Lincoln County

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Lincoln County Attractions

Located in North-Central Wisconsin along US Hwy. 51, Lincoln County is a land of rivers, streams, forests and flowages brimming with fish, wildlife and outdoor adventure for the entire family. From the first sign of spring through the last days of winter, Lincoln County is home to the best in hunting, fishing, swimming, wildlife observation, snowmobiling, trapping, boating, hard and soft-water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, sailboarding, jet-skiing, layingback, enjoying the sunshine, the fresh woodland air and friendly northwoods hospitality.

Visitors enjoy observing Lincoln County's many different bird and animal populations including black bears, whitetail deer, timber wolves, coyote, otters, beaver, porcupines, red and gray foxes, red, gray and flying squirrels, raccoons, muskrats, bald eagles, herons, cranes, hawks, owls, songbirds, ducks, migrating swans and great Canada Geese.

Lincoln County's lakes and flowages serve up great catches; trophy Muskellunge, fighting Northern Pike, cautious Walleyes, surface smacking Largemouth Bass, shy and plentiful Bluegill, Crappie and Perch; and its trout streams yield creel-filling catches of Brookies. Area resort hosts provide updates on local fishing action along with boats, motors, tackle, bait, maps, directions, and advice welcomed by novices and experts alike. Local guides share their 'hot spots" along with professional fishing secrets, lunch and laughter on the county's most productive waters.

With tens of thousands of acres of hunting land open to the public and thousands of game birds and animals, Lincoln County is also one of Wisconsin's best and most productive big and small game hunting grounds. Most of the county's hunting grounds are accessible by hiking, biking and snowmobile trails, fire trails and logging roads. Area guides and outfitters welcome the opportunity to provide everything needed for a successful hunt, including tips on when and where to find the best action.

Outdoor lovers enjoy traveling through the forests, over creeks and wetlands and converted railroad trestles on the county's extensive network of hiking, bicycling, equestrian, snowmobile, ATV and cross-country ski trails including the 15-mile long Lincoln County segment of the Ice Age Trail, the 18-mile Bearskin Trail, the 6.6 mile Hiawatha Trail, 21 miles of Underdown Horse Trail, miles and miles of ATV snowmobile trails linked to neighboring counties and on to the statewide trail system.

In addition to its broad range of natural outdoor features, Lincoln County offers challenging golf courses, miniature golf, bowling, paintball, baseball, indoor and outdoor volleyball, basketball and work-out facilities. Visitors also enjoy dinner, brunch and sightseeing cruises on the Willow Flowage, Water Ski Shows and theater in the woods in Summer, tours of the Harley Davidson factory, Tenneco's Corrugating Mill, cranberry bogs, strawberry patches and exotic animal farms.

The Treehaven educational center offers the opportunity to walk through and learn the secrets of one of the few remaining tracts of ancient Wisconsin forestland. Treasure hunters enjoy browsing through Lincoln County's many antique, craft and collectible shops and history buffs are fascinated by the area's museums and living history events.

Lincoln County's restaurants, supper clubs, family dining spots, excursion boats, hotels and motels all specialize in satisfying every dining desire from hot dogs on the run and picnics on the water to leisurely gourmet dinners served under the stars. Area menus include lumberjack fare served logging camp style in northwoods cook shanties, ancient Chinese specialties, genuine south of-the-border cooking, award-winning pizza, tavern burgers, continental cuisine, steaks, chops, seafood and vegetarian meals.

