A Weekend Trip to Eagle River for Every Type of Traveler

August 27, 2019

Eagle River is a favorite destination in southeastern Vilas County, in the heart of Northwoods Wisconsin. The town is situated along the body of water with the same name, Eagle River, part of the Eagle River/Three Lakes Chain of Lakes—the inland chain that encompasses the largest number of interconnecting lakes in the world!

Whether you’re looking to spend time on land or water on a weekend getaway this season, Eagle River is a perfect choice—it has something for everyone! Here are some ideas to get you started in planning an Eagle River getaway custom-crafted for your tastes.

Eagle River for Families

  • Embark on an unforgettable trip exploring the Eagle River Chain of Lakes on a pirate ship at Pirates Hideaway. Cruises of various lengths are available, so you’re sure to find one that fits into your Eagle River travel itinerary.
  • Then take the whole family to Northwoods Children’s Museum for educational fun. Discover all about energy in the Giant Light-Bright and Wind Tunnel exhibits, play dress-up in Grandma’s Attic, and put yourself in a giant bubble in the Bubble Station! Then head over to the Discovery Store to find toys that will ignite your curiosity and imagination at home.
  • All that learning makes us hungry! Stop in a sunny diner called Lucy’s Lunchbox for a homecooked breakfast or lunch. Or, if you’re up for a picnic with a view, call ahead at J.J.’s House of Dogs to order your lunch; then pick up your favorite (whether it’s sausage, a chili cheese dog, or homemade pizza) and take it with you to beautiful Riverview Park.

Eagle River for the Adventurous

  • Whether you are an experienced equestrian or a first-time rider, you can enjoy a 45-minute horseback ride on Pine Point Riding Stables’ beautiful wooded trails. An experienced guide will be by your side. Children ages 7 and younger have the option to ride with an accompanying adult or with a guide, making this a wonderful adventure for Eagle River visitors of all ages.
  • We know it’s this-close to Labor Day, but we are optimistically looking ahead to a couple more warm, sunny weekends to enjoy out on the water before autumn brings cooler temperatures to northern Wisconsin and brings our watercraft to shore. So reserve your scenic tubing, canoeing, or kayaking trip with Hawks Nest Outfitters today! Hawks Nest Outfitters also rents out canoes and kayaks if you have your own adventure planned.
  • Motorized sports enthusiasts, did you know that almost the entire city of Eagle River is open to ATV/UTV users? (Be sure to look out for road signs indicating roads that are not open to ATV/UTV users, however.) City streets aside, the Landover ATV Club, the St. Germain ATV Club, and the Lakeland ATV Club have developed a system of routes connecting the communities of Eagle River, Conover, Phelps, Land O’ Lakes, St. Germain, and Arbor Vitae. Riders will find a variety of terrain: paved roads, former fire roads, and dirt routes. If you want to ride an ATV or a UTV while you’re in town but you aren't planning to bring your own, reserve a rental with The Toy Shop.
  • Road cyclists, we recommend the Eagle River–Land O’ Lakes Bike Route for an awe-inspiring journey through far northern Wisconsin. This relatively easy 22-mile route (with some gentle hills) starts in Eagle River and takes cyclists on quiet forested roads past shimmering lakes en route to the Land O’ Lakes Bike Trail in Land O’Lakes.
  • For cyclists who prefer to stick to the trails, we suggest the Anvil Lake Trail State Natural Area for a ride among the mature hardwoods of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The terrain varies from mostly level to hilly. Parking is available just east of the Anvil Lake Campground entrance and south of Highway 70.

Eagle River for Low-Key Luxury Lovers

  • Start your day at Blend for a slice of delicious homemade quiche or a breakfast sandwich—paired with gourmet coffee, bloody marys, or mimosas—at a cute and cozy cafe.
  • Go window-shopping downtown. Be sure to check out a recent addition to Eagle River, Cotton + Birch Collective, for stylish clothing, accessories, home decor, and gifts!
  • Nourish your senses—and your soul—with a massage, a pedicure, or another spa treatment at the region’s premier Aveda concept salon: Salon & Spa on Railroad Street.
  • End the day with a wine flight and tapas at Bortolotti’s Cin Cin.

Eagle River for Afficionados of Local Brews

  • Stop in at Tribute Brewing Company with your travel buddies, and enjoy one of their highly acclaimed beers, such as the 2018 Great American Beer Festival gold medal winner, the White Legs Jalapeno Wheat Ale. Tribute Brewing Company does not serve food, but you’re welcome and encouraged to carry in food or have it delivered to you at the taphouse.
  • For a different type of local brew, head to Eagle River Roasters. Their rich coffee is roasted in small batches. Sit down in the coffee house for artisan coffee prepared your favorite way, or pick up a bag of beans so you can enjoy Eagle River Roasters coffee at home.

Eagle River for Lifelong Learners

  • Enjoy a free 45-minute tour of the marsh at Lake Nokomis Cranberries. Regular tours are held Tuesdays through Saturdays, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. And special cranberry harvest tours are offered from September 16 through October 16, Monday through Saturday, at 11 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Walking is minimal; a comfortable bus will transport you to each stop along this fascinating tour. Don’t forget to stop at the newly expanded gift shop after the tour to pick up Lake Nokomis Cranberries cranberry wine!
  • History buffs, visit the Eagle River Historical Society Museum to view a collection that follows the development of the Eagle River area. A second collection at the Chicago and Northwestern Railway Depot features the history of the railway, downtown businesses, and ice castles. Admission to both collections is free. Be sure to stop in before Cranberry Fest (October 5 and 6), which is the last weekend these priceless collections are open for the year.
  • Curious about the about a darker side of Eagle River? Eagle River Twisted History Tours will lead you on an hour-long walking tour, uncovering sinister stories of Eagle River’s early days—key characters include first settlers, Native Americans, Chicago gangsters, and more!