Our Favorite Places
Whether you are staying for a long weekend or just need something to do the morning of the wedding - look no further! See below for our favorite things to do and places to eat in the Northwoods!
Things To Do
Here is a list of things to do in both Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Manitowish Waters/Mercer is about one hour away from the beautiful Lake Superior (Michigan) and we highly recommend visiting some of our favorite places.
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Black River Harbor - Ironwood, MI - Black River Harbor is known for its spectacular waterfalls, idyllic beaches, scenic hiking trails, and tranquil campground. Originating in Wisconsin, the Black River flows through forested areas of large pine, hemlock and hardwood trees. The River has a series of scenic waterfalls as it drops in elevation to meet Lake Superior.
Little Girls Point - Ironwood, MI - Little Girls Point is located on the pristine waters of Lake Superior and has unique beaches filled with perfectly round Lake Superior rocks and sand.
Superior Falls - Saxon, WI - Superior Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Wisconsin with an impressive total drop distance of 110 feet across several levels. The main viewing area for Superior Falls is just to the left as you are pulling into the parking lot. This is where most people stop, however there is also a steep decline that you can hike down to reach Lake Superior from this same parking area.
Lake of the Clouds - Porcupine Mountains - Surrounded by the silhouettes of the ancient Porcupine Mountains, Lake of the Clouds is a blue gem amid the thick forests. Lake of the Clouds is one of the most photographed lakes in the entire Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Lake of the Clouds is easily reached via a fully-accessible overlook and can also be reached via the Big Carp River Trail and the Escarpment Trail.
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Manitowish Waters has 52 miles of paved bicycle trails which expands through towns of Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, Mercer, Sayner, and St. Germain.
Manitowish Waters also has the Winman Trail system which offers 23+ miles of single-track mountain biking and 7+ miles of hiking and trail running.
Bikes can be rented at River's Edge Adventure Company or Coontail.
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River's Edge Adventure Company
Rent bikes, canoes, kayaks, and tubes from River's Edge Adventure Company or relax with a float tube trip down the Manitowish River.
B&B Adventures, located in Mercer, WI, offers two and four-seater UTVs for rent. Explore Northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula’s roads, trails, and parks. Ride past lakes and rivers, stop at a waterfall to eat lunch, and soak in the spectacular views while riding.
Manitowish Waters Pontoon Boat Rentals
Rent a pontoon boat and spend your day enjoying the natural beauty and wildlife of the Manitowish Waters Legendary 10 lake chain; from eagles soaring overhead to the turtles sunning themselves on the waters edge.
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Experience shopping in Manitowish Waters, Mercer, and surrounding communities! You'll find a variety of shops that everyone will enjoy.
Some of our favorite shops are Lakeside Living (Manitowish Waters), To The Nines (Manitowish Waters), Wampum Shop (Mercer) and Coontail (Boulder Junction).
Explore the vast boutiques, antiques, and sweet treats in Minocqua!
Some of our favorite shops are Minocqua Popcorn Company, The Gaslight Square Shops, Gliks, and Dan's Minocqua Fudge!
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Copper Peak - Ironwood, MI - Take the Copper Peak Adventure Ride! Ride the chair lift up 810 feet to the top of Copper Peak–the world’s largest ski jump! From the top, a view of unsurpassed beauty awaits. Climb to the observation deck, and look out over Lake Superior and the hills and valleys of land that surround it.
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The Spa at Manitowish Waters - Manitowish Waters, WI - Pamper yourself at The Spa, a full-service oasis in the heart of the Northwoods. Enjoy a massage, manicure or pedicure. You'll leave feeling refreshed and renewed.
Manitowish Waters Athletic Club - Manitowish Waters, WI -The Manitowish Waters Athletic Club (MAC) is the premier fitness center in the Northwoods. Daily pass is $20 and weekly pass is $50.