At day's end Lincoln County offers dozens of different lodging accommodations including primitive campsites under the stars, full-service resort campgrounds, lakeside and riverside cottages and cabins for two to two dozen occupants, luxury waterfront condos and full-service hotels and motels. Housekeeping resort accommodations often include towels, bed linens, dishes and cooking utensils, satellite TV, TV/VCR, Radio, microwaves, outdoor grills and/or fire pits, fire wood, private piers, boats, motors, fuel, and more. Back to top

Museums and Historic Sites

Merrill Historical Museum
Third Street, Merrill
715-536-5652
Housed in the Italianate 19th Century home of Thomas B. Scott, a prominent lumber baron, the Merrill Historical Museum serves as the cultural heritage center of the community. The museum's galleries and interpretive programs offer the opportunity for all to share the knowledge and enjoyment of Merrill's history. Permanent exhibits feature a Victorian era parlor and bedroom furnished with heritage items from local families. The museum also houses the Scott Resource Library, the Northern Pines Genealogy Library and the Pinery, a multi-faceted gallery that includes a blacksmith shop, a logging exhibit, a marking hammer collection and pioneer tools. Open Wed., Sat. and Sun. 1:00-4:00 PM, except holidays.

The Brickyard School Museum
Lincoln County Fairgrounds, Merrill
715-536-5652
The Brickyard School Museum, which has been operated since 1981, preserves the history of the school system in Lincoln County from the mid-1800's to 1961. The museum is preserved and furnished as a typical one-room school and houses photo displays of county schools and their development.

Merrill Historic Landmarks
Merrill
715-536-5652
The City of Merrill has three National Landmark civic buildings and a National Register Historic District of prominent pioneer architecture. Walking tour brochures are available at the Merrill Historical Museum.

Tomahawk Area Historical Center
Washington Ave., Tomahawk
715-453-2056
Take a step back into the history of the Tomahawk area in the exhibits housed in the first log cabin Chamber office building. Open daily during the Summer, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Back to top

Parks and Nature Centers

Tomahawk Parks
Tomahawk, Lincoln County
715-453-5334
The City of Tomahawk and Lincoln County offer a number of parks for public enjoyment, spectacular scenery and ample recreational opportunities, including:

Bradley Park, West Spirit Ave., Tomahawk
An awe-inspiring area of virgin timber surrounded by water, Bradley Park amenities include a children's playground, swimming, picnic areas and grills, restrooms and a boat landing.

Frenchtown Park, Anna St. & Wilson Ave., Tomahawk,
This park's amenities include a playground, swimming, tennis, horseshoes and baseball.

Kahle Park, Hwy. 51 off of Hwy. 107, Tomahawk
Kahle Park provides playground facilities, baseball field and tennis court.

Memorial Park, 4th St. & River St., Tomahawk
With playground, grills, restrooms and fishing pier, this is a popular family recreation spot.

Pride Park, 9th St., Tomahawk
This park has a playground, baseball field and tennis courts.

Sara Park, West Somo Ave., Tomahawk
Sara Park has baseball and soccer fields, a volleyball court activity center and swimming beach.

Washington Park, Behind Tomahawk Chamber Office
This park is the site of the Tomahawk Area Historical Museum and is equipped with picnic and play areas.

Water Park, Hwy. 86 West, Tomahawk This is a scenic picnic area.

Timm's Hill, 24 mi. West of Tomahawk on Hwy. 86
Timm's Hill, located in this county park, is the highest point in the State of Wisconsin. This park is equipped with an observation tower that provides a breathtaking view of the area. It also features a pavilion, playground and picnic facilities.

Treehaven Natural Resource and Education Center
Tomahawk, Lincoln County
715-453-4106
Operated by the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, Treehaven is an educational natural resource center that provides outdoor classroom activities, seminars and conferences on natural resource preservation and development. Back to top

Special Things To Do

Northern Lights Playhouse
Tomahawk
715-356-7173
Enjoy a rollicking comedy, old-fashioned thriller or special musical event at this northwoods country summer theater.

Antique Outboard Motor & Boat Show
Bridge Inn Motel, Tomahawk
715-453-5334
August is the time for this national event. Many of the boats on display are the last remaining specimens of their kind. All are impressive models of early small craft workmanship and inventiveness.

Exotics & Miniatures
Lincoln County
715-453-5334
Lincoln County is home to a number of unusual farm and ranch populations, miniature horses and burros, llamas, buffaloes and more. They're fun to see and love attention. Children delight in getting up close with these unusual animals.