Visit Tomahawk this summer

Published: February 1, 2024

It’s always the perfect time to plan your visit to the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Tomahawk has everything you need for a peaceful summer getaway, from options for outdoor recreation to fantastic restaurants to family-friendly places to stay. Come slow down and relax in a small-town atmosphere surrounded by water, woods, and wildlife!

Outdoor fun

Visitors to Tomahawk can take advantage of outstanding trails, beautiful lakes and rivers, and vast tracts of wilderness that are all open for exploration. Hikers and bikers will find lots of great routes, including the Hiawatha & Bearskin State Trail, and two segments on Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail. The highest geographical point in Wisconsin, Timm’s Hill, is only a half hour away and features trails to hike and an observation tower to climb. For a slower walk closer to ‘home,’ find a scenic stop for a photo on the Tomahawk River Walk or the historic Trestle Bridge, curving right through town. Rent a bicycle from Coaster Cycles Works right on our historic Main Street (West Wisconsin Avenue). 

Those looking to get out on the water can find great boating and paddling options on local lakes like Alice, Mohawksin, and Nokomis, as well as the Somo, Spirit, Tomahawk, and Wisconsin Rivers. In fact, we’re home to more than a dozen lakes and flowages where anglers can cast for walleye, musky, northern pike, bass, and panfish, with public boat landings accessible on most. Want to splash around instead? Crystal Beach, Frenchtown Park, SARA Park, and Spirit Flowage Beach offer great opportunities for family swimming fun. 

Our Summer event calendar is also filled with fun activities, including free Kwahamot Water Ski Shows on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day and Music on the River at Veterans Memorial Park on Wednesday nights in June and July.  Tuesdays in June through October feature the Main Street Farmer’s Market downtown, with local honey and syrup, flowers, produce and more. Have lunch and golf 9 holes at Edgewater Country Club or 18 holes at Inshalla Country Club — or have a shaved ice while you putt at Big Bear Mini Golf & Ice Cream

ATVers and UTVers can explore just about anywhere, with many city and county routes open for their use. Ride down to the scenic glacial Harrison Hills trails, or up towards the remote Willow Flowage. Shop, eat and drink, and stay right on UTV routes!

Great dining options

All that fresh Northwoods air could make you work up an appetite, but you’re in luck—Tomahawk is home to traditional Wisconsin supper clubs, bars, family restaurants, and other great eateries where you can relax and recharge. In fact, some of them—like the Tilted Loon Saloon, Outboards Bar & Grill, and Castaway’s Bar & Grill—even offer outstanding lakeside views and outdoor patios where you can enjoy your meal. Grab a morning coffee and muffin at What’s Brewin’, or stay up late with charcuterie and a craft beer at Sideways Wine Bar

Welcoming places to stay

Extend your summer stay in Tomahawk at one of the area’s friendly lodging properties—we’re home to iconic Northwoods resorts, lakeside cabins, vacation rentals, campgrounds & RV sites, and hotels all ready to welcome you. Whether you’re looking for a cozy couple’s getaway or want to find a place that can accommodate the whole family, you’re sure to find a great place to stay in Tomahawk this summer.

-Author, Kurt Hagemann