Things To Do

Paddling:

Take your pick... from intimate river paddles to lake paddles. Choose your boat... kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or pedal paddleboard. Our name in French means “Almost An Island” which means water everywhere! Stop by the Chamber office for a copy of our new Canoe Trails map, which identifies a dozen trips, from two to six hours in length and at varying degrees of difficulty.

Biking:

Northern Wisconsin is fast becoming a biking mecca due to its diverse trails, scenic routes, and friendly hospitality.

• Border Trails System: Cyclists will find 100 miles of paved backroad trails that provide exceptional scenery and sense of quiet. Located along the Wisconsin border, the system runs into Michigan through some of the most beautiful, rolling lake country the region has to offer. Parking available at the Presque Isle Community Center.

• Heart of Vilas County: Choose from 60 miles of connected trails in Vilas and Iron Counties. The trail is fully paved, primarily off-road and appropriate for all types of bicycles. Stopover spots along the way include ice cream parlors, beaches, scenic bridges and picnic tables.

• Presque Isle Road Trail: Start in downtown Presque Isle and follow the road route and easy off-road sections as you loop around ponds, take in quiet back roads, and enjoy a nice out and back ride, with areas to stop and enjoy a swim or picnic.

Snowmobiling:

The region offers hundreds of miles of trails meandering through vast stretches of pine and hardwood forests, and around numerous lakes. We are blessed by the Lake Superior Snowbelt and see more snow than most other Wisconsin locations. Ride to a new Vilas County or Upper Peninsula destination every day of the week to experience fantastic scenery, hospitable restaurants and taverns, and cozy lodges. Our Sno-Bunnies do a superb job grooming, with frequent endorsements as “the best trails in the region.” MidwestSnowmobiling.com

Birding:

Presque Isle, a Wisconsin Bird City, is a great location for backyard birds as well as those in woods and waters habitats. Join an informed, fun group in the Discovery Center Bird Club. They plan weekly and seasonal outings, and visit Presque Isle’s Pipke Park, Van Vliet Hemlocks, and Catherine Wolter Wilderness Area; and kayak the Presque Isle River and Rice Creek Natural Area. DiscoveryCenter.net

Geocaching:

Did you know our town was once named “Winegar”? We have combined technology with historical facts, introducing visitors to the treasure hunt known as “Geocaching”. This activity allows people to get outside and enjoy nature while utilizing e-devices. This spring, a series of geocaches will be placed throughout the township; highlighting some of the people, places, and events that helped shape our village, from the logging days of the 20’s, through the tourist boom of the 60’s, and beyond. Geocaching.com.

Mountain Biking:

The WinMan Trails are a network of silent sport trails in neighboring Winchester. Spanning 1300 acres of private land and public Northern Highlands State Forest recreation land, over 5 miles of purpose-built single track trails and terrain offer excellent opportunities for mountain biking and fat biking. A new chalet, instructional and social activities, and a top-notch trail system that caters to beginners and experienced riders make this a destination not to be missed. WinmanTrails.com

Star Gazing:

Dark skies are essential for getting clear views of the night sky, the Milky Way and even the aurora borealis (aka northern lights). Known as “Wisconsin’s Last Wilderness,” Presque Isle has few streetlights and quiet, spreadout homes and resorts, ideal for night sky viewing. Much of the sky’s treasures are visible with the naked eye, or bring a set of binoculars or your telescope for enhanced viewing.