Much of the population of the state lives in the southern half, but some of the prettiest, most beautiful, and fun things are in the northern half. It can be a bit of a drive, but it’s also one of the most beautiful, relaxing drives you can imagine. Whether you’re way down south or so far east or west or somewhere in between, some of these things to do in northern Wisconsin are quite the hike, but so, so worth the drive:

1. Apostle Islands
Apostle Islands, Wisconsin, USA
Jim Sorbie/Flickr
The whole Lake Superior shore is worth your time, but these stunning cliffs, caves, and islands are unlike anything you've ever seen. Years of freezing, thawing, and moving water have created stunning formations. And the area is remote enough that even on the busiest days, it's still totally manageable.
2. Big Manitou Falls
Big Manitou Falls, Superior, WI 54880, USA
Aaron Carlson/Flickr
Wisconsin's tallest waterfall tumbles 165 feet into the Black River. It's actually the fourth-highest falls east of the Rocky Mountains. And Pattison State Park has so many great things to keep you busy. Big Manitou Falls are located in Pattison State Park at 6294 WI-35, Superior, WI 54880.
3. Minocqua
Minocqua, WI 54548, USA
Amy Meredith/Flickr
One of the best Northwoods towns, this little spot among the lakes is home to Lumberjack and waterski displays in the summer, plus a ton of great little shops, restaurants, and more. Near to so much, it's the perfect spot to serve as a home base as you explore the Northwoods.
4. Cornucopia
Cornucopia, WI 54827, USA
CornyWI/Facebook
This adorable small town has a couple of beautiful public beaches, access to Siskiwit Falls, and one of the oldest general stores in the state. Folks tend to overlook this little spot along Lake Superior, but it's one of our favorite spots Up North.
5. Cable
Cable, WI 54821, USA
CableAreaChamberofCommerce/Facebook
Cable is not only a wonderful, typical Wisconsin Northwoods spot, but it's a spot with tons of outdoor options, from hiking trails to kayaking and more. In the winter, it's a cross-country skiing haven.

Related Stories

I Discovered An Incredibly Unique Waterfall Hike In Wisconsin Near Washburn

I Discovered An Incredibly Unique Waterfall Hike In Wisconsin Near Washburn

 This Evening River Float Into the Wisconsin Dells Sunset Belongs On Your Wisconsin Bucket List

This Evening River Float Into the Wisconsin Dells Sunset Belongs On Your Wisconsin Bucket List

 Get Away From It All At This Remote And Beautiful Campground In Wisconsin

Get Away From It All At This Remote And Beautiful Campground In Wisconsin
6. Boulder Junction
Boulder Junction, WI 54512, USA
BoulderJunctionWI/Facebook
Boulder Junction is a town that feels like it could be far away from Wisconsin. The great outdoors here is just breathtaking, with miles of forests and lakes. Nearby Fallison Lake is one of the state's hidden gems.
7. Tomahawk
Tomahawk, WI 54487, USA
JamesStutzman/Flickr
An outdoor paradise, Tomahawk is home to the Bearskin and Hiawatha State Trails. These trails are converted rail beds. The DNR website states, "The railroad line was built to export white pine logs from the forests of northern Wisconsin to the cities of the Midwest. Today the trail is a recreation corridor, surfaced with compacted granite suitable for walking and bicycling in summer and snowmobiling in winter." You can walk right over the top of lakes and right up to The Windmill ice cream shop, among other things. It's a great way to explore the area.
8. Hayward
Hayward, WI 54843, USA
HaywardChamberofCommerce/Facebook
An absolutely awesome spot if you love antiquing, there's so much to love in this town that's also home to the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. It's a quaint little downtown and a fun place to spend a weekend.
9. Marinette County
Marinette County, WI, USA
MarkKaletka/Flickr
Up in the far northeast corner of Wisconsin, along its border with the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is Marinette County. Just 80 or so miles north of Green Bay, the area is an outdoor paradise with more than 230,000 acres of county forest, 444 lakes, and 920 miles of rivers and streams. The Pike, Thunder, Peshtigo, and Menominee Rivers all flow through the area, creating a myriad of waterfalls and rapids to explore. The folks in Marinette County have even grouped together some of the falls and given the tour names so you can find them all when you head out into the wilderness. Many are located in the park system, but you can buy a car pass for $3 a day or $12 for the full year.
10. Cathedral Woods State Natural Area
Cathedral Pines State Natural Area, Cathedral Dr, Lakewood, WI 54138, USA
Elvis Kennedy/Flickr
The logging industry was a very big part of Wisconsin’s history. Because of how widespread it was, there are few "virgin" or old-growth forests left anywhere in the country, much less in Wisconsin. In the October 2004 issue of the Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine, "Surveys conclude that only about one percent of Wisconsin’s old-growth forests remain intact. A 1995 study by the U.S. Department of Interior’s National Biological Service states, less than five percent of the lower 48 states’ original old-growth forests remain.

But deep in the north-central part of the state, in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, there is a bit of state natural area that has been protected and contains some of the oldest trees you’ll find. They seem to stretch up forever, creating an ethereal, storybook quality to the forest. The area is known as Cathedral Woods or Pines and it has its own State Natural Area. The story goes that Lucy Rumsey, whose husband was the president of Holt Lumber Company, brought her children to these woods to pray and worship. Mrs. Rumsey asked her husband to protect the area, saving it from being cut down.

With so many things to do in northern Wisconsin, it’s hard to pick a favorite. But we’ll challenge you anyway. What’s your favorite spot that requires a little work to get to, but is so worth the effort? Let us know in the comments!

Speaking of fun things to do in “up north” Wisconsin, how about hiking the Bearskin Trail in Tomahawk? This scenic hike is worth putting on your bucket list.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Things to do in northern Wisconsin

Chris Muras | December 13, 2022

What is northern Wisconsin known for?

Northern Wisconsin is known for its wealth of outdoor activities that will satisfy even the most adventurous traveler. The North Woods is known for spectacular freshwater fishing, such as walleye and musky, perfect for both novice and experienced fishermen alike. For those seeking nature’s thrills, northern Wisconsin has abundant trails perfect for hiking and mountain biking running through forests of pine, oak, maple, and birch. Camping sites in northern Wisconsin offer pristine views of lakeside sunsets and starry night skies. But the fun doesn't end in the winter. There is much to explore during winter months with skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling available on numerous trails.

What is there to do in northern Wisconsin?

Since northern Wisconsin is so well known for its outdoor activities and beautiful natural areas it's only fitting that our list includes a number of outdoor adventures. Here are a few things you can do in northern Wisconsin on your next trip:

  1. Hike the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest
  2. Stand in a waterfall in Pattison State Park
  3. Hike the Escanaba Trail
  4. Explore Madeline Island
  5. Backpack in Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
  6. Visit Big Bay State Park
  7. Fly down the Northwoods zip line
  8. Take a spa day at a northern Wisconsin resort
  9. Weeknd getaway on Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
  10. Go whitewater rafting
  11. Take a northern Wisconsin road trip
  12. Check out the Snowmobile Hall of Fame

Can you see the northern lights in northern Wisconsin?

If you can brave the cold of northern states, you might be rewarded with stunning views of the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights. You can see the Northern Lights in Wisconsin, and the best time to see them is from September through March. Here are a few prime places to see the gift of these magical lights in the sky:

  • Potawatomi State Park. Sturgeon Bay, WI
  • Nourse Sugarbush State Natural Area. Bayfield, WI
  • Newport State Park. Ellison Bay, WI
  • Door County
  • Bayfield and Ashland Counties
  • Washington Island
  • Apostle Islands

Related Articles