What You Can Find in Rhinelander’s Historic Downtown
The Brown Street and Davenport Street area makes up Downtown Rhinelander- the heart of town where local culture, dining, shopping, and community come together in a charming, walkable setting. Whether you’re visiting for a day or exploring as a local, there’s plenty to discover.
Dining & Local Eats
Downtown Rhinelander offers a mix of cafes, classic pub favorites, and more:
- Crimson Cafe – Fresh, flavorful breakfast and lunch menus with a local flair, perfect for a casual meal or coffee date.
- CT’s Deli – Known for their hearty sandwiches, paninis, soups and deli classics.
- Bucketheads – Sports bar known for their burgers and relaxing setting that’s perfect for a casual gathering with friends.
- Brown Street 151 – A modern restaurant serving thoughtfully prepared dishes and craft cocktails in a comfortable, inviting atmosphere, perfect for a special occasion or date night out.
- Rhinelander Pub – Longtime staple serving classic comfort dishes in a relaxed setting.
Of course, there are many other delicious dining options in the downtown area- visit our Dining page to explore even more great options!
Unique Shopping Experiences
Downtown Rhinelander is full of local shops offering gifts, fashion, and one-of-a-kind finds:
Lattitudes – A boutique filled with stylish apparel, accessories, and gifts that make perfect souvenirs or treats for yourself.
Imaginuity – A creative toy store offering fun, educational and hands-on items for kids and the young at heart.
Mel’s Trading Post – A longstanding business with outdoor gear, equipment, clothing and everything you need for an outdoor adventure.
Fun Factory – A sweet shop with a wide assortment of candy, chocolates, ice cream and more.
JC Weddle Books – A bookstore offering new and used books, perfect for readers of all ages.
Art, Culture & Things to Do
Downtown Rhinelander isn’t just about dining and shopping — it’s also a vibrant hub for arts, creativity, and culture. From galleries and community spaces to historic museums and events, there’s always something to explore.
- The Hilgermann Center for Community –The Hilgermann hosts a variety of events including live music, performances, community markets, and creative programming for all ages. Check out their website to see what’s happening.
- ArtStart Gallery – Housed in a historic former Federal Building, ArtStart serves as the downtown arts and cultural center with rotating gallery exhibits, music events, and more year‑round.
- Public Art – Beyond curated galleries, downtown offers its own collection of custom painted, colorful Hodag statues and several murals. See how many you can find at area businesses!
- Live Music – You can frequently find live music performances at a variety of businesses in the downtown area. Visit Forth Floral for their winter greenhouse music series, stop by Catalyst Wine on select evenings, or check Da Bar’s schedule.
- Seasonal Events & Gatherings – Throughout the year, downtown hosts a variety of events that bring community spirit to every season. A few to note are the Rhinelander Car Show, the All Class Reunion, Chalkfest, the Holiday Open House and the 4th of July and St. Patrick’s Day parades.
Within just a few walkable blocks, you can enjoy a great meal, discover unique boutiques, explore local art, and uncover hidden gems that make the area distinctly its own.
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