Plan Your Fall Getaway to Rhinelander

There are so many ways to see fall color in the Northwoods, from gentle hikes through the woods to a leisurely fall drive. Here’s a look at four ways you can see fall color in the Rhinelander Area—and some ideas on the best places to take in the annual color show.

Head to a park

Situated in the heart of Wisconsin’s Northwoods, the Rhinelander Area is surrounded by wonderful woods and forests, making it a perfect place to discover fantastic fall colors. In Hodag Country, you’ll find plenty of parks and public spaces to enjoy the scenery, from vast open spaces in the middle of the city to out-of-the-way county parks.

Where to go: Almon County Park on Buck Lake is about a 10-minute drive from downtown Rhinelander and offers 80 acres to explore, including two trails that pass through mixed hardwoods and along the shores of Buck Lake.

Get out on the lake

Whether you’re casting for trophy musky or just putting around on a pontoon, spending on a day on Rhinelander’s lakes is a great way to take in fall color. Plenty of public-access lakes offer fishing and boating opportunities, and kayakers, canoers and stand-up paddleboarders can find lots of places to get on the water, too.

Where to go: Boom Lake, a flowage located on the Wisconsin River, sits in the heart of downtown Rhinelander and offers great boating, fishing and paddling options. Public access is available at a boat launch in Hodag Park.

Take a hike

Take a serene walk through the wilderness. The Rhinelander Area is home to some truly wonderful trails that pass through towering pines, past mirror-calm lakes and through marshes and low woodlands. It’s the perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon taking in the sights and listening to the sounds of nature.

Where to go: You’d never know you were in the heart of Rhinelander at the Holmboe Nature Preserve. Even though the hiking trail is less than a mile long, it’s still one of the prettiest spots in the area, sitting on a bend in the Pelican River just south of downtown.

Start your engines

Up for a bit of a drive? You’ll find some scenic driving loops in and around the Rhinelander Area that offer some great opportunities for fall color viewing. Here’s a good one—start at the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce (you’ll recognize it by the giant Hodag statue outside) and head east on Kemp Street toward Oneida Avenue/County G. Keep heading south on County G toward Pelican Lake, then take Highway 45 back north to Monico. From there, head west on Highway 8 back into Rhinelander, enjoying the fall color along the way.

Where to go: Start this route at the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce, 450 W. Kemp St.

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