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Editor’s column Summer -- as big as the whole outdoors I don’t think we had a “mud season” in the Northwoods this year. It seems one moment there was a ton of snow in the back yard and a fishing opener with iced over lakes; the next, dandelions and daffodils were making faces all over the place. Maybe I overslept spring. The local deer herd roamed through one night, nipping everything that had not been sprayed with deer repellant. Of course, I failed that ritual of early summer. Sigh, another trip to the local nursery to exchange the green in my wallet for green in the flowerbed. But temps are rising and the fish are biting. My 10-year-old grandson was fishing on our dock when his dad asked him to hold his fishing pole while he did something. Second later, the bobber went down much to Jackson’s delight. Seconds later he had an 11-inch crappie in hand, and giving his dad some ribbing.
Dean S. Acheson
ery or sitting before a blazing campfire with marshmallow stick in hand, we’re here for you. You’ll find miles upon miles of paved hike/bike trails, or if you enjoy a bit of dirt in your menu of fun, there are many more miles of mountain bike trails to explore. We’re quite proud of our city/town, county, state and national parks – clean, accessible and either free or low cost. To learn more, turn the pages of the magazine you’re holding and get ready to be magically transported to the land we call Up North!
This summer you too can enjoy the cool Northwoods forests, crystal clear lakes and rivers, and more. Small towns across the great Northwoods will pulsate with energy – boating, waterskiing, scoping out the local arts scene, and the many festivities and attractions from go-karts to wildlife zoos. If your idea of relaxation is sipping a cold craft beer at a local brew-
Inside this Issue
Editor’s Column................................................................................... Pg. 4 St. Croix Rod.............................................................. Inside Front Cover Pontoons On The Move...........................................Inside Back Cover Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad.................................Back Cover
Iron County Michigan Visitor Guide..... See center Published By:
409 Southpark Drive • P.O. Box 10 • Tomahawk, WI 54487 715-453-4511 • E-mail: info@5starupnorth.com
Owner/Publisher Al Hanley alh@5starupnorth.com Editor Dean Acheson DeanAcheson@yahoo. com
Accounting Jackie Blodgett Marketing Associates Al Hanley Jeff Eberle Production Office Lori Morris
Distribution Jeff Safranek Brian Wiedeman Graphic Designers Danelle Pretasky Brittany Hazelquist
© 2018 5 Star Marketing & Distribution, LLC. All material in this publication is copyrighted and may not be reprinted in any form without the written consent of 5 Star Marketing & Distribution.
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Map & Index
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NORTHWOODS Region
NORTHWOODS REGION Iron County.......................................... page 20 Langlade County............................... page 23 Lincoln County................................... page 25 Oneida County.................................... page31 Price County........................................ page 50 Vilas County......................................... page 53
NORTHWEST REGION Barron.................................................... page 62 Bayfield County.................................. page 63 Burnett County................................... page 64 Polk County......................................... page 66 Sawyer County................................... page 67 Washburn County............................. page 76
U.P. REGION Western U.P. Michigan...............page 77-78
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NORTHWEST Region
NORTHEAST REGION Florence County....................................page 6 Forest County.........................................page 8 Marinette County.............................. page 12 Oconto County................................... page 15 Shawano Country.............................. Page 17
NORTHEAST Region
Counties Covered in this Issue
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Florence county Calendar of Events
June 2 Florence – Rummage and Sidewalk Sale: 9am to 2pm throughout the town. June 2 Florence – Street Dance: 11am to 11pm, Tavern on Central. June 23 Florence – Mud Run: Fairgrounds. June 23 Florence -- Strawberry Social: 10am to 2pm. Florence Museum and Webb-Judge House. Quilt show, crafters, food.
Mud Run set at Florence
FLORENCE – The Florence County Blue Ox Trail Riders are hosting a new multi-class mud run for trucks on Saturday, June 23 starting at 10:30am at the Florence County Fairgrounds on County N.
NORTHEAST Region
Entry fees are $25 per run for each class with registration for racers from 6-9:30am. There are nine classes. They have allocated $5,500 in payout for this event. The Tavern on Central is sponsoring a $500 Fastest Pass of the Day prize. Go to FAN Motorsports Facebook page for more details on the classes. Concessions are being sold on-site to raise money for trail work. No carry-ins. Spectator admission fee is $10 with 12 and under admitted free.
The Blue Ox Trail Riders is an ATV/UTV and snowmobile club. Members maintain trails in Florence County. Riders can enjoy rolling hills, miles of rivers and streams, tall pine and hardwood forests as they travel 160 miles of ATV trails in Florence County. While traveling the trails, stop and enjoy breathtaking scenic overlooks and many beautiful waterfalls. For ATV enthusiasts they have a 17-acre ATV park east of Florence just off the Trail 2 for them to play in. Enjoy the benefits of membership today by joining the Blue Ox Trail Riders club.
Well, these are two good hiking trails to check out
FLORENCE - We know you’re not going to travel 60 miles just for a good drink of water. But if you’re in the area, the Chipmunk Rapids artesian well along Pine River in Florence County bubbles with possibilities!
The artesian well was discovered while drilling for a new well for the Chipmunk Rapids Campground in 1968. Even after 50 years, the flowing artesian well produces about 15 gallons per minute of cold, clear water. A sign explains how the well works. Chipmunk Rapids Campground is a small campground that offers a great deal. In addition to the artesian well, the area is popular for trout fishing, with a variety of other fish species in nearby lakes. A carryin canoe access is nearby and is a popular starting and ending point
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for canoe trips. A one-mile trail connects the campground with Lost Lake Campground and its namesake trail. The south trailhead of the Lauterman Lake National Recreation Trail is located north of the river. So you can hike one or both of the trails and work up a thirst deserving of a stop at the artesian well. Lauterman Trail is a half-mile past the Whisker Lake access road. The entrance to the Lauterman National Recreation Trail is on Forest Road 2154. A trail connects the two areas. The nine-mile trail serves as a hiking, mountain biking and a cross-country trail. It features several routes of varying levels of difficulty. Lauterman Lake has five walk-in campsites, including tables, tent pads, fire rings, and wilderness toilets.
Lost Lake Trail can be accessed by walking the Lauterman National Recreation Trail or by driving in on Forest Road 2156 out of either Tipler or Long Lake. The one-mile interpretive trail threads through a stand of 150-year-old hemlock and pine and circles the lake. The trail is adjacent to the campground. Longer hikes can be taken on the 4.5-mile Ridge Trail Loop. There is also a mile long interpretive nature trail, the Assessor’s Trail.
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Directions: From Florence, take State Hwy. 70 west for 15 miles to FR 2450. Turn left (south) 1 mile to FR 2156, then 3 miles southeast 2 miles to Chipmunk Rapids Campground. The well is on your left after you enter the campground. Parking for 6 vehicles, partially accessible to persons with disabilities.
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Forest county Calendar of Events
June 9-10 Wabeno – Dual Sport Ride: June 9-10 Mole Lake – Strawberry Moon Powwow: Traditional powwow. June 23-24 Crandon – Brush Run Off-Road Races: July 6-8 Wabeno – Steam Up Days: Wabeno Fairgrounds.
phooto by Dean S Acheson
Lumberjack Steam Train is a unique Northwoods attraction LAONA -- Would you like to experience the thrill of riding in a vintage passenger rail car or a caboose, pulled by a 1916 Vulcan steam engine? You can! The Lumberjack Steam Train will resume rail service to the widely acclaimed Camp 5 Museum Complex in Laona starting at 11am on June 21. The train will leave the vintage depot on Hwy. 8 every hour on the hour with the last train leaving the depot at 2pm. The train runs from Thursday through Monday, with Tuesday and Wednesday closed. The summer season runs from July 21 through Aug. 18.
The sounds, the view and even the smell of this vintage locomotive will bring you back to the days when train travel was the only way to travel and do business. The 102-year-old steam engine used to work hard hauling logs, lumberjacks and supplies to the logging camps. These days, it could still do that, but the steamer now brings passengers to Camp 5. The Camp 5 Museum complex depicts the way logging and saw milling used to be done. There is even a working blacksmith shop. There is much more to see and do at Camp 5. The Green Treasure Forest Tour is a surrey ride through a working hardwood forest, teaching modern logging methods. The Petting Zoo is a favorite attraction where kids and adults love to interact with the animal, and food is available to hand feed the animals. The Cracker Barrel Gift Store offers not only souvenirs, but also mouth-watering fudge and ice cream. The Choo Choo Hut Restaurant has the food to keep you going. A scary time is offered in the Haunted Slaughterhouse, and the Nature Walk is a pleasant learning experience. To learn more about this great Northwoods attraction, go to lumberjacksteamtrain.com. For questions, email info@lumberjacksteamtrain.com.
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Phoenix log hauler part of museum displays
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WABENO -- While in Forest County, stop and visit the Wabeno Logging Museum built in 1941. You’ll find tools, relics and records of the early logging times all preserved in a replica of an old hardwood logging camp, similar to what would have been found in Forest County more than 100 years ago. There’s even a kerosene-heated bathtub that was a “modern” amenity in a hotel decades ago. Available is a walking tour map that takes you past the original schoolhouse, Chicago Northwest railroad station (now the Wabeno Library), the large Larry the Log Roller statue, and along the old tracks, which now serve as a snowmobile route. On the grounds is a massive piece of machinery that, at first glance, appears to be a railroad engine. What you are looking at is the Phoenix log hauler, thought to be the last operating machine of its kind. The James Lumber Co. of Wabeno purchased the hauler and kept it in operation during the winters until 1929. Equipped with a tread drive, it was used to haul sleighs filled with logs along ice roads grooved to accommodate the sleigh runners. It was fitted with the optional front wheels where the steersman sat. Two Wabeno men restored the log hauler, and in 1966 they fired it up and ran it for the first time in nearly four decades. The Logging Museum complex and nearby library are in downtown Wabeno, on Highway 32.
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Forestcounty Heritage wooden boats admired for their beauty
NORTHEAST Region
CRANDON – The beauty of wooden boats continues to shine through the decades. Sleek and imposing watercraft they carry regal names such as Chris-Craft, Garwood and others.
Runabout. It was just one of 11 made that year, which makes it an extremely rare boat. He’s replaced the bottom with boards made from Philippine mahogany planks that’s he saved for 15 years for just the right project. Thousands of silicon bronze screws hold them securely. When fully restored it could sell for over $200,000 in the right market, he said.
Lucky are those who inherit one of these beauties. Fortunate are those who make a purchase to share outings with family and friends on one of the Northwoods many lakes.
It’s mostly a one-person operation with his wife helping as needed, and friends pitching in when called upon to assist. He uses an 8-ton traveling crane to maneuver the boats. The workshop has that showroom look, tidy and gleaming floor, reassuring for someone desiring work to be performed on a $150,000 boat.
Steve Bunda of Crandon has seen first-hand those classics and antique wooden boats. A few have cast their spells upon him and he’s had to purchase them. More than a few he’s repaired or restored to perfection through his skilled craftsmanship as owner of Bottoms Up Antique Wood Boat Restoration, 3607 Co. Rd. W, Crandon.
His customer base is mostly Wisconsin and some from Minnesota, although he’s worked on boats from the East Coast, Arkansas and Oklahoma. The Crandon location has served him well over the years, but now he’s eyeing an additional presence in the Lakeland area, namely Oneida and Vilas counties. The two counties are flush with over 1,000 lakes.
A visit to his restoration business southeast of Crandon reveals several buildings; most used for storage, with the main one housing a 5,000-square-foot workshop. Resting inside on supports is a 1937 Chris-Craft Triple Cockpit
In the wooden boat heydays of the 1930s and 40s, Minocqua and Eagle River, as well as Hayward, WI, were synonymous with those wooden boats cruising the lakes. In the Lakeland area, he would service customer’s boats and give free estimates to others on restoration or repair work. To do that, he first surveys the boat to see what it needs. Sometimes it’s a complete restoration from bottom to top; other times, the boat may need just the sides and deck worked on, which might involve stripping of chrome and gauges, sanding, staining, and new paint and varnish. Then, he determines what the owners wants: restored or repaired to a safe condition for family lake outings, or in other cases, it’s that complete restoration job so the owner can take the boat to shows and have it judged. No matter the intent, Bunda is proud that he plays a role in having these heritage watercraft fully functional and appreciated by not only the owner, but by the admiring public. (Steve Bunda can be reached at 715-478-3186 or visit: antiquewoodboatrestoration.com.)
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e h t e d i R
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LUMBERJACK STEAM TRAIN to The Historic Logging Camp!
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2018 Season
June 21 - August 18
Thurs - Mon • Closed Tues & Wed Open Rain or Shine Train Times: 11 am, Noon, 1 & 2 pm
Cowboy Reenactment: July 21 & Sept. 29 Fall Festival: Sept 1, 22, 29 Haunted Slaughter House: Sept 22 & 29 • Choo Choo Hut Restaurant • Cracker Barrel Gift & Ice Cream Shop • Logging Museum
• Blacksmith Shop • Country Store • Forest Tour Plus lots more!
NORTHEAST Region
2018 Special Events
5068 U.S. Hwy. 8 & 32 | Laona, WI | (715) 674-3414 On the National Register of Historic Places
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Marinette county Calendar of Events
June 2 Marinette -- Wine Run for Project Give: 3:30-9pm, Forgotten Fire Winery. 5K run, food, music. June 2 Marinette – Family Recreation Day: 10am to 3pm, Great Lakes Memorial Marina Park. June 9-17 Marinette – Porterfield County Music Fest: Green’s Green acres Campground. June 24 Peshtigo – Marinette County Breakfast on the Farm: 7:30am to noon, Carlson Farms. Food, petting zoo, comedy show, kiddie tractor pull, tractor rides. June 30 Pound – Classic Car and Truck Show: 9am to 3pm, Business 141. July 3 Oconto – Oconto Harbor Waterfest:
Explore Marinette County by ATV or UTV
NORTHEAST Region
Sprawling Marinette County – known for its breathtaking 14 major waterfalls – is also home to a network of wide, well-groomed, award-winning ATV/UTV trails that offers over 300 miles of riding pleasure. And, Marinette County’s forests total 230,000 acres, giving everyone room to roam. The majority of the county’s year-round ATV/UTV trails are located in the northern half of the county. Trails run from Lake Hilbert in the far northwestern corner of the county east to the Michigan border and south to the Peshtigo River State Forest. Trailhead locations: Three park-n-ride locations serve the north end of the trail system: in the Town of Dunbar via Hwy. 8, north of Pembine via Hwy. 141 and Barlow Lake Road, and in Athelstane on Eagle River Road via County A.
There are numerous park-n-ride locations in the southern portions of the county as well. Two popular locations are west of Crivitz: County W and Bushman Road and County W and Parkway Road. McClintock County Park, in the Town of Silver Cliff, offers both a park-n-ride location as well as an ATV accessible campground. No matter which loop or trail you ride, you won’t be disappointed. The system accesses county forestlands as well as a few of the county’s waterfalls. You’ll ride rolling hills, twisty trails, sandy flats and forest roads. You can choose to cover as much ground as possible, or pick a backcountry loop and explore it at a more leisurely pace. McClintock Park on the west side of the trail system is a good place to start. Located just off Parkway Road (Cty I), this 320-
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acre county park offers parking, 10 rustic campsites, a picnic area and three bridges over the Peshtigo River. The falls are a series of cascades under the bridges that connect smaller islands within the park. Stately pines frame hardwoods that are particularly colorful in autumn. ATVs are not permitted in the day use areas, however a parking lot for ATVs is available across the road from the day use area. Riders camping at the park can access hundreds of miles of ATV trails in Marinette and Florence counties. ATV riders who enjoy primitive camping can also take advantage of the county’s policy of allowing camping anywhere along the trail system in the county forest for up to two weeks at a time. For more information, contact Marinette County Parks at 715732-7530. With the seven-mile trail addition near McClintock and 38 miles near Pembine, the Homestead Trail offers breathtaking vistas, sharp curves, steep hills and over nearly 300 miles of ATV excitement. The west side trails are a stacked pair of large loops, one to the north and one to the south. The common trail – the one that splits the two loops – is known locally at the “Bunny Run.” These are large loops, so as you play keep an eye on the gas gauge. There are no fuel stops in the southern loop; the northern loop offers gas stations in both Goodman and Dunbar. In this neck of the woods, it’s a good idea to carry extra fuel with you. North of Hwy. 8, a third, smaller loop tracks north into Florence County as it circles the Dunbar State Natural Area back to Dunbar. The final leg of your Marinette County adventure trails east from Dunbar on a series of forest roads through Pembine, all the way to the Menominee River and the Michigan border. For more information, including lodging and attractions, contact Marinette County Tourism, (715) 735-6681 or visit therealnorth.com.
