Northwoods • Lakes • Trails • Fishing • Hodag Country
Meet Rhinelander.
A true Northwoods getaway surrounded by lakes, forests and trails—with a walkable downtown and one of Wisconsin's most unusual legends waiting back in town.
A true Northwoods getaway surrounded by lakes, forests and trails—with a walkable downtown and one of Wisconsin's most unusual legends waiting back in town.
Rhinelander delivers the classic Northwoods combination: water, tall forests, fishing, trails, cabins and four distinct Wisconsin seasons.
But this isn't just another lake town. Rhinelander is also the home of the Hodag, the legendary creature that has become one of Wisconsin's most unusual local icons.
Find a lake, disappear into the woods and save time for the Hodag.
Start outside. Stay until you've seen a Hodag.
Spend a day boating, paddling, swimming or relaxing near the water.
Cast for classic Northwoods species on lakes and waterways around Rhinelander.
Explore wooded trails and natural areas throughout the Rhinelander area.
Look for Hodag statues, murals and references throughout town.
Explore local restaurants, shops, art and historic architecture.
Explore lakes, rivers and wooded shorelines from the water.
Drive through the Northwoods when the forests turn red, orange and gold.
Snow transforms the region into an entirely different Northwoods getaway.
Water defines much of the Rhinelander experience. The area is surrounded by lakes, rivers and wooded shorelines that make getting outside almost unavoidable.
Boom Lake sits right in town, while the surrounding area opens into even more options for boating, paddling, swimming and fishing.
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Rhinelander's strangest resident dates back to an 1893 story about a fearsome creature supposedly discovered in the surrounding Northwoods.
The tale became part of the city's identity. Today you'll find Hodag statues, artwork and references throughout Rhinelander—turning the legend into a fun scavenger hunt while you explore town.
Explore Rhinelander →
After a day on the water or trail, downtown gives you restaurants, locally owned shops, art and historic Northwoods character within a compact area.
Keep an eye out while you walk—the Hodag has a habit of appearing in murals, sculptures and unexpected places.
Explore Wisconsin Food & Drink →You're surrounded by some of northern Wisconsin's best getaway country.
Add another classic Northwoods lake town to your northern Wisconsin trip.
Head NortheastExplore lake country, cabins and another favorite northern Wisconsin destination.
Explore the RegionDiscover more lakes, forests, cabins and small towns across northern Wisconsin.
Keep DrivingTurn Rhinelander into one stop on a longer drive through northern Wisconsin.
Lakes, trails, downtown and one legendary creature.
Check in, walk downtown and start the weekend with a relaxed Northwoods dinner.
Spend the morning fishing, paddling, boating or exploring a nearby lake.
Explore town looking for Rhinelander's famous creature and local history.
Walk a forest trail, grab breakfast and make the drive home part of the trip.
Cool mornings and returning greenery make spring a quieter time to explore.
SummerBoating, fishing, swimming and long evenings beside the water define summer.
FallNorthwoods roads and lakes become even more scenic when autumn arrives.
WinterSnow brings another season of trails and northern Wisconsin adventure.
Spend one full day around the lakes and forests, then leave enough time to explore downtown, find a few Hodags and take the scenic route through the Northwoods.
Rhinelander is known for Northwoods lakes and outdoor recreation, its historic downtown and the legendary Hodag.
The Hodag is a legendary creature whose Rhinelander story dates to 1893. It has since become a well-known symbol of the community.
Yes. The Rhinelander tourism bureau reports 232 lakes within 15 minutes of downtown, making water recreation a major part of the area.
Yes. Fishing is a major Northwoods activity, with numerous lakes and waterways around Rhinelander.
Yes. Lakes, trails, downtown attractions and its central Northwoods location make Rhinelander well suited to a two-night trip.
Minocqua, Eagle River and other Northwoods destinations work naturally as part of a Rhinelander road trip.
Find a lake, explore the forest and see if you can spot a Hodag.