Home > Travelogue > A Weekend Getaway in Rhinelander: Where Town Meets Country for Year-Round Fun
A Weekend Getaway in Rhinelander: Where Town Meets Country for Year-Round Fun

If you’re looking to take a quick weekend getaway to a quintessential Northwoods town where you can find a diverse mix of activities that incorporate city amenities and fresh-air fun, Rhinelander is a perfect place to put on your travel itinerary. Don’t let a chilly day or a chance of snow steer you away because Rhinelander has plenty to do, both indoors and outdoors, all year long.
Get your lay of the land downtown.
Bring your camera or phone along because you’ll be sure to want to take photos (selfies are encouraged!) with the uniquely outfitted hodag statues you find along the way. Architecture buffs, you can admire the historic buildings you’ll find throughout the downtown area. Continue your stroll to the courthouse district for a walk in a neighborhood chock full of beautiful Victorian-era and other antique houses that you will daydream about long after you leave the Northwoods.
Lunchtime!
After a stroll through the business district, head into CT’s Deli for a warming lunch to prepare you for your afternoon adventures. CT’s menu features hearty sandwiches—like the Cuban panini and fire-braised turkey sandwich—and substantial salads—like the autumn apple salad and Thai chicken salad.
Get your shopping done in Rhinelander.
After lunch, return to the streets for some excellent shopping. The downtown district has a variety of shops you’ll love to peruse. If you’re looking to buy or rent equipment and accessories for your next outdoor expedition, go to Mel’s Trading Post. If you’re an avid quilter and are looking for supplies or interested in taking a quilting class, stop by Sew Creative. If you want to pamper yourself and your loved ones with luxurious body care, hair care, and home care items, head to Bath and Body Creations.
If you’re in Rhinelander on November 9, and you want to get an early start on your holiday shopping list, here are two very unique opportunities!
- If you’re shopping for people who aim to adopt a holistic lifestyle, stop by the Unique Holiday Gifts & Healings–Mind Body Spirit Fair at the Quality Inn in from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- If you’re looking for gifts for art lovers, peruse the juried artist vendor booths at the Holiday Market at ArtStart (November 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) as you sip mulled wine and take delight in the joyful, festive atmosphere.
Be inspired in Rhinelander.
Regardless of the date you travel to Rhinelander, if you enjoy art and culture, make a trip to ArtStart to view their inspiring exhibitions. Until November 2, you can enjoy the exhibit “The Masters’ Apprentices,” a collection including European paintings by students of great masters such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and Bosch. And starting November 14, the exhibit, “Agraria, Painting by Craig Blietz,” will showcase Blietz’s expressive takes on the American landscape.
Regroup with a midday brew.
Tricia’s Treasures and Bistro is your perfect next stop if you still want to do some shopping but you also want to refuel with a treat and some coffee. Tricia’s Treasures has eye-catching, unique gifts, clothing, and accessories for everyone on your list. Once you are done browsing, kick back and enjoy a cookie and your favorite coffee beverage while being refreshed by the delightful atmosphere at Tricia’s Treasures.
But if you’re in the mood for a different kind of local brew, head to Rhinelander Brewing Company for great local beer with historical roots. Tours are offered daily at 1 and 3 pm. For a $12 fee, you get a guided tasting, interesting brewery history, a visit to the brewroom. and a pack to take home.
Head outdoors!
If you want to get out of town and into the woods, Rhinelander has abundant options.
If you brought your ATV/UTV and are ready for a heart-pumping ride, Oneida County’s public ATV and UTV trails are located south and west of Rhinelander. They are open from May through late November or early December. (Contact Oneida County Forestry, Land & Recreation Department for specific dates).
If you brought your bike and are ready to roll, the Cavoc Trails, located off South Shore Drive near Holiday Acres Resort, offer five miles of challenging trails. The Enterprise County Trail provides not only seven miles of great scenery but also opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife. The Newbold Town Trails comprise eight miles of flat, packed-gravel trails that extend from Larsen Drive in Rhinelander northwest to the town of McNaughton.
And if you brought nothing but a sturdy pair of sneakers or hiking boots, that’s okay, too. Rhinelander also offers tremendous hiking opportunities, such as these trails:
- Nose Lake Trail, a beginner- and intermediate-friendly hiking trail located 12 miles west of Rhinelander, between Highways K and 8.
- Hikers longing for water views will love the Cassian County Two-Way Trail, which encompasses 15 miles of forest trails that travel along the shores of three different lakes. You can access the trail off of Highway K, 5.5 miles west of Highway 47.
- If you’ve only got time for a short walk in the woods, we recommend the Holmboe Nature Preserve. Although less than a mile in distance, this trail is packed with beauty and birdwatching opportunities, too. You’ll find this trail near the Taylor Park Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, off Boyce Drive.
Diverse dining options.
We know you’re looking for a dining spot that suits your own unique tastes, and Rhinelander has options for every palate and style. There are sports bars—like Bucketheads Sports Bar and Grill, which boasts crispy wings, juicy burgers in a relaxed atmosphere. If you have a penchant for dining experiences that exude culture and class, there’s the Historic Davenport House, where you’ll find delicious entrees made with high-quality, organic and locally sourced ingredients. Not only is the food sure to impress, but so is the ambiance. Diners rave about the beautiful antique bar and beautifully decorated interior.
Unwind.
Now it’s time to unwind and take in the amazing trip you’ve had so far. Pull up a comfy chair at Catalyst Wine Bar to enjoy wine and a charcuterie board or other delicious small bites in a modern, inviting atmosphere.
Before you hit the road…
We hate to see you go, but be sure to visit the giant hodag (in front of the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce building), who will give you a proper send-off. If you want to stretch your legs before the trip ahead of you, take some time to walk along the River Walk, which starts at the parking lot behind the Chamber building. This short paved path offers a pleasant woods and water view, easily accessible from Highway 8.
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