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Marinettecounty Find wonderful possibilities at Cedar Branch Gallery & Gifts CRIVITZ – Feel that? That’s your home nudging you to shop at The Cedar Branch Gallery & Gifts in the Willow Bend Shoppes in Crivitz, where you will find unique furnishings, quality furniture and beautiful home décor. There are unique lamps and gorgeous bedding, much of it with the Northwoods look and appeal. Whether you have a wedding shopping list in hand, or something in mind for yourself, you’re sure to find it at Cedar Branch Gallery & Gifts. Gift possibilities include handbags, candles and diffusers, and spring soaps and lotions from Michel Design. Explore other
ideas in the Secrets Fashion Boutique. The store’s offerings changes with the seasons and holidays so stop in for Christmas surprises for family and friends, or before Halloween to find the perfect table decorations. Comfy sweatshirts and adorable onesies will get your started on ideas. And don’t leave without picking up the makings of beer cake, a delicious treat for any season, as well as beer bread and dip. The Crivitz store is located at 913 N. Hwy. 141. The phone number is 715-854-3650. They also have a store in Peshtigo, 840 Frontage Road.
Willow Bend Shoppes
NORTHEAST Region
Willow Bend Shoppes have a great selection for different shopping needs. We have breakfast/lunch/gelato/clothing/gifts, wine/party goods, furniture/home decor, specialty cheese/homemade & novelty candies. Each shop is unique in itself, so visiting them all is
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Oconto county Calendar of Events
June 8-10 Oconto – Copperfest: Music food, games. July 3 Oconto – Oconto Harbor Waterfest: Breakwater Park & Harbor.
Oconto County has unlimited recreation opportunities
Oconto County will never run out of forest land or water for recreation – it boasts 150,000 acres of public land and over 300 lakes with unlimited opportunities for nature lovers, ATVers, sun worshipers, anglers, campers, hikers, bikers, and water skiers of all types.
There are four established mountain bike trails, totaling nearly 100 miles; quiet country roads for bike touring; over 130 miles of ATV trails/routes; 10 miles of horse riding trails; and 18 parks ranging from road side stops to ones offering full amenities. By the way, Gillett lays claim to being the “ATV Capital of the World.”
The county takes its name from an early Indian settlement bearing the name of “Oak-a-toe,” and later changed to Oconto. A portion of the county borders Green Bay, giving anglers access to salmon, trout, walleye, smallmouth bass and perch on the big water. With its storied history, Oconto County proudly preserves its history though the dedicated efforts of volunteers who maintain several museums. Be sure to visit the Beyer Historic Home & Museum Annex, 917 Park Ave., Oconto. Built by a wealthy family in the late 1870s, it was the first brick house built in the county. The furnishings, however, reflect the 1890s Victorian lifestyle. The annex contains Copper Culture artifacts, early city exhibits, carriages and even two electric cars.
Oconto Copperfest offers lots of entertainment possibilities OCONTO – Kick off summer fun with a trip to Oconto during the weekend of Friday-Sunday, June 8-10 when the community celebrates its 36th annual Oconto Copperfest. The music and other activities will be located at Copper Fest Park (formerly NerPark), 709 Madison St., Oconto. Featured musical entertainment will be BoomBoxx, Eminence, Crankin Yankees, The Cougars, and Aaron Socha Livewire. Other entertainers and events include George of the Juggler, Mad Dog and Merrill, Cassady’s Critters, Pleasure Valley pig and duck races, Viking Warrior Obstacles, UTL Wrestling, trout pond, horseshoe tournament, Artist Village (crafts & vendors), car show, children games and bouncers, and much more. Gates ticket prices: Friday night $4, Saturday $5 and Sunday $2. Seniors 55 & older and kids 5-18 $2 daily; kids under 5 admitted free. Advanced wristbands sales are at Wagner Shell, NEW Cred-
it Union, Huntington, Oconto City Hall, Wayne’s Family Restaurant, Thompson County Market and Stephenson National Bank. There will be more than 120 artists and crafters from throughout the state at the Artist Village. Hours are 5-9pm - Friday, 10am to 5pm - Saturday and 10am to 3pm - Sunday. The parade will be at 10am Saturday on Main Street in Oconto. The parade theme is “Favorite TV Show.” For more information call the Copperfest Hotline at 920-604-3636.
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Ocontocounty Beyer Home Museum furnished in Victorian fashion
NORTHEAST Region
OCONTO – While in Oconto, be sure to visit the Beyer Home Museum located at 917 Park Avenue, Built in 1868 by Cyrus and Kitty Hart, it is believed to be one of the first brick homes in the county with the bricks being shipped to Oconto from DePere. The building passed through several owners before becoming the home of George and Fanny Beyer in 1881. Though the original structure was an Italianate-style, the Beyers remodeled it into a Queen Anne style home adding a wrap-around porch, three-story tower room and entry, a south bay addition, and new windows, many of which included leaded glass. In 1941, the county acquired this home and turned it over to the
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county historical society with the stipulation that it become a museum for all to enjoy. During the 1970s the interior of the home was completely restored to the 1890s and furnished in Victorian fashion. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The adjacent annex contains Copper Culture artifacts, old Main Street Oconto store exhibits, and early settler and logging items. The new Carriage House opened in 2016 to wide acclaim. The buildings are open to the public as a fine example of how the small town wealthy lived. Guided tours are available Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon-4pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm. Closed Tuesdays. For additional information contact the Oconto County Historical Society at 920-834-6206 or visit ocontoctyhistsoc.org.
Shawano country SunDrop Dayz shines with fun and food
SHAWANO – They can’t promise sunshine (but they’re going try real hard), but they will ensure there’s lots of fun so bring your family and friends to the second annual fun-filled SunDrop Dayz on Friday and Saturday, June 1-2 in Shawano.
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Calendar of Events
June 1 Bonduel – Car Show: 8am to 3pm, Cedar Park. June 1-2 Shawano – SunDrop Dayz: Food, arts & crafts, museum tours, kids activities, live bands. June 9-10 Wittenberg – Wittenberg Community Days: Fireworks Saturday; parade Sunday at noon; Strawberry Festival also Sunday. June 16 Shawano – Historical Society Rhubarb Fest: 10am to 3pm, Heritage Park. Craft demos, pie contest, food, music. June 22-24 Embarrass – Wooden Bat Softball Tournament: Embarrass Park. June 30-July 1 Tilleda – Tilleda Dayz: music, beanbag tourneys; parade Sunday 1pm.
NORTHEAST Region
Friday night features a fish fry (other food choices available), kid’s activities from 4:30-7:30pm and live music by Randy Bruce from 5-6pm and “The Vic Ferrari Band” from 6:30-9:30pm. Saturday’s activities begin with a flea market and antiques, 5K run/walk, unique craft vendors, kid’s activities, learn to fish clinic, Christian Laettner’s basketball activities, magic show, car/ stock show and plenty of local tasty treats and brews. Enjoy live music TravAce & The Generators from noon to 3pm, Bill Miller from 3-6pm and The Cougars from 6:30-9:30pm. Shawano is the only place on Earth where SunDrop soda is being made and bottled in returnable glass bottles. Tour the SunDrop Museum, 920 S. Franklin Street, and experience the fun interactive displays. Most importantly visit the tasting room and sample their different soda flavors including Farmer’s Brew butterscotch root beer, rhu-berry, caramel apple, blue raspberry, black cherry, cream, or the original “Golden Soda” SunDrop.
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NORTHEAST Region
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Shawanocountry
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Iron county
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Calendar of Events
June 9 Mercer -- Lupine Junefest and Birdfest: Carow Park. June 30 & July 1 Mercer – Can-Yak Fishing Tournament: July 7 Mercer – Culpepper and Merriweather Circus: Carow Park.
Mercer invites bicyclists, others for Lupine Junefest
MERCER – We’re always struck by the beauty of the wild lupines seen along the roadsides in the great Northwoods. Whether a few or a mighty bunch of them, their blossoming announces it’s time to stay and play.
NORTHWOODS Region
The community of Mercer invites everybody to join them on Saturday, June 9 for their annual Lupine Junefest bicycle tours starting at Carow Park in Mercer. Other events are planned at the park. Hours are 8am to 1pm. They have mapped out several scenic routes (10, 15, 28 and 50 miles) that will take bicyclists on paved roads through rolling hills and past lakes, rivers, forests, wildlife and miles of blooming lupines throughout the southern part of Iron County. This year’s line-up includes the new 7.21-mile paved trail from Mercer to
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Manitowish Waters.
Registration begins at 6:30am with a group start at 8am. The registration fee includes a tee, goodie bag, snacks, lunch coupon, water and SAG vehicle support. Pre-register online by May 11 for a price break. There’s also an early “meet and greet” from 5-7pm on Friday where you can discuss the bike routes and get acquainted with event organizers and fellow riders. It’s a nice prelude to the weekend and a good reason to stay overnight at one of the local lodging choices.
Post ride fun After your ride, enjoy lunch and drinks from the concession stand as you listen to music with a beautiful view overlooking Grand Portage Lake. The Mercer Bird Festival will be underway at Carow Park with nature displays, kids activities, demonstrations, information booths and more.
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Ironcounty
Can-Yak Fishing Tournament enters fourth year
MERCER -- The Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce has decided to move up its annual Can-Yak Fishing Tournament this year, which will be Saturday and Sunday, June 30 and July 1. Your fishing craft has to be either a canoe or a kayak (no gas powered motors).
NORTHWOODS Region
The fourth annual tournament is a one-of-a-kind fishing tournament for those who love to fish, as well as those who love to paddle canoes or kayaks. It’s also a CPR – Catch-Photo-Release – tournament. Eligible species are panfish, walleye, bass (including rock bass), northern pike and musky. Those who catch at least one each of the five species will be entered into a drawing for $100. First place prize is a Hobie Quest 13 kayak valued at over $1,200. Second place prize is a weekend island getaway on the famed Turtle-Flambeau Flowage. Third place prize is a Fenwick rod and Pfluegr reel package. Mercer is home to the famous Turtle-Flambeau Flowage Scenic Waters Area, as well as boasting 214 other lakes in a 30-mile radius, so there’s plenty of room for anglers and plenty of fish to catch (tournament fishing allowed on any lake that is publicly accessible south of County Hwy G in Iron County.) Registration is Saturday 5:30-6:30am. Tournament fishing times are 7am to 3pm Saturday and 7am to noon Sunday. To sign up for the tournament, complete rules and latest updates, go to can-yak. com or contact the chamber at 715-476-2389.
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Langlade county
Fishing for an excuse to get outside?
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Calendar of Events
June 9 Antigo – Trout Unlimited Kids Fishing Day: 9am to 2:30pm, City Park East. Fish tank, prizes, casting contest, food. June 10 Bryant – Breakfast on the Farm: 8am to noon, Maly Farms.
COUNTYWIDE – With 841 natural lakes, 225 streams and 200 spring ponds, Langlade County provides unlimited fishing opportunities from panfish to musky. Many of the lakes have public launch access.
and canoe launch available. A trout stamp is required for disabled anglers age 16 and older to fish for trout.
There are several lakes large enough for water-sport activities, including the larger fishing boats. However, most lakes in the county are small (less than 100 acres) and are located in remote forest settings, making them perfect for canoeists or small craft fishermen. Of the 841 lakes, 543 are classified as “wilderness” lakes, with no roads or buildings within 200 feet of the water body. These wilderness lakes feature mainly a bass and panfish fishery.
The nearly 400 miles of trout streams (many Class I or II) support excellent populations of brook, brown and rainbow trout. There are numerous public access points to these streams.
The famed trout waters occur in a 40-mile section between Highway T, south to Highway M, and are divided into 10 public access points. This section of the river has a steep gradient creating numerous complex rapids and should only be navigated by experienced anglers.
NORTHWOODS Region
The county also has a number of accessible fishing piers for kids and those with disabilities. Among those is Remington Pond located at the corner of First Avenue and North Hogan Street in Antigo. It is open for fishing to kids under age 16 and disabled anglers only. The pond is stocked with brook trout and rainbow trout. There is a picnic area
Eastern Langlade County is also home to one of the finest trout streams in the Midwest. The Wolf River offers excellent dry-fly fishing, especially in May and June, with good catches into autumn. Brown trout up to 26 inches have been caught on the Wolf. In addition to trout, the Wolf gives up northern pike, walleye bass and muskie.
From Post Lake Dam to Highway T, the river is slow moving and is easy to float with a canoe. Anglers will find good populations of northern pike, walleye, bass and musky.
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Motorama Auto Museum has unique vehicles, live music
ANIWA – If you haven’t been to the Motorama Auto Museum near Aniwa, consider this your invitation. It’s Wisconsin’s largest automobile museum with displays in multiple buildings and also outside on the 20-acre property.
NORTHWOODS Region
The grounds include show vehicle parking, two swap meet areas and a riverfront campground with motor home sites. On Aug. 10-11, Motorama will host the Central Wisconsin Military Show (formerly the Iola Military Show), featuring military vehicles, re-enactors, military swap meet, pin-up contest, food and live music. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9am to 5pm, from early May through October. Group tours and bus parking are available, along with event hosting. Children under 16 admitted free. The historical value, unique engineering and aesthetics of the 20th Century motor vehicle are celebrated here. Currently, over 400 vehicles are on display divided by theme. The museum features many rare and oneof-a-kind vehicles from around the world, including the “Alfa Heaven” collection of over 60 exotic Alfa Romeos, the largest such collection in North America! It’s also home to the SSZ Stradale, an exotic super-car designed and manufactured in Marathon County. Situated along a boardwalk in the “bone yard” are relics of the past – some rusty, but all beautiful in their own right and generally mid-20th Century models. The “Bike Barn” has over 200 motorcycles tucked inside. The “Motor Pool” is a collection of military vehicles and a really big gun. The Alfa Heaven Motorsports Bar is open Thursday and Friday nights, with live music most Friday nights. The banquet hall is available for parties and club events.
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Motorama is parked off Nolan Road at 4381 Stradale Lane, just three miles west of the Highway 52W junction with U.S. 45 near Aniwa. For more information, call 715-449-2141 or visit online at alfaheaven.com.
Lincoln county
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Calendar of Events
June 1 Merrill – Movie in the Park: 8pm, Normal Park. Free movie, “Hook.” June 8-10 Merrill – Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo: Merrill Festival Grounds. June 9 Tomahawk – Rocking Tomahawk 5K/Half Marathon:
TOMAHAWK – A great way to enjoy local, fresh produce and many other items in Tomahawk starts this month, June. Every Tuesday on North 3rd Street from 9am to 1pm the downtown Tomahawk farmers market will be open. All vendors and farmers of produce and handmade items are from the local area. New vendors and farmers are always welcome at any point of the season. A wide variety of fresh vegetables, baked goods, flowers, meats, eggs, maple syrup, local honey, canned items, tea, oils, soaps and so much more featured and changed out seasonally. Tomahawk non-profit groups will also have special dates to participate to help raise funds for their local organization. The market also accepts credit cards and EBT cards as forms of payment. For more information visit TomahawkMainStreet.org. Give your business the exposure it deserves! Magazines • Distribution • Design Services • Visitor Guides Brochures...Plus So Much More! When traveling look for our 600+ racks filled with brochures, rack cards, maps, visitor guides & other travel information.
409 South Park Dr • P.O. Box 10 • Tomahawk, WI 54487 • 715-453-4511
info@5StarUpNorth.com • 5StarUpNorth.com
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NORTHWOODS Region
Visit the farmer’s market in downtown Tomahawk
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Lincolncounty
Underdown Recreation Area is a hidden gem
IRMA – Shhhh... we’re sharing the best-kept secret of Lincoln County – The Underdown Recreation Area situated between Tomahawk and Merrill. Known simply as the Underdown, it’s a 7,000-acre forest of pine, aspen and northern hardwoods owned and managed by Lincoln County. The park is a local favorite for hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing and photography.
NORTHWOODS Region
This summer, take a break and soak in the natural wonders and solitude as you hike, bike or ride the 20 miles of marked bridle trails, 21 miles of single track mountain bike trails, (and in the winter, snowmobile trails, and cross-country ski trails) that loop around and through the Underdown. Several small lakes dot the property. Hikers and bicyclists can enjoy the numerous woods roads and trails found in this area. But caution ahead: sections of the bike trails are very challenging and are not for novice riders.
THE #1 MOST VISITED LAKE PROPERTY SITE IN THE MIDWEST WITH OVER 3,500,000 VISITORS! SERVING WISCONSIN’S NORTHWOODS!
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Lincolncounty One of the three segments of the Ice-Age Trail (IAT) in Lincoln County traverses 6.1 miles diagonally across the Underdown. (Another IAT segment winds through 16.2 miles of county forest in the Harrison Hills area. These segments are very rugged and have many steep climbs, including Lookout Mountain, the highest point on the Ice Age Trail at 1,920 feet above sea level. The third segment is 4.8 miles long and follows the Wisconsin River through Newwood County Park.) The whole area is designated a ruffed grouse management zone. Numerous hunter-walking trails were constructed during the 1960s. Today, small acreage aspen clear-cuts are done to increase the age diversity of the aspen in the area. This type of habitat management also favors deer, bear and other wildlife species. There are several kettle lakes in the area that are accessible to year-round fishing opportunities. The county maintains eight designated boat landings. Many informal access points to water also exist. The bridle and bike trails are open from April until the first snowfall. The trail network is made up of 20-, 18-, 12-, 10- and 3.5mile loops.
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NORTHWOODS Region
The bridle trail trailhead and campground are located on Copper Lake Road. The campground has toilet facilities, a year-round hand pump well and 10 campsites large enough for trucks and trailers. Camping donations accepted. The Lincoln County Forestry Department, in cooperation with the Prairie River Ride Association, provides facilities and maintenance. For more information, visit co.lincoln.wi.us or call 715-536-0327.
