NORTHEAST REGION

Calendar

Oct. 2 Shawano – Downtown Shawano Octoberfest Oct. 3 Shawano – Vintage & Collector Car Show Oct. 8 Shawano – Witches’ Night Out Oct. 9 Riverview – Oktoberfest Oct. 9 Shawano Lake – Mooseyard Oktoberfest & Scavenger Hunt Oct. 16-17 Mountain – Dryland Sled Dog Races Oct. 23 Florence – Leff’s Game Feed Dec. 4 Florence – Christmas in Florence

Florence County ATV Trails

Florence County is home to over 160 miles of ATV trails and routes with hundreds more connecting neighboring counties and Michigan. The northern part of the Nicolet State Trail runs through the western portion of the county. This particular trail also runs through Forest and Oconto counties. The Florence County ATV trail system winds through the open Spread Eagle Barrens State Natural Area and county, industrial and national forests. Riders will encounter trails leading to 3 waterfalls (Breakwater, LaSalle & Washburn), several scenic overlooks, county parks and 3 ATV/UTV friendly campgrounds: Lake Emily, West Bass Lake and Morgan Lake campgrounds. Florence County also has a 17-acre ATV park which is located on the south side of Fisher Lake in the Town of Florence. Northeast Region

Dual Sport Motorcycles Finding Solid Traction in the Northwoods

Dual sport motorcycling has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, and in response trails are being develop to serve that segment of outdoor enthusiasts. For those in the dark about that type of two-wheel machine, a dual sport (dual purpose) motorcycle somewhat bridges the street and off-road categories. Generally, a dual sport motorcycle is one that is street legal and can be ridden off road as well.

Riders of dual sport motorcycles will find miles of related adventure trails in Oconto County. Next season, be aware that some forest roads that are part of the routes below don’t open until early May. For more information, visit ocontocounty.org.

Northern Wisconsin Adventure Trail

The Northern Wisconsin Adventure Trail (NWAT) is a 950mile dual sport motorcycle route that loops through the forests of northern Wisconsin.

The route can be followed by using a GPS file that is available for download at the web link listed above for this ride. There is also a link at the download site that leads to more details about the ride, including distances between gas stops and interesting places to visit along the route. There are many photographs along with the details so that riders can get an idea of what the surfaces and terrain are like along the route. It will take 4-6 days to complete this ride. Camping, lodging, and restaurants are available along the route. There are many two-track and trail segments on this path. Riders should be sufficiently skilled to navigate off-highway paths. For more information, call 262-569-1474.

Lakewood Area Adventure Motorcycle Path

This 100-mile path is intended for adventure or dual sport motorcycles. It traverses scenic natural and historic sites in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in the area around Lakewood. You can visit scenic lakes and streams, logging camps, old growth pines, and climb a forest lookout tower. With stops to take in the scenery, this ride will take most of the day. Begin your ride anywhere on the loop, but a good place to start is at the National Forest Ranger Station about a halfmile south of Lakewood on Hwy. 32. While there, pick up brochures about the forest that will complement your riding experience.

Large Arts and Crafts Show Planned for Florence

FLORENCE – On Saturday, Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. the Florence Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 11th annual Christmas in Florence event at the Florence High School. Admission is is free and includes a chance to win many door prizes. There will be more than 90 vendors in the gym offering a large variety of unique hand-made arts and craft items, as well as other items for sale to help you with your Christmas shopping. There will be many activities for kids, including visiting Santa and listening to stories from Mrs. Claus. They are due to arrive from the North Pole at 10:30 a.m. Children will enjoy making free Christmas craft projects with the TORPEDOS students. Homemade chili, Christmas cookies and other food items will be for sale in the cafeteria. Performances in the auditorium will include FHS Drama Club, FHS Jazz Band, and the dance performers. The school’s Show Choir will be caroling around the school.