In one of the most pristine areas in Northern Wisconsin, lies the town of Minocqua. Nestled amidst picturesque lakes and lush forests, Minocqua offers a treasure trove of experiences for adventurers and leisure seekers alike.
Minocqua is the town I grew up in, therefore, many of these top things to do in Minocqua are actually some of my own beloved pastimes from my childhood in this cozy town.
Minocqua, Wisconsin is where nature’s beauty meets small-town charm. Every year, this small town brings in thousands of tourists looking to indulge in some fun on the lakes. And in the winter, bundling up and enjoying many adventurous winter sports.
In this blog, we’ll be your guide to uncovering the best things to do in this idyllic destination. From serene waterfronts to thrilling outdoor escapades, let’s journey through the heart of the Northwoods and explore the unforgettable attractions that make Minocqua a hidden gem in the Midwest.
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Top Things To Do In Minocqua, WI (Year-Round)
Walk Downtown Minocqua
One of my favorite things to do in Minocqua is walk the shops Downtown. There are tons of local shops that offer an array of goods. Some of my favorite stops in downtown Minocqua are:
-Dan’s Minocqua Fudge
Literally, Dan’s Minocqua Fudge is the best fudge you will ever try. Plus they hand-make the fudge right there, so you can watch the magic being made right in front of your eyes. Not to mention the sweet smell that hits you when you walk through the doors.
They serve tons of different fudge flavors. Personally, the original chocolate fudge is my favorite. Closely followed by the peanut butter fudge.
In addition, their selection includes a variety of specialty chocolates, taffy, ice cream, and more. A standout favorite at Dan’s Minocqua Fudge is the Bear Claw, a delectable combination of chocolate, caramel, and nuts. I promise you will not be disappointed!
-Minocqua Popcorn Company
Now that you just stocked up on sweets, it’s time to pair it with something salty. Minocqua Popcorn Company serves an assortment of different popcorn flavors. They often rotate between flavors. You can go with the basic original flavor or try something wild, like buffalo cheddar. Nonetheless, they have some tasty popcorn.
-Eagle Wings Sportswear/Sallet’s Northwoods Outfitters
Of course, you can’t be a true tourist in Minocqua without a t-shirt that says you’ve been here. Two popular shops that sell Minocqua apparel are Eagle Wings Sportswear and Sallet’s Northwoods Outfitters.
Eagle Wings Sportswear sells blank apparel with nothing printed on it yet, and you can choose what they hand-press onto the clothing.
Sallet’s Northwoods Outfitters just has a wide array of unique apparel with “Northwoodsy” artwork.
Certainly, you’ll find several more shops around town offering Minocqua apparel. My approach is to initially visit most stores and then circle back to the final one where I’ve spotted my favorite item!
-The Shade Tree Book Store
The Shade Tree is a charming bookstore in downtown Minocqua. A cherished tradition during our family trips to the Northwoods was selecting a new book to read on vacation. The store offers a wealth of well-loved titles and a special selection aligned with the Northwoods, camping, and lake life theme.
-Imaginuity Toy Store
Imaginuity Toy Store is a fun stop to grab a new game to play at the cabin. Or if you are traveling with children, you can let them pick out a fun new toy to play with. But they have a plethora of fun young and adult games to choose from. Especially some fun toys to use at the lake.
-Gaslight Antiques
For a glimpse of vintage treasures, head to the Gaslight Antiques (it’s on the upper floors of the indoor walking mall). Whether you are an antique collector yourself, or simply just want to browse the fantastic collection, their exceptional assortment offers a range of distinctive pieces to peruse.
Here’s just a sample of what they have: antiques, sports memorabilia, vinyl records, home goods, artwork, sporting goods, and more.
The Waters of Minocqua Water Park
The Waters of Minocqua is a local indoor water park. There are 2 slides, a large indoor/outdoor hot tub, a large indoor/outdoor pool, plus a kiddy pool with fun attractions.
The Waters doubles as a hotel, wedding venue, or conference center. All hotel guests get a free water park pass. But outsiders are allowed to pay out of pocket. The cost is $20 per adult and $10 per child under 48 inches.
Rent A Boat On Lake Minocqua
Of course, the best thing to do in Minocqua is rent a boat. You are coming to the lovely lake area of the Northwoods. So renting a boat allows you to explore the area via water.
