Where to Find Rhinelander’s Best Beaches

Spend the day laying in the sun or take a dip in a refreshing Northwoods lake. The Rhinelander Area is home to some great beaches—here’s where to go and what to do when you’re spending a day by the lake in Hodag Country.

Hodag Park

This large park on the shores of Boom Lake—which is actually part of the Wisconsin River—is home to the city’s annual Fourth of July fireworks and the Hodag Water Ski Shows, as well as several baseball diamonds, pavilions available for rent and more. One of the park’s big draws is Hodag Beach, a sandy beach on the northeastern edge of the park (there’s also a grassy area where you can sit if the beach is crowded). The historic bathhouse at the beach was built in the 1930s.

Getting there: The beach at Hodag Park is (fittingly) on Hodag Beach Drive, and there is abundant parking along the drive and in the parking lot.

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Buck Lake

Located about 5 miles south of Rhinelander, Almon County Park is home to Hodag County’s most popular swimming area. Buck Lake covers nearly 60 acres and has a wonderful sandy beach that’s perfect for beach lovers of all ages. Visitors will find restrooms, changing rooms, picnic areas, shelters, and a sports field. The 160-acre Almon Park is also home to an 18-hole disc golf course and more than 2 miles of nature trails.

Getting there: From Rhinelander, head south on County Highway G to Hixon Lake Lane (about 2 miles). Turn right, then right again on Hixon Lake Road. The park entrance can be found off Hixon Lake Road, and two parking lots offer convenient access to the beach.

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Hanson Lake

Don’t miss this secluded lake as you’re headed into Rhinelander on U.S. Highway 8. Hanson Lake is a 35-acre lake with a maximum depth of 23 feet, and it’s got a nice sandy beach on its eastern edge. From the parking area, there’s a short trail that winds its way through the woods to the swimming area.

Getting there: Take Highway 47 north to Hanson Lake Road (about half a mile from the intersection of Highway 47 and U.S. Highway 8). There’s a small parking area at the Hanson Lake Trailhead.

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Sand Lake

This lake, about a 25-minute drive from downtown Rhinelander, is home to a large beach that’s perfect for a day on the water. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sandy beach and sandy-bottomed, clear lake. Water gets up to about 6 feet deep in the designated swimming area. There are changing rooms and rustic bathrooms on-site.

Getting there: Take Highway 47 north of Rhinelander to Fawn Lake Road (about 10 miles), then follow that for about 4 miles before turning onto Sand Lake Road. Follow that for 1.5 miles to reach the beach’s parking area.

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Lakeside resorts and cabins

How about having a beach to yourself? Many of Rhinelander’s resorts, cottages and cabins offer beach access to guests, including Brekke’s Fireside Resort, Merry Dale Resort, Three G’s Resort, and West Bay Camping Resort. View our sortable lodging listings to find more places to stay.

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