Kathan Inn & Resort
8570 County H
Eagle River, WI 54521
715-479-4260
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USCelebrate the Seasons in the North Woods
Every season can be celebrated in Eagle River, Wisconsin. With an overwhelming number of places to stay (from resorts to hotels to campgrounds), restaurants and family activities, one visit can provide a lifetime of memories which draw you back again and again.
WATER RECREATION
In the summer over 1300 pristine lakes and 73 streams and rivers in our North Woods area insure that water recreation is always nearby, whether it's canoeing leisurely, boating, waterskiing, swimming, sailing, or relaxing on the beach. The Otter Rapids Hydroelectric Plant is on the Wisconsin River near the confluence of the Wisconsin and Eagle Rivers, west of Eagle River. Its watershed is in both Vilas and Oneida counties and is known as the Eagle River Chain of Lakes. The "Chain" is the world's largest chain of inland freshwater lakes - 28 in all, which occupy 3,928 acres of surface water and 68 miles of shoreline. Because the "Chain" is freely navigable, it is heavily used by the public for fishing, swimming, boating, water-skiing, sailing, and in winter, ice fishing. There are 9 public boat landings and 6 public parks along the "Chain", some of which provide handicapped access. A canoe take-out and portage is well marked on the north side of Otter Rapids Dam so canoeists can continue down the Wisconsin River.
For the canoeing and kayak enthusiasts, the portage around the OTTER RAPIDS DAM provides access to the scenic Wisconsin River. Trek on your own, or join an organized outfitter's trip. Canoeists can also enjoy the wilderness experience along the Deerskin Rivver. And if you still want more, just head for the waterways of the Nicolet National Forest.
On the southeast end of the chain is the Burnt Rollways Dam where you'll find a boat hoist allowing boaters access to the Three Lakes Chain.
FISHING
The area features superior fishing for bass, walleye, musky and northern pike. Eagle River area lakes come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and depths. Area waters abound in perch, crappie, walleye, northern pike, smallmouth & largemouth bass, and musky. The Nicolet National Forest is home to 1,100 miles of trout streams providing rainbow, brook, and brown trout for anglers young and old alike!
Fishing Seminars are held throughout the summer. Our local fishing outfitters provide guide services and are eager to share information with you, as well as sell all the equipment you will ever need.
Eagle River is home to some of the richest and most coveted fishing tournaments in the Midwest. Whether you are a pro or an amateur, Eagle River's many fishing tournaments and events give you the chance to show your stuff. And, don't forget the winter! Some of northern Wisconsin's best ice fishing can be found in the Eagle River area!
When the leaves begin to turn and the fall foliage is brilliant, it is an excellent time to catch musky. If you haven't been fishing for years and don't know the best spots like the back of your hand, there are expert guides who will help you lure in the big ones and provide lessons for a lifetime.
GOLF
Bring your clubs and play to your heart's content! Local 18 and 9-hole
public golf courses will provide you with plenty of challenge and one of
the most beautiful settings in the north country. Many additional public
courses are available within a 35 minute drive of the Eagle River area,
and will provide you with as much diversity as you'd care to handle! Almost all courses offer pro
shops, lessons, cart rental, club rental, and refreshment facilities.
Course developers have long recognized the special nature of the land,
woods and water that comprise this area, and the local courses reflect
that appreciation for the surrounding natural beauty. So, bring your
clubs
and play a round, or two, or more . . . but don't be surprised if you
find
yourself being hooked on the Eagle River area golf experience!
HIKING/BIKING/CAMPING
Eagle
River is the naturalist's wonderland. The Nicolet National
Forest
consists of over 657,000 acres to explore. More than 33,000
acres are set aside entirely for hikers and backpackers (no
motorized vehicles) who truly wish to get away from it all.
Primitive camping is allowed. Enjoy the peace and
tranquility of the wilderness as you follow the many
interpretive trails. Sleep under the forest canopy . . . get
back to nature.
HUNTING
Thousands of acres are available for in-season hunting in the immediate
Eagle River area. The most popular local game include deer, grouse,
waterfowl and bear. But, your hunting experience with us will be much
more
than bagging your trophy. You'll end your hunt with memories of the
beauty
and solitude of our majestic forests, and the rugged country that nature
stamped with a unique character. Whether you preference is gun or bow,
you'll most certainly enjoy your hunting vacation in Eagle River.
