Eagle River: A Guide to Northwoods Adventure

If your family has been dreaming about an Up North escape this summer, Eagle River, Wisconsin, deserves the a spot on your list. Nestled in the heart of Vilas County — home to more than 1,300 lakes — Eagle River sits on the world's largest chain of 28 connected freshwater lakes, offering nearly endless water adventures, a charming walkable downtown packed with fudge shops and toy stores, and that unmistakable Northwoods magic that turns a week-long trip into a lifetime family memory.

From Milwaukee, Eagle River is roughly 243 miles and a 4- to 5-hour drive north, making it far enough to feel like a real getaway but close enough for a long weekend. We've spent hours researching every family-friendly activity, restaurant, shop, and jet ski rental in the area so you can spend less time Googling and more time making s'mores on the dock. Here's everything you need to know.

There's a reason they call it the chain of lakes

The Eagle River Chain of 28 Lakes is the main event, and it's genuinely spectacular. The chain stretches across roughly 3,928 acres with over 70 miles of shoreline, connecting the Eagle River side (10 lakes) to the Three Lakes side (18 lakes) via the Burnt Rollways Boat Hoist — a unique lift that raises or lowers your boat 165 feet between the two sections (small fee, big fun for the kids). On the Eagle River side, Catfish Lake is the largest at over 1,000 acres, while Eagle Lake offers a popular public boat launch and 575 acres of beautiful water.

For swimming, Silver Lake Park and Beach is your best bet close to downtown — it has a designated swimming area with a lifeguard during scheduled hours, a sand bottom that slopes gradually (great for little ones), changing rooms, and a fishing pier. Eagle Lake County Park is about four miles northeast of town and provides 440 feet of lakefront swimming, a boat launch, and excellent bird watching. If your family loves crystal-clear water, ask locals about Black Oak Lake, widely considered one of the clearest lakes in the entire state.

Beyond the chain, Vilas County alone has over 1,300 lakes and neighboring Oneida County adds another 1,100-plus. You will not run out of water.

Family attractions beyond the beach

Eagle River punches well above its weight when it comes to family-friendly activities. Start with Pirates Hideaway on Duck Lake, where your kids can board an actual pirate ship for a cruise on the Chain of Lakes. This family-run lakeside spot also has a wood-fired pizza operation, a tiki bar for the parents, a gift shop, an ice cream shop (Eagle River's only lakeside one), and a sky deck overlooking the water. It's one of the most beloved family stops in the area.

Kartway on Pleasure Island Road is the classic Northwoods amusement destination, open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. They have multiple go-kart tracks (including an oval track for speed lovers and a slick track), bumper boats with water pistols, Water Wars with water balloon catapults, mini golf at $5 per person, and a dedicated kids zone with bouncy houses, mini Jeeps, and mini ATVs. Attached to the same property is Rocking W Stables, offering 45- to 50-minute guided horseback trail rides and pony rides for the littlest cowboys and cowgirls.

The Northwoods Children's Museum at 346 West Division Street is a rainy-day lifesaver and a sunshine-day delight. It features 26 interactive exhibits including a Northwoods-themed snowmobile ride, an "under the frozen lake" experience, and an ultraviolet Energy Expedition room where kids can experiment with water energy, wind mazes, and glow-in-the-dark toys. Best for ages 2 through 10. Admission runs about $9, and they have a Discovery Toy Store on-site. Named Eagle River's 2024 Business of the Year.

Eagle Falls Adventure Golf and Laser Tag at 1040 East Pine Street offers an 18-hole outdoor mini golf course with a fun 1950s fishing camp theme plus a 3,000-square-foot indoor laser tag arena with multiple levels (ages 6 and up). For older kids and teens, Northwoods Escape Room downtown has themed escape room challenges and ax throwing. And don't sleep on the Vilas Cinema, a historic movie theater built in 1927 with refreshingly reasonable snack prices.

About 20 minutes west in St. Germain, Elmer's Fun Park is another family jackpot — two go-kart tracks, horseback riding, bumper boats, mini golf, batting cages, bungee trampolines, a rock climbing wall, and 32-flavor ice cream all in one place.