There are tons of different boat rental companies in the area. You can rent a boat for as little as 2 hours to longer weekly rentals depending on the company. Here are some great boat rental companies in Minocqua:
- Lakeside
- Minocqua Pontoon Cruises & Rentals
- Minocqua Party Cruises (Great for Bachelor/ette Parties)
- R & R Motorsports
- Pontoon Boat Rentals Minocqua, WI
- The Beacons Boat Rentals
- Your Boat Club
- Minocqua Boat Rentals
- Good Nuf Boat Rentals
And you can actually visit some of the restaurants in Minocqua by boat! I will mention which restaurants are easy to dock at for a waterside meal.
Bearskin State Trail
A popular thing to do in Minocqua is to walk or bike the Bearskin State Trail. This local trail stretches 21.5 miles toward Tomahawk. The trail used to be a former railroad line. It’s a popular place for hiking and biking in the summer and a nice snowmobile trail in winter.
Note: A State Trail Pass is required for anyone riding their bicycle on the path. The cost is $5 per day or $25 for an annual pass. You can purchase a pass at the Dr. Pink Drive entrance or online.
Grab A Beer At Minocqua Brewing Company
Grab a beer at Minocqua Brewing Company in an old historic building. They are a friendly brewery serving a wide selection of tasty beers. They now serve cold-filtered nitro coffee as well.
Rocky Reef Brewing Company
If you love breweries, then another awesome brewery in the neighboring town of Woodruff is the Rocky Reef Brewing Company. They serve a wide span of unique and fresh beers on draft. You can enjoy a brew inside their taproom or enjoy the fresh air on their outdoor patio.
Grab A Specialty Cocktail From Northern Waters Distillery
Northern Waters Distillery is a family-owned distillery bringing you tasty spirits. Every batch, barrel, and bottle possesses distinct, individual qualities that can be truly savored.
You can try any of their hand-crafted spirits on the rocks or indulge in one of the specialty cocktails.
Check their events page for live music.
Additionally, they don’t just offer yummy cocktails. You can also tour the distillery on Fridays and Saturdays.
And if you want a deep dive, you can also spend a whole day at the distillery learning all the ins and outs of how they craft their own spirits.
The Vine Beer & Wine Lounge
Wanna get dressed up all fancy and enjoy some of the widest selection of beer, wine, and cocktails in Minocqua? The Vine is a quant little wine lounge where you can enjoy over 60 wines served by the bottle + many more by the glass, 40 domestic, import & draft beer options, and a whole array of specialty cocktails.
You can enjoy the eclectic vibe inside with contemporary and abstract artwork or enjoy the nice patio outside.
They also have a small menu with ‘lite bites’.
Indulge In A Specialty Coffee At Great Northern Coffee Traders
Looking for a delectable local coffee? Great Northern Coffee Traders serves organic gourmet coffee & tea. Plus they have a yummy menu for breakfast and lunch. Or of course, you can just pick up some pastries if you are on-the-go.
Go Bowling At Island City Lanes
One of the best family-friendly things to do in Minocqua year-round is go bowling. Island City Lanes is a popular bowling alley to throw some strikes and have fun with your family or friends.
They also serve bar food if you bowl so hard you strike up an appetite!
Join A Pilates Class
Movement is life, and luckily downtown Minocqua has a lovely Pilates Studio. Vitae Pilates offers private lessons, duo lessons, and class lessons (up to 4 guests).
Grab Cheese Curds From The Thirsty Whale
When in Wisconsin, you MUST get as many fried cheese curds as you possibly can. Maybe that is just my motto, but I don’t think there is a better food on this planet! And the Thirsty Whale has some of the best fried cheese curds with ranch!
They also serve many other lunch/dinner items, have local beers on draft, and have cocktails. Their location is right on the waterfront of Lake Minocqua. You can also stroll up to this lunch spot via boat or snowmobile. Just park at the boat landing docks next door.
Step Into A German-Style Beer Garden At Ottos
Ottos is the local spot to enjoy some German delights. They have a nice pub-style seating area inside, and a lovely beer garden out back.
Their menu has many different German Cuisines, beers, and cocktails. They also have great Bloody Marys! You can’t go wrong with their classic bratwurst either.
If you are looking for a fun place to go out to at night, Ottos can get pretty rowdy around 10 pm!
Grab A Wood-Fired Pizza At Oakfire Pizzeria & Bar
If you are craving some delicious pizza, you will want to stop into Oak Fire Pizzeria. Their location sits atop a hill that overlooks Lake Minocqua. They also have a great selection of Wisconsin beers on draft.
Sit Along Lake Minocqua At The Boathouse or The Islander
Another great location to sit lakeside is the Boathouse or The Islander. These are two different restaurants in the same building. The Islander is the dockside location serving local fish items, plus sandwiches and tacos.