WINTER RECREATION
Come winter, Eagle River, Wisconsin is a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts. We boast some of the best winter recreation in the world. If you enjoy winter trail sports, many hiking trails are available for SNOWSHOEING. The CROSS-COUNTRY skier will find the Eagle River area a winter wonderland. Today, Eagle River boasts over 80 miles of GROOMED TRAILS, with special facilities available. So whether it's skiing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, ice fishing, or events, Eagle River has something for everyone vacationing in northern Wisconsin.
SNOWMOBILING
Eagle
River has become to be known as the
“snowmobile capital of the world." The numerous area snowmobile clubs
groom and maintain a 500 mile trail network that is known as the "Eagle
River 500". These trails wind through beautiful forests and across
frozen lakes. Over the past 10 years, SNOWGOER Magazine readers have
consistently ranked the Eagle River Area as "THE BEST OVERALL
SNOWMOBILING VACATION DESTINATION". The famed Eagle River
Derby Track has earned recognition for conducting
the most prestigious snowmobile race in the sport, the Valvoline World
Championship Snowmobile Derby. To keep you abreast of the snowmobile trail
conditions all throughout the snowmobiling season, log on to
www.SNOWCONDITIONS.com. While you are in the snowmobiling spirit, stop by the
International Snowmobile Racing Hall of Fame on Hwy. 70 W. near St.
Germain!
SHOPPING,
DINING, & LODGING
In Vilas County you'll find unique shopping, delicious eating and excellent accommodations with a large variety to fit all tastes. Browsers and serious shoppers will enjoy the friendliness of small shops featuring everything from original art, antiques and handcrafted items to northwoods gifts, home accessories, sporting goods and lots more. Experience great home cooked meals in casual northwoods settings or exquisite gourmet restaurants. Enjoy a great night's rest on the water or in the woods in deluxe resorts, cottages, family motels, bed and breakfast inns and campsites.
MUSEUMS
-
Vilas County Museum, Hwy. 155, Sayner, WI 54560, (715) 542-3388
The Vilas County Historical Museum, founded in 1959, offers an extensive collection of history exhibits and artifacts dating back to the pioneer days of the late 1800's in northern Wisconsin. -
Northwoods Children's Museum, P.O. Box 216 - Eagle River, Wisconsin 54521, (715) 479-4623
Muse about Eagle River's New Northwoods Children's Museum. Activities at the new Northwoods Children's Museum in Eagle River have a northwoods flavor. For example, kids can climb a fire tower, look for fires, and call the ranger station; cook and wash clothes in an old style log Pioneer Cabin; catch, identify, measure and release fish; help clear up a log jam like the lumberjacks used to do. Plus, many, many other activities typical of children's museums, e.g. bubble chamber; toy station; construction junction, and much more. Serves northern Wisconsin kids, and visitors as well. Open year-round.
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST
-
Cranberry Bogs
Visit the Cranberry Bogs, located near Alder and Little Trout Lakes in Manitowish Waters. These are the highest producing cranberry bogs in the nation. -
Dillinger's Hideout
Located in the Little Bohemia Lodge in Manitowish Waters is where you can find the hideout of the notorious bank robber John Dillinger. See the actual bullet holes that remain in the lodge from Dillinger's escape from an FBI trap. -
Eagles Nests
Bald Eagles and Eagle nests can be found all over Vilas County. Bird watchers of all levels can enjoy these majestic birds in their preserved Northwoods habitat. -
Historic Boathouses & Buildings of Eagle River
-
Take a tour of a local winery or enjoy one of the many local self-guided tours, such as the Otter Rapids Hydroelectric Dam, which crosses the Wisconsin River. The International Snowmobile Racing Hall of Fame is also a good place to visit for a history of snowmobiling in the northwoods and beyond!
-
Bingo, Flea Markets, Auto Racing, Trail Tours, waterski shows, Fishing and Nature Seminars - in Eagle River, all summer.
-
Recreational Facilities - Many in the area. Three ball diamonds which include Little League Park, Babe Ruth Park and Fran Richter Memorial Park. Supervised swimming, beach and park at Silver Lake. Four public horseshoe courts are located at Riverside Park. There are six public tennis courts, four of which are lighted.
- The
Eagle River Recreation Association owns and operates the sports arena,
located one mile east of the city on Hwy. 70. Several hundred young
people participate in the hockey and figure skating programs. Each July,
a 3-week summer figure skating and hockey school is held. An ice show is
held in the spring, and at the finish of summer skating. The rink is
open to the public for ice skating on Sunday evenings, (during the time
the rink is flooded).
