A Downtown Revival
Sure, downtown Eagle River is charming with its “Main Street USA” appeal. But did you know it welcomed about a dozen restaurants and more than 25 new and expanded businesses in just the last few years?
Even if you’re a regular to the area, you might want to reintroduce yourself to the reinvigorated downtown. Northwoods gift shops intertwine with unique clothing and jewelry stores. Rental services and craft shops can help make your Up North experience a genuine one. Restaurants and family friendly events throughout the year are perfect for gathering friends and travel companions.
While our neck of the woods is famous for the lakes and outdoor activities, it’s easy to spend a whole day in the downtown. We’ve got a few ideas for you to enjoy your downtown day with us: from food to gifts to festivals. It might just become a new Eagle River tradition for you.
One of Those Downtown Days
There’s always something cooking—literally—or happening downtown. We want you to see everything the area offers, but sometimes it’s fun to immerse yourself with a downtown day. Arm yourself with an “I Love Eagle River” wristband for special discounts at downtown businesses, and you’re set up for fun at a discount!
If your group needs a starter pack of ideas, here are some things you can do:
Breakfast
Some call it the most important meal of the day. Some just start with a cup of joe. However you start your day, a place like Friendship House Family Restaurant has hearty meals, while Eagle River Roasters Coffee House has some excellent caffeinated beverages and quick breakfast (and lunch) options. Women-owned Toad in the Hole serves up incredibly delicious morning meals, but with limited seating, be sure to arrive when it opens!
Morning Activity
If you need to gear up for the rest of your trip, check out The Hiker Box for your hikes. Walkabout Apparel & Paddle has unique apparel for the outdoorsman in your life. Even if you don’t need any gear or garb for your current trip, it’s fun to look around these stores and potentially inspire your next adventure.
Lunch
When hunger hits, there are a variety of good lunch options to take the edge off. Aiello’s on Wall Street has tasty hot and cold deli sandwiches and more. Known for its super spicy horseradish, Smuggler’s is a good option for excellent pub fare.
Shopping
If you need an indoor activity back at your cabin or room, Grandma’s Toy Box has fun game options for the whole family. Crafters and DIYers can rejoice when shopping at stores like Eagle Craft & Hobby to work on their next project.
Dinner
Downtown has nice sit-down restaurants to choose from in Eagle River. A newer option includes The Craftsman American Tavern and an old classic supper club option includes Eddie B’s White Spruce Restaurant & Tavern. In the center or downtown is LP’s Pizza and Pasta, which has games and a kid’s menu, making it a good choice for families with kids in tow.
Night Activity
What you do after dinner might depend on your group. A girls’ trip might want to go to Mary Kate’s Wine Bar. Another great place to grab a drink and enjoy a conversation is Andy’s Pontoon Saloon, which has seating aboard an actual pontoon on the patio during warmer months! If you’ve got the whole family in tow, you can head back to the cabin or room for some family fun time.
Shopping, Culture, and Dining
Sometimes you need a day downtown to enjoy cultural attractions and to pick up some gifts for loved ones. While you’re here, you might learn a few things about local history, too.
Shopping downtown is a great way to unwind and find the perfect memento for friends and family. Frederick’s Corner Shoppe and Glik’s clothing and apparel options for anyone hoping to make a fashion statement. There are an array of shops to get that perfect home or lawn décor for your cabin or house, including River Woods Gallery/Chisler Sign Carvers.
The downtown offers a number of entertaining options to learn about the area and the culture that helps make the Eagle River area what it is. The Eagle River Historical Society is the place to go to discover the history of the area. It’s open Wednesdays through Saturdays during the week. A hidden gem for little ones is the Northwoods Children’s Museum. Unlike most museums, this facility includes hands-on learning exhibits at the intersection of fun and education. For aspiring artists, The Warehouse Art Center offers classes for people to build their skills for creating a masterpiece.
Downtown dining is a bit different in Eagle River than the big city. You can eat somewhere nice and fancy up here, too, but you’ve got a buffet of meal options any time of day. So don’t forget to refuel while you’re out exploring.
Events for the Whole Family
Then there are days you’ve already got circled on your calendar – festivals! Downtown plays host to a variety of events throughout the year. Most of them occur on weekends. Here are some of the biggest festivals we celebrate in Eagle River:
Eagle River Events
It's Here Downtown.
Whether it’s bad weather, you’re in need of a good meal or drink, or you just need a good shopping session, downtown Eagle River has you covered. This is Up North Downtown.
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