Minocqua-Area Recreation
.jpg){kind=tracking}
The Beacons overlooks Lake Minocqua and provides direct access to Northern Wisconsin's more than 1600 miles of professionally groomed trails.
With an annual average snow fall of 65 inches, you can take off in any direction on your sled to find plenty of well-marked Northwoods trails, as well as numerous welcoming trail-side pit stops.
Top of page
Skiing and snowshoeing
On both skis and snowshoes, nature lovers revel in our quiet Northwoods winters. Thousands of people from all over the world come here to take advantage of the extensive network of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Minocqua Winter Park offers 75 kilometers of trails, including three children's loops, telemarking slopes, chalet, café, heated wax room and Saturday babysitting service.
The North Lakeland Discovery Center also maintains 20 kilometers of trails and offers guided ski and snowshoe outings.
In addition, approximately ten separate trails are available in the Northern Highland - American Legion (NHAL) state forest. The trail lengths vary from the 2.9-mile Statehouse Lake to the 12.5-mile Lumberjack, encompassing a range of difficulties. For more information about NHAL winter use trails, call 715-385-2727.
Top of page
Sledding and ice skating
For winter fun, strap on your skates or grab your sled and head for The Beacons' own skating rink and sledding hill. Public ice rinks are also located in Torpy Park in downtown Minocqua and in Brandy Park, on Lemma Creek Road.
Top of page
Whether you are a longtime musky angler or a parent taking the kids out for their first fishing adventure, the Minocqua area remains a premiere Midwest fishing destination, boasting more than 3,200 lakes, streams and ponds in Oneida and Vilas Counties.
The Beacons is located on a 6,449-acre, five-lake chain, with 78.1 miles of beautiful shoreline. Fishermen and women love our vintage 1908 boat house and 825 feet of prime Lake Minocqua shoreline.
For up-to-date area fishing information, visit Kurt's Island Sport Shop or Rollie and Helen's Musky Shop.
And, don't forget to purchase a Wisconsin fishing license beforehand.
You can also enjoy the abundant water resources in many other ways. From canoeing and kayaking to pontoon boat rides, water skiing or a lazy afternoon floating on the tube, you can't go wrong.
Our staff can arrange pontoon, rowboat and canoe rentals or guided pontoon day trips of the Minocqua chain of lakes, as well.
Or, join the Min-Aqua Bats water ski club for a display of daring dos, just across the lake, at the Aqua Bowl every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, 7 p.m., mid-June through mid-August. Be sure to catch the spectacular fireworks display after the ski show on the Fourth of July.
Top of page
Golf
The Lakeland area's many golf courses provide a challenge for all, from the novice to the experienced golfer. Choose from 9-and 18-hole layouts, each varying in yardage, design and difficulty - all offering unmatched scenery.
The Beacons can arrange tee times and discounted green fees for you at several local golf courses. Just ask us.
The Beacons offers an on-site nature trail and easy access to the Bearskin Trail's 18 miles of smooth red granite surface - great for both hiking and biking. If you need a pair of wheels, we offer bike rentals.
For the adventurous, the area offers endless miles of woodland trails for birding, hiking or pedaling. From the level terrain of the 11-mile, fully paved Crystal Lake trail to the Raven's rugged hills that wind through dense forests near Inkpot Lake, we have the right trail for you.
To get you started on your next adventure, visit Trek the Northwoods Trails.
Top of page
Viewing the fall colors
Capture the breathtaking beauty of the bright reds, vivid yellows and warm oranges arching over our three local state-certified rustic roads (58, 59 and 60) or along the hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails.
Generally, peak colors can be seen between the last two weeks of September and the first two weeks of October. Make plans to stay at The Beacons while visiting the local Colorama celebrations, and you will be sure to experience the glory of the Northwoods in fall.
Top of page
Food
The Beacons' staff will be happy to direct you to one of the area's fantastic restaurants. From upscale dining experiences to down-home family meals, you will be sure to find something to satisfy your palate. And, don't head home without partaking in the Northwoods tradition of a Friday night fish fry.
Top of page
Shopping
If shopping is what you love, stroll along the tree-lined Bearskin Trail one mile to downtown Minocqua. You will be sure to fall in love with the unique shopping experience offered on the island. Local galleries and specialty shops offer original gifts, antiques, clothing, artwork and crafts you won't find elsewhere.
Top of page
Culture
Opportunities to experience Northwoods culture are plentiful.
Nearby Lac du Flambeau, for example, offers many ways to gain understanding of the Ojibwe culture. Attend one of the traditional Indian Bowl pow wows held on Long Interlaken Lake at 7 p.m. every Tuesday in June, July and August. Or, visit Waswagoning, a re-created traditional Ojibwe village.
Minocqua's new Campanile Center for the Arts offers a variety of live performances and workshops in downtown Minocqua. Northern Lights Playhouse offers area theatre performances and classes. Local music concerts are available in Torpy Park, Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. throughout the summer months, as well.
Top of page
History
History is also alive and well in the Northwoods. The Beacons boathouse, for example, is a Lakeland landmark, warmly welcoming visitors to the area since 1908.
Local museums will also quickly familiarize you with the area's rich and varied past, from vast collections of early snowmobile memorabilia to in-depth studies of our logging history.
Minocqua Museum, 715-356-7666
Dr. Kate Newcomb Museum, 715-356-6896
George W. Brown Jr. Ojibwe Museum, 715-588-3333
Vilas County Historical Museum, 715-542-3388
Top of page