715-453-4984
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Lincolncounty Music on the River announces its summer concert schedule
TOMAHAWK – The lineup for Tomahawk’s 11th annual summer Music on the River (MOR) summer concert series includes six free concerts at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Tomahawk. The series is scheduled to begin June 20.
Weekly concerts will take place on Wednesday nights, aside from the week of July 4 in which that week’s concert will take place on Thursday, July 5. All concerts 6-8 pm. Concert attendees are invited to bring lawn chairs, picnic suppers, coolers, family, neighbors and friends. SARA Park’s indoor arena will be used in the event of rain.
River Concert lineup June 20: Led West - 6-piece band playing all of your favorite classic rock with a lot of instrumentation. June 27: Mike Maher Band - Classic rock, funk/blues and jazz fusion featuring rich vocal harmonies and a full horn section.
NORTHWOODS Region
Open 7 days a week 11am-2am
Formerly: “The Bridge Inn”
FULL SERVICE MENU HAPPY HOUR: MON-THURS 2-5PM 1/2 OFF DRINKS & APPETIZERS CARRY-OUT & CATERING AVAILABLE Outdoor Seating overlooking the Tomahawk River 616 N. 4th Street, Tomahawk • (715) 224-3594
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July 5 (Thursday): Rhythm Kings - A Milwaukee dance band bringing rhythm, blues, jazz and disco. July 11: The Jerry Schmitt Band - Nashville recording artist blending modern and traditional country music with a rockabilly influence. July 18: Johnny and the MoTones - Bringing the best in blues R&B with soul, this Wausau group will have you entertained from the first note through the last. July 25: Texxas - Country music with a kick, this central Wisconsin group plays a mix of southern rock, outlaw country, classic country, new country and oldies. For additional information contact Cathy Meyer at 715-4537508. To receive the latest news and concert updates, like facebook.com/TomahawkMusicOnTheRiver.
Lincolncounty 1
Your Area Northwoods Real Estate Specialists, Ed & Chris Raasch
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Chris Raasch, Broker Owner 715-612-7926 chris@woodlandlakesrealty.com
Ed Raasch, Broker Owner
303 N. 4th Street Tomahawk, WI 54487 Office: 715-224-3800
715-612-7925 ed@woodlandlakesrealty.com
Make us your “home” page
www.WoodlandLakesRealty.com
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Lincolncounty
Boots and saddles means it’s pro rodeo time
MERRILL – There’s plenty of action and family entertainment to enjoy at the 2018 Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo at the Merrill Festival Grounds where the broncs and bulls will be kicking up plenty of arena dust Friday-Sunday, June 8-10. Watch the Old Western competition of team roping, tie down roping, bull riding, bareback bronc riding, cowgirl’s barrel racing, cowgirl’s breakaway roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wresting. Don’t forget to sign your child up for the Boot Scramble. Presented by the Lincoln County Rodeo Association, the rodeo is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association and the Wisconsin Pro Rodeo Association. The first rodeo performances will be at 7pm Friday. That’s also “Armed Service Appreciation Night” -- $1 from each ticket purchased at the gate goes to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. Live music for the dance that follows will be by “Branded.” The second rodeo performance comes at 7:00pm Saturday -“Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night.” Bring a lawn chair, as the antique tractor pull is after the 8:30pm weigh-ins. Spectator admission is free for the tractor pull. Branded will return for the dance that also follows the rodeo.
NORTHWOODS Region
Sunday is “Family Day” and “Emergency Services Appreciation Day.” The Rodeo Queen and Princess coronation will take place at noon. The final rodeo performance starts at 1pm. To learn more, visit the Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo at wrpr.rodeo, Great Lakes Circuit at glcprorodeo.com, PRCA at prorodeo.com, and Women’s Pro Rodeo Association at wpra.com
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Oneida county
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Calendar of Events
June 2 Minocqua – June Bloom Arts & Crafts Festival: Torpy Park. June 9 Rhinelander – Art Fair on the Courthouse Lawn: Downtown. June 9 Rhinelander – Car Show: Downtown. June 9 Rhinelander -- Bikes & Burgers: 10am to 5pm, downtown. Food, music, bikes. June 16 Minocqua -- Wounded Warrior Benefit: Yacht Club. June 16-17 Minocqua -- Paws in the Park: Torpy Park. DockDogs competition. June 22-23 Minocqua – Antique and Classic Wooden Boat Show: The Boat House.
TOWN OF NEWBOLD – There’s a new opportunity in Oneida County for visitors and residents alike drawn to the relatively new sport of disc golf.
The opening of the Town of Newbold’s Outdoor Recreation Area and Rookery Run Disc Golf Course is thanks to the dozens of volunteers who spent thousands of hours to ready the course for opening this spring. The course is located off Ole Lake Road; watch for signs on Highway 47 north of Rhinelander. It’s located on 18 acres of reclaimed land that served as a landfill. If you need a bathroom break, there’s a privy located on the grounds. Rookery Run is a championship level disc golf course, designed by world-class course designers Bill Stopa and Don Duster Hoffman.
NORTHWOODS Region
Newbold’s ‘Rookery Run’ disc golf ready for play
There are 18 holes with two t-pads per basket for a total of 36 pads. You can play the long hole or short holes. You can get plenty of exercise, too. If you do the whole course, and do some hunting for your disc, you’ll do a little over two miles by the time you finish.
In addition, disc golf is a great family sport where the abilities of kids can be on par with their parents when it comes to hitting the basket with their disc! Finally, take note (and leave untouched) the Rookery Run milkweed habitat that’s been designated as a Monarch Waystation by Monarch Watch. The milkweed will contribute to preserving the population of this beautiful butterfly. There are wildlife and bird viewing opportunities and in the winter, a hiking and snowshoe trail.
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Oneidacounty Register now for Minocqua Dragon Boat Festival
MINOCQUA -- Back for the third heart-pounding year, teams will fill dragon boats, music will fill the park, and people of all ages will have a great day at the Minocqua Dragon Boat Festival on Aug. 18 at Torpy Park, downtown Minocqua.
NORTHWOODS Region
From the opening ceremony to awaken the spirits of the dragon boats, to the races and to the awards ceremony – the festival features live entertainment, food from St. Germain Primetimers, beer from Lakeland Noon Rotary, and fun merchandise. Dragonlings of all ages can enjoy free activities in the children’s tent, sponsored by the Northwoods Children’s Museum of Eagle River. Dragon boating is the ultimate team sport. Each team needs 16-20 paddlers, plus a drummer. Alumni groups from camps and colleges, corporations, co-workers, friends, and family can all build teams. This year the festival will also have a senior division. For a full team, each paddler would pay about $43 to participate and everything is included.
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• All necessary equipment including a boat, life vests, paddles and a steersperson/coach • One practice, scheduled in the week leading up to the event • Racing a minimum of two times on race day on a 300m course Teams also compete to raise funds and can have their fees eliminated if they meet a fundraising goal. For more information, or to reserve your boat now, or to volunteer, visit minocquadragonboat.com or call 715439-4005. Team rosters are due closer to the event. When you participate as a paddler, a spectator or volunteer, you are helping the Howard Young Foundation deliver top technology for area emergency medical teams, Howard Young Medical Center, and Ascension Eagle River Hospital.
M I N O C Q UA
ANTIQUE & CLASSIC
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WOODEN BOAT SHOW HOSTED AT THE BOATHOUSE ON LAKE MINOCQUA
Friday, June 22
June 22-23, 2018
Benefiting the Multiple Sclerosis Society
Boat Check-In Starting at Noon 6:45 pm - Wooden Boat Parade - At the Aqua Bowl
Entertainment by: Bret & Frisk Saturday: 11am-3pm
Saturday, June 23
FOR MORE INFO CALL: 715-453-4511
Or email: alh@5starupnorth.com
ing accept We are istrants. g more re boat up ur Sign yo calling y today b -4511 5 4 715- 3
For people who love great boats.
5 Star Marketing & Distribution
409 South Park Dr. | P.O. Box 10 | Tomahawk, WI 54487 715-453-4511 • info@5starupnorth.com
www.5StarUpNorth.com
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NORTHWOODS Region
10 am - Viewing Begins People’s Choice Voting (Today Only)
NORTHWOODS Region
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Oneidacounty
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Oneidacounty
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Snowshoe Baseball is a big hit at Lake Tomahawk LAKE TOMAHAWK – If you’re looking for something fun for out-of-town guests to attend, consider a trip to Lake Tomahawk to take in one of the “Snowshoe Baseball” games played Monday nights during the summer.
Games begin at 7:30pm with the 2018 starting contest June 18 and concluding Aug. 27 with the annual benefit game for Lakeland Food Pantry. The July 4 game will again feature the Chicago All-Star team. The stands provide one of the finest viewing sites for the town‘s fireworks, which follow the holiday contest.
as in the traditional game, throw just as fast and accurate, and run (and fall) just…well, let’s just say you’ll have to see it to believe it. Admission is free, but they do pass a butterfly net through the stands during the game. The proceeds help Snowshoe Baseball cover expenses, as well as donations to various community charitable projects. Beginning at 5:15pm the concession stand serves brats, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, soft drinks and coffee. You won’t be able to resist the vast array of homemade pies to top off your pre-game meal. A popcorn stand is available, which fits right in with co-announcers Jimmy Soyck and Adam Lau singing their seventh inning rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”
The league includes the hometown Snow Hawks and several outof-town teams. Play takes place at Snowshoe Park, located one block west of Highway 47.
NORTHWOODS Region
Players bat, pitch, run and field while wearing wooden snowshoes. The zaniness started back in 1961 when the late Ray Sloan challenged other town baseball teams to leave their cleats in the dugout and put on snowshoes as an added tourism attraction during the summer. The game is played with a large 16-inch softball, no gloves and on a field heavily layered with wood chips. But make no mistake about it, players hit the softball just as hard
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Oneidacounty Every dog has its day:
Popular ‘Paws in the Park’ returns to Torpy Park
MINOCQUA – Lots of dog-gone fun is in store for attendees at the second annual “Paws in the Park” on Saturday and Sunday, June 16-17 at Torpy Park, downtown Minocqua. Brought to you by the Minocqua Area Chamber of commerce, the event features canine athletes from members of DockDogs of Wisconsin – your pet is also invited to compete – in three water-based competitions. Practice starts at 9am each day with competition underway at 10am. There is a Try DockDogs at 9am Saturday.
DockDogs competition Each DockDog team consists of one handler and their dog. Any dog, of any breed over 6 months old can try their legs at this sport, which includes: Extreme Vertical is the high jump for dogs. Dogs jump and grab for an extended bumper hanging 8 feet out over the water starting at 4’6” high. Big Air is the long jump for dogs. Each team is measured for distance by two Dock Dogs judges who “eyeball” where the dog’s hindquarter breaks the water’s surface. Speed Retrieve is a drag race for dogs. A fast-paced timed racing game. Dogs run, jump and swim to retrieve a bumper at the end of the pool.
In addition, there will be dog agility demonstrations (also open to the public) on the upper level of Torpy Park, a pet expo and a new event, a walk/run with your dog before the events begin on Saturday. Dock jumping, also known as dock diving, is a sport in which dogs compete in jumping for distance or height from a dock into a body of water. In the case at Minocqua, there’s a large “swimming pool” at the end of the dock.
NORTHWOODS Region
There are dock-jumping events across the United States and other countries such as United Kingdom and Australia. If you’re interested in learning more, go to Minocqua.org to register your dog. The finals are on Sunday for pro, semi pro, contender and amateur divisions.
Big Stone Golf Course has new look, new clubhouse THREE LAKES -- The Big Stone Golf Course just might be your next favorite course after you “record” an eagle on the 9-hole course in Three Lakes. And you don’t have to be 2-under par to mark it, because sighting an American bald eagle on the fairway is well within the possibilities of this beloved golf course of the North! Eagles can be spotted soaring the thermals above the course, and, occasionally, setting down, perhaps to inspect a snack. White-tailed deer are also spectators to the comings and goings of golfers. The Big Stone Golf Course opened in 1940 and last season saw new owners, reworked grounds and a new clubhouse with splendid views of the golf course and Big Stone Lake! You will find a friendly bar and select menu options, seating indoors and outdoors, along with a pro shop. Check in at the new clubhouse and take off for play on the course. The nine-hole layout has about 2,800 yards of challenging golf from the longest tees for a par of 35 and appeals to golfers of all ages and skill sets. The new owners planted some 2,500 trees around the course last year, and have all new golf carts. Big Stone is located off Highway 32, four miles east of downtown Three Lakes, across from the Northernaire.
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NORTHWOODS Region
Adrenaline junkies, families, and those young at heart will love Northwoods Zip Line Adventure Tours MINOQUA – Northwoods Zip Line Adventure Tours in Minocqua is ready to take you on an adventure that will bring you close to nature and the beauty of the great Northwoods. They offer incredible fun activities that appeal to all ages, including families. Their four tours with diverse experiences will bring a smile to your face and a rush of adrenaline. • Zip line canopy tour
• Aerial trekking tour
• Kayak river tour
• Argo ATV tour
Whether you are an experienced trekker or someone lacing up those adventure shoes for the first time, you’ll be impressed with their knowledgeable staff and guides who will help you along the way. They care about their visitors and ensure the highest safety standards are met. Before going out on the course you will get a full safety briefing from their experienced team. You will also have a chance to do a practice line. They provide helmet, gloves, all gear and equipment, water, sunblock and bug spray.
lines to aerial elements and obstacles, railless bridges and beam walks, guides will help you take on this unique course.
Kayak River Tour -- You’ll be paddling through the serene Northwoods wilderness on your kayak tour of the historic Tomahawk River. The river trip promises amazing scenery, wildlife and fun for any ability level of paddler. It’s the perfect adventure for your group. ARGO ATV Tour -- The guided ARGO tour is the first and
only tour of its kind in Wisconsin. Drive or ride a 4-passenger ARGO ATV through 16 miles of scenic wilderness trails located on a 900-acre trophy deer farm. An ARGO is an 8x8 wheel open cockpit vehicle that can take you almost anywhere; including on water.
In addition, Northwoods Zip Line offers unique group outings and team building experiences, which are expertly customized to your needs. Nestled in the Northwoods forests, the program itinerary is built around wilderness activities, survival skills and even amazing race style challenges.
You can opt for a single adventure, or two within a day, or build a package over multiple days with lodging availability, too. Here’s a look at the four adventures and also an added team building feature for groups, ranging from corporate outings to school groups to churches.
The staff will work with you to customize the outings based on group size, duration, budget and difficulty level. The all-inclusive packages include meals, transportation, lodging, group t-shirts, photo/video packages, and more.
Zip Line Canopy Tour -- Join the highly trained guides for the zip line canopy tour (9 zip lines plus 5 adventure bridges) amongst the tall pine trees for an unbeatable zip line experience. Traverse over 1 mile of total zip lines, fly 1,000 feet across a secluded lake, and cross adventure bridges while enjoying the Wisconsin wilderness. This tour is Wisconsin’s biggest and best! There’s also a zip line tour for kids as young as three!
Northwoods Zip Line has received rave reviews (5 Stars!) on Trip Advisor, which awarded a 2017 Certificate of Excellence to the adventure-themed company. We know that once back home, you’ll be talking with friends and family about your fun experiences with Northwoods Zip Line Adventure Tours.
Aerial Trekking Tour -- This aerial trekking tour of five zip
lines and 14 aerial elements offers the perfect opportunity to climb, zip, swing and rappel up amongst the pine trees. From zip
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Great pride in what they offer
Reservations required. To book your Northwoods adventure, visit their sales office at 8677 U.S. Highway 51 (10-6 daily) or call 844-947-7464 or e-mail info@northwoodszipline.com or visit www.northwoodszipline.com to book directly on-line.
NORTHWOODS Region
SAVE 6% by booking on-line and using Promo Code: UpNorthAction
NORTHWOODS Region
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Oneidacounty
minocqua.org
PAWS IN THE PARK
J UN E 16 -17
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Agility Demonstrations Pet Expo Dock Diving Competition
4/23/18 3:50 PM
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Welcome
2018 Summer/Fall Visitor Guide
Welcome
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photo credit: Kevin Zini
Iron County, Michigan Welcomes You
I
ron County is one of the Upper Peninsula’s best kept secrets. If you’re looking for an unforgettable summer adventure, stop by the Iron County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center for everything you need to know to truly experience all Iron County has to offer. Iron County boasts over 400,000 acres of forestland (in fact, the western third of Iron County is in the Ottawa National Forest), over 200 lakes and five Blue Ribbon Trout Streams as well as miles upon miles of trails (both ORV and non-motorized). From camping to fishing, hunting to canoeing, mountain biking to forest bathing - no matter your interests, the great outdoors and clear crisp air await you here. Wherever you might be in Iron County, our Northwoods are never more than a few steps away. In addition to our amazing outdoor recreation opportunities, we’ve got a summer packed full of can’t-miss events. A full schedule of community events is located at iron.org/events.