Nature, trails, and wildlife that make the Northwoods magical

Eagle River is surrounded by more than 240,000 acres of public land, including the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. The hiking here is world-class and family-accessible. Franklin Lake Nature Trail cuts through gorgeous old-growth forest in the National Forest and is partially wheelchair-accessible — it consistently earns top marks on TripAdvisor. Fallison Lake Nature Trail near Boulder Junction is the longest nature trail in the state forest and offers stunning views of bogs, hemlock glades, and opportunities to spot eagles, osprey, and loons. The Tara Lila Wilderness Trails provide over 20 miles of public trails across 1,600 acres, open for hiking and fat biking.

For cycling families, the Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail is a gem — 52-plus miles of smooth, paved, family-friendly trail connecting St. Germain, Sayner, Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, and Mercer. It's a designated National Recreation Trail that winds through state forest, along crystal-clear lakes, with no giant climbs. Restrooms are spaced along the route, and bike rentals are available at multiple trailheads. Closer to town, the Three Eagles Trail is a paved path from Eagle River to Three Lakes that locals love.

Trees For Tomorrow at 519 East Sheridan Street is a hidden gem — a nonprofit natural resources education center on a 40-acre campus offering incredible summer programs. Their SEEK program (Science, Earth, Exploration for Kids) for ages 8 through 12 includes hiking, canoeing, and survival skills on Thursdays. They run KinderSEEK for ages 3 to 5, Junior SEEK for ages 6 to 7, and Family Nature Programs on Wednesday mornings for all ages. Their annual Forest Fest features logging equipment demos, horse-drawn wagon rides, birds of prey, and chainsaw carving.

For river adventures, Wildwood Outdoor Adventures at 5230 Livin the Dream Way offers lazy river tubing on the Wisconsin River (tubes come with backrests and cup holders — very civilized), water mat rentals, a 6.5-hour river run paddle, and a 4-hour wildlife paddle. Hawk's Nest Outfitters is another excellent option for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing.

Wildlife watchers will thrive here. Bald eagles are commonly spotted, and you'll likely hear loons calling across the lake at dusk. Great blue herons, osprey, sandhill cranes, and dozens of songbird species are regular sightings. Occasional black bear and moose sightings keep things exciting, especially on the Three Lakes side of the chain.

The best restaurants in and near Eagle River

Toad in the Hole

Dining in the Northwoods is its own experience, anchored by the glorious Wisconsin supper club tradition — think dim lighting, a Brandy Old Fashioned to start, a relish tray, an enormous cut of prime rib, and a Grasshopper to finish. Eagle River and the surrounding towns deliver on every front, from cozy family diners to lakefront fine dining.

Before anything else, you need to know about Toad in the Hole. This woman-owned diner seats just 20 people and is co-owned by chef Ashlee Millin and her mother Beth Millin, who opened it in November 2022.

Ashlee once worked as a line cook at Milwaukee's DanDan and top chef finalist and James Beard nominee Dan Jacobs named Toad in the Hole one of "Wisconsin's best restaurants" in Midwest Living — launching it as a destination for foodies from across Wisconsin and beyond. The menu rotates seasonally, but include the Irishman Breakfast, Purple Ube Pancake and French toast — plus homemade jellies and jams that reviewers rave about. Beth nd Ashlee grow as much of their own produce as possible and work with local suppliers like Evergood Farm of Rhinelander and Northwoods Honey of St. Germain.

Downtown Eagle River staples. Start your mornings at Leif's Cafe on North Railroad Street, a beloved institution for over 30 years that serves outstanding breakfasts (the omelets are legendary) and great lunches. It opens at 5 a.m. for the early risers. Friendship House Family Restaurant at 101 West Wall Street serves breakfast all day, offers all-you-can-eat dinners Monday through Thursday, and has the enormous portions and affordable prices that families love. Aiello's on Wall Street is the go-to lunch spot downtown — their corned beef, Italian subs, and Philly cheesesteaks get rave reviews, and their soups are phenomenal.

For dinner, the supper clubs steal the show.Eddie B's White Spruce Restaurant and Tavern at 419 North Railroad Street occupies the oldest standing building in Eagle River (circa 1843) and sits right on the Chain of Lakes. Their in-house smoked ribs are considered the best in the Northwoods, and they have a riverside deck with 12 boat slips and a tiki bar — yes, you can boat to dinner. Eagle Waters Resort and Supper Club on Eagle Lake has a stunning waterfront setting and devotes an entire menu section to walleye. Their Saturday prime rib and shrimp boil is a weekly event worth planning around. Chef Rene's at Eagle River Inn overlooks Watersmeet Lake and serves big, serious cuts — a 24-ounce T-bone, 22-ounce ribeye, lamb chops, and lobster tail. Williams's Pine Gables at 1002 West Pine Street is newly renovated and known for prime rib, rouladen, schnitzel, and their famous Betsy Ross Pie.