- Nicolet National Forest
The Nicolet National Forest, which lies adjacent to Eagle River, is 657,520 acres in size. It contains more than 1,200 lakes and is also noted for:
Good hunting for deer, bear, grouse, and waterfowl
Good fishing for musky, pike, bass, and trout
Bird watching, swimming, canoeing, boating
Hiking and biking trails
Cross-country ski trails totaling more than 80 miles
Snowmobile & interpretive trails covering over 520 miles
Stands of huge old-growth pines
Picnicking and camping
ANNUAL EVENTS
Eagle River boasts some of the most entertaining and educational festivals in the North Woods and even the Midwest. Below is just a sample of annual events held in Eagle River. If you plan on coming to an event, please give the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce a call to confirm the activity, time and place.
January
World Championship
Snowmobile Derby
Valvoline World
Championship Snowmobile Derby. At World Championship Derby
Track, Eagle River, Wisconsin.
February
February Last Sat. & Sun. Klondike
Days
Trig's Annual Klondike Days Family
Celebration & Rendezvous, Eagle River, Wisconsin. Called 'Wisconsin's Most Multi-Faceted Winter Event'. Regular
Trig's Klondike Days events and competitions include dog & horse
weight pulls; chainsaw & ice carving competitions; sleighrides;
Native American cultural shows; dogsled rides for kids; plus
special foods & activities. At the Rendezvous,
re-enactors spend the weekend living and demonstrating authentic
dwellings, attire, lifestyle, and foods, plus special events and
competitions like ax-throwing and musket shooting.
April/May
Northwoods Children's Museum's Birthday Party
May
Journeys Marathon.
26.2 and 13.1 mile races
through breathtaking scenic back roads between Boulder Junction
& Eagle River, Wisconsin. Northern Wisconsin wildlife, birds, lakes, forest, flowers,
trees. Health/fitness expo, spaghetti dinner, music, medals,
T-shirts, prizes.
June
Fishing Has No Boundaries in the North Woods. Fishing opportunity
for disabled anglers. By area volunteers and the National
Fishing Has No Boundaries organization.
Antique Steam & Gas Engine Show. Over 300 engines, tractors & antique equipment will be
steamed up & displayed, operating as they did from 1900s to the
1950s, including a 1919, 22,000 lb. steam traction engine; huge
oilfield engine, antique wood planer; wooden shingle-maker,
hundreds of pieces of equipment that churn, sputter, & work as
they did when rural America held sway. Old-fashioned hay baling,
wood prep, corn shelling, grinding & flour making,
tractor race, rope-making; ride in a steam launch (boat);
haywagon, pony, and fire engine rides; Cranberries Jubilee,
water-ski show; quilting, weaving, spinning; plus additional
entertainment. Sponsored by Eagle River Antique Steam & Gas
Engine Club, Inc.
Rockin' in the Woods. Early summer rocks with
festivity in the prime northwoods destination area of Eagle
River, Wisconsin! Held at the Derby Track.
Run to the Eagle Annual Harley Rally in Eagle River, Wisconsin,
when Harley Davidson aficionados zoom to Eagle River to participate in
all sorts of biker games, runs, and parties, including the awarding of a
new Harley to one of the lucky participants. At the Eagle River Derby
Track and around Eagle River.
Be lured to the Mega Musky 100 Tournament on Eagle River's Chain of 28 lakes. Team events; entry fee; prize
payouts. All proceeds for area improvements, fish stocking, boat
landings, etc.
July
July 4th Parade
Annual Walk In The Northwoods, Quilt Show and
Demos. At Trees For Tomorrow, Eagle River, Wisconsin. Quilts, with Northwoods themes
displayed along a nature trail on the grounds of the Trees for Tomorrow
Nature/Resource Center in Eagle River.
Annual Guides/Kids Day. Eagle River, Wisconsin. Over 30 area fishing guides give an
afternoon of fishing to children registered and drawn by lot
between the ages of 7-12. Casting contest, fishing seminar.
Children not chosen have picnic lunch, then are bused to local
fishery for an afternoon of pond fishing. Mostly a local event
that always brings out more kids than guides, but no-one is left
out!
Artarama. Annual, major art show
and sale, in Eagle River, Wisconsin.
Northwoods Summer Art Tour. More
than 20 Studios & Galleries in northeast Wisconsin areas of St. Germain,
Eagle River, Boulder Junction.
