Hiking Bearskin State Trial Near Tomahawk Takes You Right to Windmill Ice Cream Shoppe

Few places in the world have more lakes per square mile than Oneida and Vilas counties. One of the very best ways to explore this gorgeous part of the state is to use the Bearskin and Hiawatha State Trails. These trails are converted rail beds – according to the DNR website, “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.”

But the very best part of this pair of trails is that just north of Heafford Junction they cross the small break in Lake Nokomis and take you right to Windmill Ice Cream Shop. This iconic seasonal ice cream store has been scooping up sweet treats since 1933 and is a staple of life Up North here. What better way to work up an appetite than a gorgeous stroll through the many lakes of this area before landing at the Windmill?

One trailhead for the Bearskin Trail is in Sara Park, 6.6 miles south of the Windmill, but there are plenty of places to pick up the trail either north or south of the brilliant little ice cream shop, so you can choose your starting point.

You just won't get views or opportunities to literally walk above the water like you will on this trail. It's a truly stunning and unique way to see the area you won't get anywhere else.

Maybe the best part of this trail is how versatile it is. Hike as much or as little as you want. Or grab your bike and plan to go the full 30 or so miles between Minocqua and Tomahawk. Plan ahead and know that there's a city park on each end with swimming opportunities, so you can cool off after you've worked up a sweat.

Strolling on this trail is an idyllic escape from the busier parts of the Northwoods in the summer. It's a totally break from reality as you feel like you're walking on water and getting a special look at the area.

And then you get to head to one of the most beloved and iconic spots of the Tomahawk area.

The same family have been running the Windmill since 1933 and for many, a trip Up North isn't complete without their first taste of Windmill ice cream for the season.

With more than 20 different flavors and a stellar staff just waiting to serve you, Windmill is the perfect place to pull off the path and end your day with a sweet treat.

There's so much nostalgia here, not just in the decor, but in the memories of people who've been coming here for decades to get their ice cream fix.

You cannot go wrong with a heaping, delicious and refreshing cone of Windmill ice cream after you've worked up an appetite hiking the Bearskin and Hiawatha State Trails. This is basically the most perfect Wisconsin hike we've ever imagined.

Check out the DNR page for the Bearskin trail to see a PDF map of the full trail to plan your trip. The southern terminus of this trail is in Sara Park, located at 900 W Somo Ave., Tomahawk, WI 54487. The northern terminus is at Torpey Park, 806 US-51, Minocqua, WI 54548.

Looking for more great Up North Wisconsin trails? Check out this piece about the Heart of Vilas County Paved Trail.

What other Northwoods hikes do you love? Let us know in the comments!

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The Gorgeous Wisconsin Hiking Trail That Ends at One of the Best Ice Cream Spots in the State

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The Gorgeous Wisconsin Hiking Trail That Ends at One of the Best Ice Cream Spots in the State

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