The Boathouse location upstairs is slightly more upscale. They have a nice indoor patio that overlooks the lake. The lunch menu at the Boathouse is the same as the Islander. But their dinner menu offers steak, fish, crab, lobster, etc.
Walk Across The Minocqua Bridge To Minocqua Yacht Club
Another popular restaurant lakeside in Minocqua is the Minocqua Yacht Club. Their location is across the Minocqua Bridge, right on the water. It’s a popular stop for many people boating and jet skiing in the summer. And of course another popular stop in the winter for snowmobiling.
They serve American-style pub fare and have a good selection of local beers on draft.
Catch The Latest Movies At The Lakeland Cinema 6
If you want to find one of the more relaxed things to do in Minocqua, then catch the latest movie at the Lakeland Cinema 6.
Don’t miss out on the Tuesday Special where all shows and all seats are $5.
Escape Room
One of the most thrilling things to do in Minocqua is participate in an escape room. It’s located in the basement of the Gaslight Square Shoppes.
Participants are placed within a room and must utilize elements within it to solve a sequence of puzzles and successfully escape within a designated time frame or upon accomplishing a specific mission.
Each room is private and can accommodate 2-10 guests. Participants will have an hour to unlock the secret code to unlock the door. There are two different themed rooms to choose from: Mad Doctor and Rescue of Uncle Ande (a fishing cabin theme).
Miniature Golf
One of the most family-friendly things to do in Minocqua all year long is mini golf. There are 4 different courses to try out. Many are just open during the summer because they are outdoors. But there is one location indoors, so you can mini-golf all year long!
- Holiday Acres (offering 18 holes outdoors that are surrounded by rivers, ponds, and waterfalls bringing a sense of intensity to each shot) only open in summer
- Settlers Mill (offering 18 holes outdoors through adventurous terrain. Plus you can grab a frozen custard and enjoy the arcade game room) only open in summer
- Minoc-Woods Indoor Mini Golf (18 Hole Northwoods themed indoor) open year-round
- Island Golf (located right downtown Minocqua) only open in summer
Try Out The Golf Simulator At Lakeland Fitness & Golf
Inside the Lakeland Fitness & Golf Center are four state-of-the-art Trugolf simulators. This is one of the most epic things to do in Minocqua in winter when the greens are covered in snow. But you can also enjoy this activity year-round.
Lakeland Fitness & Golf offers memberships or you can pay hourly.
Visit the World’s Largest Penny
The World’s Largest Penny in Woodruff, WI, stands 10 feet in diameter, 18 inches thick, and weighs 17,452 pounds. The story dates back to 1954 when Dr. Kate Pelham Newcomb had a dream to bring a local hospital to the area.
Local students of Arbor Vitae/Woodruff School led a district-wide campaign to collect pennies to donate to building a local hospital. The goal was to collect 1 million pennies to donate toward the new hospital.
Nationwide, people mailed in pennies, and the local students donated their allowance to collect a total of 1,700,000 pennies (which is equal to $17,000).
The penny is a tribute to the students who worked hard to get the donations of pennies from around the country.
Top Things To Do In Minocqua, WI in Summer
Northwoods Zip Line Adventure Tours
One of the most adrenaline-seeking things to do in Minocqua is zipline amongst the trees of the beautiful Northwoods. The course has 9 zip lines, plus 5 adventure bridges. Each zipline tour is about 2 ½ hours long and includes a few short hiking adventures between zip lines.
Watch A Min-aqua Bats Water Ski Show
One of the most popular things to do in Minocqua is watching an amateur water ski show called the Min-aqua Bats. (Personally, if you wanna see the best water ski show in the Northwoods, you should head to Sayner to see the Plum Ski-ters! I might be biased because the Plum Ski-ters was the team I grew up skiing with 😉 )
But nonetheless, the Min-aqua Bats put on an entertaining show. With people building pyramids on water, barefoot lines, skiers gliding over a 15-foot jump and sticking the landing, swivel skiers doing 360’s and more.
Shows are every Wed, Fri, and Sun at 7 pm (mid-June to Mid August). Min-aqua Bats shows are free, but are happy to accept donations!
If you sit in the front row, there is a high chance you might get a little spray from the skiers as they ski by! A waterski show is a highlight of visiting Minocqua, WI.
Wildwood Wildlife Park
One of the most fun things to do in Minocqua for the whole family is to visit the Wildwood Wildlife Park. It is the second largest zoo in Wisconsin!
