WHERE-TO-GO GUIDE: Northeast Wisconsin
For the sake of this guide, we’re considering Northeast Wisconsin anything north of Highway 8 and east of Highway 51.
When you hear people talk about “up north Wisconsin”, there’s a very good chance they’re talking about a little town in Northeast Wisconsin. This area has been a favorite for south Wisconsin and Illinois city folks to escape to since the early 1900s and tourism is still alive and well. Year-round populations are mostly in the few-hundred-to-few-thousand range, but you can expect that number to multiply by a lot in the prime summer months. And for good reason. Aside from the beautiful landscapes and kitschy shops and restaurants, these towns offer a culture that is unique and all its own. There are few people throughout Wisconsin that don’t have a story about a trip “up north”.
Charlotte grew up just about 30 miles south of where Hwy 8 cuts across the state, and her family now resides in Three Lakes, WI (about 18 miles north of Hwy 8), so she considers herself a bit of an expert of the areas surrounding Three Lakes. Here are her suggestions and pro tips:
Bars/Restaurants
White Stag (Sugar Camp, WI) Recommend starting with an old-fashioned before dinner and reconvening at the bar for after-dinner ice cream drink for the full experience.
Smugglers Inn (Eagle River, WI) Ask about the horseradish. And then proceed with caution.
Pike’s Pine Isle (Three Lakes, WI) Full disclosure - Charlotte’s family owns this place. But that doesn’t mean it’s not an awesome boat-up, snowmobile-up, seaplane-up spot right on the lake with amazing pizza and old-fashioneds 😊 Make sure to pick up some bar merch, created by yours truly!
The Legion (Three Lakes, WI) If it’s not too busy, ask to do the Shake of the Day. Their rules are stricter than most, but that means the payout is bigger if you win!
Lanny’s Fireside (Conover, WI) Honestly, my first experience here was not the best. But we were the last table seated (after they were supposed to be closed – the waiting list was that long) on a weekend night in July. Our bad. Will return at a more optimum time.
Dublin’s (Conover, WI) Go in the summer and enjoy their deck overlooking the lake and the tiki bar.
The Craftsman (Three Lakes, WI) This place took 5 years to build from the ground up. It was worth the wait. The drinks are on the pricier side, but the ambiance is gorgeous. Probably the closest thing to a city cocktail bar that I’ve seen up north.
Breakfast/Coffee
Deja Brew (Three Lakes, WI) Their chai is probably the best I’ve ever had. 10/10 would recommend.
Fika Coffee Shop (Three Lakes, WI) Two words: Cinnamon. Rolls.
Blend (Eagle River, WI) “Met” these folks on Instagram; like them just as much IRL.
Leif’s (Eagle River, WI) Get a skillet and ask for hollandaise on it. Trust me. Cals don’t count in the Northwoods.
Sunset Grill (Three Lakes, WI) If you start your day here, you won’t need to eat again for approximately 36 hours.
Briar House (Rhinelander, WI) A coffee shop befitting its name. This place is the cutest.
Other Watering Holes
Northern Waters Distillery (Minocqua, WI) If you’re planning on having more than one drink, it’s probably best to have a DD.
Tribute Brewing (Eagle River, WI) Don’t even try to decide. Just get a flight.
Minocqua Brewery (Minocqua, WI) Honestly, not my favorite beer, but the ambiance, view, and calendar of in-house events make it a worthwhile stop.
Three Lakes Winery (Three Lakes, WI) Big maker of fruit wines which are not my fave. But has a free wine tasting and a plethora of wines and snacks to take home, which are my fave.
Other Food
Brigette Bakes (Three Lakes, WI) Find Brigette’s bread and other delicious goods at the Three Lakes Market, Deja Brew, or sign up for her bread of the month club. Carbs 4 ever.
Cathy’s Ice Cream and Candy Shoppe (St. Germaine, WI) Just take my word for it on this one and go, ok?
Various brat frys and fundraisers (Small town, WI) It’s hard to drive through any Northwoods town in the summer without seeing some kind of fundraising stand or brat fry or fireman’s picnic or street fair. You should always stop. The food is cheap and tasty, and you know your money is supporting a good cause.
Shopping
Northland Clothing (Three Lakes, WI) If you’re not properly attired for the great outdoors, these folks will help you fashionably get there.
Walkabout (Eagle River, WI) In need of a paddle board or a new pair of Uggs? You can find ‘em both here.
Glick’s (Eagle River, WI) The closest thing you’ll find to a department store in the area. It’s got an old-school vibe with new-school trends (or as trendy as the Northwoods will allow, anyway.)
Tricia’s Treasures (Crandon, WI) I got a garden statue from here that is a red pig with wings. Where else can you find something like that?
Monkey Business (Minocqua, WI) I loved this store when I was a kid. Haven’t been in there in probably 20 years, but I trust 10 year-old Charlotte’s judgement. Also, it’s been around for multiple decades, and that’s not nothin’.
Events and Activities
Pond Hockey (Eagle River, WI) You kinda have to see it to believe it. Don’t forget your case of LeBatt.
Vintage Snowmobile Ride (Three Lakes, WI) The coolest blast from the past there is, and it supports Three Lakes Trails (they keep the trails lookin’ and feelin’ nice).
Slush Run (Three Lakes, WI) The perfect way to cap off a snowmobile season.
Boat parades (Small Town, WI) If you’ve never been in or seen a boat parade, usually around the 4th of July, you gotta head to one of these small lake towns and check it out.
[Insert Town or Theme] Art/Street/Holiday Fair (Small Town, WI) You’ll be hard-pressed to not find some sort of street fair in which to purchase handmade goods during any summer weekend in the Northwoods. Some faves are Oktoberfest in Three Lakes, Cranberry Fest in Eagle River and Beef-A-Rama in Minocqua.
Cruisin’ the Chain (Eagle River & Three Lakes, WI) My most favorite activity in 60 degrees or above. Launch your boat and cruise up or down the biggest freshwater chain of lakes in the world. Pack a cooler, know which boat launches have bathrooms (Townline boat launch on the Three Lakes side) and don’t miss closing time at the boat dam and lift and you’ve got yourself a perfect day.
Don’t see your favorite NE Wisconsin locale on the list? We maybe have never been there! Let us know where else we need to visit and keep an eye on this list for updates.