Nicolet-Wolf River Scenic Byway

When you and your family and friends set out to explore the Nicolet-Wolf River Scenic Byway, keep these three words in mind: take your time.

The byway is 145 miles long and traverses parts of several Wisconsin counties, from Vilas to Oneida, showcasing the best of northern Wisconsin, from its scenic rivers and lakes to the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. 

Drive a little, stop to enjoy a scenic hiking or bike trail and then hop back in the car for more awe-inspiring sights and attractions. Remember, there’s no need to rush through this scenic byway, which offers something for everyone in the family. 

Take a Hike

You may want to wear hiking boots or bring your mountain bikes before hopping on the byway.

With dozens of trails found along this stretch of road, you don’t want to pass up on a once-in-a-lifetime experience to hike or bike them. Some trails are only about a mile long, while others stretch for more than 10 miles and run along rivers and into the woods, where Eastern White Pine trees stand tall. 

Find six miles of hilly landscapes perfect for a hike or bike ride on Ed’s Lake National Recreation Trail located within the Chequamegon forest. With nearly 90 miles of trails and several loops, Nicolet State Trail is also a great place to hike or ride an ATV. In the wintertime, the trail becomes a popular spot for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. 

Diverse Attractions

This byway features must-see attractions that go well beyond outdoor activities.

Press your luck and hope for a jackpot at any roadside casino along the way, like the Mole Lake Casino, Lodge & Conference Center or the Potawatomi Carter Casino & Hotel, which offers hundreds of slots and table games, including blackjack. For a more leisurely afternoon outdoors, play a round of golf at the Nicolet Country Club golf course. 

If history is your thing, stop at a museum along the byway that highlights the area's rich history. There’s the Wabeno Logging Museum and the Forest County Potawatomi Community Cultural Center and Museum, if you’d like to explore the local Native American heritage.

Staying Here is Exciting, Inside & Out

If you take your time traveling the byway, you may need a place to stay for a night or two. 

Choose between dozens of campsites loaded with amenities, including full-service hookups for your RV, showers, laundry facilities and playgrounds for the kids. Maybe spend the night at a motel; The Main Street Inn in Crandon features nine rooms and access to ATV and snowmobile trails. Cabins and cottages are also options. 

Whether you drive the byway in a day or a couple, take your time and soak up every moment with your family and friends.