It’s an interactive zoo, so you can hand feed wild animals, such as giraffes, goats, sheep, deer, camel, and aoudads. Plus you can play with the parakeets, ride the safari tram, and paddle an adventure boat.
The safari tram visits exotic and endangered species from different countries such as Africa, Australia, Asia, and South America.
Paddleboard or Kayak on Lake Minocqua
If you are ballin’ on a budget but still want to get out on the water, then renting a kayak or paddleboard might be a little more feasible. We suggest trying to go earlier in the morning when the water is calmer and there are fewer boats out on the water.
Here are some great companies to rent Kayaks and Paddleboards from in Minocqua:
Go Swimming At Torpy Park
You can keep things simple and just go for a swim in the famous Lake Minocqua. A popular beach in downtown Minocqua is Torpy Park. This sandy beach has a lifeguard on duty during the busy hours of the day.
There is also a playground, tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, picnic shelters, etc.
Go On A Fishing Adventure
Other than boating, fishing is the second most popular thing to do in Minocqua. If you have your own gear, then you can stop in many different local stores to grab the bait. Note: everyone over the age of 16 years needs a fishing license to fish in any waters of the state.
Here are some locations you can get a fishing license in Minocqua:
- Kurt’s Island Sports Shop
- Dewey Catchem & How
- DNR Woodruff Service Center
- Walmart
- Ace Hardware
Or if you don’t have your own gear or simply want to learn from the pros, you can go on a guided fishing tour. When going with a guide it is almost guaranteed to catch a fish because they know the great local spots. And know what bait will work best for the type of fish you are fishing for.
Kurts Island Sports Shop offers a great guided fishing tour. Trips range from 1/2 day (4 hours, $350), 3/4 day (6 hours, $450), and full days (8 hours, $525). Each tour includes transportation, use of equipment, and cleaning/freezing of any fish caught.
Popular fish found in Lake Minocqua are:
- Walleye
- Smallmouth Bass
- Largemouth Bass
- Crappies
- Bluegill
- Perch
- Musky
Play 18 Holes At Timber Ridge Golf Club
Timber Ridge Golf Club is a public 18-hole course in a breathtaking Northwoods setting. This course offers a perfect blend of challenge and serenity, promising an enjoyable day on the greens for both seasoned golfers and newcomers alike.
Horseback Riding At Holiday Acres
A fun summer activity to do in Minocqua is to roam the northwoods of Wisconsin via horseback. Holiday Acres offers guided tours through their forty-acre woods.
Small children have the option for short scenic pony rides, led by an adult of course.
Rock Falls Riding Stables is another great place for horseback riding just a short drive from town.
Go Karting At Holiday Acres
Another exhilarating thing to do in Minocqua for the whole family is race some go-carts at holiday acres. They have 3 different tracks to try out.
- Super Track (The original track with plenty of opportunities for passing and lots of tight corners)
- The Bridge Track (longest and most thrilling track)
- The Fast Track (obviously has the fastest karts!)
Beef-A-Rama Festival
Beef-A-Rama is the most popular festival of the summer in Minocqua. The festival is always on the last Saturday of September. This unique festival draws locals and tourists alike. Many guests dress up in cow-inspired outfits and walk the streets of Mincoqua.
The festival starts in the morning with a 5K and 10K Rump Roast Run.
Many small local businesses line up their products in the parking lot of Torpy Park. So not only can you pop into the local shops downtown Minocqua, but you can see what other locals are offering around town.
One of our personal favorite vendors in Minocqua is The Woods Clothing. She makes custom clothing but also brings an assortment of handmade clothing for babies and adults. She has now branched her business into handmade handbags, tumblers, and other accessories.
And of course, you will want to snag a scrumptious beef sandwich while listening to the live music on sight.
Float The Wisconsin River
Just a short drive out of town is the Wisconsin River. And other than boating, another way to stay cool in the summer is to float the river on tubes.
If you have multiple cars, you can organize your own float by parking one car at Rainbow Reservoir Park. And shuttling another car to the endpoint at Newbold Memorial Park. But this plan requires you to have your own tubes or water crafts.
Of course, I always suggest the Intex Explorer K2! We’ve had this portable inflatable kayak for years and it allows us to get out on the water in multiple places. Or you can pick up a few River Run Inflatable Tubes.
If you don’t have your own equipment or a way to shuttle two cars, there are two reputable companies that will organize a float trip for you. But they are quite a bit further from Minocqua (about 25-30 minutes).
Wildwood Outdoor Adventures and Hawk’s Nest are located in Eagle River. They provide the tubes and shuttle service.