It doesn’t matter what side of the county you find yourself, there are great watering holes and restaurants - just ask the locals! And both Superior Avenue in Crystal Falls and Genesee Street in Iron River have unique shops with that small town feel and hospitality. The Visitors Center not only has information on everything here in Iron County, but we can also help you plan amazing day trips to the other beautiful sights and sounds of the Western U.P. The Chamber and Visitors Center is located at 50 East Genesee Street in Iron River, right in the Klint Safford Memorial RV Park. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. For more information, please call 906-2653822 or visit iron.org.
Index
Advertisers Index
Events ................................................... 4-5
Accommodations ...............................20-21
Waterfalls ................................................. 6
Area Town/City ........................................22
Paddling & Boating ................................... 7
Attractions ...............................................22
Non-Motorized Trails .............................. 8
Bars & Restaurants .................................23
ATV/ORV ................................................. 9
Real Estate .............................................. 24
Camping ................................................. 10
Retail ........................ 24-27
Golf & Other Sports ............................... 11
Services .................... 27-28
Fishing ............................................... 12-13 History/Arts/Culture ......................... 14-15 Area Map ........................................... 16-17 Hunting ................................................... 18 Fall Colors .............................................. 18 Restaurant Guide ................................... 19
This visitor guide was published & created by: 5 Star Marketing & Distribution 409 South Park Dr. P.O. Box 10 Tomahawk, WI 54487 715-453-4511 5StarUpNorth.com
Iron.org • (888) TRY-IRON
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Events
Calendar of Events Windsor Center “Open Mic” - Last Saturday in March - October, Iron River. Featuring local musicians playing familiar and original tunes in every genre. “Gem of a Season” Concert Series - May-October, Crystal Falls. The Historic Crystal Theatre in Crystal Falls puts on a series of concerts every year featuring solo artists and full bands playing every genre giving music lovers a diverse menu of entertainment. Visit www.thecrystaltheatre.org for a complete schedule and ticket purchasing. Crystal Shindig - June 16, Crystal Falls. Plan for a day of unique crafts and various vendors, music, old cars, kayak race, Lawn Mower & Golf Cart Parade, and yummy, summer food. The fun takes place on the Courthouse grounds in the heart of our friendly town on the hill with the kayak race on the Paint River at the bottom of Superior Avenue. The Plaza Outdoor Expo - June 16, Iron River. Come visit with businesses and organizations showing off and giving great deals on their outdoor recreation equipment, home improvement products, and more. Also featuring free food and free prize drawings including a chance at a free, new, self-propelled mower. Located at the Riverside Plaza in downtown Iron River. Sale Trail City-Wide Rummage Sales - June 16, Iron River. Grab a map from the Chamber Office on Genesee Street in Iron River or on Facebook and follow the Sale Trail to a multitude of rummage sales around the area. Find your next second-hand treasure on Father’s Day Weekend!
photo credit: Nina Graff
Bass Festival, July 5-8, Crystal Falls. Enjoy a full weekend of fun including a boxing tournament, parade, fishing contest, volleyball tournament, community picnic, activities for kids, Run Your Bass Off 5k and much more. Located in various locations around Crystal Falls, visit iron. org/events for more information. 51st Annual U.P. Pro Rodeo - July 10-14, Iron River. The only Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rodeo in Michigan takes place the second weekend in July every summer in Iron River, MI. The Upper Peninsula Championship Rodeo is an action-packed weekend featuring three performances with bull and bronco riders, cattle roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling, Rodeo Queen pageant, and more! Find more information and get your tickets at www.upprorodeo.com. U.P. Firefighter’s Tournament - July 27-29, Caspian. Watch fire departments from all around the U.P. and Northern Wisconsin compete in races of all kinds for the ultimate championship title and coveted prizes. The weekend includes 3 parades, a street dance, and the annual Firefighter’s Ball. Visit www. CaspianGaastraFireDepartment.com/2018-tournaments for a schedule of events. Caspian Centennial Celebration - July 27-29, Caspian. Enjoy a full weekend of fun to celebrate The 100th Anniversary of Caspian, MI. Featuring a bocce tournament, parade, a community picnic and much more! Also enjoy a trip to the Iron County Historical Museum and the festivities of the U.P. Fireman’s Tournament.
2018 Summer/Fall Visitor Guide
Humongous Fungus Festival - August 3-5, Crystal Falls. Crystal Falls is home to the world’s largest, oldest, contiguous living organism, an Armillaria bulbosa fungus. This “Humongous Fungus,” spreads over 38 acres of land and is between 1,500 to 10,000 years old. A festival celebrating this benevolent fungus was started more than 20 years ago and continues to be a tourist favorite, featuring a parade, giant pizza, street dance, softball tournament, citywide rummage sales and more! 127th Annual Iron County Fair - August 8-12, Iron River. From carnival games to rides, live music to highenergy auctions, the Miss Iron County Queen pageant to the demolition derby, rabbit showmanship to horse speed events, Grandma’s best preserves to dream catchers, there’s something at the Iron County Fair for everyone. Head on down to the fairgrounds in Iron River to enjoy the best home-town county fair in the U.P.! End-of-Summer Blues Fest - August 25, Alpha. If you’re a music lover, this is the festival for you. This daylong music festival features 5 true blues bands from all the over country and other surprise events throughout the day that are different every year. Food and adult beverages are available, but there are also fun activities for kids! The Endof-Summer Blues Fest is always the last weekend in August. Harvest & Haunt Fall Festival - September 29, Iron River - This fall and music festival is a free, family-friendly event featuring live music, kids games and crafts, trick-ortreating in the “haunted” campground, a spook-tacular bonfire, and a beer tent for the adult ghouls and boys.
This fun event is always the last Saturday in September among beautiful fall colors in the Klint Safford Memorial RV Park in Iron River.
Events
Second Sunday Folk Dance Series - October 14 - April 14, Crystal Falls. Set in the beautiful dance hall at Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp, this is one of the Midwest’s most popular venues for folk music and dance and is the largest, longest running event of its kind. Shows are the 2nd Sunday of each month from October through April. Christmas Tree Galleria - November 10-17, Iron River. Every year, the Iron County Historical Museum in collaboration with local businesses and organizations puts together 40 decked-out, themed Christmas trees. The Galleria hours during the week are daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Christmas in Lights - December 1, Iron River. Local businesses, clubs and organizations create unique lighted floats to parade down Genesee Street in Iron River. Attendees then gather at for a warm bonfire, hot cocoa and free cookies at the Klint Safford Memorial RV Park. Crystal Christmas - December 8, Crystal Falls. Featuring an ice shack parade, craft & art show, and a showing of a Christmas movie at the Historic Crystal Theatre.
photo credit: Nina Graff
photo credit: Kevin
Zini
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photo credit: Kevin Zini
Waterfalls
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T
he U.P. is home to all but one of Michigan’s waterfalls. There are more than 300 falls scattered across the U.P., ranging in size from under five feet to 48+ feet vertical drops. Eight of those falls are located on a convenient tour that can be viewed in a weekend a visit to Iron County. Almost all require hiking to reach, but there are paths (several barrier-free) to some of the most popular. Some are handicap accessible.
Agate Falls
Duppy Falls
Bond Falls
Horse Race Rapids
Travel time: 54 minutes Accessibility: Easy From Iron River: Travel west on US 2, then turn north (right) on FFH 16. Continue 25 miles. In Kenton, turn west (left) toward Bruce Crossing and continue 9.5 miles. Access to Agate Falls is located on your left in a roadside park. This waterfall is handicap accessible. Travel time: 49 minutes Accessibility: Easy From Iron River: Travel west on US 2 for 30 miles, then turn north (right) on Hwy 45 in Watersmeet. Continue 9.5 miles, then turn right onto Bond Falls Road. Travel about 4 miles. There are two access points to this waterfall. This waterfall is handicap accessible.
Canyon Falls
Travel time: 49 minutes Accessibility: Easy From Iron River: Travel north on Bates Amasa Road about 13 miles. Continue north (left) on Hwy 141 23 miles to Covington, then turn right to stay on Hwy 141. Go 4 miles to the Hwy 41 intersection and turn north (left). Access located in a roadside park on your left that’s well marked.
Chicaugon Falls
Travel time: 15 minutes Accessibility: Moderate From Crystal Falls: Travel east 5 miles on US 2 to Long Lake Road and turn north (right). Continue on Long Lake Road for 3 miles. You will see a small sign on the right side of the road that points to the falls. Follow to Raymer Drive and continue on foot, following the signs to the falls.
Travel time: 38 minutes Accessibility: Moderate-Difficult From Iron River: Travel west on US 2, turning north (right) onto FFH 16. Continue 19.5 miles. Turn west (left) on USFS 168; Park in the clearing on left. On foot, follow the road to a lower clearing and take the footpath (left) . Continue 5 miles to the falls. Travel time: 31 minutes Accessibility: Easy-Moderate From Crystal Falls: Travel east on US 2. About 7 miles from the edge of town, turn left onto County Airport Road. Follow the road until it dead-ends, about 4 miles. Follow trail.
Jumbo Falls
Travel time: 54 minutes Accessibility: Easy-Moderate From Iron River: Travel west on US 2, turning north (right) onto FFH 16. Continue 25 miles. In Kenton, turn west (left) toward Bruce Crossing. Continue 1.7 miles and turn south (left) onto Golden Glow Road and continue for 1.6 miles. Turn east (left) onto Golden Glow Road N and veer right onto USFS 4589-b.
Mex-i-min-e Falls
Travel time: 41 minutes Accessibility: Easy From Iron River: Travel west on US 2 about 23 miles to USFS 3960. Turn north (right) and continue 5.7 miles to Old US 2. Turn east (right) on Old US 2 and continue .5 miles to USFS 4500. Continue north (left) about .5 miles to the Burned Dam Campground. The falls has easy access.
2018 Summer/Fall Visitor Guide
photo credit: Kevin Zini
Paddling & Boating
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photo credit: Kevin Zini
photo credit: Kevin Zini
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ron County’s rivers & lakes are a watersport paradise, and with more than 200 lakes and 300 miles of river, there’s no shortage of waterway to explore. Whether it’s taking the kids tubing on the water-giant, Chicaugon Lake, or taking a leisurely kayak trip down stretches of the beautiful Paint River, our pure waters are sure to impress. For a day spent tubing, fishing or pontooning with your family with easy public access points to put in, you’ll want to check out some of the bigger lakes: Sunset Lake, located just a few miles from downtown Iron River is a prime spot for any water activity and has a beautiful public beach and well maintained boat launch. Chicaugon Lake, on which the Young’s golf course and recreation complex is located, is the largest lake in the area featuring a large campground, expansive playground and perfectly maintained beach area. Located just east of downtown Crystal Falls is Runkle Lake Park that offers a public beach and playground, baseball diamond and picnic area in addition to prime boating waters.
of water in the Western U.P. For long stretches of water with very little fishing pressure, you’ll want to put in your kayak or canoe on the Paint River. Let the Chamber of Commerce be your concierge - stop by or visit us online at iron.org to learn more about Iron County’s amazing waters and supporting activities to make your stay exactly what you want it to be.
In need of a more private, secluded paddling or boating experience? Then you’ll want to check out the expansive waters of the Michigamme Reservoir, the second largest body
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Non-motorized Trails
photo credit: Nina Graff
photo credit: K
evin Zini
I
f you aren’t into power sports, there are great non-motorized trail options here in Iron County. From rustic hiking trails to smoothly paved multi-use trails, we’ve got something for everyone. Our trails allow a quiet and peaceful way to explore our woods, lakes and streams.
The beautiful Paint River Boardwalk is located in Crystal Falls on M69 on the east side of the Paint River. The boardwalk has ample parking and is handicap accessible. Along the boardwalk are benches, barrier-free fishing piers and an interpretive nature trail with informational signage.
The Apple Blossom/Heritage Trail is a beautiful, paved trail for walking and bike riding that begins at the Chamber’s Visitor’s Center and curves along the Iron River and continues on for fourteen miles to Chicagon Lake. At the end of the trail, it’s just a short walk or ride up Young’s Lane to the amazing Young’s recreational facilities and the Firebrick Bar and Grill. At Young’s, you’ll also find the Wolf Track Nature Trail, a 1.5-mile loop through scenic woodlands, paced by signs interpreting nature in words and art.
In addition to just enjoying the great outdoors, keep your eyes peeled - our northwoods are home to many unique bird species, from the mighty bald eagle to iridescent hummingbirds. Twisting river banks and quiet lakeshores create a perfect habitat for other species who feed on the insects and fish living in our waterways.
The Lake Ottawa Recreation Area (located six miles west of Iron River) is home of the peaceful and scenic Ge-Che trail. This nine mile trail has several shorter loops through the primitive hardwood forests surrounding Ottawa Lake.
For hiking or a long walk, be sure to wear comfortable shoes. You might also want to have a trekking pole or two for better balance. Don’t forget to take along some water to stay hydrated on the trail. We’ve only just scratched the surface of all the trail experiences for walking, hiking and biking in Iron County! For maps and much more trail information, stop into the Chamber Visitor’s Center. You can also find information online at: www.iron.org/outdoors/hikingandbiking
2018 Summer/Fall Visitor Guide
ATV/ORV
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photo credit: Kevin Zini
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itting the trails on your ATV/ORV is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Iron County and the surrounding regions, plus it’s a whole lot of fun! The Upper Peninsula’s trail system is extensive and well documented - there are more than 1,300 miles of trails open for you to explore. Iron County’s trails and eligible routes are some of the finest and most beautiful in the entire U.P.. In Iron County alone, we have hundreds of miles of remote and beautiful riding, including Ottawa National Forest and state forest roads open to off-road vehicles. In central Iron County, there is a 57 mile loop of trails, called the Stateline Route, that connects Crystal Falls west to Iron River and Iron River southeast toward Florence, WI and then back north to Crystal Falls. The Stateline Route also connects with the Mi-Trale trail that heads west out of Iron River towards Watersmeet and joins an interconnected 550 mile trail system covering the western U.P. Iron County has also opened all county roads to ATV/ORV riding so the places to go and things to see are nearly limitless. There are also great watering holes, restaurants, convenience
stores and fueling stops easily accessible from the trails and accessible roads. You’ll find yourself in our wild and remote northwoods with far more trees than repair shops, and often without reliable cell service. It’s a good idea to be well-equipped for your offroad adventures. Consider packing a tire repair kit, first aid kit, tools, a tow strap or winch, food and water and a paper map. An ORV license is required to ride eligible county roads, state forest and national forest roads. An ORV trail permit is required to ride on state-designated ORV Trail/Routes and special ORV-use areas. You can purchase these online or at many locations in Iron County. Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors are invited to ride DNR-designated routes and trails during two Free ORV Weekends this summer, taking place June 9-10 and August 18-19, 2018. For full state regulations, visit: www.tinyurl.com/iron-orv. You’ll find complete trail maps, Ottawa National Forest maps and Iron County plat books at the Chamber of Commerce’s Visitors Center. Now gear up and go hit the trails!
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Camping
photo credit: Kevin Zini
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hether you’re the type of camper that likes to be alone in nature, living off the land and sleeping in a cozy tent or the kind of camper that prefers bringing a motorized home-awayfrom home, wifi and cable, there’s a campground where you and your loved ones can kick back and relax. Iron County is home to 19 campgrounds, some located in the Ottawa National Forest, others on lakes and rivers, but all have something special to offer.
Bewabic State Park
This modern campground requires a MI Recreation Passport. www.tinyurl.com/bewabic
Deer Lake Campground
Located 40 minutes N of town, this campground is very quiet. www.tinyurl.com/camp-deer
Gibson Lake Campground
This small camp is perfect for families. www.tinyurl.com/camp-gibson
Glidden Lake Campground
This quiet campground is perfect for tents and small trailers. www.tinyurl.com/camp-glidden
Golden Lake Campground
Set 15 miles from town, this camp has excellent wildlife viewing. www.tinyurl.com/camp-golden
Imp Lake Campground
Quiet and primitive, this is a prime spot for wildlife watchers. www.tinyurl.com/camp-imp
Holmes Park/Little Smoky Lake Park
Klint Safford Memorial RV Park
The finest “glamping” with every amenity imaginable. (906) 265-3822 www.iron.org/camping
Boat Launch
Potable Water,
Dump Station
RV Camping,
Electricity
Showers
Hiking
Tent Camping
On Water,
Toilets
Picnic Shelter
Paint River Hills Campground
New and modern, this camp also offers cabin rentals. www.prhcamp.com
Pentoga Park Campground
Trophy-sized bass and lots of trails, this rustic camp is a favorite. www.tinyurl.com/lake-ottawa
Large and modern, Pentoga Park houses historical landmarks. (906) 265-3979 www.pentogapark.com
Lake Ste. Kathryn Campground
Perch Lake Campground
Norway Lake Campground
Runkle Lake Campground
Paint River Forks Campground
Sunset Lake Campground
Lake Ottawa Campground
This camp can host RVs, however does not have any hook-ups. www.tinyurl.com/camp-saint-kathryn
Situated on a shallow, remote, and sandy lake an hour N of town. www.tinyurl.com/camp-norway
Very rustic, this camp is small and secluded. *no potable water* www.tinyurl.com/paint-river-forks
Paint River Blockhouse
The ultimate backcountry experience. *no potable water* www.tinyurl.com/camp-blockhouse
Ideal for tents or small trailers, this camp is very quiet and rustic. *no potable water*
Spacious, private sites sit on a quiet lake that is rich with wildlife. www.tinyurl.com/camp-perch
This large camp offers many recreation and sport opportunities. www.tinyurl.com/runkle-lake
This campground is perfect for families with kids. (906) 265-2787 Ext. 6 www.tinyurl.com/camp-sunset
Tepee Lake Campground
This abandoned camp offers great fishing. *no potable water* www.tinyurl.com/camp-tepee
Wilderness Shores
There’s plenty to explore in this 23,000 acre wilderness area. www.tinyurl.com/wilderness-shores
2018 Summer/Fall Visitor Guide
Golf & Other Sports
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photo credit: Kevin Zini
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o matter your outdoor fancy - whether it’s playing the 18-hole championship golf course at Young’s or playing a competitive game of pickleball on our brand new courts - there’s a spot in Iron County for you! For the amateur or competitive golfer, there’s a course in Iron County to match your style. The Iron River Country Club boasts a pristine 9 hole course and fully-stocked clubhouse for an afternoon cold one. It’s open to members and non-members and is located just over a mile from downtown Iron River. The Young’s recreational complex and golf course has a delightful array of activities for the whole family including a championship 18-hole golf course located on shimmering Chicaugon Lake, a beautiful pool, spa and sauna and now featuring two restaurants and a fully stocked bar where you can sample both local brews and your old favorites after a day on the course.
overlooking the city of Crystal Falls sounds like your ideal day, then the Crystal View Golf Course is the one for you. This historic course is 90 years old, but has been kept in beautiful condition and is a pleasure to play. And when you’re ready to relax, you’re just a short drive or walk to the nightlife on Superior Avenue. Iron County is also home to a vast array of well-maintained parks where you and your family and pets can enjoy picnics, tennis, pickleball, basketball, baseball, and even football. Learn more about the endless recreational possibilities at iron. org/outdoors.
