A warm greeting from "Wisconsin's Great Northwoods". Thank you for considering retirement or relocation to the Eagle River area. Our goal is to make information about our area very accessible via this website.

Something fun for everyone!

Our unique area is blessed with almost unimaginable natural wonders. Eagle River is geographically centered within the largest concentration of freshwater lakes in the world. There are nearly 3000 lakes within an hour’s car ride from town. Also, Eagle River is nestled between the Nicolet National Forest and the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest. In fact, there are nearly one million acres of public land for you to explore. Additionally, Vilas and Oneida Counties have 124 rivers and streams for your enjoyment. Our area is home to the World’s Largest Chain of Freshwater Lakes, the 28-Lake Eagle River Chain. The 28-Lake Chain has over 174 miles of shoreline. It spans from 5 miles southeast of the Town of Three Lakes to 1.5 miles west of the City of Eagle River. Fishing and boating are primary summer activities, our lakes are known for their trophy sized muskies but walleyes, bass, and pan fish are plentiful as well. As the seasons change, the autumn colors of our magnificent forests are truly remarkable, so bring your camera and capture the brilliant foliage. Take a boat ride on one of our plentiful lakes and pick up the beauty of the trees duplicated by their reflections on mirror-like water. Winter is time for fun in the snow -termed “white gold” by one old-timer. Eagle River was officially designated as the Snowmobile Capital of the World®, way-back in 1966. National surveys consistently rank our area among the top in the nation for recreational snowmobiling. The popularity of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing is rapidly growing as well. Skiers will find many miles of expertly groomed trails offering anywhere from a gentle terrain for beginners to hilly terrain for experts.

The people of the Eagle River area enjoy the four-season climate. We are widely known for the many events that are celebrated year around. Our four seasons are bustling with activities for everyone’s enjoyment. Choose from antique shows, marathons, craft shows, historical festivals, food festivals, etc. Also fishing, hunting, water-skiing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking and biking opportunities are abundant. The Eagle River area is a favorite destination of travelers who treasure both unlimited recreation and complete relaxation. Many who have vacationed here have chosen to relocate their businesses in Eagle River so they can experience our quality of life. Establishing a business in Eagle River offers many advantages. Among them are affordable land and housing costs, a hardworking labor force, quality schools, banks and medical facilities.

U.S. News and World Report asked a number of retirement experts for their best guesses of where the quality and cost of life would draw retirees in the future. Eagle River was named many times over, along with seven other small towns or rural areas. This small Northwood’s community has previously been ranked the #1 retirement community in Wisconsin by Rand McNally. In January 2002, Eagle River was named as one of the Top-100 retirement communities in the United States by the popular Where to Retire magazine.

If you are thinking of relocating or retiring in our area or would just like some general information, please do not hesitate to contact our Visitors Center. We are here to help you. We can be reached toll free at 800-359-6315. Thanks for visiting our website.