Beginner

There is nothing like a Northwoods family vacation, and there’s nothing like Vilas County in the winter. Combine the two and you have the perfect getaway for families that appreciate the wonder of the outdoors. Vilas County has all the traditional trappings of a Northwoods family destination: cozy cabins, family-friendly restaurants and of course, lots of beautiful snow-filled forests. Your kids can experience the best of winter fun. For families with young children, there are many ways to experience the wonder of the outdoors. A walk on a nature trail is a great, and practical, way to introduce a young person to the wilderness. You’ll find a nice walk at the Awassa Nature Preserve & Hiking Trail in St. Germain. The terrain is easy and the mixed forest is beautiful. If you’re looking for indoor fun, consider a trip to the Northwoods Children’s Museum in Eagle River. The museum has 24 interactive exhibits, including a fishing pond, a pioneer cabin and an art room.

Intermediate

Active families will find no shortage of things to do in Vilas County. You can find ice skating rinks in communities like Sayner/Star Lake, Eagle River, Manitowish Waters and Boulder Junction. In Boulder Junction and Conover, you’ll find great sledding hills. There are also some great family-friendly events throughout the winter. Eagle River hosts downtown sleigh rides in December. There are sled dog races and a kid’s fishing jamboree in Land O’ Lakes in February. The Minocqua area hosts Cruiserfest, which features snowmobile races, displays of antique snowmobiles and rides on trail groomers. Looking for fun indoors? Bowlers will find open lanes in Eagle River and Land O’ Lakes.

Advanced

Families who have a competitive spirit or like to push the boundaries a bit will find lots of fun challenges in Vilas County. Hockey enthusiasts over the age of 21 should consider getting a team together for the Pond Hockey National Championships in Eagle River in February. There are some great teams, so it’s a lot of fun for spectators, too. Fat-tire bikers should consider rolling to the groomed WinMan Trails near Manitowish Waters. The trails feature some fun, technical riding. Get out on the trails—and learn about a legendary Native American Northwoods monster—at the annual WinMan Windigo 5K/10K Snowshoe Stomp at the North Lakeland Discovery Center in Manitowish Waters. The event also includes a kids’ race, and stick around afterwards for a bonfire, tales of the Windigo, chili, drinks and more.

Want more trails info?

Download the Map It Vilas County trails app or order the Vilas County Silent Sports Trail Map today.
For a full list of Vilas County events, click here.