Vilas County Visitor Guide - 2017

ADVENTURE: WINTER
Every winter, Vilas County is covered with fresh, beautiful snow. Located in the Lake Superior snowbelt, Vilas County
receives an average of more than six feet each winter! That means Vilas County is the perfect place to go snowshoeing
or cross-country skiing. The snowmobiling is outstanding, as is the ice fishing.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast in one of Vilas
County’s many restaurants. They will keep the coffee
coming, and of course there will be bacon. Lots of bacon!
While you can still move, head out for some
snowshoeing. Four miles south of Boulder Junction, try a
picturesque one-mile loop on the North Trout Nature Trail.
Near Presque Isle, the Van Vliet Hemlocks 14 trails pass
400-year-old trees.
In Vilas County, you’re never far away from a crosscountry
ski trail. South of Winchester, the WinMan Trails
feature seven groomed miles in a 1,300-acre natural
area. The Three Eagle and Tara Lila Trails, south of Eagle
River, provide over 10 miles of diverse loops and trails
for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Some ‘doggone’ fun can be found in February when Land
O’ Lakes hosts the Three Bear Sled Dog Races.
The Winter Park Bark Skijor Race, held in March in
Minocqua, is a unique style of racing involving crosscountry
skiing while attached to an energetic dog. It’s a
lot of fun for the racers, spectators and the dogs!
Vilas County has 600 miles of snowmobile trails—you
can get virtually anywhere via this trail network. In
Phelps, you can pick up a trail within a block of town
and launch an adventure through public and private
lands. Eagle River is a snowmobiler’s mecca, hosting
both the annual Vintage World and World Championship
Snowmobile Derbies at the historic Derby Track. More
than 1,400 riders compete before crowds exceeding
30,000 over the two weeks.
For fun that’s a little more tranquil, you won’t have to look
far—just find some ice. Fishermen flock to Vilas County
for spots like Stormy Lake west of Conover.
Don’t let the name fool you, on most days the weather is
perfect, as is the smallmouth bass fishing.
Another great spot: Big St. Germain Lake, a great lake for
walleye fishing.
Vilas County is home to nearly a dozen ice fishing
tournaments, including events for young anglers like the
free Annual Kids’ Fishing Jamboree in Land O’ Lakes.
Fishing is not the only way to win on the ice. Every
February, Eagle River hosts the Pond Hockey National
Championships. It takes pond hockey to a whole new
level, drawing more than 2,300 players!
If chasing a puck isn’t your thing, lace up your skates
at one of many Vilas County outdoor rinks like Conover
Town Park with a heated restroom or Boulder Junction
Winter Park with a warming shelter.
Explore shops selling apparel and unique gifts like
jewelry, paintings, pottery and fiber and wood art created
by local artisans. There are also artisan-led workshops to
try your talents.
Perhaps the only place better to be than outdoors in
Vilas County is that warm spot near a fireplace where you
can relax after a day of adventure.
WINTER FUN
Have a cool time at these events.
St. Germain Radar Runs – February
Labatt Blue/USA Pond Hockey National Championship
(Eagle River) – February
Blizzard Blast (Conover) – February
Winter Party (Presque Isle) – March
Finding winter fun in Vilas County is a walk in
the park. View the snow reports at vilas.org
ITINERARIES
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