loaners available). Take home a new skillset after watching the archery and snowshoeing demonstrations. The Pioneer Creek Recreational Trail is open for cross-country ski and snowshoe enthusiasts. Adjacent to the park, the Vilas County Forest offers serenity for independent nature hikes. The event’s signature s’mores cones and other food, as well as beer at the popular “Snow Bar,” will be available. Warming fires and heated restrooms are located on site. Proceeds will benefit area fire and EMS departments. To sign up for a contest or for more information, visit northwoodsblizzardblast. com, Northwoods Blizzard Blast on Facebook, or call 715-547-8120.

Hiller’s Radar Run Returns to St. Germain

ST. GERMAIN – Billed as the “Largest lake race and bikini run in Wisconsin,” the 2022 Hiller’s Radar Run will take place Friday and Saturday, Feb. 4-5 on the west bay of Little St. Germain Lake. The Snow Outlaws bring the fastest sleds in the nation to St. Germain and compete Friday night under the lights for the season’s top honors and a $14,000 purse. New classes include Open Mod and Unlimited. The event offers straight-line racing with 36 classes following SLSA guidelines. Speed runs are on 1,000 feet of shaved ice with 2,000 feet of shutdown. Radar runs are on 660 feet of perfectly packed snow. Any spectator can participate with fun runs on either track. On the shaved ice track, the fastest speed run Saturday wins a $500 cash purse. Top speed run also wins recognition on the Sno-King traveling trophy. There’s also a $500 cash purse for a new track record currently sitting at 173.1 mph. Women in swimsuits will race Saturday afternoon, with a few at speeds over 100 mph during the Bikini Run. Pledge drives are donated to Wisconsin breast cancer survivors and the local rescue organizations. Over $250,000 has been donated since its inception. There will be vendors with snowmobile-related product and services, as well as food, beer and soda in a large heated tent. For more information and updates on the races, visit radarracers.com.

Lots of Fun Activities Planned for Phillips WinterFest

PHILLIPS – The 2022 WinterFest celebration in Phillips on Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 20-23 offers a lot of see and to participate in for all ages and skill levels, says the Phillips Chamber of Commerce. All events are open to the public, including the Tavern League Tour (held throughout January) for a chance to win cash by visiting participating Price County Tavern League member establishments. Catch the production of Cat’s Pajamas (acapella group) on Thursday evening at the Phillips High School. The popular luau at the Phillips Community Pool will be Friday evening. Then bundle up for a candlelight walk at the Wisconsin Concrete Park, from 6-8 p.m. Club 13 is hosting a comedian starting at 8 p.m. Saturday opens with the ice-fishing contest on Duroy, Elk Long and Wilson lakes. Advance registration at Ross’s Sport Shop or same day registration at the Lake Duroy boat landing. Awards and raffles begin at 4 p.m. at Harbor View. The Phillips Flurry Snowshoe Race will be Saturday at the Phillips School Forest. The 5K and 10K run/walk offer individual and team entries. A virtual option is available. Visit phillipsflurry.com for more details. Other events Saturday include bingo for kids (check the chamber’s website phillipswisconsin.net for updates and times for this and other events) and an evening DJ at the Phillips VFW Post. Snowmobilers are invited to join the snowmobile parade Saturday night beginning with the lineup at 6 p.m. at Birch Island Resort and winding through the chain of lakes and ending up on Lake Duroy in time for fireworks and a warming bonfire. On Sunday enjoy a pancake breakfast at Club 13 and hosted by the Chaparrals Snowmobile Club. There’s an ice-skating party (1 p.m. tentative start) at Elk Lake Park. There will be music, hot chocolate and treats.

Best Bets for a Sleigh Ride

Turn the magic of a horse-drawn sleigh or wagon ride into reality this winter for the family or a special person in your life. The hooves of the beautiful horses will kick up puffs of crisp, white snow as you travel through an enchanted forest. Dress warm and be sure to bring a camera for nostalgic photo opportunities, including of your close friends and loved ones during this winter adventure. Some of the forest critters, including white-tailed deer and red squirrels, may show up. Looking across the Northwoods landscape, you may want to try one of these places:

Rocking ‘W’ Stables

A staple of Northwoods horse-drawn sleigh and wagon rides for many years, Rocking ‘W’ Stables in Vilas County offers holiday adventures for all. Their three-mile scenic trail winds its way through a forest, with a midway stop to gather around a blazing bonfire and to sip hot chocolate. The rides start early-December and run through Jan. 1. They accommodate both small and large groups. 1890 Pleasure Island Road, Eagle River. 715-617-6779.

