Surrounded by sparkling lakes, Eagle River is a laid-back city in the far north of Wisconsin. It was here that the first permanent Native American settlement was established in the Wisconsin Northwoods before a European trading post was erected in 1818. Eagle River is named due to the abundance of eagles that are known to nest along the river banks.
Things to do in Eagle River
Delve into the past at the Eagle River Historical Museum, where you’ll find artefacts related to the people, events and industries that have shaped the city. Don’t miss the Eagle River Depot Museum, which preserves a former building of the Milwaukee, Lakeshore and Western Railway.
If you’re travelling with kids, head to the Northwoods Children’s Museum, which is packed with hands-on and interactive exhibits. They can learn all about shopping in the recreated grocery store or discover how energy reaches their home in the WPS Energy Expedition. In the Art Studio, you can express your creativity with the museum’s ever-popular Squirt-a-Shirt.
Sprawling north of Eagle River is Yellow Birch Lake, where you can go swimming, tubing or jet skiing. Cast a fishing line to lure largemouth bass, northern pike and walleye or simply relax at the Kickback Grill. Where the Eagle River flows into Cranberry Lake is the Burnt Rollways Dam with its historic boat hoist.
Getting around Eagle River
Rhinelander–Oneida County Airport is around 40 minutes’ drive from Eagle River and has regular flights to Minneapolis-St. Paul. By road, the Twin Cities are just over four hours away. The centre of Eagle River is compact enough to explore on foot while renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the region.