6 ATV/UTV Getaways in Wisconsin’s Northwoods
It ain’t over ‘til it’s over. Riding season, that is. In fact, there are lots of great trail systems in Wisconsin’s Northwoods that cater to fall and winter ATV and UTV enthusiasts!
Here are a few areas our crew has discovered while filming Discover Wisconsin:
Bayfield County
Where to play: Beautiful Bayfield County boasts more than 180 miles of ATV trails. Rides on Bayfield County’s trails encompass breathtaking views of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands – a beautiful mixture of wooded areas, hills and beaches. The proximity of historic Bayfield and neighboring communities ensure that you’re never too far from great restaurants, shops and pubs.
Where to stay: Lake Owen Resort, Cable
This family vacation spot is located in the heart of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and on the shores of Lake Owen – named the healthiest of Wisconsin’s 15,000 lakes. Visitors come for the miles of ATV trails in Bayfield County, but also take advantage of the fishing, boating, swimming and biking that the resort’s location provides.
Burnett County
Where to play: Burnett County, the “nose” of northwestern Wisconsin’s Indianhead shape, spans the communities of Siren, Grantsburg and Webster and is home to 50 miles of summer trails, 80 miles of frozen ground trails and 120 miles of winter trails. Burnett County provides no shortage of campsites, lodging, restaurants and pubs for ATV-ing visitors.
Where to stay: The Lodge at Crooked Lake Hotel, Siren
This spot is a total gem. For starters, you’ll love its casual, rustic feel. Its location is also second to none: The Lodge sits right on the Gandy Dancer Trail—a top spot for ATV/UTV riders—and is a block from Crooked Lake and a 12-minute walk from the town of Siren.
Douglas County
Where to play: Douglas County is Wisconsin’s northernmost county with Superior, a historical maritime and mining city, being its biggest community. Superior provides an abundance of recreational activities to the many visitors taking advantage of Douglas County’s 100 miles of maintained summer ATV trails.
Where to stay: St. Croix Inn Motel, Solon Springs
The St. Croix Inn Motel includes a view of Upper Saint Croix Lake and a location near both Lucius Woods County Park and Douglas County State Wildlife Area, which just so happens to be Wisconsin’s largest county park.
Iron County
Where to play: The Iron County Forestry Department has partnered with the Iron County ATV Association to maintain 118 miles of marked, year-round ATV trails. Accessible sites on the trails include Potato River Falls, which includes five campsites, a pavilion, outhouse, and viewing platforms, and Spring Camp Falls, where there is just a short hike to view the falls.
Where to stay: Donner’s Bay Resort, Butternut
A popular spot on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage, Donner’s Bay Resort has campsites, cabins and miles of marked and maintained ATV trails (and is open year-round, if the area’s 325 miles of snowmobile trails interest you during the winter months). The resort is complete with a boat ramp, hunting dog kennels, a beach with a swimming raft and restaurants just down the road.
Oconto County
Where to play: Oconto County in northeastern Wisconsin is home to more than 450 miles of riding trails that provide some of the prettiest autumn views around. The trails are very well marked and maintained but be sure to download a printable map of Oconto County ATV/UTV trails.
Where to stay: Everbreeze Resort, Mountain
Located in the heart of Oconto County and right on Chute Pond, Everbreeze Resort provides four year-round cabins to the many visitors who take advantage of its proximity to beautiful ATV trails. The resort also has an on-site restaurant, while the Mountain area offers an abundance of hiking, fishing, hunting, golfing and rafting opportunities.
Price County
Where to play: The Flambeau River State Forest Trail in Park Falls, a 38-mile multiple use trail, consists of town roads, forest roads and snowmobile routes in the middle of the Flambeau River State Forest. While ATV and UTV use is permitted May 15 through November 15, the trail is shared with hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Price County offers cabins, campgrounds, cottages and resorts with convenient access to the ATV trails.
Where to stay: The Evergreen Point Resort on Long Lake has five lakeside cabins, each comfortably furnished along with its own pier, while two have its own fireplace. The resort features a sand swimming beach and is located close to ATV trails. Pets are welcome!
Keep the fun going and discover more Wisconsin ATV trails with scenic stop-offs!