If a challenging 9 hole course on the banks of the Paint River
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Name county Fishing Bluegill
Plain garden worms are the favorite bait for bluegills. The fly fisher can have fun with poppers, especially in spring and early summer. Most large bluegills are taken in deep water during the summer months by drifting with the wind using worms. Peak season is mid to late June. Key lakes: Iron, Ice, Chicagon, Buck.
Brook Trout
Brook Trout need lots of oxygen and a water temperature of 53 degrees or colder. Small spinners work best. They will also hit worms and natural bugs like Grasshoppers or Mayflies. Fly fishing with artificial flies is an excellent method. Peak seasons are May-June and late August-September.
Brown Trout
Some of the best brown trout fishing is done in the springtime with light tackle. Favorite techniques include trolling or casting minnow‐type plugs and spoons. Live bait, small spoons, jigs, and plugs are commonly used. Key rivers: Brule, Cooks Run, Paint River.
Muskies favor dropoffs, rock or sand bars, weed edges, in weedcovered bays, or in shady areas along shore. Peak season is August through early November. Key lakes: Emily, Brule, Chicagon, Paint Pond, Stanley.
Northern Pike
Northern pike are most active when the water is cool, biting best during the daylight hours. Northerns prefer live fish baits, and wobbling spoons. Peak season is early to mid June. Key lakes: Bass, Buck, Bone, Iron, Perch.
Smallmouth Bass
Some of the best lake fishing takes place in June during, and just after, the spawning season, and in early fall. Natural baits like hellgrammites, dragonfly larvae are especially effective during early morning or late evening. Fish quietly, casting toward rocks or logs, keeping the rod tip up and the line taut. Key lakes: Ottawa, Big Smoky, Ice Lake, Little Smoky, Sunset, Chicagon.
Walleye
Crappie
The black crappie is considered an excellent game fish when taken on light tackle - the bait should be constantly moving. The best baits are small minnows, small jigs, plastic minnows, or small streamer flies cast along the outer edges of weed beds. The crappie lies in weed beds in deep water during the day and bite best in early morning or toward evening.
Largemouth Bass
Musky
Largemouth bass will bite on almost anything - minnows, worms or other live bait, plus poppers or streamers presented with a fly rod, or plugs thrown from a casting or spinning rod. Because the bass is usually associated with weeds, a weedless bait will often be necessary. Peak season is July-September. Key lakes: Ottawa, Big Smoky, Ice Lake, Little Smoky, Sunset, Chicagon.
Walleyes are primarily minnow feeders, but leeches, small bullheads, nightcrawlers and various small plugs are favorite baits. In clear waters, walleyes usually stay in deeper areas during the day, moving into the shallows at night. Peak season is mid to early June. Key lakes: Ottawa, Hagerman, Chicagon, Iron, Brule Lake, Perch, Swan.
Yellow Perch
Yellow perch are primarily bottom feeders; they eat almost anything, but prefer minnows, insect larvae, plankton and worms. Because perch prefer cooler water, the best fishing is usually in deeper water. Perch move about in schools, often numbering in the hundreds. If one spot is unproductive after a few tries, it is best to move to other spots until a school is located. Key lakes: Iron, Chicagon, Ottawa.
Fish illustrations by Joseph R. Tomelleri photo credit: Kevin Zini
Name county Fishing
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e’re happy to share one of the best kept secrets of the U.P.: Iron County’s 5 Blue Ribbon Trout Streams - the most in any other county in the state! To be classified as a Blue Ribbon Trout Stream, the waterway must be able to support excellent stocks of wild resident trout, have the physical characteristics to permit fly casting but shallow enough to wade, produce diverse insect life and good fly hatches, have earned a good reputation for excellent trout fishing experience, and have excellent water quality. Iron County’s Blue Ribbon Trout Streams are the Brule River, Cook’s Run River, Fence River, Iron River, and the Paint River. Iron County also boasts over 200 lakes that are home to Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Muskie, Pike, Trout and Walleye. Many of our lakes have easy boat access (see the Iron County map in this guide for locations), as well as great shore fishing. No matter how you like to fish - with waders and a fly rod, a traditional casting rod or just chilling on your boat with a cold drink, we’ve got the peaceful waters and lively fish to make your days on the water whatever you want them to be! Learn more about classic fishing spots, regulations, and find maps at www.iron.org/outdoors/fishing-iron-county. You’ll need a Michigan state fishing license to fish our waters - those are available locally and online. You can purchase 24 hour, 72 hour and annual fishing licenses to best fit your vacation needs. For full state regulations, visit: www.tinyurl.com/iron-fishing The 2018 Summer Free Fishing Weekend is June 9 & 10. All fishing license fees will be waived for two days. A Recreation Passport will NOT be required for entry into state parks and recreation areas during Free Fishing Weekend. The Summer Free Fishing Weekend is also the Free ORV Weekend!
photo credit: Paul Schuytema
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History/Arts/Culture Forest Bathing A Growing Trend & Why You Should Try It
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o, we’re not talking about walking around in the forest “au natural.” Simply put, forest bathing is taking intentional time to be out in nature and be immersed in the forest atmosphere. The practice originated in Japan in the late 1980’s and was coined by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as “Shinrin-yoku,” which roughly translated means “forest bathing.” Forest bathing is slow-paced, focused on fully experiencing the nature around you. It isn’t about covering a set distance, raising your heart rate or even about the exercise.
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Research has shown regular forest bathing has many benefits, including: 1. Boosted immunity 2. Decreased risk of heart attack 3. Protection against obesity and diabetes 4. More energy and better sleep 5. Improved mood & decreased anxiety 6. Decreased inflammation 7. Clearer skin 8. Muscle pain relief The benefits of nature is right out our front door! Come experience our beautiful Iron County. Ottawa National Forest | Ge-Che Hiking Trails | Duppy Falls, Chicaugon Falls, Horse Race Rapids
Humongous Fungus
rystal Falls is home to the world’s largest, oldest, contiguous living organism – an Armillaria gallica fungus (also known as a “honey mushroom” or “shoestring mushroom”). This “Humongous Fungus,” discovered in 1988, spreads across 38 acres of land, weighs in at an estimated 200,000 pounds and is between 1,500 to 10,000 years old. The Humongous Fungus Festival, celebrating this now famous fungus, gained national attention in the mid-1990’s and was even featured on Late Night with David Letterman. It has remained a popular event drawing large crowds and followers from around the nation every year.
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photo credit: Dan Molter
Foraging
orels are a rare and delicious delicacy, sprouting in the spring near rotting and shady falling trees and bark. Spring also sees the sprouting of ramps, or wild leeks, offering a sought-after and uniquely pungent garlicky-onion flavor. Other spring favorites are fiddlehead ferns, wild asparagus, and wild violets.
2018 Summer/Fall Visitor Guide
The heat of summer ripens the sweet and colorful wild blackberries, wild raspberries, wild strawberries, and wild blueberries; then as the days grow cooler and shorter, autumn mushrooms, wild apples and chokecherries ripen. Iron County has a lot of public land to offer for the mushroomer and avid forager.
History/Arts/Culture
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History Fun Facts
B
y the numbers: Iron County was named for the iron ore that was mined from the 1880’s to the 1970’s. During that time there were 70 producing mines.
newly opened micro-brewery, The Alpha Brewing Company serving up a variety of different beers on tap.
Did you know? Iron County is home to pre-European Native American settlements and the permanent area headquarters where Ojibwa Bands congregated. A number of wooden burial structures have endured time to protect and mark the graves of these ancient bands.
Iron County History: The Cooks Run Fish Hatchery - The facility was built in the mid-1930s by
Iron County History: Camp Gibbs - In 1935, Camp Gibbs was established as a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp. The materials and methods of construction represent a time when frugality was critical to the survival of society. The CCC boys, as they were called, are responsible for the planting of the millions of trees that replenished the vast forestland that we enjoy in Iron County today.
the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and includes the fish habitat in the Cooks Run River, which is blocked off with weirs and screens, the caretaker’s log cabin, and a network of trails around the stream. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Iron County History: The Alpha Circle Historic District - Established in 1914, this example of early engineering and government planning showcases one of the first traffic circles in Michigan. There is still an active community there today including a
Stargazing & Northern Lights
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he magic of the night skies in Iron County has to be experienced in person. With near zero light and air pollution, the night skies give a brilliant display of stars and are perfect for observing meteor showers and northern lights. The appearance of the aurora borealis is unpredictable, but spectacular when you catch them! Call the Iron County Visitor’s Center for tips on best areas for stargazing.
photo credit: Nina Graff
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Area Map
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Iron.org • (888) TRY-IRON
Hunting
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Hunting/Seasons and Permits
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ichigan has a long, rich history in hunting. Many hunters come for the sport & trophies, but hunting also contributes to wildlife management and conservation, provides a positive family experience, and is good for the economy. The sportsman is in no want for wild game in Iron County! White-tailed deer, turkey, black bear, and upland birds and waterfowl are all fair game. Licenses are available for purchase at convenience stores, and rules and regulation information can be found online. Hunters have opportunities to harvest a trophy white-tailed deer and daily bag limits of grouse, woodcock and waterfowl on more than 425,000 acres of public land open to hunters, and hundreds of miles of roads and hunting trails offering easy access to prime locations. For full Michigan license and hunting season information, visit: www.tinyurl.com/iron-hunting.
Fall Colors
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ron County boasts an abundance of tree species that participate in the smooth transition of color, so traveling anywhere in the county during a Color Tour can provide breathtaking scenery. Head west over the rolling hills of US-2 and experience the changing of the seasons. Or travel north on either Forest Highway 16 or US-141. Those stretches feature some of the more “mountainous” regions of the county, for views of reds, oranges, and yellows in the valleys and hills.
should also consider a kayak or canoe trip down a stretch of river for an up-close view of the fall colors and wildlife.
Taking the main road east will bring travelers to some of the highest spots in Iron County. The zenith of the 4-lane of US-2 between Iron River and Crystal Falls will provide an expansive picture that covers miles of territory. US-2 east, M-189 south and M-73 south all provide their unique opportunities for a Color Tour supreme. Whether you want to see color up-close — or prefer a panoramic color — the highways will offer you a view to behold. Off the beaten path, a favorite color viewing road is Pentoga Trail, located to the south of US 2 as you head east toward Crystal Falls. You
2018 Summer/Fall Visitor Guide
photo credit: Kevin Zini
Alcohol Served, Credit Cards Drive Through Friday Fish Fry Ice Cream, Pasty
Alice’s Supper Club
Authentic Italian and American Food, Homemade Pasta 402 W Adams St. Iron River, MI 49935 (906) 265-4764 | Open 4:30pm-9pm
Amasa Sawblade
Burgers, Pizza, Fish Fry, and a Full Bar 110 W Pine St, Amasa, MI 49903 (906) 822-0192 | Open 11a-2a, Closed Mondays
Beef-A-Roo
Locally-Owned Fast Food-Beef Sandwiches 727 Riverside Plaza Iron River, MI 49935 (906) 265-5266 | Open 9am-11pm
Contrast Coffee
Gourmet Locally Roasted Coffee Drinks and Breakfast Goods 217 W Genesee St. Iron River, MI 49935 (906) 367-6137 | Open 7am-5pm
Curious Pig
Smoked Meats With All The Fixings 117 S 5th St, Crystal Falls, MI 49920 (906) 282-7575 | Open 11a-7p, Closed Mondays
Dabeck’s Eatery and Catering
Breakfast, Lunch, and Giant Cupcakes 119 W Genesee St, Iron River, MI 49935 (906) 265-7180 | Open 6a-2p, Closed Tuesdays
Firebrick Bar and Grill
Top-Notch Food Served at Young’s Recreation Complex 159 Youngs Lane Crystal Falls, MI 49920 (906) 265-3401 | Open 11am-9pm
Fob’s Family Restaurant
Home-Cooked Meals in a Classic Atmosphere 1353 US Hwy 2 Crystal Falls, MI 49920 (906) 875-4200 | Open 5:30am-8pm
Fuzz and Schmoo’s Mid-City Bar and Grill Full Bar with Typical Bar Food 224 E Caspian Ave. Caspian, MI 49915 (906) 265-9277 | Open 10:30a-12a
Infield Bar and Pizza
Restaurant Guide
Pizza Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Full Bar with Tasty Pizza and Appetizers 234 Superior Ave. Crystal Falls, MI 49920 (906) 875-3398 | Open 11am-2am
Kentucky Fried Chicken
Riverside Pizzeria
Kermit’s Pizza, Pub & Grill
Scott’s Subs
Logan’s Place
Snipe Lake Pub & Grill
Main Street Cafe
The Stand
McDonald’s
Subway
Fast Food - Fried Chicken and More 32 W Adams St. Iron River, MI 49935 (906) 265-3075 | Open 10:30am-9pm
Pizza, Burgers, Appetizers, and a Full Bar 500 Washington Ave. Iron River, MI 49935 (906) 265-2790 | Open 11am-12am
Deli & Sub Shop with Ice Cream and More 132 Superior Ave. Crystal Falls, MI 49920 (906) 875-0005 | Open 10am-6pm
All-Day Breakfast and Generous Portions 321 W Genesee St. Iron River, MI 49935 (906) 265-4944 | Open 6am-2pm
Fast Food - Burgers, Coffee, and More 211 E Genesee St. Iron River, MI 49935 (906) 265-2222 | Open 5am-11pm
Mr. T ’s Family Restaurant
Breakfast Served All Day 3599 US Hwy 2 Iron River, MI 49935 (906) 265-4741 | Open 6am-9pm
Outer Limits Bar and Grill
A Full Bar Serving Pizza, Sandwiches, and Frozen Custard 101 W Genesee St. Iron River, MI 49935 (906) 265-3663 | Open 11am-2am
Paint River Landing
Live Music, Daily Specials, and a Full Bar 598 US Hwy 141 Crystal Falls, MI 49920 (906) 875-6949 | Open 11am-9pm
The Pasty Corner
Traditional Yooper Pasty, Voted #1 in the UP 825 E Adams St. Iron River, MI 49935 (906) 265-3022 | Open 9am-6pm
Voted #1 Pizza in the UP & #2 in Michigan 98 E Genesee St. Iron River, MI 49935 (906) 265-9944 | Open 4pm-9:30pm
Fresh Subs on Homemade Bread 321 W Adams St. Iron River, MI 49935 (906) 265-5050 | Open 10:30am-8pm
All-You-Can Eat Friday Fish Fry & Full Menu 657 Baumgartner Rd. Iron River, MI 49935 (906) 265-5000 | Open 12pm-2am
A Fun Drive-In with Ice Cream, Burgers, & More 512 Lalley Rd. Iron River, MI 49935 Open 11am-10pm - Summer Months Only
Fresh Sub-Sandwiches and Wraps 427 N Cedar Ave. Iron River, MI 49935 (906) 265-7827 | Open 9am-9pm 1353 W US Hwy 2 Crystal Falls, MI 49920 (906) 874-7827 | Open 8am-9pm
River North Bar and Grill
Full Bar with a Wide Variety of Appetizers 207 W Genesee St. Iron River, MI 49935 (906) 265-9413 | Open 11am-2am
Village Inn
A Full Bar with Typical Bar Food 411 Main St, Alpha, MI 49902 (906) 875-0276 | Open 11a-2a
Wooden Nickel Bar & Grill
Full Bar with the Best Burgers in Town 461 Gibbs City Rd. Iron River, MI 49935 (906) 265-9413 | Open 11am-2am
Zippidy Duda
American Food with a Friday Seafood Buffet 202 W Genesee St. Iron River, MI 49935 (906) 265-6193 | Open 4:30pm-9pm
Raven’s Nest
A Full Bar with Several Meal Options 213 Superior Ave, Crystal Falls, MI 49920 (906) 875-6355 | Open 8a-2p
Iron.org • (888) TRY-IRON
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ACCOMMODATIONS
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Come to play & plan your stay!
