Excursions

Black River Harbor:

Visit the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area with a short day trip to the Upper Peninsula. You can reach the lake in less than an hour, and it’s well worth the drive! Head straight to the Lake, or make plans to hike or visit waterfalls along the way.

A wonderful destination... with waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, a park and picnic area, picturesque setting with a swinging bridge overlooking the river’s entrance into the Lake, and idyllic beaches and cool, refreshing water certain to awaken your senses. Picnic and catch the setting sun.

Waterfalls:

Just over the border, you begin to get a sense of a different landscape where flowing water dominates. People head north for a change of scenery from the Northwoods intimate lake settings to experience waterfalls, rocky trails, and the big lake.

Golf:

Gateway Golf Club, Land O’ Lakes, 29 miles

Boulder Creek Golf Course, Bessemer, 34 miles

Gogebic Country Club, Ironwood, 34 miles

Plum Lake Golf Club, Sayner, 29 miles

St. Germain Golf Club, St. Germain, 35 miles

Trout Lake Golf Course, Arbor Vitae, 24 miles

Ski the Midwest,s premier hills:

Black River Basin, Western U.P., 26 miles

Big Powderhorn Mountain, Western U.P., 33 miles

Jackson Creek Summit, Western U.P., 26 miles

Porcupine Mountains, Ontonagon, 55 miles

Ski Brule, Iron River, 60 miles

Whitecap Mountains, N. Wisconsin, 51 miles

Bond Falls:

Bond Falls Scenic Site features one of the most picturesque falls in the Midwest. Explore the cascading falls along 600 feet of accessible boardwalk with six viewing locations and three viewing platforms. An hour drive through the Ottawa National Forest… Travel Hwy. 64 N to Hwy. 2 East for 27 miles. Turn left on Hwy 45 for 15 miles. Turn left on Shively Road to your destination.

Rice Lake Natural Area:

This incredibly rich ecological site is a two mile stretch of creek surrounded by a large wetland complex. The slow, warm-water creek has extensive beds of aquatic macrophytes including dense stands of wild rice. The birds flock to this protected, quiet area making for a peaceful paddle located in between the waters of Round and Big Lake. DNR.WI.Gov Guido-Rahr, Sr.

Tenderfoot Forest Reserve:

Hike 500 acres of old growth forest and paddle four miles of undeveloped shoreline. This site houses 400-year old white pines, spring-fed ponds, and wild lakes and streams. Access to the Nature Conservancy’s Tenderfoot hiking is by water from the Palmer Lake boat landing, located in-between Presque Isle and Land O’ Lakes. Distance is 3 miles one way. Maps available at the Chamber.

Wolf Mountain Overlook:

Drive north into the Ottawa National Forest to find a short but relatively steep wilderness trail through lush northern hardwood. The lookout has multiple spots to enjoy the view. Drive Hwy. 2 west from Marenisco until you reach FS Road 9300, approximately five miles. Turn right and travel the forest road for three miles to reach the hiking sign and parking lot on the right-hand side.