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If the ideal family vacation includes visiting an island, why not experience the scenic surprise of an island in northern Wisconsin.  Minocqua, known as the “Island City”, is a charming small town located in the Northeast section of the state. Connected to land by only a bridge, trestle and isthmus, the downtown has a quaint and old world distinction, yet much of the town’s land remains untouched wilderness. According to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, its history is rich in the logging industry, but the numerous clear lakes make tourism the number one business interest today.

Minocqua’s population of nearly 4000 people quadruples every summer. Kari Canfield, Executive Director for the Minocqua-Arbor Vitae-Woodruff Chamber of Commerce says, “The majority of visitors come from Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee and the Fox Valley; however, we are reaching into the Minnesota lakes areas to attract more people from the Twin Cities to the beauty of the Northwoods.”  Minocqua is ideal for a quick weekend getaway or the traditional week long vacation due to its convenient proximity to these cities. The four to six hour drive is relaxing and as you travel up scenic Highway 51, the air seems to clear and the views become brighter the further north you go.  Minocqua is the crown jewel of a collection of small towns in the Northwoods.  St. Germain, Eagle River, Rhinelander, Manitowish Waters, Three Lakes and Boulder Junction are just a few of the communities to include on your itinerary. “People come to visit Minocqua every year and then choose to buy property for their second home,” said Canfield. Purchasing lake property or a condominium seems to be the next natural step once you have visited Minocqua a few times. 

Minocqua is flourishing with an abundance of indoor and outdoor activities and events providing entertainment for every age group. Even the coldest Wisconsin winters beckon snowmobile enthusiasts out onto the miles of trails in the area. For a silent sporting experience, the Minocqua Winter Park & Nordic Center, a not-for-profit town park, features 75km of professionally groomed cross-country trails for all skiing levels and abilities.  If you’re brave enough to venture on the ice, go fishing, hiking or snowshoeing on one of the sixty frozen lakes that are located just in Minocqua. The annual Christmas in Minocqua, Chill Out – a Northwoods Celebration and Cruiserfest are several events on the calendar that are sure to cure cabin fever during the winter.  A new attraction in March 2007 is the “Only Fools Run At Midnight” 5k run/walk where participants will race through downtown Minocqua under the shimmering moonlight.  The biggest ‘must do’ event of the year is the annual Beef-A-Rama, where every September, people come from all over for a beef cook-off, art show and plenty of fun for the entire family.

Summer is when the area shines the brightest and the attraction of the Northwoods is obvious. According to Canfield, “Activities on the water is what really brings people to Minocqua because our collection of lakes is among the largest in the nation.” Take a pontoon excursion on the chain for a relaxing day trip or experience the water up close and personal by hopping on a Jet Ski.  Fishing for walleye and musky is incredible in this area, so sign up for The Great Northwood’s Fishing Celebration. The fishing opener puts tradition on the line and brings people from all over the country to the pristine waters of the north. For the landlubbers, a favorite attraction is the Wildwood Wildlife Park creating an unforgettable animal adventure. Walk among the deer that roam freely throughout the park and bottle or hand feed the animals. Ride the safari train inside or participate in the many discovery and educational programs. Enjoy the natural beauty of the untouched forests on horseback or golf at challenging the Timber Ridge Golf Club.  If you decide it’s time for even more exercise, head out onto the many hiking and bike trails that connect the surrounding towns to each other.  You can enjoy the action on the water even if you never leave the lakeshore. Watch the Min-AquaBats water ski performance every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evening during the summer months.

Quaint shopping is ideal from one end of the town to the other. Gaslight Square offers gifts or mementos from many local artisans or sample the true taste of the Northwoods homemade delicacies. Unique dining adds to the appeal of many restaurants and eateries. Come early as the Friday night “Fish Frys” are popular, so if you haven’t caught the big one you can still enjoy fresh fish of the Northwoods.  Leave your tie at home or dress up for a fine dining experience. Complete the evening at The Northern Lights Playhouse featuring premier productions and professional actors from across the country.  Finally, for lodging and accommodations, choose from rustic cabins to luxurious resorts, many of which feature lake view rooms for added enjoyment.

Most vacation requirements include rest and relaxation, so sit back and listen to the call of the loons at no additional charge. It’s not hard to achieve the get away from it all feeling when you surround yourself with the magic of Minocqua. Forget the passport and leave the travel hassles behind, make this “Island City” your destination vacation and experience paradise a little closer to home.

Author Beverly Hlavka is a northern Wisconsin-based freelance writer. Photo used with permission by The Minocqua-Arbor Vitae-Woodruff Chamber of Commerce.