A Downtown Revival

Sure, the downtown of Eagle River is charming with a “Main Street USA” appeal. But did you know it welcomed half a dozen restaurants and more than 25 new and expanded businesses in just the last 2 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

The weather doesn’t always allow for outdoor fun in Eagle River. That’s duck weather. And that’s okay. When it’s too wet and dreary outdoors, there’s always something cooking—literally—or happening downtown.

If your group needs to shift plans, 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 meal.

Morning Activity

If you need to gear up for the rest of your trip, check out Hiker Box for your hikes. Hooked & Tagged 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. For a quick meal you can grab and go, consider Hillbilly Hollow.

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.

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. 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 Northern Joy and Great Pines Plaza.

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:

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Eagle River Events

Memorial Day Arts and Crafts

Memorial Day Arts and Crafts Show and Sidewalk Sales

May 26 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Downtown Eagle River
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Party in the Street – Eagle River 4th of July Celebration

July 4 @ 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Downtown Eagle River
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Burger Bash

July 20 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Downtown Eagle River
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44th Eagle River Car and Truck Show

August 24 @ 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Downtown Eagle River
Farm-Market1703

Labor Day Arts and Crafts Show

September 1 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Downtown Eagle River
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Up North. Downtown.

Maybe Mother Nature canceled your outdoor plans for the day. Or maybe you’ve got your heart set on shopping. No matter the reason for your visit, downtown Eagle River has you covered. This is Up North Downtown.

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