How to Spend an Afternoon in Rhinelander

If you’re in town for a sporting event and have a little time to spare, there are plenty of great things to see and do in and around the Rhinelander Area. Here’s a look at a few options for spending some free time in Rhinelander.

Go on a Hodag hunt

As you know, Rhinelander is the home of the Hodag—the legendary Northwoods creature is even the mascot of Rhinelander High School. Throughout Rhinelander, you’ll find lots of great Hodag attractions, from the larger-than-life Hodag statue outside the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce (a perfect selfie spot) to the dozens of smaller statues, murals, and other Hodag-themed sights around town. Check out the Hodag Finder (or download the printable map) to see where our Hodags are located or stop by one of our stores to pick up some Hodag swag for yourself. And don’t forget to sign up for the free Hodag Fan Club!

Find a bite to eat

Need a little energy between games? Check out the Rhinelander Area’s expansive dining options, where you’ll find everything from family restaurants to tasty diners. CT’s Deli offers homemade soups and deli sandwiches, and Friendship House Family Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day.

See a filterable list of Rhinelander restaurants here.

If Mom & Dad are looking for a little break, they can stop for a drink at Catalyst Wine or Rhinelander Brewing Company downtown.

Explore the trails

If you’ve got a little free time, you can also get out and stretch your legs among some great Northwoods scenery. The Rhinelander Area is home to some great walking and hiking trails to explore, even if you don’t have a lot of time to spare. The Rhinelander Riverwalk is a short trail that follows a section of the Wisconsin River as it passes through Rhinelander; the trailhead can be found next to the chamber building. Hodag Park is a popular spot for a stroll, as it offers great views of Boom Lake. The trail at the Holmboe Nature Preserve is less than a mile but it’s an incredibly scenic, wooded walk.

Discover family-friendly attractions

Rhinelander is home to some great places to spend a couple hours with the family when you’ve got some time to kill, too. Take in a movie at the Rouman Cinema, bowl a few frames at Nick’s Hodag Lanes, or check out the latest exhibit at ArtStart.

See more Rhinelander attractions here.

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