Exploring The Northwoods of Wisconsin

If you leave Leawood Kansas, turn north and drive for 11 hours you arrive in the Northwoods of Wisconsin or as we like to say “Up North.” Arriving “Up North” is a feeling and way of life that is filled with the sound of laughter, the soft thuds of my boys’ feet softly trekking through the pine forest and the pure joy that is felt as they dive into the crystal-clear lake or spot an eagle resting on a perch. This scene may seem like something out of a film, but instead is a typical day for my family, and most families vacationing “Up North” throughout the summer. The entire experience is like being away at summer camp. Tucked away are the electronics that the boys were glued to during their journey here, and now they are released into the wilderness to fend for themselves until meal times.

There are over 15,000 lakes in Wisconsin, but our stomping ground is White Sand Lake. White Sand Lake is 1,181 acres of crystal-clear water, with an average depth of 25 feet is home to northern pike, crappie, perch, smallmouth bass, rock bass, bluegills, largemouth bass, walleye and the trophy musky that has eluded us for close to 20 years now. We have been blessed to have a number of lakeside cabins available for our family to use over the years thanks to two generous uncles…so the boys over their lifetime of visiting here understand the rules, where to go and what they can do. From fishing, to swimming, to kayaking, to hiking, to exploring, to feather collecting, to hanging with neighbor friends, to conducting the annual dig to China on the sandy beach, to playing cards with their grandparents. And everything in between.

Northern Wisconsin is the perfect place to connect with nature, unplug, explore and remember what is truly important in life. But really makes going Up North fun is being able to get out and explore the number of cities all within a few miles of each other. From Minocqua to Boulder Junction to Lake Tomahawk, you really have arrived in paradise. No matter where you end up while exploring Up North, you are constantly surrounded by positivity and laughter. It’s the community, the fellow happy families, and the never-ending entertainment provided by open water and lush forests.

Minocqua is our favorite stomping ground and the hub of all things “Up North”…because it’s simple and one of those special places right out of a post card. Minocqua is a tourist city. The main street is occupied by antique stores, specialty t-shirt shops, a five and dime store, candy stores, fudge shops and multiple specialty restaurants and bars. You’re standard fare for a Midwestern resort town. Mostly, it’s fun, family friendly, and relaxing. Minocqua might be small, but there is no shortage of things to do. Here are some of our family favorites.

WHAT TO DO

Min-Aqua Bats Waterski Show

The greatest show on skis has been attracting fans from all over the world since the 50s. With shows three nights a week throughout the summer, this is definitely a good time for the entire family.

http://www.min-aquabats.com

Downtown Exploration

Nearly 100 shops, antiques stores and restaurants are situated throughout downtown. There is also a fantastic playground and beach at Torpy Park, and if you are lucky enough there are a number of street fest including their signature Krazy Days.

http://www.minocqua.org

Lake Tomahawk Snowshoe Baseball

One of the craziest things I have ever seen…but also one of the most fun. 16 inch softball but played over a bed of saw dust and every player wears snowshoes. This is one of our family’s favorite activities and has been delighting families since the 60s. And what is even better is that there are over 50 types of pies that are available for purchase from the grandstand made up by local residents. Takes place every Monday throughout the summer at 730p.

http://www.laketomahawkwi.org/area-info/activities/snowshoe-baseball

Northwoods Wildlife Center

The center has a variety of birds of prey in various states of rehab and some that will be released in the future. There are turtles and other animals that kids can get up close with.

https://northwoodswildlifecenter.org/

Worlds Largest Penny

Yup, there really is a thing. This gigantic coin celebrated the success of Dr Kate Newcomb’s effort to raise money for a new hospital in the 50s. She asked local school children to help, and they activated raising over 1.7 million pennies.

Rock Falls Riding Stable, Mini Golf and Go-Karts

A great family friendly destination that provides guided horseback tours through 28 acres of scenic wooded trails, a fun 18-hole miniature golf course and exhilarating go-kart track. We spent the afternoon at Rock Falls and were able to participate in all three activities for only $35 a person. This is a family owned business and the service was second to none. We can’t (honestly) wait to go back next summer.

http://www.rockfallsridingstable.com/

EXPLORING THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Bob’s Manitowish Waters Guide Service

Bob Bertch, is a full time licensed guide with over 35 years experience fishing in the Northwoods. Bob came to our lake and took us out on a 3 hour half day expedition. Besides educating us on the “ins and outs” of fishing, he made the overall experience fun and exciting as our family ended a 20 year dry spell and brought home a 28” Northern Pike. And got our family excited about fishing where the boys went out after getting home and ended up taking their newfound knowledge of fishing and caught two huge largemouth bass. All which we are eating for dinner tonight.

https://www.boulderjct.org/bobbertch/

Muskie Fishing in Boulder Junction

Every August is the Muskie Jamboree which takes place in Boulder Junction – The Muskie Capital of the World. We just happened to stumble upon a Muskie fishing outing coordinated by the DNR (Department of Natural Resources) which provided my family the opportunity to spend a few hours learning about the Muskie and then hitting Boulder Lake for 3+ hours with professional guide – Erv Keller who has been providing guide services for over 35 years and a local legend. While we didn’t catch a Muskie or get a nibble, this was a fantastic experience.

GOOD THINGS TO DRINK

When you visit Wisconsin, the state’s offerings tend to veer toward the traditional: grilled brats, cheese curds, brandy old-fashioned cocktails, and the Friday night fish fry. Rarely does the coffee scene come up on folks radars…but the state is ripe with rustic coffeehouses. Now, we brought our own beans with us from Collectivo Coffeehouse from Milwaukee, but there is a great coffee scene to be had. Now when you talk about beers, this is a staple that most folks are brought up on and Wisconsin has evolved from Miller and Pabst to a number of award-winning craft brews. Some of our favorites are: Motto – Good City Brewing, Ale Asylum, New Glarus (Spotted Cow and Moon Man), Lakefront Brewery. Oh the list goes on and on

WHERE TO EAT

Most of our meals were around a big dining room table and masterly prepared by Grandma Narloch, however every now and again, we are allowed to venture out. Some of our favorites are….

Paul Bunyan’s Cook Shanty

Breakfasts include flapjacks and the softest yet crispiest buttermilk doughnuts.

https://www.paulbunyans.com

The Thirsty Whale

Watch a ski show from the deck of this boathouse-turned-restaurant which serves up Minocqua’s best pub fare.

https://www.thirstywhaleminocqua.com

Minocqua Brewing Company could be absolutely spectacular, bringing a brewpub, incredible beer and great food together along with a great view, but this place is just ok.

https://www.minocquabrewingcompany.com/

Otto’s Beer and Brat Garden

Enjoy this European style pub and beer garden serving up Germany’s favorites including brats and delicious beers. Great for the kids or getting away from the kids.

https://www.ottosbeergarden.com

WHERE TO STAY

Timber Bay Resort

An excellent resort with many year-round activities. During the summer there is an excellent beach, great fishing and many water activities. The cabins are in excellent shape with all of the amenities needed for an enjoyable visit. Sean and Darcy are the most welcoming host and they truly make you feel like you are at home. They also rent fishing boats.

http://www.timberbayresort.com/