Unwind - Minocqua, WI - Unwind is a little oasis of calm in the heart of the Northwoods. Unwind offers a variety of services including massages, sound therapy, spa treatments, saunas, and cold plunge.
Places to Eat
Here are some of our favorite restaurants, cafes, and shops in the Northwoods! Enjoy a coffee at Dixie’s Coffee House on their private dock overlooking the lake or Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream at Mad Dog Jake’s in Boulder Junction.
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Dixie's Coffee House - Manitowish Waters, WI - Dixie's Coffee House nourishes the body and feeds the soul with its unique blend of fresh brews and scenic views. Situated on the shore of Vance Lake, Dixie's offers lake views that are the best in Manitowish Waters. With an exterior deck, picnic tables and seating on our private dock, guests can find the perfect vantage point to take in the picturesque scenery.
Boulder Junction Coffee Company - Boulder Junction, WI - Locally owned and operated, featuring Colectivo Coffee, Cedar Valley Cheese, free WiFi. Stop by for delicious coffee and tea, scratch-made baked goods, quick bites, grilled cheese and Up-North hospitality.
Copper Cup - Ironwood, MI - Copper Cup is a small batch artisan coffee roaster, curating coffee roasts right in the heart of the Northwoods.
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Tom's Country Cafe- Mercer, WI - Tom's Country Cafe is a small town family owned cafe (by Sydney's grandparents!) serving home cooked breakfast and lunch everyday.
The Outpost Cafe - Presque Isle, WI - Enjoy home cooked breakfast or lunch with a cold beer, bloody mary or cocktail! Known for their Biscuits and Gravy, Eggs Benedict, and fresh cinnamon rolls!
Era Pancakes & Cafe - Minocqua, WI - Their expansive, creative menu features a variety of French crepes, brioche French toast, omelettes, skillet bowls and classic breakfasts.
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Manny’s Parkside - Manitowish Waters, WI - Great food, an amazing atmosphere, and a welcoming mid-western attitude. It’s the Wisconsin way. Manny’s Parkside is here to serve you good food, great tunes, and even better company.
P. I. Pub - Presque Isle, WI - A fresh take & change from your typical bar food.
Suffolk Street Eatery - Ironwood, MI - Suffolk Street Eatery features include homemade soups, wraps, deli sandwiches, panini sandwiches, crafted salad bowls, and a wide variety of salads, sides, and meal additions.
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Johnny's Bar & Grill - Mercer, WI - Best Friday Fish Fry in the Northwoods! If you are planning to stop here for the fish fry, you will need to arrive at 4:00PM sharp otherwise they may run out of fish to serve!
Iron Nugget - Hurley, WI - The Iron Nugget offers a variety of American Cuisine, Traditional Italian Fare, Salads and more. This is Sydney and Grant's favorite place for pasta and pizza!
Aberdeen Restaurant & Bar - Manitowish Waters, WI - Enjoy casual Northwoods dining in a comfortable log lodge atmosphere overlooking the beautiful Manitowish Waters chain of lakes.
Smokey's Restaurant & Supper Club - Manitowish Waters, WI - Nestled among the soaring pines of Manitowish Waters, Smokey's offers a relaxed fine dining experience you won't soon forget. They're a traditional supper club known for their prime steaks and chops, fresh wild-caught Canadian walleye and Alaskan salmon, special wine pairings, and locally-sourced seasonal dishes. If you are looking to eat here, we recommend making a reservation a couple weeks prior to your arrival.
Four Seasons Supper Club - Minocqua, WI - Four Seasons is located in the peaceful old cottage area of Big Arbor Vitae. Situated just feet away from Big Arbor Vitae Lake, enjoy spectacular views from every table.
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What's better than ice cream in summer? Nothing! Check out Sydney and Grant's favorite ice cream shops down below.
Mad Dog Jake's - Boulder Junction, WI
What's the Scoop - Minocqua, WI
Briq's Soft Serve - Minocqua, WI