Harrison Hills Sleigh Rides

In Lincoln County is Harrison Hills Sleigh Rides. Enjoy a scenic sleigh ride through Harrison Hills. Each of their sleighs is pulled by a team of two draft horses. Sleighs can accommodate up to 14 people. Bring your family or a group to fill the sleigh; or choose a more intimate option and bring your loved one for a romantic outing. Guests my bring their own refreshments to enjoy in the sleigh. N10063 Hwy. B, Tomahawk. 715-851-0798.

Brandt’s Sleigh & Wagon Rides

Enjoy an old-fashioned sleigh or wagon ride in Langlade County when you hook up with Brandt’s Sleigh & Wagon Rides. The family-owned business specializes in old time family fun, particularly as part of their popular two-hour winter sleigh ride around their family farm. Guests may bring their own food to cook over the open fire after the ride is done. They can accommodate groups as large as 20 people per sleigh. 715-627-7462.

Western Connection Ranch

Located in Oneida County, Western Connection Ranch offers rides throughout the winter. They have a small sleigh that seats up to 6, or the large sleigh that accommodates 15 visitors. Hot chocolate is available, as is a campfire afterwards. 6899 Co Hwy K, Rhinelander. 715-282-5619.

Palmquist Farm

You’ll marvel at the stately Belgian draft horses pulling your country-style sleigh through the fields and forests in Price County. Rides begin Dec. 1 and end March 1. Refreshments, including hot apple cider, Russian tea or hot chocolate, are available at the Pickaroon, their Northwoods lodge. N5136 River Road, Brantwood, 715-564-2558.

Willow Spring Gardens

From mid-December to February, you can enjoy sleigh rides at Willow Spring Gardens in Marathon County. They take it up a notch by offering a varied menu (breakfast, pizza, tacos, et.) for your ride, or you may bring your own snacks. They stop at a cozy spot in the woods for a campfire, hot refreshments and even an opportunity to build a snowman. 5480 Hillcrest Drive, Wausau, 715-675-1171.

Frozen in Time: Our Love for Ice Fishing

LAND O’ LAKES – You’re never far from a quality fishing lake while visiting Land O’ Lakes. This Vilas County community near the border with Michigan is surrounded by hundreds of glacial lakes that, for the most part, are good fish producers. The lakes are pristine and have abundant numbers of panfish and gamefish for those anglers toting ice augers and pulling sleds. For the most part, they’re after walleye, northern pike and panfish. But bass and trout are also caught. Among the favorite lakes is Black Oak Lake, a very clear 564-acre lake, located just east of Land O’ Lakes. It has a mean depth of 34 feet and a maximum depth of 85 feet. Access is via a public boat landing on County Highway B. Lac Vieux Desert Lake is also popular with fishermen. In the past, the Phelps-Land O’ Lakes Lions Club has held their Great Northern Ice Fishing Tournaments on this large lake that tops out at more than 4,200 acres and with a maximum depth of 38 feet. No word yet for on any 2022 tournament, so check with the local chamber of commerce for an update. Lac Vieux Desert holds good numbers of muskies, perch, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleyes. It’s a lake that draws trophy hunters as well as people of all ages who enjoy brisk panfishing. Access is from one of the lake’s two public boat landings. You’ll find one ramp on the lake’s west store and a second ramp in Michigan off Misery Bay Road.

Land O’ Lakes Welcomes Mushers, Canine Racers

LAND O’ LAKES – Happy trails and happy tails will be much in evidence in Land O’ Lakes the first weekend of February 2022. That’s because the popular Three Bear Sled Dog Race will return after last year’s absence. Slated for Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 5 & 6, the event will see upwards of 80 or so race teams competing for top honors and cash prizes in various classes. Teams are mostly from the Midwest, but a few teams from Canada, Montana and New York have also competed in the past. They added a purebred division for this year, along with the usual skijoring 2-, 4-, 6- and 8-dog divisions. Races start at 10 a.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday and go through the afternoon each day. This race is very spectator-friendly, with the start and finish on the town hall grounds in downtown Land O’ Lakes. Indeed, spectators can smooze with the dogs and mushers as they await their turn on the course that runs just south of town. Just be sure to check with the handlers before approaching the dogs, as they may be busy getting the dogs harnessed and ready to run. Too, leave your own dog at home, as they are a distraction to the race dogs. This will be the 41st year that the Three Bear has been held. Last year’s event was literally washed out after severe flooding in the fall delayed trail brushing until it was too late. This year, thanks to donated equipment, they reconfigured the course so it lies entirely within Vilas County, and thus avoiding a swampy area. Kids can enter their dog (some team owners lend a dog) in the mutt races, scheduled for noon on both Saturday and Sunday. In addition to the above, the town’s ice-skating rink will be open (ice skates will be available), along with a bonfire, food at the fire department and hot pasties on the grounds. Check out the retail sales around town. Saturday night features a “mushers’ ball” at Gateway Lodge, open to the public. The local humane society is accepting donations of dog and cat food and kitty litter. For updates and more information, follow them on their Facebook page or visit Land O’ Lakes Chamber’s website, golandolakeswi.com. Northcentral Region