2018 Summer/Fall Visitor Guide
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ACCOMMODATIONS Iron.org • (888) TRY-IRON
ATTRACTIONS
AREA TOWN/CITYY
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2018 Summer/Fall Visitor Guide
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BARS & RESTAURANTS Iron.org • (888) TRY-IRON
RETAIL
REAL ESTATE
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Thanks for shopping local!
2018 Summer/Fall Visitor Guide
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RETAIL
HWY U.S. 2 Quinnesec, MI 906-774-1052 www.northernrvs.com Northern R.V. Center is a multiple award winning RV sales, parts and service center. We are family owned and have been serving the U.P. and Northern Wisconsin since 1980.
Iron.org • (888) TRY-IRON
RETAIL
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2018 Summer/Fall Visitor Guide
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RETAIL SERVICES Iron.org • (888) TRY-IRON
SERVICES
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2018 Summer/Fall Visitor Guide
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ACCOMMODATIONS Iron.org • 906-265-3822
ironcountylodging.com • iron river, michigan 31
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ACCOMMODATIONS
Iron County Lodging Association
Iron.org • 906-265-3822
Oneidacounty
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NORTHWOODS Region UpNorthAction.com | 5StarUpNorth.com
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Oneidacounty
Take family, friends to Holiday Acres Recreation Park
MINOCQUA – Holiday Acres Recreation Park in Minocqua has welcomed and entertained Northwoods visitors and local residents for nearly five decades and the fun today is just as exciting as it was when this facility first opened. Up for a spin around the go-kart track? Holiday Acres boasts three tracks, including the original Super Track. Each track has different features where the Mario Andretti set – young and older -- can zoom around hairpin curves, carve a path up the hills and zip across bridges. When it’s time to relax there are a couple outstanding choices. First, take a 45-minue guided ride on gentle horses and ponies through the 40 acres of scenic woods that surround Holiday Acres. Rides leave on the hour daily. The little cowpokes will be talking about the ride on their favorite pony for weeks afterwards! Reservations are suggested (715-356-4400).
NORTHWOODS Region
Or challenge your family and friends to a round of golf on the miniature golf course, with features such as rivers, ponds and waterfalls. Golf under the sun or under the lights at night. There’s also a game room for video fans and a snack bar with ice cream on the menu. Holiday Acres is located on U.S. Highway 51 just south of the Island of Minocqua. Open daily at 9am May-October.
Every Friday
Stop by & Enjoy TJ’s Butcher Block afternoon
“Brat Cookout” 11 am - 2 pm W/ all the trimmings! Check out the specials inside also!
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EXPERIENCE WILDWOOD WILDLIFE PARK ZOO & SAFARI
W
Oneida COUNTY MoDanaZu! 43
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL!
ildwood Wildlife Park is home to exotic animals from around the world including endangered and threatened species. Prepare to be amazed viewing giraffes, tigers, monkeys, hyena, sloth, binturong, kookaburra, capybara, serval, lynx, anteater, bobcat, toucan, and kangaroo, and so much more.
ZOO OF THE NORTHWOODS 2nd LARGEST ZOO in WISCONSIN!
Experience our interactive exhibits including a unique interactive free-flight aviary allowing zoo guests the opportunity to feed hundreds of parakeets. Get eye-to-eye with the tallest animals in the world during the giraffe feeding. Enjoy feeding a bottle of “bear juice” to the bears.
Touch and feel an amazing array of animals including: armadillo, bunnies, ferret, skunk, woodchuck, chinchilla, porcupine, and so much more in our Petting Zoo. Learn about your favorite animals during our Zoo Chats held at the amphitheater. Ride the NEW Safari TRAM with a narrated journey winding through the safari seeing a diverse group of animals including, Eland, Wildebeest, Big Horn Sheep, Dall Sheep, Addax, Nilgai, Kudu, Nyala, Ostrich, Scimitar Oryx, Emu, Beisa Oryx, Emu, and Arabian Oryx. Be sure to catch one or more of our scheduled animal feedings, presentations or encounters to enhance your zoo visit. Wildwood Wildlife Park is a place for families to make special memories that will last a lifetime.
Follow Us On:
Over 55 Years
NORTHWOODS Region Region NORTHWOODS
Hand-feed goat, sheep, pig, aoudad, and camel – an experience for all ages. Stroll leisurely through our park, where the deer roam among you and have them eating right out of your hand.
An Unforgettable Adventure
FUN FOR ALL!
• Hundreds of mammals, birds, reptiles & primates • Baby animal encounters • Easily walked landscaped trails • Otter colony with pools & slides • Beaver pond • Budgie Buddies Parakeet Encounter • Nature boardwalk • Exotic bird displays NEW Safari • Koi pond Tram Ride • Trout pond • Musky pond • Wildlife programs “Explore & Learn”
NEW
• Feed Bears Giraffe Feeding “Bear Juice” Encounter • Whitetail Deer Encounter • Tamarin & Marmoset Hut • Wild Den Gift Shop • Hungry Bear Hut & Jambo Hut • Safari Train & Paddle Boats • Giraffe Serengeti • Dino Dig • Flamingo Cove Dino Dig • Educational Center • Living History Center • Safari Tram Ride
NEW
Open 7 days a week, May 1st - mid October
www.wildwoodwildlifepark.com E-mail: nature@wildwoodwildlifepark.com
715-356-5588 / 10094 Hwy 70 W, Minocqua, WI UpNorthAction.com | 5StarUpNorth.com
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Oneidacounty
NORTHWOODS Region
Reserve your date and time by ordering your tickets online at scheerslumberjackshow.com or purchase your tickets at the gate the day of the show.
• Shows last approximately one hour & een minutes • Open seating - arrive early in peak season
2 miles north of Minocqua at Hwys. 51 and 47, 1 block right 1126 Hwy 47 | Woodruff, WI | 54568 (715) 634-6923
or purchase your tickets at the gate the day of the show. UpNorthAction.com | 5StarUpNorth.com
Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows create fun memories of visit
Oneidacounty
school field trips is also open to the public. It’s this show that gets the team’s adrenalin pumped for the season. The staff is eager to entertain and display the athleticism they’ve worked hard to keep WOODRUFF -- Weeks before the official start of summer, Scheer’s tuned during the winter months. Lumberjack Shows begins preparing for the upcoming season. With everything checked out, cleaned up and the staff eager to 2018 will mark the 35th year that Fred Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows get another season underway, there is one element of the shows has been entertaining area visitors on Woodland Lake in downtown that cannot be controlled. That is the temperature of the water in Woodruff. Woodland Lake. “Logrolling and the boom-run are pretty darn
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A spin-off of the famous Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows that began in cold events for us those first few shows of the season,” states Hayward, the Woodruff show features the same world-class athletes Brody Fischer, show manager. “That lake doesn’t really warm in a performance that is identical to the Hayward venue. up until the beginning of July and no matter how good you are at Preparing the site for the summer performances involves maintenance those events, you’re going to end up in the water at some point.” to guarantee the safety of performers as well as its guests. The climbing poles that rise 60 feet into the air are inspected and pads at the bottom are secured in place. “When you are climbing that pole at record speed, the last thing you want on your mind is its stability,” states Cassidy Scheer, world champion pole climber. The log dogs on which the lumberjacks stand and swing razor sharp axes in the event called the underhand chop are checked for structural safety. The specially turned cedar logs used for the logrolling and boom-run events are pulled out of storage and replaced if necessary.
NORTHWOODS Region
The gear and equipment used by the lumberjacks is also checked for safety. Steel toed boots, leather leg chaps, climbing belts and gaffes (the spikes on the side of a climber’s shoes) need to be in tip-top shape to protect the performers. The special leather guards that are placed over a portion of saw blades to protect children as they crosscut saw with the lumberjacks during the kid’s matinees are inspected and repaired if necessary. In addition to the lumberjack gear, the show site is prepared for the throng of summer guests that arrive with the warm weather. Bleachers, walkways and the handicap ramp are checked and the landscaping is refreshed.
Climbers’ gaffes help the lumberjacks climb the 60- to 90-foot poles, one of the Lumberjack Shows most exciting events.
The first show of the season scheduled for
Your ONE-STOP website for everything happening in the Northwoods!
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.com
How about all that wood, the logs the lumberjacks saw and chop? Over 20 tons of aspen logs are hauled to the site throughout the summer. Logs need to be uniform in diameter and stripped of bark – the same guidelines adhered to in the Lumberjack World Championships.
Largest Events Calendar in the Northwoods!
Covering 20+ Counties in Northern Wisconsin & U.P. Michigan
Extensive Business Directory • Trail Condition Reports Recreational info on hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, golfing...
PLUS SO MUCH MORE!
Visit us today & do that up north thing!
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Downtown Rhinelander
Historic Downtown Rhinelander to host Art Fair, Car Show, ‘Bikes & Burgers’
RHINELANDER – The 32nd annual Art Fair on the Courthouse Lawn, sponsored by the Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce, will be Saturday, June 9, from 9am to 3pm, on the grounds of the Oneida County Courthouse and nearby streets. In addition, the many thousands of expected visitors can also enjoy a large classic car show and the second annual “Bikes & Burgers,” both of which are also taking place that same day in the downtown area. Original artwork and crafts from more than 100 artisans, mostly from the Midwest, will be for sale at the art show. This is a juried show and awards will be presented. In addition to woodworking and fabrics, there will be jewelry, paintings, pottery, photography, glass, etc. The Rhinelander Community Band will entertain art show visitors.
NORTHWOODS Region
The annual “Second Saturday in June” Car Show will fill Baird Avenue on the east side of the courthouse with a couple hundred classic and vintage cars and trucks. The show starts at 9am and there will be several awards given out. The Downtown Rhinelander Inc.’s second annual “Bikes & Burgers” will be a fun day of displayed motorcycles of all kinds from 10am to 3pm, live music by NOLIUM from noon to 3pm and great eats from downtown restaurants. All makes and models of motorcycles are welcome: vintage, modern, cruisers, cafe racers, choppers, dirt bikes and even scooters. Mel’s Trading Post will have a large display of pedal bikes. The DRI is asking motorcycle owners to shine up their bikes and bring them down for display. Vote for your favorite motorcycle with trophies to be presented. Downtown restaurants will be grilling in the street making some of the finest burgers in the area.
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Oneidacounty Reel in fishing fun at Hodag Park RHINELANDER – Join the excitement when your son or daughter catches a “giant” sunfish during the annual Family Fishing Fun Day on Saturday, June 2, from 9am to noon, at Hodag Park boat landing, 831 Lakeshore Dr., Rhinelander. Admission is free for all. The first 150 youth participants also receive a free fishing equipment item. There will be activities such as learn how to cast, boating safety tips, DNR conservation warden talk, minnow races, name that
NORTHWOODS Region
fish game, boat and depth finder demos, Pine Lake Fire Department demonstrations, and much more. The event is sponsored by event sponsored by the Oneida County 4-H Leaders’ Association plus about 30 other businesses and organizations.
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Oneidacounty
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Hodag Country Festival brings the best to the Northwoods
RHINELANDER – The Hodag Country Festival returns to Rhinelander on July 12-15 with a line-up of nationally known performers sure to please the many thousands of fans who attend year after year.
Thursday, July 12. Also, each year, local and regional bands vie for the title “Wisconsin State Country Band Champion.” The competition concludes with the five finalists playing on Friday, July 13 at the Hodag Country Festival.
Appearing on the main Hodag Stage for this 41st annual event are these headliners:
Amenities at the festival grounds include a Jumbo-Tron screen, food and merchandise vendors (including official HCF tees) and modern flush toilets and showers. Unreserved campsites will be available starting Saturday, July 7 at 6am. All campsites are within walking distance of the stage. Carry-ins allowed in the entertainment area (no glass) in a cooler less than 16x16x16.
Thursday, July 12 – Clint Black, Midland; Friday, July 13 – Cole Swindell, LOCASH, and Carly Pearce; Saturday, July 14 -- Toby Keith, Brett Young, Drake White & The Big Fire, John Conlee, and Kalie Shorr; Sunday, July 15 -- Neal McCoy, Chris Janson, Diamond Rio, High Valley, and Ashley McBryde.
NORTHWOODS Region
There will be a band playing in the pavilion every day starting Saturday, July 7 and a karaoke final on
For ticket and camping information and latest updates, visit hodag. com or call 800762-3803 or 715369-1300. Happy Hodag!
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Price county
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Calendar of Events
NORTHWOODS Region
June 2 Phillips – Putt Run Motorcycle Ride: June 9 Catawba – Lumberman’s Day: June 9 Fifield – Fifield Fire Fabulous Flambeau Float: June 15-17 Phillips – Czech-Slovak Community Festival: Phillips High School. June 16 Park Falls – St. Croix Rod Factory Customer Appreciation Day: June 29-30 Phillips – Fly-In/ Float-In Lake Rattle & Roll: County airport and Harbor View Restaurant. Air shows Friday at 7pm and Saturday at 11am. June 30 Phillips – Spirit of America 5K Run/Walk: June 30 Phillips – Downtown Art Festival: Courthouse lawn.
Maker of famed St. Croix rods welcomes anglers to open house PARK FALLS – One of the neatest things about being up in the Northwoods of Wisconsin is being able to stop by and say “Howdy” to the makers of St. Croix rods and other products at their factory store located right in Park Falls. Inside, the store is stocked with the entire line-up of St. Croix fishing rods and branded gear, as well as many of the most popular lures, terminal tackle, reels and line for your next fishing trip. They open at 7am each day so early risers can pick up any tackle they forgot to bring along – or be tempted to upgrade their gear to St. Croix quality. Most days they close at 6pm, ‘cept for Sunday when it’s at 3pm. The store has an observation window where you catch the skilled craftspeople making rods right under your nose. This fishing rod company uses the latest advances in technology with time-honored handcrafting techniques to build some of the finest tools available for all types of fishing, be it freshwater, saltwater, fly fishing or ice fishing.
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If you have time on your hands take a free factory tour. They hold them at 10am and 12:30pm, Monday-Friday. The tour lasts about 90 minutes, and you’ll come away impressed.
Customer appreciation day Their annual “customer appreciation day” will be Saturday, June 16, from 7am to 5pm. There will be free BBQ with brats, chips and bottled water from 10am to 2pm (while supplies last). From 10am to 3pm, visit with special guests Joe Bucher, of “Fishing With Joe Bucher” television show, and also with members of the Linder’s Angling Edge Team. Be sure to sign up to win one of thousands of dollars in prizes (need not be present to win drawing), plus there will be an all-day tent sale with special pricing. Special pricing is only available at the Park Falls store and not on the website or by phone. The store is located at 856 4th Ave. N in Park Falls. Contact them at 715-762-3226 or visit stcroixrods.com.
Czech-Slovak Festival to draw thousands
PHILLIPS – Thousands of people are expected to attend the 35th annual Czech-Slovak Community Festival Friday-Sunday, June 15-17 in Phillips. The event celebrates the proud heritage of the Price County community. With the exception of the various services, all events will be located at the Phillips High School. The Lidice memorial service will be at 7pm that Friday at the First Baptist Church, 426 Flambeau Ave., Phillips. On Saturday, the festival opens at 9am with an arts and craft vendors, children’s activities, the Tour de Kolacky bike rally, Czech-Slovak singers, dancers and live music, kolacky baking and eating contests, outdoor display of old restored farm equipment and tractors, kids corner youth activities and the Miss Czech-Slovak Wisconsin State Queen Pageant. You can buy kolacky by the dozen (they sell over 11,000 in a typical festival weekend) at the bakery booth or enjoy one with coffee at the hospitality table.
The festival runs from 10am to 3pm Sunday. The polka service will be at 9am at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 120 Forest Avenue. There will be live entertainment throughout the day, a traditional pork ’n’ sauerkraut dinner (serving 11am until gone), announcement of the state kolacky contest winner, and the crowning of the 2018-19 Miss Czech-Slovak Wisconsin State Queen.
Catch Catawba’s ‘Lumberman’s Day’
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CATAWBA – The 51st annual Lumberman’s Day in Catawba will be Saturday, June 9 with events starting early and going into the night at Catawba Park. The Catawba-Kennan Lions Club sponsors this community event. Registration for the 4K fun walk/ run will be at 8am. The race starts at 9am. Then the parade sets off at 10:30am, followed by the Catawba Harmony Fire Department’s chicken dinner starting at 11am. The 4-H members will provide children activities. There will be a concession stand. The Jump River Historical Society Museum will be open to the public. Activities starting at noon include horseshoe, volleyball, beanbag, sawyer contests, Phillips girls softball exhibition game, followed by the queen coronation at 5:30pm.
