It seems like winter gets a bad rap. Up here, we embrace it. In fact, we have groups of friends and family exactly like yours who enjoy outdoor activities on the ice and in the snow. It’s the perfect place to travel in a small—or large—group to explore the winter wonderland Eagle River becomes.
While we are affectionately known as The Snowmobile Capital of the World®, visitors plan trips around favorites like ice fishing, ice skating, ice hockey, cross country skiing, and more in our area. There’s a lot to do. And there are a lot of lodging options for groups up here too – from resorts to rental homes.
Looking to start a new group tradition this winter? Look no further than this starter pack of ideas for your travel pack.
Snowmobiling
Let’s start with what we do best! 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 almost 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.
Of course, one of the best parts of snowmobiling is getting that meal from a local restaurant right off the trail. Talking about the ride and sharing stories of winters past with a big group is what makes snowmobiling in our neck of the woods so memorable.
Ice fishing
When you go ice fishing on the World’s Largest Chain of 28 Lakes, you can be sure that there’s plenty of room for you and your crew to find your spot. While there’s always a time for ice fishing along to collect your thoughts, being out out on the ice with buddies is hard to beat. Oh, we should mention that lakes off the chain are always available to ice fish on too. Check out this information from Yukon Jack on which lake to drop your line.
Whether you’ve been ice fishing our lakes for decades or have never even seen a tip-up (or know what a tip-up is!), the Eagle River area is the place to continue or start this frosty tradition. Stay up to date on the most recent fishing report posted online.
Ice skating and hockey
If your group likes the ice but isn’t into fishing, we have another popular activity to try – skating. Ice skating in the Wisconsin Northwoods feels different. Green conifers surround the skating surface and offer a serenity not found in metropolitan parks. While frozen lakes might not offer perfectly manicured ice, we find the imperfections somehow add to the appeal. The Vilas County Fairgrounds offers an ice rink for skaters who’d rather not venture out onto the lake.
And if your group likes to add a friendly competition to ice skating, try some pickup hockey. Or better yet, look into joining the Pond Hockey National Championship, which Eagle River hosts every February.
Cross country skiing
Many of the same trails used for hiking and biking in the warmer months transform into wonderful winter trails for cross-country skiing. Tap into mankind’s past by strapping on some skis, bundling up, and swinging those legs and arms while traversing the snow through miles of wooded areas and around lakes.
And don’t forget to look around! Cross-country skiing offers a chance to connect with nature while getting a good exercise. If you look carefully, it’s not unusual to find wildlife moving about or attempting to blend into the snowy backdrop.
Visitors who forgot their skiing gear at home or need to rent some in the Eagle River area are in luck! For a variety of sporting gear to choose from and quality guides, check out our silent sports business page.
Eating for Big Groups
Most restaurants can accommodate groups of any size. But for those larger groups that need space to spread out, there are plenty of good options. LP’s Pizza & Pasta is a family friendly option downtown, while Riverstone Brewing Company is a newer downtown option that is sure to delight the 21+ crowd. Other strong choices outside of the downtown include Sweetwater Spirits and Buckshot’s Saloon and Eatery.
Winter (re)group time
Recharge with friends and family Up North this winter. Don’t miss out on another fun year ice fishing, snowmobiling, or cross-country skiing with your crew. Time spent together doing activities you love is the best way to celebrate the most underrated season of the year.
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