The Craftsman American Tavern downtown serves excellent craft burgers, fish tacos, and creative cocktails (parents, try the Campfire Old Fashioned with smoked maple bourbon). Soda Pop's / House of Dogs claims the title of best hot dogs in the Northwoods and is a kid favorite. Smugglers at 123 South Railroad Street has outstanding Bloody Marys and a pastrami brisket sandwich that regulars can't stop talking about. LP's Pizza and Pasta is a reliable family pick for Italian. For waterfront casual, Braywood Lakeside Bar and Grill on the Chain of Lakes has outdoor lakeside seating, a beach volleyball court, and a playground for kids.

Within 30 minutes, the options get even better. In St. Germain, the Whitetail Inn is a spectacular log-style supper club with one of the largest stone fireplaces in the Northwoods, live piano music, and a panko-coated crispy cod that's a must-try. Clearview Supper Club has been serving lakeside on Big St. Germain Lake for over 100 years and is famous for its Old Fashioneds and tomahawk steak. In Three Lakes, the Black Forest Pub and Grille serves authentic from-scratch German fare — wiener schnitzel with spätzle, jaegerschnitzel, and excellent Black Angus steaks. The Sunset Grill on Big Stone Lake is a breakfast and lunch destination where you can literally arrive by boat or airplane.

In Conover (about 10 minutes north), Club 45 Bar and Grill serves outstanding pizza — especially the deep dish — and great classic double cheeseburgers. The Boathouse Grill and Creamery pairs brisket, burgers, and pizza with a cool collection of vintage boats and an ice cream creamery. In Minocqua (about 30 minutes), The Thirsty Whale has been a legend since 1902, famous for cheese curds and its beautiful view of Minocqua Lake. Norwood Pines Supper Club is one of Northern Wisconsin's oldest and finest, surrounded by stately red pines with whitetail deer wandering by your window. And don't miss Paul Bunyan's Cook Shanty in Minocqua — a lumberjack-themed all-you-can-eat family-style restaurant open since 1961 with an in-house bakery turning out famous homemade donuts.

One more must-mention: White Stag Inn near Sugar Camp is legendary for charcoal-broiled steaks served on sizzling plates. Owned by the same family since 1955, they take no reservations (their motto: "If you have reservations, you're in the wrong spot"), and hour-plus waits on a Monday night tell you everything about how good the food is.

For ice cream and treats, the family essentials are Country Store of Eagle River at 116 East Wall Street (award-winning fudge since 1964, handmade chocolates, and summer ice cream), Peanut's Ice Cream and Cookie Dough on Wall Street (Chocolate Shoppe ice cream plus edible cookie dough — instant kid favorite), and Tremblay's Sweet Shop at 119 East Wall Street (family-owned since 1963, all recipes from scratch). Eagle Baking Company at 318 East Wall Street turns out pastries, kringles, and danishes that reviewers call the best they've ever eaten. In St. Germain, Cathy's Ice Cream and Candy Shoppe has been scooping 32 flavors for over 30 years, including gluten-free and dairy-free options. And in Land O' Lakes, Dari Maid Drive-In is a 1950s-style ice cream stand with incredible turtle sundaes, cheese curds, and corn dogs.

Shops and boutiques worth a detour

Downtown Eagle River's walkable shopping district along East Wall Street and Railroad Street is packed with locally owned shops that feel like a throwback to small-town Main Street — in the best way.

Grandma's Toy Box at 223 East Wall Street is a specialty toy store that's been delighting kids since 2008, stocked with unique children's toys and books you won't find at big box stores. Right next door, the same owners run Eagle Craft and Hobby with crafts, model kits, and hobby supplies. Country Store of Eagle River doubles as a candy wonderland — their Wisconsin State Fair award-winning fudge, hand-dipped turtles and snappers, caramel corn, and peanut brittle make it impossible to leave empty-handed. Tremblay's Sweet Shop across the street is another must-stop for homemade fudge and candy.