NORTHWOODS Region
Saturday evening events include a 4:30pm polka Mass at St. Therese Catholic Church, 655 5th Lake Avenue; queen’s dinner at Club 13, followed by the Black Cow ice cream social at A&W. The Old World beer garden will be at the VFW, 306 5th Lake Avenue.
Pricecounty
Live music will be The Whirlwinds at noon, Elvis Presley (Loren Wanish) at 4pm and Twisted Whisker playing from 6-10pm.
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New in 2018
Tullibee
Tullibee-XL
X-Toad
X-Toad-XL
NORTHWOODS Region
*All Plast-X Lures are availabe in Shallow and Deep running verisons
Dr. Evil
Cannonball Jr.
Fat Bastard *All topwater baits are available In Northern Lights Series
Cannonball
Vilas county
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Calendar of Events
June 9 St. Germain – Walk in the Woods: Art show. June 9 Eagle River – Up North Beerfest: June 15-16 Manitowish Waters – Solstice Festival: June 16 Lac du Flambeau – LakesFest: June 16 Arbor Vitae – Devil’s Elbow 5K: Trout Lake Golf Club. June 23 Conover – Callie Rohr Memorial Canoe & Kayak Races June 23-24 Presque Isle – Presque Isle Days: 5k/10k fun run/walk; lumberjack show. June 24 Conover – Taste of Conover: Town Park.
Rohr’s offers a great Northwoods getaway
Rohr’s Wilderness Tours in Conover has your back ... and maybe even your backpack.
As a reminder, the Callie Rohr Memorial Canoe and Kayak Race will be Saturday, June 23. Check out the details at the website below.
NORTHWOODS Region
CONOVER – Summer is in full swing in the Northwoods, and unless you have your own canoe, kayak and camping spot, you might be missing out on adventures that will give you warm memories for a lifetime.
Rohr’s is located at 5230 Razorback Road, Conover. Call 715547-3639 or visit rwtcanoe.com for more information.
Located in Vilas County on the headwaters of the Wisconsin River, Rohr’s Wilderness Tours offers canoe and kayak rentals, camping for all enthusiasts from RV, 5th wheel, campers, popups, tiny campers and tent in a nicely appointed campground complete with sections from full hookup to secluded walk-in sites, a shower house and large pavilion. They also offer guided raft and inflatable kayak trips, canoe instruction, complete outfitting, a Northwoods rental house and in the winter, cross-country ski trips. The vast network of ATV/UTV routes in the area can also be accessed from Rohr’s Forty-Acre Woods (they are on a Conover ATV/ UTV route). Make Rohr’s your “home away from home” while fishing in the nearby lakes and rivers or visiting the nearby towns that offer shopping from brand name stores to boutique shops to one-of-a-kind gift shops. Lots of wildlife to see, including eagles soaring above. Try mountain biking and hiking on their trail system. The terrain ranges from easy to expert skill levels. They also now have disc golf.
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Vilascounty Don’t miss the fun at Presque Isle Days
PRESQUE ISLE – Come up to Presque Isle -- “Wisconsin’s Last Wilderness” – on Saturday and Sunday, June 23-24 for a weekend of fun and exciting festivities to kick off the summer.
NORTHWOODS Region
There will be friendly competition, lots of food, and activities to do and watch for all ages, including the popular Timberworks Lumberjack Shows. Saturday’s line-up includes the 10K fun run and 5K walk at 9am and 9:25am respectively, with on-site registration available at 8am. The route starts on the historic rearing/logging ponds, and heads through pine, hardwood and lake-lined back roads. There will be Presque Isle Days T-shirts for 5K/10K participants who register by June 9. A free kids logger run around the “Hot Pond” follows at 10am for youth 12 and under. All youth runners receive a prize. The running/walking events will be followed by stand up paddle
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board (SUP) and kayak demos ongoing until 2pm. There will also be arts and crafts “make and take” with area artists, plein air artists, nature walks, pontoon cruises, 10-mile guided bike ride and book sale at the library. Then on Sunday, gates open at 10am with a large art and craft fair, Shantytown kids station, plant and book sales, 10am frog and turtle races (BYO critters), horse and buggy rides, Shantyboy Cemetery tours, 12:30pm Lumberjack show (free), locals competing in the 2:30pm “Jack ‘n Jill” amateur lumberjack competition, along with food and beer tent, and raffle.
ry mixed in for added entertainment.
The professional lumberjack show includes speed carving and obstacle pole racing, axe throwing, log rolling and more with some comedy and histo-
For more information, including advance registration for the run/ walk events, visit presqueisledays.com.
Presque Isle/Pomeroy/ Henry Lake Trail geared for mountain bikers
Vilascounty
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PRESQUE ISLE – Head for the border! The Presque Isle/Pomeroy/ Henry Lake Trail begins on the border of Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The Henry and Pomeroy Lake complex is located just south of Marenisco. This extensive trail system takes mountain bikers up into some of the region’s most beautiful lake country. The marked trails offer over 100 miles of mostly gravel roads for mountain biking, with loops of 7 to 16 miles that are perfect for beginners. The trail passes by scenic overlooks, crosses rivers and streams, and offers direct access to two campgrounds. Parking is available at the Presque Isle Community Building in Presque Isle.
NORTHWOODS Region UpNorthAction.com | 5StarUpNorth.com
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Vilascounty
Make an evening out of it with Devil’s Elbow 5K/10K
NORTHWOODS Region
ARBOR VITAE – Experience the beauty the Trout Lake District has to offer by running through the course and woodland trails of the Trout Lake Golf Club during the eighth annual Devil’s Elbow 5K/10K Sunset Trail Run on Saturday, June 16. Check-in starts at 5:30pm with the evening trail run/walk starting at 7pm. Cash payout to the top three finishers in both the 5K and 10K.
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You don’t have to be a runner to enjoy the festivities. Friends and families and the general public are welcome to cheer on the participants. There will be music, food and beverages. Nor do you have to worry about the Devil popping up behind a tree. The run is named after one of the course’s more difficult holes.
Vilascounty
NORTHWOODS Region
Proceeds will benefit two local schools and the Dr. Kate Museum. For more information, visit on-line devils5k10k.com or call 715-356-3282 ext. 4318.
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Vilascounty
Kick it into gear with Solstice Bike Festival
NORTHWOODS Region
MANITOWISH WATERS – If you have been spinning your wheels looking for a fun event for the family, consider the Solstice Bike Festival in Manitowish Waters on Saturday, June 16.
The Solstice Festival celebrates the longest day of the year and is the official start to the summer bicycling season in Manitowish Waters. A welcome party 5-8pm Friday, June 15 kicks off the weekend. Pre-registered riders may pick up their swag bags and enjoy ap-
petizers and drinks with other riders. Newcomers may register for rides at the welcome party and join the fun. Then gather at Koller Park, in downtown Manitowish Waters, at 8pm Friday for a free, casual sunset ride. Riders will be guided along an illuminated trail to Serbin Park for a campfire and s’mores while taking in a beautiful view of the sunset. The festival shifts into high gear on Saturday with both fun rides and road rides, the latter including a 29-mile Cranberry Ride, 50-mile Half Century Ride and 100-mile Century Ride. All three rides begin at the Manitowish Community Center on Hwy. 51 and run along beautiful, well-marked courses with rest stops and support. The traditional Fun Ride will begin at Koller Park at 10am. There are plenty of rest stops and activities along the way with live animals at the Discovery Center, a mountain bike skills park at Camp Jorn YMCA and challenging activities at North Lakeland Elementary School. After the rides drop by Koller Park from noon to 4pm for a special Saturday edition of Music in the Park. Admission is free to all. There will be live music, food and beverages, raffles and face painting.
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Put ‘Taste of Conover’and blueberry breakfast on the calendar
Vilascounty
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EMS members and supporters will be tempting you with their annual blueberry pancake breakfast from 8am to 1pm at the Conover Community Center. If you’re a late riser, just tell the tummy it’s “lunch.” Plus, it’s a great way to give the cook at home a morning away from the stove!
CONOVER – Be sure to mark your calendar for Sunday, June 24 and join in the 11th annual Taste of Conover gala, which will be held in the town park from 11am to 3pm. Skip the calorie counting as you sample and enjoy fabulous foods from Conover businesses.
NORTHWOODS Region
This event has become so popular that many families schedule their “Up North” visits to coincide with the date. There will be music, a couple vendor booths, jump tent for the kids and appropriate beverages. Then on Sunday, July 1 the Conover Volunteer Fire, Rescue &
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NORTHWOODS Region
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Vilascounty
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‘Walk in the Woods’ Art Fair
Vilascounty
ST. GERMAIN – Join fellow art lovers and browsers at St. Germain Chamber of Commerce’s 11th annual “Walk in the Woods” Art Fair on Saturday, June 9, from 9am to 3pm.
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More than 50 regional artists will showcase an eclectic mix of pottery, paintings, photography, woodcarvings, furniture, basketry and handmade candles and jewelry – all nestled among the beautiful pine trees that cover these grounds. (Due to chamber office construction, the usual location may be moved across the street to the town park setting.) Enjoy wine sampling, cheese tasting and live music from Bret & Frisk as you stroll through the woods to find one of-a-kind treasures. The event will take place rain-or-shine.
NORTHWOODS Region UpNorthAction.com | 5StarUpNorth.com
Barron county
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Calendar of Events
June 1-3 Cameron – Camerama Days: June 1-10 Rice Lake – Aquafest: June 2 Rice Lake – Evening Under the Stars: 6:30-8:30pm, Rice Lake Library. Gourmet food, auctions, music, beer. June 2 Rice Lake Barron Co. Dairy Breakfast: 6-11am, fairgrounds. June 9 Rice Lake – Coin Show: Cedar Mall. June 10 Rice Lake – Family Car Show: Advance Auto Parts parking lot. June 19 Chetek – Chetek Boat Reunion: June 19 Chetek – Chetek Fly-In: June 23-24 Cameron – Quilt show & Strawberry Festival: Pioneer Village Museum. June 23-24 Turtle Lake – Hungry Hollow Steam Engine Days: June 30 Rice Lake – Northbound Showdown Tractor Pull: 3-11pm, fairgrounds.
NORTHWEST Region
Club jointly built the park.
Barron County offers ATV trails & playground ALMENA – ATVers looking for a little playtime should look at Barron County trails, and, in particular, the ATV Park located 4 miles east of Almena and right off the ATV trails. Barron County and the Dusty Trail Finders ATV
The playground offers 30 acres of trails in the pines, 13 miles of tracks, jumps and bumps, and 1.5 acres for ATVs of 90cc or less. Amenities include three acres of parking, a large shelter, picnic tables and permanent restrooms. Open to ATVs year round. Got a hankering to go far? Take a ride on the Wild Rivers Trail. This outstanding trail totals 104 miles. From Rice Lake, the trail continues north through Washburn and Douglas counties to Solon Springs, a trip that totals 62 miles. The Barron segment of the Wild
Rivers Trail is about nine miles long. Open to ATVs year round. There’s also 8 miles of abandoned railroad grade between Almena and Turtle Lake known as the Cattail Trail. It continues west in Polk County to Amery. (Total distance from Almena to Amery is approximately 22 miles). Open to ATVs year round. The Cattail Trail Extension, 16 miles long, originates in Almena and continues east to Cameron. The extension of the cattail trail is generally closed mid October for hunting and is then reopened when they open the snowmobile trails and then closes again during the spring thaw and reopens May 1. ATV maps are available from local visitor centers and chambers. The Dusty Trail Finders Club meets the third Thursday of every month at Poskin Lake Resort. Meetings start at 6:30pm. Prospective members are invited to attend. Annual dues are $20 for a single membership and $30 for a family membership. See their Facebook for more information.
Hungry Hollow club announces annual show
RICE LAKE – The Hungry Hollow Steam and Gas Engine Club will hold its 49th annual show the weekend of June 23-24 at their show grounds.
Gates open at 7am both days. The show features Case tractors
and equipment. Both days there will be refreshments and food, a “parade of power” at noon, flea market, arts and crafts, and a country store. Operators will demonstrate antique machinery, such as a sawmill, corn shedding and shelling, both days also. On display will be model trains, antique and classic autos and fire trucks. Remote model airplanes will be flying both days. Vintage fire truck rides will be offered. Area musicians will have tractor jams, and a pancake breakfast will be served each morning at 7am. The Western Wisconsin Pedal Pullers fun pull will be at 10am Saturday. The tractor pull with antique and farm classes will also be Saturday, at 4pm, in addition to a silent auction. Then at noon Sunday will be a garden tractor pull with various classes, sponsored by the Dairyland Garden Tractor Pullers. Children 12 and younger admitted free. Hungry Hollow is located at the corner of Hwy. 25 and 19th Avenue, midway between Rice Lake and Barron.
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Bayfield county
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Calendar of Events
June 1-3 Seeley – CAMBA Women’s Weekend Mtn Bike Clinic: cambatrails. org. June 2 Cable & Hayward – Mt Borah Epic: Mtn. bike race. June 2 Cable – Rumble on the Lake: Motorcycle rally. June 9 Cable to Hayward -- Borah Epic: Half and Full Epic mtn. bike races. June 10 Bayfield – Blessing of the Fleet: 1-2pm. June 10 Iron River – Spider Lake Run: June 16 Cable – Chequamegon 100: Singletrack mtn. bike racing. June 16-17 Port Wing – Lions Club Fishing Contest: June 23-24 Mason – Mason Days: June 30 Iron River – Makers’ Faire: White Winter Winery. Hand-crafted items; 5k fun run at 9am. July 1-6 Bayfield – Bayfield Race Week:
18 holes
41885 Valhalla Townhouse Rd. Cable, WI
715-798-3104
telemarkgolfcourse.com
Garden offerings and blessing of the fleet in Bayfield
BAYFIELD -- Celebrate Bayfield in Bloom! Gardens all over town have sprung to life with daffodils, tulips, and more. Tour more than a dozen gardens in the Bayfield area on Saturday, June 2 from 10am until 3pm. Maps of the tour are available at the Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau located at 42 South Broad Street in Bayfield. And stop in at the 16th annual northern native plant sale, organized by the Bayfield Regional Conservancy, in the Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion from 9am to 1pm.
Blessing of the Fleet The “Blessing of the Fleet” on Sunday, June 10 will mark the end of Bayfield in Bloom. Historically, the event was held to bless the fleet of fishing tugs at the beginning of the commercial fishing season, but is now open to all vessels and includes blessings from several local clergy. The event will be held at 1 pm in the Bayfield City Harbor.
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NORTHWEST Region
Telemark Golf Course
Burnett county
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Yellow River Echoes
Calendar of Events
une 3 Siren – Free Kids Fishing Contest: Clam Lake wayside. June 15 Grantsburg – Dairy Day: Burnett Dairy Cooperative.
‘A Living History Fur Trade Experience’
DANBURY – Who doesn’t like a good mystery? And people who looked as if they stepped out of the history books from the early 1800s? And a hearty meal of booya? If you checked all three, then you’re on the road to Danbury for the annual Yellow River Echoes at Forts Folle Avoine Historic Park.
XY Company built their solitary building just 95 feet south of North West’s Fort. This is the only place on the North American continent where competing fur trading companies were close neighbors. In existence from 1802-05 the posts were then abandoned and lost to history. Re-enactors will dwell in the Northwest and XY Co. fur trade posts and Ojibwe Indian Village, portraying voyager, clerk and Native American lifestyles. They will provide primitive skills demonstrations, workshops, and competitions.
Dates are June 22-24 with the site open for visitors beginning at 10am each day. Yellow River Echoes replicates the historic fur trade era, in this case the site of two competing fur trade companies.
Your ONE-STOP website for everything happening in the Northwoods!
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Written records show that two trading companies built nearly side-by-side trading posts near the Yellow River in the area known as “le pays du folle avoine” (land of wild oats / wild rice) in what is now Burnett County. North West Company built three buildings surrounded by a stockade or “Fort” which became known as “Forts Folle Avoine.”
Covering 20+ Counties in Northern Wisconsin and U.P. Michigan
Largest Events Calendar in the Northwoods! Keep up-to-date on events and happenings! Extensive Business Directory • Trail Condition Reports Recreational info on hiking, biking, fishing, hunting... PLUS SO MUCH MORE!
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Several museums, including a logging museum and a one-room schoolhouse, offer insight into other aspects of Wisconsin and Burnett County history. Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park is located three miles west of State Highway 35, midway between Webster and Danbury, at 8500 County Road U. For more information, call 715-866-8890 or visit theforts.org.
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Eat. Drink. And be Dairy
ALPHA – What would we be without our dairy farmers .... no cheese, no milk, no ice cream! No cows to tip over. Seriously, we love our dairy products and those hard-working men and women who bring them to our stores, such as the Burnett Dairy Cooperative Cheese Store in Alpha. Burnett Dairy is celebrating Dairy Day on Friday, June 15, from 10am to 5pm, and you are most welcome to join them. They will be handing out free samples including, ice cream, milk, cheese samples, wine samples, fudge samples, Bistro samples, local products, popcorn and more. For the 21-and-older folks, there are also samples of wine. Local vendors will be selling mini donuts, homemade breads and more along with 4-H and FFA food stands. Kids can enjoy the petting farm, bounce house, sanctioned pedal pull (1pm Friday and 11am Saturday), corn pit, coloring station and more. There will be live music, prize drawings, tractor show, chainsaw carving as well as a tour of the cheese factory viewing room (on the hour).
