Explore Rhinelander, WI

Make a splash this summer in Rhinelander. Here’s a look at a few great lakes to explore in the area that are perfect for fishing, boating, paddling, and more.

Boom Lake

This 365-acre lake, which is actually an impoundment of the Wisconsin River, sits just north of downtown Rhinelander and is a popular recreation destination for boaters, paddlers, and anglers. It’s a good lake for panfish, and pike, largemouth bass, and musky are also common. Hodag Park is on the southeastern corner of the lake and has a swimming beach, ballfields, and a boat launch; it also hosts the weekly Hodag Water Shows ski shows in the summer.

Access: A public boat launch can be found on the west end of Hodag Park.

Lake Julia

Tucked away just south of Rhinelander is this quiet, 240-acre lake. The scenic campus of Nicolet College sits on the southeastern edge of the lake. Lake Julia has always been a popular lake in the Rhinelander Area—anglers will find panfish, musky, largemouth and smallmouth bass, pike, and walleye.

Access: A public boat launch can be found off Timber Lodge Road; turn south onto Boyce Drive from Highway 17 then east on Timber Lodge Road.

Lake George

This 440- lake just north of U.S. Highway 8 is one of the more popular lakes in the area for boaters and anglers. Several resorts, cottages, campsites, and restaurants can be found along the shores of Lake George, which is also home to a good population of pike, walleye, panfish and largemouth bass.

Lodging on Lake George: Brekke’s Fireside Resort, Three G’s Resort, Ski’s Cozy Cottage, Lake George Campsite, Forsyth Sunlite Resort, Merry Dale Resort, Dawn’s Lakeside Bar & Resort, Ryan’s on Lake George, Moran’s Small Wonder Resort, Fisher’s Resort

Dining on Lake George: Dawn’s Lakeside Bar & Resort, Fisher’s Bar & Grill

Access: A public boat launch can be found at the end of Nostalgia Lane; take U.S. Highway 8 east from Rhinelander, then turn north on Highway P and onto East Lake George Road, follow that to Nostalgia Lane.

Lake Thompson

Just east of Rhinelander sits this 400-acre lake that’s home to several lodging properties that offer easy lake access, beautiful views, and sandy beaches perfect for swimming. Lake Thompson is long and narrow, offering lots of shoreline to explore for anglers and plenty of cruising opportunities for boaters and paddlers.

Lodging on Lake Thompson: Holiday Acres Resort, West Bay Camping Resort, Spruce Lodge Cottage, Carlson’s Lakeview Cottages

Dining on Lake Thompson: Holiday Acres Resort

Access: A public boat launch can be found on the north side of the lake at North Shore Drive; take Highway C east from Rhinelander to Lake Thompson Road, then turn east on North Shore Drive (note that parking is limited).

Rentals, equipment & more

Looking for a boat, canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard for your aquatic adventures in Rhinelander? Or need to gear up for your next fishing trip? Mel’s Trading Post sells sporting goods (including fishing gear) and rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, Up North Outfitters sells fishing and camping gear, and Shoeder’s RV & Marine rents fishing boats and pontoon boats.