Cotton + Birch at 119 South Railroad Street is an upscale boutique that locals compare to Anthropologie, carrying curated clothing and home goods. Glik's at 111 Wall Street is a multi-story clothing store with brands like Free People, Birkenstock, and UGG. Arrow Gift Shop at 201 East Wall Street has been in business over 50 years, selling Minnetonka moccasins, Northwoods souvenirs, toys, and jewelry.

For outdoor gear, WalkAbout Paddle and Apparel at 622 East Wall Street carries kayaks, canoes, Patagonia, Carhartt, Smartwool, and Stormy Kromer — basically everything you need for Northwoods life. The Hiker Box at 211 South Railroad Street specializes in long-distance hiking gear and also carries birding guides. Eagle Sports Center at 809 East Wall Street is your full-line fishing tackle, live bait, and outdoor clothing headquarters.

Book World at 114 East Wall Street has a great children's section for rainy-day reading. The Warehouse Art Center at 107 South Railroad Street is a nonprofit arts hub offering ceramics and painting classes, rotating gallery exhibits, open mic nights, and even a bar called the Inspiration Bar. Lyn's Antiques at 108 East Wall Street brings in new inventory daily, and Thrifty Drifter on Highway 70 West is an eclectic antique and thrift shop in a bright yellow building covered in road signs — it's as fun to photograph as it is to browse.

Nearby, St. Germain hosts a massive weekly flea market with 400-plus vendors at the Community Park. The Plaid Bear on Highway 70 in St. Germain sells lake and cabin home décor and locally themed apparel. In Minocqua, Gaslight Square Shoppes is a three-level indoor shopping experience built to look like a 1920s village, complete with brick streets and gas streetlights. It houses multiple boutiques, antique dealers, an escape room, and even indoor mini golf. The walkable downtown of Boulder Junction offers specialty shops, woodworkers, and art galleries along Main Street.

Where to rent jet skis near Eagle River

The Chain of 28 Lakes is a dream for jet skiing, and several local outfitters make it easy to get on the water. Here are the best options we found.

Bubba's Boats is arguably the most convenient choice for families. Based in Eagle River, they rent Sea-Doo jet skis (130 HP, 4-stroke, 3-seaters with brakes) at $350 per day or $2,100 per week. The big perk is free delivery to your dock or any boat ramp — they cover Eagle River, Three Lakes, St. Germain, Manitowish Waters, Minocqua, and essentially everywhere within 50 miles. A full tank of gas and all safety equipment are included. One-day rentals are available on the Eagle River Chain. Book online at bubbasboats.com or call (715) 248-0777.

The Toy Shop of Eagle River at 5045 Highway 70 West has been renting watercraft since 2007 and offers Yamaha Waverunners (110 HP, 1- to 3-seaters) on trailers you tow to your lake of choice. They also rent 22-foot pontoon boats that hold 10 to 12 passengers. Call (715) 479-9090 or visit thetoyshoponline.com.

Track Side at 1651 Highway 45 North is a full-service Polaris/Sea-Doo dealership that rents Sea-Doo GTI/GTX 130 PWCs on trailers. They've also partnered with the Eagle River Inn to offer docked jet ski rentals directly on the Eagle River Chain (available 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.), which is incredibly convenient if you don't have a trailer hitch. Single-day rental runs roughly 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with overnight add-ons available for $75. Note: minimum rental age is 21 with a valid driver's license, and a $750 security deposit is required. Call (715) 479-2200 or visit tracksideinc.com.

4 Seasons Powersports Rental in Conover (just south of Eagle River) rents Sea-Doo GTI 3-seaters starting at $200 per day with a 2-day minimum for trailer rentals, or $200 per day with a 1-day minimum for units docked on the Eagle River Chain. Delivery ranges from $150 to $300 depending on distance. A $500 security deposit is required. Book at 4seasonspowersportsrental.com or call (715) 409-2994.

Important: Wisconsin law requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1989, to complete a DNR-approved boating safety course and carry their safety card when operating a jet ski. You can take the course online before your trip at the Wisconsin DNR website. Plan ahead — this is a requirement, not a suggestion.

