Fall Weekend Getaway in Rhinelander: a 3-day Couples Itinerary

Friday: Arrive

Settle Into Your Northwoods Stay

Start your weekend by checking into your Rhinelander accommodations. From lakeside resorts to hotels, there are plenty of options for making yourself comfortable for a weekend in the Northwoods. View Rhinelander lodging options here.

Once you’re settled in, head out for dinner and a relaxing first evening.

Dinner

Keep Friday night casual with a fish fry at Buckethead’s or Flick’s Resort Bar & Grill.

Both offer a laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding after the drive. Enjoy a meal, grab a drink and settle into the slower pace of a weekend up north.

Saturday: Fall Colors, Trails & Scenery

Saturday is your chance to spend a full day exploring Rhinelander’s colorful outdoors. Start with a hearty breakfast, then spend the day hiking area trail systems, going for scenic drives and unwinding downtown.

Start With Breakfast

Get an early start at R&T’s “Not So” Dinky Diner, a classic Rhinelander diner serving hearty breakfast favorites.

Fuel up before hitting the trails—you’ll have plenty of fall scenery to explore.

Go for a Hike

Begin your outdoor adventure at Holmboe Conifer Forest.

This peaceful State Natural Area offers an easy walking trail through a unique forest landscape along the Pelican River. Take your time on the trail, listen to the sounds of the forest and look for those little pockets of brilliant color tucked among the old-growth hemlock and pine trees.

Take a Fall Color Drive

After your hike, keep the fall adventure going with a scenic drive through the Rhinelander area. As the leaves change, the roads around Rhinelander become a colorful way to experience the season, with forests, lakes and scenery around every turn. Take your time, enjoy the views and stop along the way when you find a favorite spot.

Explore a few of our recommended fall color driving routes here.

Lunch

Take a break from the road with lunch at Casa Mexicana. Enjoy Mexican favorites and a relaxed meal before continuing your fall adventure.

Explore Almon Park

Continue to Almon Park, located along the shores of Buck Lake.

The park’s trails will take you through a variety of landscapes, including hardwood forest, wetlands and lakeside areas. The changing scenery makes it an excellent place to experience fall color from several different perspectives.

Take a walk along the trails and spend some time enjoying the peaceful views of Buck Lake.

Browse Downtown Shops

After your time outdoors, spend a little time exploring downtown Rhinelander.

Browse Mel’s Trading Post for outdoor gear and apparel, or check out some of the downtown boutiques, including Lattitudes, Tricia’s Treasures and Gina Marie’s Brown Street Boutique.

Enjoy a Drink

As the afternoon winds down, relax with a drink downtown. Stop at Rhinelander Brewing Company for a locally brewed beer, or unwind at Catalyst Wine Bar with a glass of wine.

It’s the perfect transition from an active day outside to a relaxed Saturday evening.

Saturday Dinner

End your day with dinner at one of Rhinelander’s favorite supper clubs.

Wally’s South 17 Supper Club is a great choice for a traditional supper club meal in a comfortable setting. Wally’s South 17 offers a variety of hearty menu options, including prime rib, chicken parmesan, Friday fish fry and more. Guests can enjoy a delicious meal in a welcoming atmosphere or choose a specialty cocktail from the bar.

Or try Fireside Supper Club, overlooking Townline Lake. Its rustic Northwoods atmosphere and lakeside setting make it especially fitting for a fall evening. The Fireside features steaks, seafood, ribs and other supper club favorites, with Saturday prime rib among its specialties.

After dinner, head back to your accommodations and enjoy a quiet fall evening.

Sunday: History, Stars & One Last Fall View

Sunday offers a slower-paced way to experience more of Rhinelander before heading home.

Breakfast

Start your morning at Rhinelander Family Restaurant with a classic breakfast. Enjoy a hearty meal and a cup of coffee before heading out for the day.

Step Back in Time

Spend part of your morning at Pioneer Park Historical Complex, where you can explore the history of the Northwoods through historic buildings, museums and exhibits covering logging, railroads, conservation, rural education and local folklore.

The complex is open on weekends in September, with Sunday hours from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free, with donations appreciated.

Lunch

After exploring the historical complex, stop at Tilly’s for lunch and take a break before your final afternoon activities.

Explore the Stars

For something completely different, make a reservation to visit Kovac Planetarium.

This unique Northwoods attraction offers a memorable look at the night sky and astronomy with fascinating presentations inside of a handmade mechanical globe planetarium. The experience is unlike a typical modern planetarium, making it a fun addition to a Rhinelander weekend.

Plan ahead: A reservation is required, so be sure to schedule your visit before your trip.

See the Fall Colors From the Shore

Before heading home, make one final stop at Hodag Park along Boom Lake for a short walk.

The shoreline provides a beautiful perspective on the changing season, with colorful trees surrounding the lake and reflections stretching across the water. Take a walk, sit by the water and enjoy one last view of the Northwoods in fall.

Want to see the colors from the water? Rent kayaks from Mel’s Trading Post and paddle out on Boom Lake for a unique perspective on Rhinelander’s fall scenery. The lake’s boat launch at Hodag Park makes it easy to put in and enjoy the colorful views from the water.

Finish With Something Sweet

Before you leave town, stop at The Fun Factory Sweet Shoppe for a sweet treat.

Choose from candy, chocolates, fudge, popcorn and other goodies to enjoy before you hit the road. It’s a fun final stop—and a great way to bring a little taste of Rhinelander home with you.

Plan Your Fall Weekend in Rhinelander

A fall weekend in Rhinelander is all about getting outside and enjoying the season at your own pace.

Fall color conditions change throughout the season, so check the Rhinelander Fall Color Report before your trip to help plan your visit around the best color.

Ready to plan your fall getaway? Find lodging, dining, trails, attractions and more at ExploreRhinelander.com.

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