Scheer’s Lumberjack Show
A super fun thing to do in Minocqua in the summer is watch a Scheer’s Lumberjack Show. The show consists of ten exciting events as seen on ESPN’s Great Outdoor Games. Such as running log racing, climbing logs, creating art from logs, etc. It’s a great mix of sports, history, and comedy.
The show is in the neighboring town of Woodruff. Shows generally start in early June to early September. Check the Scheers Lumberjack Website for specific show times.
What’s The Scoop
Hands down the best ice cream you will ever have is from What’s The Scoop. (I used to work here when I was 14, and I had my fair share of “tastings”). What’s The Scoop is located in Woodruff (the neighboring town to Minocqua), but I swear it will be worth it to check this place out!
They carry super-premium Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream. They always have 33 rotating flavors to choose from. Plus they home-make their waffle cones!
What’s The Scoop is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Top Things To Do In Minocqua, WI in Winter
Snowmobile
Snowmobiling is one of the most popular things to do in Minocqua in the winter. There are tons of trails throughout northern Wisconsin to roam. And when the lakes fully freeze over, you can ride over the lakes to various destinations.
Many bars and restaurants welcome snowmobilers and have designated spots to put your helmets, gloves, jackets, etc. It can be the perfect place to warm up between rides.
You can either rent your own snowmobile or join a tour. If you don’t have experience, I highly suggest taking a guided tour.
Note: Anyone born after January 1st, 1985 is required to take a Snowmobile Safety Education Class. You can take the course online at Snowmobile Course or Snowmobile-Ed.
You will definitely want a physical trail map (phones are not reliable in the freezing temperatures of northern WI). Some rental companies may provide maps, so inquire within.
Here are some great places that offer snowmobile rentals and/or tours in Minocqua, WI:
Cross-Country Skiing
With the abundance of snow, cross-country skiing is a popular winter sport in Minocqua. A popular place to cross-country ski is Minocqua Winter Park.
The park has over 54 miles (86 km) of world-class groomed ski trails. The trails range from beginner to expert level, welcoming everyone to come and try this unique sport. The Trail system is groomed for both skate and classic skiing, plus single-track classic-only trails (for an old-school style experience).
They also have a ski rental shop on site if you need to rent any gear.
Fun Fact: This was the practice terrain for the 2022 Winter Olympics participant, Kevin Bolger, growing up.
Go Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing can be done on most trails with snow in northern Wisconsin. You can forge your own path or find a dedicated location with trails.
Minocqua Winter Park is a popular place that offers 15 miles of exquisite snowshoe trails that wind through some of the most peaceful sections of the park. There are 7 trails ranging in distance from 1.25 to 5 miles.
The Bearskin Trail is another popular place for snowshoeing in Minocqua, WI. Do note you will be sharing the trail with snowmobilers too.
Ice Fishing
Photo by Adam Bixby on Unsplash
Besides snowmobiling, Ice Fishing is one of the next best things to do in Minocqua, Wi in winter. It’s where frozen lakes transform into a unique fisherman’s playground.
With its serene winter landscapes and the satisfaction of a successful catch, ice fishing offers a unique and enjoyable adventure for individuals and families alike.
You will notice extravagant ice fishing shanties of all levels out on the ice. From old RVs transformed into luxury ice-fishing homes to small hand-crafted shacks. But nonetheless, true Wisconsinites will sit in the cold trying for the catch of the day for a nice fish dinner.
Go Ice Skating At Torpy Park
Every winter Torpy Park fills its parking lot with an epic skating rink. The public can use the rink free of charge all winter long. You will need to have your own ice skates. You can rent ice skates from Chequamegon Adventure Company.
There is also an ice skating rink at Minocqua Winter Park. Ice skates are available for rent.
Public skating is also allowed at the Lakeland Hawks Arena. Skates are available for rent.
Tubing Hill At Minocqua Winter Park
Hitting the tubing hill at Minocqua Winter Park is one of the best winter activities in Minocqua for the whole family. Snow tubing is $8/person. Tubes are provided, but there is no lift to take you back up the hill, therefore you will need to walk back up the hill each time.
There is a smaller sledding hill where you can bring your own sleds. This area is free, but donations are happily accepted.
Snowy Kromer
Every winter the town of Minocqua builds a giant snowman with the abundance of snow that falls each year. The snowman stands 30-foot-tall snowman and has a 15-foot wide waist. You can check out this video to see the amazing massive snowman, or leave the suspense and see it in person!
Save These ’41 Top Things To Do In Minocqua, WI’ For Later