Practical tips every family should know

The drive. From Milwaukee, take I-41/US-41 North through Oshkosh and Appleton, then continue north. An alternate route runs I-43 North to Green Bay, then Highway 29 West to Wausau, then I-39 North to Merrill and Highway 17 North to Eagle River. Budget 4 to 5 hours depending on stops. Stock up on road trip snacks and maybe plan a stretch-your-legs stop in Oshkosh or Shawano.

Book lodging early. Peak summer season runs June through August, with July being the busiest month. Many lakefront resorts and cabins book months in advance, especially for the Fourth of July week. Look for traditional Northwoods resorts like Eagle Waters Resort, Wild Eagle Lodge, or Maplewood Resort — many include complimentary aluminum boats, kayaks, and paddleboards, which saves you serious rental money. Vrbo and Airbnb list hundreds of lakefront cabins ranging from rustic to modern.

Pack layers and bug protection. Summer days typically reach the mid-to-upper 70s, but evenings drop to the mid-50s — you'll want hoodies and fleece for campfires and sunset boat rides. Ticks are a real concern in the Northwoods from May through September. Use repellent with 20 to 30 percent DEET on skin, treat clothing (especially shoes, socks, and pant legs) with permethrin, and do thorough tick checks on everyone after outdoor time. Mosquitoes are also abundant near water at dawn and dusk, so bring plenty of bug spray. Don't forget sunscreen — UV exposure intensifies on the water.

Cell service can be spotty. Verizon and AT&T offer the best coverage in town, but once you head to remote lakefront cabins or deep into the forest, expect signal to fade regardless of carrier. Download offline maps, preload movies and entertainment for the kids, and consider it part of the Northwoods charm. A cell phone signal booster is worth packing if your cabin is remote.

Fishing license basics.Kids under 16 fish free in Wisconsin — no license required for residents or non-residents (they still need to follow all bag limits and regulations). Adults 16 and older need a license: a resident annual is $20, a husband-and-wife combo is $31, and a one-day license is $8. Buy yours in advance at GoWild.wi.gov. Pro tip: the first full weekend in June is Free Fishing Weekend statewide — no license needed for anyone.

Water safety on the chain. Wisconsin law requires children under 13 to wear a life jacket at all times on a boat. The chain has 102 navigation buoys — follow them, especially through narrow channels between lakes. Watch for shallow areas and submerged stumps on the southwest end of Watersmeet Lake. Peak summer brings heavy recreational traffic, so stay alert for pontoons, speedboats, jet skis, and kayakers sharing the water.

Stock up when you arrive.Trig's is the premier local grocery store with fresh produce, meats, deli, and even online ordering. Pick 'N Save and a Walmart are also in the area. If you're staying in a cabin with a kitchen, load up on groceries your first day — selection is good but smaller than Milwaukee, so bring any specialty items from home.

Don't miss these summer events. The Eagle River Farmers and Artisans Market runs every Wednesday and Sunday from late May through early October (8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) with 60-plus vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. The Fourth of July celebration features parades and fireworks. The Burger Bash in mid-July takes over downtown with burgers, backyard games, and live music. In Minocqua, the Min-Aqua Bats — the world's longest-running amateur water ski show, performing since 1950 — put on free shows at 7 p.m. on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays all summer at the Aqua Bowl on Lake Minocqua. Donations are welcome but admission is free. This is a must-see Northwoods tradition.

One last can't-miss experience. Make time for a tour at Lake Nokomis Cranberries at 6041 County Road D in Eagle River — a third-generation family cranberry farm offering free guided bus tours from June through October. You'll explore the working marsh, learn how cranberries grow, and finish with a free wine tasting from their award-winning on-site winery. Tours are first-come, first-served and fill up fast, so arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The gift shop stocks cranberry jelly, salsa, and chocolate-covered cranberries that make perfect take-home gifts.

The bottom line for your family

Eagle River isn't just another Northwoods town with a lake. It's 28 lakes connected in the largest freshwater chain on the planet, surrounded by a quarter-million acres of public forest, anchored by a downtown that still has toy stores and fudge shops, and supported by a dining scene that ranges from legendary supper clubs to lakeside tiki bars. Whether your family wants to spend a week jet skiing the chain, biking 52 miles of paved trail, feeding giraffes at Wildwood Wildlife Park in Minocqua, or just eating ice cream on a dock while loons call across the water, Eagle River delivers. Book early, pack the bug spray, and get ready for the kind of summer your kids will talk about for years.

Happy adventuring! — North Shore Family Adventures