Northeast Region

Calendar

Feb. 4 Hiles – Hiles Fishoree

Feb. 4 Long Lake – Ice Fishing Derby

Feb. 4 Three Lakes – LSR Vintage Ride

Feb. 4 Abrams – Candlelight Ski

Feb. 4 White Lake – Fishing Derby

Feb. 4 Oconto – WGAS Northern Fishing Tourney

Feb. 4 Maiden Lake – Fish-O-Ree

Feb. 4 Little Suamico – Fishing Derby

Feb. 4 Marinette – Da Yooper Winterfest

Feb. 4 Townsend – Bed Races on the Ice

Feb. 4 Neva Corners – Classic Snowmobile Cruise

Feb. 11 Mountain – Sled Dog Races

Feb. 11 Florence – Fisher Lake Fishing Derby

Feb. 11 Crivitz – Fish-O-Rama, Radar Run & Winterfest

Feb. 18 Florence – Leff’s Fishing Derby

Feb. 18 Post Lake – Ice Fishing Jamboree

Feb. 18 Townsend – Winter Fest

Feb. 18 Suring – Fish-O-Ree

Feb. 18 Riverview – Turkey Bowling

Feb. 18 Laona – Winter Fun Day

Feb. 18 Shawano – Snowmobile Vintage Ride

Feb. 19 Florence– KAMO Ice Fishing Event

Feb. 25 Iron Mountain – Kites Over Lake Antoine

Feb. 25 Laona – Fire Dept. Fishoree

Feb. 25 Gillett – Finnegan Lake Ice Fishing Derby

Feb. 25 Shawano – Mooseyard Bar Olympics

March 3-4 Mountain – Blast from the Past

March 3-5 Iron Mountain – FIS Continental Cup

March 6-13 Pulaski – Casimir Pulaski Days

March 11 Florence – Keyes Peak Uphill Truck Drags

March 11 Shawano – Mooseyard St. Paddy’s Parade

Oconto County is a winter wonderland for outdoor fun

COUNTY-WIDE – Families and couples looking to engage winter head-on with outdoor activities should consider Oconto County, located in northeastern Wisconsin. We reached out to Samantha Boucher, Oconto County tourism director, for suggestions that are not only inviting to all family members, but that are easy on the budget.

Among the winter activities she recommends are these:

• Paul Bunyan Ski Hill, the “Biggest Little Hill” in the Midwest, offers excellent downhill skiing, including a newly-added terrain park for skiers seeking a thrilling new challenge. You can also go tubing allowing all to enjoy the outdoor activities, no matter the age. Equipment rentals are available, along with a full-service restaurant.

• Lakewood cross-country ski trails that wind through the scenic Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest are among the state’s best trails. As a bonus, they offer free access. Five color-coded trails of varying lengths and difficulty provide skiers with an ideal location for a casual ski with friends or a challenging ski to prep for competition.

• Snowshoe through the picturesque Cathedral Pines, a towering canopy of centuries-old pine trees and one of the few remaining old-growth forests in Wisconsin, and the crown jewel of this part of the Chequamegon-Nicolet. Viewing it in the winter is pure magic. Snowshoe rentals are available at Lakewood Ski & Sport.

• Hike to the top of Quartz Hill for a majestic view of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest below. The trek is less than half a mile and worth the adventure to take in the spectacular panoramic view. Depending on snow cover, you may need snowshoes for the short journey.

• Snowmobile the hundreds of miles of trails winding deep into the forest and that link to other trail systems throughout the state. Don’t own snowmobiles? Not to worry. Northwoods Powersports Adventures in Lakewood offers equipment rentals and guided tours through the majestic forest and across the vast frozen lakes of the region. Plus, the trails start from or lead to a variety of excellent dining and lodging facilities, allowing for full day or complete weekend or longer of fun.

• Oconto Falls Tubing Hill offers the perfect family winter activity. It features a 900-foot hill, complete with a tow rope to get you back up to the top for another ride. The activity is free thanks to Oconto Falls Lions Club International. Simply bring your own tube, dress warm and prepare for a day of fun.

• Ice fish one or more of the hundreds of lakes within Oconto County that are abundant with a variety of fish species such as bluegill, bass, northern pike, perch and the prized walleye. Never ice fished before? The local guides, along with the equipment and ice shanties, will put you onto the local fishing hotspots.

The county also boasts a variety of excellent restaurants and lodging for that cozy, romantic getaway. For more information on Oconto County and all of its winter activities, visit ocontocounty.org.