NORTHWEST Region
Check out burnettdairy.com for more information. They are located at 11631 State Highway 70, five miles east of Grantsburg.
A Fun, Interactive Learning Experience at a Unique Historical Site! TOURS • FUR TRADE POSTS • OJIBWE VILLAGE GIFTS • MUSEUMS • HIKING TRAILS
• Yellow River Echoes, June 22, 23 & 24 • The Great Folle Avoine Fur Trade Rendezvous, July 25 thru 29 • Gourmet Dinner, August 11 • Garden Tea, August 16 Open thru September 2, Wed. thru Sun., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; September Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park 715-866-8890 • 8500 Co Rd U Between Danbury & Webster, WI
TheForts.org
200Off General Admission
$ Present this ad for
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Polk county
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Calendar of Events
NORTHWEST Region
June 1-2 Osceola -- Rhubarb Days: Mill Pond Park. June 2 Milltown – Kids “R” 1st Fishing Contest: Half Moon Lake. June 2 Milltown -Dairy Breakfast: 8-11am, Community Center. June 9 Deer Lake -- Neil McKenzie Youth Fishing Contest: neilmckenzieyouthfishingcontest. org. June 9 St Croix Falls – City of Trails 5k & 10k Walk /Run: June 15 Amery -- Music on the River& Car Show Cruise-In: 5pm, Michael Park. June 15-17 Clayton – Clayton Cheese Days: June 15-17 Frederic -- Family Days: June 15 Frederic --
Strawberry Shortcake: Soo Line Depot June 16 Amery – Woman’s Club Art & Craft Fair: 9am to 3pm, North Park. June 16 Frederic -- Lion’s Classic Car Show: 10am to 2pm. June 16-17 Frederic -- Indianhead Gem & Mineral Show: Frederic High School. June 17 Osceola -- Father’s Day Brunch & Dinner Train Ride: Osceola Train Depot. June 22-24 Clear Lake -- Heritage Days: June 22-24 Milltown – Fisherman’s Party: June 23 Amery – Triathlon: 9am, Stower Seven Lakes Trail. June 24 Cushing – Sterling Settler’s Picnic: Noon, Community Center. June 29-30 B a l sam Lake – Freedom Fest:
Take in Amery’s Art and Craft Fair
AMERY – The 41st annual Amery Art and Craft Fair will be Saturday, June 16, from 9am to 3pm, in North Park located on North Keller Avenue (Hwy. 46). Parking is free and food, including a cookie booth, will be available. Variety, uniqueness, craftsmanship and talent are found at each of the more than 100 exhibit booths. Among the wares will be paintings, photographs, jewelry, wood and metal art, furniture and clothing. If it is something special you are seeking, this is the place to find it. This major yearly fundraiser for the Amery Woman’s Club raises money in support of many community charitable organizations and over $3,000 in scholarships to local students.
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Sawyer county Musky Festival promises loads of fun HAYWARD – The 69th annual Musky Festival in Hayward officially gets underway Friday, June 22 with family-styled events going through Sunday, June 24. Leading up to the festival are Thursday’s downtown sidewalk sales (also at area retail stores), opening of the carnival. From there, the festival just gets bigger and bigger. The carnival and sidewalk sales run through the entire Musky Festival – Hayward’s largest community celebration. Friday
events include the Musky Queen coronation, watermelon-eating contest, live music in the afternoon with another music set, this time by Ali and the Scoundrels starting at 8pm. On Saturday, enjoy a dairy breakfast, car show, Rod Lundberg children games, ice cream eating contest, learn to fish demonstration, Hula Hoop contest, live music in the afternoon, and a beach party – “Pirates, Guitars & Beachfront Bars” with special guest Mn Jack starting at 8pm.
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Calendar of Events
June 2 Stone Lake – Lions Fish Fry: June 2 Winter – Northern Tournament: 8am. June 8-10 Winter: Last Frontier Musky Tournament: June 9 Cable to Hayward – Mt. Borah Epic: Mountain bike race. June 10 Hayward – BBQ in the Bark Park: June 16 Winter – Kids Fishing Tournament: 10am to noon. July 21 Hayward to Seeley – CAMBA LongassRide: Non-competitive singletrack tours. Cambatrails.org. June 22-24 Hayward – Musky Festival: June 23 Hayward – Sawyer Co. Dairy Breakfast: dairydaysofsummer.com. June 24 Winter – Senior Day Pontoon Ride & Chicken Dinner Feed: Noon, Fishtrap Cove.
Sunday’s schedule includes a 5K run/walk, casting contest, and Grand Parade at 1pm. There’s much more events of course. For more information, call 715634-8662 or visit muskyfestial.com for a complete schedule of events.
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Spider Lake Golf Resort 9 holes 11165 W Elaine Dr. Hayward, WI 54843
715-462-3200
spiderlakegolfresort.com
Barker Lake Golf Course
W6877 Golf Course Rd. Winter, WI 54896
715-266-4152
NORTHWEST Region
barkerlakegolf.com
Ojibwa Park is a nice place to camp, relax for a spell WINTER -- Clean, quiet and beautiful surroundings have made Ojibwa Park a popular camping and picnic spot and as a rest stop for travelers since 1932. Hwy. 70 bisects Ojibwa Park between Ojibwa and Winter. Originally owned by the state Department of Natural Resources, the park is now owned and maintained by the town of Ojibwa. The park comprises 366 acres of forestland bordered by the Chippewa River on the north and by the Tuscobia State Trail on the south. The park is open for camping from May 1 to the last day of the regular gun deer hunting season. However, the park is a wildlife refuge and is off limits to hunting. The camping area has 16 camper sites and three tent sites. Coin operated showers were added in 2016. Several picnic areas near a small stream and pond provide a relaxing place to eat a meal. A playground area is provided. An RV dump station, drinking water and pit toilets are available. A large stone pavilion can be reserved for a $35 per day fee. If not reserved, the pavilion is open for public use. Firewood is available for a small charge. A short trail connects the parking area with the Tuscobia State Trail, which is a popular ATV/UTV, snowmobile and mountain bike trail. Tuscobia runs 74 miles from Tuscobia near Rice Lake to the city of Park Falls via on an abandoned C & NW Railroad corridor. ATVers can run the trail from April 15 to Nov. 15. Across the road, the Turkey Feathers Nature & Hiking Trail loops go one mile along the Chippewa River. Feathers Trail is easy walking and wheelchair accessible for a portion of its length. Adjacent to the nature trail is a hike/cross-country ski trail of about 1.5 miles in length that can be used year round. It too has a gentle slope and is easy walking. Excellent fishing and canoeing opportunities abound on the Chippewa River.
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Sawyercounty
Explore the ‘Hayward Cluster’ of mountain bike trails
NORTHWEST Region
HAYWARD – Mountain bike enthusiasts are invited to discover the eight trails that make up the “Hayward Cluster” of the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association’s (CAMBA) trail system. CAMBA is a volunteer, tax-exempt non-profit whose mission is to support mountain bike advocacy, education, sustainable trail development and tourism in the Chequamegon Aarea in partnership with the U.S Forest Service, local governments and agencies, and private landowners. CAMBA develops and manages a regional mountain bike trail
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system of over 300 miles. The CAMBA trails lie in and around the beautiful Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest as well as in the Bayfield and northern Sawyer county forests – nearly a million acres in which to ride your fat tire bike. Trails are based in the towns of Bayfield, Cable, Delta, Drummond, Hayward, Namakagon and Seeley. CAMBA groups its mapped and marked trails into six sub-systems known as clusters, each with one or more trailheads. The trails are located in Bayfield and Sawyer counties. In addition to the Hayward cluster, other clusters can be found in Cable, Delta, Drummond, Mt. Ashwabay and Seeley.
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Trails range from “easy” to “difficult.” Trails at a glance (for directions go to cambatrails.org): Birkie Trail: 9 miles point-to-point Mosquito Brook to OO, Intermediate, ski trail. Hatchery Creek Trail: 8.9 miles with 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 mile cut-offs, Intermediate, 100% singletrack. Makwa Trail: 5 to 12.5 miles, Intermediate, 100% singletrack. Phipps Fire Lane: 7.7 miles one-way, Easy, dirt road, fast rolling hills. Plantation Trail: 2.2 miles from H 9 to H 10, Easy, 60% twotrack, 40% dirt road. Sugarbush Trail: 1.75 miles, point-to-point, Difficult, 100% singletrack. Trail Descente: 3.3 miles from H 5 to H 7, Easy, 50% twotrack, 50% dirt road.
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Whitetail Trail: 4.3 miles, stacked lollipop loops, Easy, 45% Birkie Trail, 10% two-track, 45% old forest road shared with ATVs.
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Name county
NORTHWEST Region
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Opening May 25th
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Sawyercounty
Each Scheer’s Lumberjack Show is a crowd-pleaser
Reserve your date and time by ordering your tickets online at scheerslumberjackshow.com or purchase your tickets at the gate the day of the show.
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HAYWARD – Some 37 years ago Fred Scheer and his brother Robert created a new form of family entertainment for northern Wisconsin visitors, a Lumberjack Show.
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The two brothers and their four sisters had spent numerous summers as kids balancing and rolling on the logs on Lake Hayward in the bay of North Wisconsin Lumber Company. Their summer fun trained them to become fierce competitors in the log-rolling event (birling) of the Lumberjack World Championships (LWC) held in Hayward every July. The young Scheers expanded their activities and became skillful at the boom run and pole climbing as well as other events that were part of the LWC. In 1981, the two brothers established the original Scheer’s Lumberjack Show and used their lumberjack skills to entertain area tourists. More than a demonstration, the show features a competition between two lumberjack teams as they do 10 different events, logrolling, pole climbing and crosscut saw among them. Cheering on the teams gets the crowd involved in the show and a little down home humor keeps everyone chuckling.
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The original venue for the show in 1981 was a small dock on the shore of Lake Hayward behind what was then called Windmill Square. There the show’s lumberjacks delighted small crowds and soon it became apparent the production needed more space. With encouragement from Tony Wise, the legendary Hayward promoter, Fred and Robert Scheer moved the show to its present location, Lumberjack Village. Fred is now the sole owner of Fred Scheer Lumberjack Shows and the Lumberjack Village. Training young athletes to be lumberjacks is still a fulfilling role for Fred.
• Shows last approximately one hour & een minutes • Open seating - arrive early in peak season
Through the years many lumberjacks have come, performed and moved on to other careers. Numerous world champion logrollers, pole climbers and boom-runners had their start as apprentices in Fred Scheer’s Lumberjack Show and the cast has always included world champion lumberjacks. A world champion log roller himself, Fred occasionally delights audiences by personally participating in a show.
For all the years Scheers Lumberjack Shows has been in Hayward, it continues to draw crowds. One might say that a visit to northern Wisconsin isn’t complete without seeing a Scheer’s Lumberjack Show. The canoe joust is one of the events in the Lumberjack Shows that keeps the crowd laughing.
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Washburn county
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Calendar of Events
NORTHWEST Region
June 1 Spooner – Feeding LeRoy: 7pm music, Potter’s Shed. June 2 Spooner – Family Fishing Festival: Veterans Memorial Park. June 8 Spooner – Kind Country: 7pm music, Potter’s Shed. June 9 Spooner – Tri County Dairy Breakfast: Fairgrounds. June 15 Spooner – Trapper Schoepp: 7pm music, Potter’s Shed. June 16 Spooner – Jazz Concert: 7pm music, Potter’s Shed. June 22 Spooner – Noble Sound System: 7pm music, Potter’s Shed. June 23 Spooner – Shed Fest: 1-9pm music, Potter’s Shed. June 24 Birchwood – Birchwood Garden Tour: birchwoodwi.com. June 29 – Spooner – Erik Koskinen: 7pm music, Potter’s Shed. June 29-July 1 Minong – Minong Summer Days Festival: July 5-7 Spooner – Spooner Rodeo:
The Potter’s Shed – Like Nowhere Else
SHELL LAKE – The Potter’s Shed in Shell Lake is a remarkable place with enough activities and wonders to explore that it will be a sure hit with kids as well as adults. The 50,000-square-foot creative compound features an art gallery, the “Creative Zone” and Old World garden with ponds and waterfalls.
At the Creative Zone area young and old can decorate pottery or make a wooden sign. On Fridays and Saturdays during the summer, you can choose to have Raku pottery made. Select a piece from their handmade wheel-thrown pottery, glaze and decorate it with your own personal flare before it heads to the kiln. An hour later, watch your creation as it’s pulled red hot from the RAKU kiln and catches on fire! The Coffee Shop Café serves hot and cold gourmet coffee drinks, deli sandwiches, wraps, soups and salads. Enjoy a glass of wine or beer from an extensive list of micro brews, Fridays throughout the summer. The art gallery represents over 300 artists, so take time to explore the wonderful works of art and fine crafts from the local area and from around the country and Canada. Garden art is also available for purchase. Enjoy live music by regional and national bands at the outdoor music venue. Concerts are every Friday night from Memorial Day to Labor Day and a few extra nights for good measure. Bring the kids and your own chairs if you choose. Doors open at 6 pm for pizza, snacks, desserts, and craft beer and wines. Music starts at 7pm. (Indoors if raining.) The Potter’s Shed is located at 260 Industrial Blvd, Shell Lake. For more information, call 800-850-8880.
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Western U.P.
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Calendar of Events
June 16 Crystal Falls – Crystal Shindig: Crafts, music, old cars, kayak race, and more. June 16 Iron River – The Plaza Outdoor Expo: Food, prize drawings, outdoor recreation equipment, and more. June 16 Iron River – Sale Trail Rummage Sales: Citywide. June 21 Ontonagon – Summer Solstice Celebration: 6-9pm, Porcupine Mtns. Old Carpenter Shop. Music, bonfire, s’mores. June 24 Rockland – Old Victoria’s Log Cabin Day Celebration: 11am, Old Victoria. June 30 Lake Gogebic – Tour da Lake Bicycle Tour: Bergland Park. July 6-9 Crystal Falls – Bass Festival: Games, food.
ROCKLAND – Celebrate Log Cabin Day on Saturday, June 24 at the Old Victoria Historical Site in Rockland where history comes alive. The celebration at this historic mining village begins at 11am with free admission. Several buildings have been completed and others are in the midst of reconstruction in a location formerly called Finn Town, now a picturesque ghost town. These hand-hewn log cabins, built over 100 years ago to serve as housing for the miners at the Victoria Copper Mine, can be viewed from the road and seen on other days with a guide for a small fee, which together with donations keeps the site running.
seeing this unique site in person. You can also go to facebook. com/Old Victoria to learn more. Old Victoria is located 4 miles southwest of Rockland on the Victoria Dam Road in Ontonagon County, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Watch for the sign on Highway 45 in Rockland.
The day will feature delicious cinnamon rolls, baked from scratch in the traditional woodstove. Kids of all ages will love the old-fashioned kids games and races on the lawn, and adults will enjoy the show. There’s no better way to learn about copper mining history than
‘Tour da Lake’ bicycle tour
BERGLAND – Can you speak Yooper? Don’t worry, you’ll be right at home when you join others for the annual “Tour da Lake” bicycle tour around beautiful Lake Gogebic on Saturday, June 30. The bicycle tour begins and ends at Bergland Town Park in Bergland. Tour da Lake is a 39-mile road ride (mountain bikes are recommended) with five social stops at resorts around the lake. The event is open to everyone, all ages and biking levels. For more information, visit online at tourdalake.com or call 906932-3332.
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WESTERN U.P. Michigan
Old Victoria Historical Site celebrates Log Cabin Day
Westernu.p.
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Lake Gogebic chamber sponsors monthly fishing contest
WESTERN U.P. Michigan
LAKE GOGEBIC – The 13,380-acre Lake Gogebic is the largest inland lake in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This impressive multi-species body of water is roughly 14 miles long and 2.5
miles wide. It’s fun when you land a lunker, and a bit more so when you get some spending money for the catch. The Lake Gogebic Area Chamber of Commerce will again hold a monthly fishing contest from May 15 through Sept. 14 of this year. You must purchase a $5 contest button prior to catching the fish. Buttons are available at many local businesses. The chamber awards $25 in “chamber bucks” each month to the holder of the largest fish registered in each of the following categories: walleye, perch, northern, and bass. Fish can be checked in at the following locations: Bear’s Nine Pine Resort, Gogebic Lodge, Hoop-N-Holler Tavern, Root Cellar, The Timbers Resort, and West Shore Resort. Proceeds from the contest help lake projects that will enhance the fishery for future years on Lake Gogebic. As noted, there are multiple species of game fish in Lake Gogebic; however, the pristine lake has a fantastic smallmouth fishery. Smallies from 18 to 22 inches are common. Crankbaits and Twister tails on lead jigs are favorite bait choices while fishing shorelines during spring. The east shore has many rocky points and is popular with fishermen searching for the bronzebacks. Later in the summer, most fishermen switch to minnows, leeches and night crawlers and use a slip-bobber or floating jig in weeds and on mid- to deep-water structure for these never-quit fighters. For tournament information and fishing opportunities in the area, visit lakegogebicarea.com or call 888464-3242.
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