Merrill Hosts Unique Races

MERRILL – The sounds of dogs yipping and spinning tires will herald the return to Merrill of two popular winter events.

Merrill Winterfest Sled Dog Race

The International Sled Dog Racing Association-sanctioned races, sponsored by the Wisconsin Trail-blazers Sled Dog Club, will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 22 and 9 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 23 at Pine River School for Young Learners, 4165 State Hwy. 61. Spectator admission is free. There will be 3-dog junior, 4-, 6-, and 10-dog, 1- and 2-dog skijoring races, as well as kiddie and celebrity races. Once the dogs are at the starting line, the excited barking ends as they get down to business of doing their favorite thing – pulling the lightweight sled and the musher along the snow-covered race course. Visitors can find refreshments and raffles inside the school.

You can follow the club schedule on Facebook or visit witrailblazers.shutterfly.com. Upcoming sled dog races include the Willow Spring Round Barn Sled Rally on Feb. 19-20 in Wausau and the Heal Creek Dog Dash on Feb. 26-27 in Rhinelander.

Merrill Ice Drags Races

Merrill Ice Drags will kick off the race season on Saturday, Jan. 15 on Lake Alexander at Council Grounds State Park, with registration beginning at 9 a.m. and racing starting at noon. They host various classes from rubber tire to outlaw. The event includes more than 15 race classes, including for classic muscle cars, high-speed “rail” cars, souped up trucks and SUVs, even family cars and minivans. An average of 50 racers compete for cash, prizes and trophies. Drivers come from as far away as Ohio, Indiana and Iowa to race. The track setup is a hybrid of Mother Nature and man-made technology. It features frozen snow banks separating the two drag tracks, a modern timing system, a two-story race control tower and a “Christmas tree” stuck in the frozen snow. Some of the racers run “nailies” – tires with 3,000 to 3,5000 drywall screws protruding from the tires for the absolute best ice traction. The volunteer workers actually plow four lanes at season start; rotating the two tracks so they can flood and freeze the battered lanes once the races are done. The club notes they host “the fastest 1/8th mile drag auto racing on ice in the world.” The world record -- 141.6 MPH and 5.431 ET in 660 feet – was set on this track!

They race for five consecutive Saturdays (weather permitting), and end with the grudge match/bracket races. Admission to the race is free. If you want a closer look, there is pit gate admission with a fee. Under six years of age admitted free. Parking on the ice is free; parking in the state park’s lots will require a state park sticker.

Silent Sports Outings Announced

ANTIGO – Mother Nature’s own evening lighting system will provide the illumination for the Saturday, Dec. 18 Moonlight Ski/ Snowshoe outing at Gartzke Flowage in Langlade County. The Antigo Bike & Ski Club is hosting the event at Gartzke Flowage Trails at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Bring snacks and drinks. The event will end at 9 p.m. If you do mis this one, the club will have two other moonlight outings on Sunday, Jan. 16 and Sunday, Feb. 13. Temperatures below zero degrees will cancel this event. The Gartzke trails are located at W6379 5th Avenue Rd. Antigo. For more information, e-mail Nick Salm at njsalm1@gmail.com. ELCHO -- Another outing for skinny ski enthusiasts will be the Elcho X-C Club’s annual Ski Junket on Saturday, Jan. 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting at the Moccasin Lake cross-country ski trailhead. The event is open to the public. Participants can try out ski and snowshoe equipment provided by Mel’s Sporting Goods of Rhinelander and then relax in the warm Michelle’s Lodge. Masks will be required inside the lodge. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided outside Michelle’s Lodge. Don’t bring snacks this year, said a spokesman. The trailhead is located off Moccasin Lake Road, Elcho. For more information, e-mail wetzeljw@newnorth.net or call 715-275-3068.