Travel Destinations Wisconsin Top Things to Do in Minocqua, Wisconsin Some 2,300 lakes surround this vacation hub. When you get off the water, head downtown to explore nearly 100 shops, antiques stores and restaurants. Check out our picks for what to do, where to eat and where to stay in Minocqua. By Midwest Living editors Midwest Living editors Midwest Living's experienced editors create best-in-class travel, lifestyle, food, home and garden content you won't find anywhere else. We're loudly, proudly Midwestern, and we're passionate about helping our audience explore and create through award-winning storytelling. Midwest Living's Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 26, 2022 Min-Aqua Bats Waterski Show . There are 3,200 reasons for this area's reputation as an ideal lake getaway-that's the number of lakes in Vilas and Oneida counties. And there are 1,000 rooms, condos and cabins lining pine-shaded shores. We didn't even count the supper clubs, cafes, shops, shows and other attractions. But you can still find natural lakes so quiet that the plunk of a lure echoes from shore to shore. Towns like Minocqua are the quintessential resort-area destination—the one most people dream of when they're stuck in a cubicle on a sunny day. Do Bearskin State Trail This popular bike trail starts in Minocqua and heads south for 18 miles along Bearskin Creek. Rent bikes at Z-Best Bikes. Fred Scheer's Lumberjack Show In nearby Woodruff, watch speed carving, axe throwing and more. Min-Aqua Bats Waterski Show Even older kids will dig this flashy extravaganza, which lures visitors three nights a week throughout the summer to the lakeside vacation hub. Minocqua Pontoon Cruises A relaxing way to see Minocqua is a pontoon cruise. Morning nature cruises, lunch cruises and sunset cruises are among the tours offered. Northwoods Children's Museum With 23 hands-on exhibits and events, families are sure to have fun. Little ones can explore an ambulance, dress-up attic, mock campground and fire tower, plus paint T-shirts with a squirt gun. Shopping Dozens of shops, antiques stores and restaurants welcome travelers downtown. Wildlife Park. Ginger Crichton Wildwood Wildlife Park Wander with the wildlife at this park, home to more than 500 animals and birds. You can feed pigs, goats, sheep and even bears; cuddle bunnies; let budgie birds perch on your arm; and peer into tall grass for fawns. Eat and Drink Hoggie Doggie's Wash down "HO-made" french fries and a Chicago-style hot dog with a loaded peanut butter cup ice cream sundae at Hoggie Doggie's in Woodruff. Jacobi's Just south of Minocqua in Hazelhurst, settle into cozy surroundings for garlic tenderloin. (Closed temporarily as of June 2022; check website for updates.) John Noltner Paul Bunyan's Cook Shanty Hearty breakfasts including flapjacks and buttermilk doughnuts have made this a local favorite for more than 50 years. The Thirsty Whale Watch a ski show from the deck of this boathouse-turned-restaurant. Friday brings a traditional fish fry. Beacons of Minocqua. John Noltner Stay The Beacons of Minocqua This lakeside resort features condos, log cabins and an indoor pool. The Waters of Minocqua A waterpark and arcade make this resort super kid-friendly. For more information minocqua.org Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit