Men(t) to be in Eagle River

There’s something about being Up North that brings out the beard, flannel, and angler side of everyone. Especially men.

And it kind of makes sense. Log cabins. Fishing on the lake. Good beer. Prime rib at a supper club. Snot freezing to your face on a snowmobile trail. The Eagle River area is ripe with activities, food, and the feel that taps into mankind’s deepest traits. Getting together with the right group of guys in the atmosphere the Eagle River area provides can create memories that won’t be forgotten. And there’s no better time to get in touch with those roots than winter.

Impress your friends by planning the perfect guys’ weekend in our neck of the woods. Here’s a starter pack to get the pack howling.

Snowmobiling on the 500

Not to brag—because it is a fact—Eagle River is the Snowmobile Capital of the World®. As long as winter provides the right amount of snow and cold temperatures, the area’s premier snowmobile clubs will make sure your snowmobiling experience exceeds expectations.

The Eagle River “500” is actually close to 600 miles of interconnected trails that unite area towns and businesses. There are sections that allow riders to fly down an open straightaway, while other portions provide more wooded bends that are perfect for throttling down to enjoy the sites.

The “500” is groomed regularly—almost nightly—by the fine folks who volunteer with Sno-Eagles and other clubs. The trails up here are often regarded as one of the best marked snowmobile systems in the state to make it easy for navigating. Pro tip: Groomers typically work at night, so if one slows down and flashes his lights, it’s safe to pass.

Throwing Axes

If you and the crew don’t want to spend an entire visit on the trails, try your hand at throwing an axe. Really! Kickin Axe Up North offers visitors an opportunity to pretend like they’re competing in lumberjack games (with or without flannel shirts).

Even if you’re not a pro lumberjack who tosses axes regularly, the axeperts on site can share tips on how to stick a bullseye.

Cheer on the Windigo

New to the Eagle River area in 2022, the Wisconsin Windigo is a Tier II Junior hockey club competing in the North American Hockey League. Coming off a division title in 2022-23, the team plays its home games in the historic Eagle River Sports Arena (a.k.a., “The Dome”).

The environment is tough to beat and provides competitive hockey that produces NCAA Division 1 student athletes and future NHL talent. Watch out for flying pucks!

Try a Local Beer

No guys’ getaway is complete without a trip to a brewery. And it just so happens that Eagle River has a pretty nice selection of barley pops brewed right here in the Northwoods. Tribute Brewing Company has year-round favorites like the 28 Lake Lager and Blueberry Train Wheat. It’s winter seasonal tap—Motor Toboggan Coffee Stout—is an oatmeal stout infused with Buck Snort Coffee from Eagle River Roasters. With indoor seating and enclosed patio, Tribute offers a great place for visitors to wind down and reminisce after a fun day.

If you’re looking for a sports bar to catch a game while you’re in town, great food and drinks can be found at Sweetwater Spirits on Duck Lake. Or right off a snowmobile trail and overlooking Twin Lake, grab some Irish fare and beer at Dublin Sports Bar & Grill.

Supper Clubs

Because spending all day with the guys requires a certain amount of carbs, an Eagle River area supper club is always a good choice. Mouthwatering steaks. Friday fish fry. Generous portions. And yes, brandy old fashioneds served at the bar or directly to your table.

From Eddie B’s White Spruce near downtown to Chef Rene’s at the Inn on Watersmeet Lake, the Eagle River area has a supper club that’ll be sure to entertain while also keep the guys from going hungry. Of course, there are many other excellent dining options for your group to tank up.

The Northwoods are Calling

Will you answer? Gather the guys, leave home for a long weekend, and have some fun in Eagle River this winter. Feed your soul by enjoying some of man’s favorite pastimes. We’ve got snowmobiling, the axe throwing, hard hitting sports, beer, and supper clubs waiting for ya. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.