August
Paul Bunyan Fest. Eagle River, Wisconsin
Over 40 crafters line downtown Eagle River streets. Chainsaw
carvings and demonstrations all day. Paul Bunyan lunch with
heaping servings of roast beef, potato salad, beans, pickle and
dessert. Merchants dress in Paul Bunyan era costumes.
National Championship Musky
Open, Eagle River, Wisconsin. Family
catch-and-release musky tournament sponsored by Musky Clubs
Alliance of Wisconsin, Inc. & the Eagle River Area Chamber of
Commerce. Trophies awarded for released muskies only. Largest
fish released receives a free graphite replica. Door prizes,
raffles & drawings throughout the tournament include a Cranberry
Mist-colored Ranger Boat package. All entrants eligible to win
new boat & motor whether they catch a fish or not. Seminars,
raffles, door prizes. Great food. Under 18 must be accompanied
by parent or guardian. Everyone under 16 who enters gets prize.
October
Cranberry Fest & Fitness Weekend, Eagle River, Wisconsin. Colorful, multi-faceted fall event! Festival, bog tours, cranberry foods & products including the World's Biggest Cranberry Cheesecake; fitness run/walk/bike; huge craft show; Bog Bridge Tournament; music, entertainment.
November
Holiday kick-off and Christmas Parade in Eagle River, Wisconsin. Live reindeer, parade, Santa Claus, cookies and apple cider; kid's movie; hayrides; decorated Christmas trees in front of businesses up and down all of the downtown streets (competition for best decorations); and more.
December
Special Santa's Workshops at Eagle River's Northwoods Children's Museum, Eagle River, Wisconsin. Special craft workshops for the Holiday season at the Northwoods Children's Museum. Kids can make 4-pine wreaths, pine cone place-card holders, centerpieces, ornaments, games, jewelry, and many other gifts and Holiday decorations, out of pine cones, pine boughs, and other fixings in facilitated workshops. Regular museum activities and displays continue.
Holiday
Open House at Northwoods Children's Museum, Eagle River, Wisconsin. Annual Holiday open house at the
Northwoods Children's Museum features Santa and his elves, for
pictures, and other special holiday activities and crafts; as
well as access to all the regular activities and displays at
nearly 20 Stations of the Northwoods Children's Museum
(Imagination Station, Music, Computers, Medical Center, Fire
Tower/Ranger Station, dress-up, fishing pond and river;
Wisconsin Watersheds, Construction, Shadow Room, Winter Night
Sky mini-planetarium, bubble Station, with new Nature area, and
Birds of Wisconsin coming soon). Northwoods Children's Museum is
decorated for the holidays by young people from Northland Pines
High School honor society and other organizations, who also help
as volunteers and are being mentored to work at the museum when
they get older.
Ice Palace Construction and Ongoing Display in
Eagle River. Eagle
River's annual ice Palace construction takes place between
Christmas and mid-January each year, weather permitting. Then
Eagle River's magnificent Ice Palace stands through winter
season in downtown Eagle River's Riverview Park. The majestic,
large ice palace rises each December -- as more than 2,600
eleven-inch blocks of ice are cut from Eagle River's Silver Lake
and transported to downtown Eagle River; put together
differently each time, for a magnificent edifice. Back lighted
at night in vivid colors. Fun to watch ice cut, castle
construction, and then Eagle River's Ice Palace stands all
season long for everyone to see and enjoy. Built by the Eagle
River Area Fire Department and other volunteers. Located RIGHT
ON snowmobile trail that goes through Eagle River. For cool
memories, lots of folks, and lots of snowmobilers have their
pictures taken in front of Eagle River's unique Ice Palace.
For detailed calendars, information,
and details, contact the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce:
Phone: 1-800-359-6315
Website: www.eagleriver.org
Email: info@eagleriver.org
Mailing Address: Eagle River, Wisconsin Area Chamber of Commerce
and Visitors Center, Dept. CB, Box 197, Eagle River, WI 54521
For a multitude of events happening in St. Germain (10 miles west of Eagle River) contact the St. Germain Chamber of Commerce:
Phone: 800-727-7203
Website: www.st-germain.com
Email: info@st-germain.com
Mailing Address: St. Germain, Wisconsin Area
Chamber of Commerce, Dept CB, Box 155, St. Germain, WI 54558
Kathan Inn & Resort
8570 County H
Eagle River, Wisconsin 54521
715-479-4260
Email: kathaninn@nnex.net