Things To Do In Oconto County: Exploring Northern Wisconsin

Oconto County has a soft spot in my heart. My family was avid snowmobilers in the 70s and we would spend some time trailering our machines up to the small towns of Lakewood and Mountain in Oconto County. I recently returned for a weekend to explore things to do in Oconto County that are great for locals and visitors.

If you remember, I had spent a weekend camping in Oconto last summer. I really enjoyed my stay, so it gave me the opportunity to come back in partnership with Oconto County Tourism.

Thank you to Oconto County for partnering with me. As always all opinions are my own. Please see my Disclosure Page for more info.

So armed with a loose itinerary and my newly renovated 1978 Airstream Argosy camper, I set out for my next road trip to Wisconsin north woods.

Part of the over 660,000 acre Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest runs through Oconto County. This area is ripe with recreation opportunities. There’s hiking, ATVing, snowmobiling, along with boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming in one of the many lakes in the county. It’s the perfect place to unwind and unplug from the everyday business of life. Oconto County has a very small town feel like many areas in northern Wisconsin.

There Are Over 400 Miles Of Oconto County ATV Trails

Oconto County is an ATV paradise with over 400 miles of trails. It’s no wonder you almost come across more ATV/UTVs in this area than cars. No joke! If you are an ATV enthusiast, you can find a map of the local trails on the Dusty Trails ATV Club. I couldn’t help but wish I had my ATV along!

Oconto County Hiking Trails

Butler Rock

Butler Rock is a short 1.3 mile out and back hike in the Nicolet National Forest. The summit is Oconto County’s highest point and the views of the forest below make this short hike a gem. Since it’s fairly remote, chances are you may not meet another hiker. The first half of the hike navigates you on a flat path. It’s the second half of the hike that will test your stamina. You quickly climb the 200 feet to the summit. This was the first thing I did after I set up camp. I ended up completing half the hike, turning around after I made the turn to the summit. There was not a single person out there other than myself. The wildflowers were in full bloom. The quiet and the remoteness of the area made me feel I was alone in the world.

This hike is said to be spectacular in fall when the trees are in full color.

Cathedral Pines State Natural Area

This is a short 20 minute loop hike. The beauty of this hike is you are among the towering white and red pine and hemlock trees, some that began their life between 1735 and 1740. They left this 40 acre section of Nicolet National Forest spared from logging in the 1900s. William Holt, President of Holt Lumber Company left this area untouched at the request of his wife Lucy. Lucy would bring her children to this spot and was so enthralled by the sound of the breezes wafting through these majestic pines. She convinced William to keep the area free from the lumberjacks so she and the children could enjoy this part of the forest.

In 1968, the Holt family sold the property to the US Forest Service. Today, the public can see the old-growth forest of quiet beauty in this parcel as Lucy enjoyed over 100 years ago.

Watch for the Blue Heron nests occupying the trees.

There is a small parking area, and the trail is a gravel path and well marked, making it easy to navigate. I actually took two spins around the trail.

Cathedral Drive, Lakewood

More Things To Do In Oconto County

Climbing the Mountain Fire Lookout Tower

This 100 foot steel tower is the only one of 14 original fire towers in Nicolet National Forest you can climb today. Built in 1936, and recently restored, this Oconto County main attraction has incredible views of the forest from the top. It is on the National Register Of Historic Places. The climb to the top is not for the faint of heart. I would love to hear from you if you’ve ever reached the top. I could only make it to the second level! I’m not really afraid of heights, but even that brief climb left me breathless.

The tower is open from 8 am to sunset daily from May to November.

It’s 2.5 miles north of Mountain off Forest Road 2106/Old 32.

Visit LakeHouse Winery

You know I love a great winery and I found one of the friendliest with amazing wine outside of Lakewood near Townsend. LakeHouse Winery has only been open since June 2023. From the look of the number of people stopping either off the ATV trail or by car, I’d say it will be a success.

I am always a bit intimidated when I walk into a busy winery by myself. I needn’t feel this way. After the crowd thinned out and I could chat with Christy Hinkens, owner and wine creator. She told me she loved I came in on my own. In fact, it was her vision to open up LakeHouse Winery as a safe and welcoming place for solo women travelers like me to enjoy her wine. This admission nearly brought tears to my eyes. It’s rare that I hear things like this since my demographic (midlife solo woman travelers) often get overlooked.

Christy had been dabbling in winemaking for over 20 years. When she retired from social work, she knew how she wanted to spend her retirement. The plan was to open the winery in 2019, but a leukemia diagnosis derailed that possibility as she underwent treatment. She is cancer free today.

LakeHouse Winery’s signature drink, a special take on a Bloody Mary called Vino Maria, is a popular choice. Christy makes her own Bloody Mary mix and pairs that with her own Cabernet with an olive garnish. I passed on this, opting for a tasting instead.

I could have stayed chatting with Christy and the other patrons I met, but I had more to see in Oconto County. I vowed to come back after I bought two bottles of LakeHouse Winery wine.

17745 Co Rd T, Townsend

Shopping

Because I only had a weekend, I concentrated on my Oconto County shopping time in Lakewood. I always prefer to support local businesses. It’s one of the best things about visiting small towns. You can park once and walk up and down the principal shopping street in Lakewood. There’s a few places here to unload some cash. Prices are moderate compared to larger tourist destinations.

My first stop was Sweet Memories Candy Shoppe. Just when you think you’ve reached the last room of sweet treats and other merchandise, you see a flight of stairs taking you to even more to discover. It is the endless candy shop. I’ll admit, I had more fun in this shop. Between nostalgia for the candy of my youth, to the player piano just inside the door, this place had me feeling like a kid again.

There is more than just candy inside. An ice cream counter, books, puzzles, games, and so much more.

15381 WI 32, Lakewood

Next door you’ll find WoodPickers. Part antiques and part gift items, it’s a fun stop to pick up a gift or two. The old truck out front makes a great photo op.

15421 WI 32, Lakewood

Don’t let the name fool you. Northern Perks Coffee Shop is WAY more than a coffee shop. You’ll spend some time inside. Clothing, from fun and funky women’s clothing to souvenir tees and sweats, to accessories, is just a few things. Home decor, kitchen items, cabin themed gifts are also found here.

15425 WI 32, Lakewood

Yvonne’s Classy Closet is where you’ll find up-to-date fun women’s fashion. This boutique offers a mixed variety of sized. I spotted some cool Items I have seen nowhere else. Loved the vibe!

15305 WI 32, Lakewood

Lakewood Ski and Sport have all the gear you need to get you on the water, outfitting winter activities during the winter months, or any outdoor sport you choose. You can also rent equipment too.

15309 WI 32, Lakewood

Food

The first night I had my dinner on the patio at Mulligans Sports Bar & Grill. I was pretty hungry, so I ordered a Pulled Pork Bacon Cheddar Sandwich. It hit the spot after a long drive and setting up camp. It came with fries on the side. You can’t miss this place. It’s right on highway 32.

16707 WI 32, Mountain

I was so happy with Braise North in Lakewood that I had to write a whole post about my experience. I would have to recommend Braise a must do place in Oconto County.

15398 WI 32, Lakewood

If you want to cool off with an ice cream, or grab a quick lunch, order from the window at Northern D’Lites in Lakewood. It’s a nice stop off point when you’re downtown shopping, or driving back to the campsite after spending the morning exploring.

15300 WI 32, Lakewood

Waubee Lake Lodge is a resort that has a nice dining/bar area. I got there early, so I was lucky to get a spot on the outside deck which faces the lake. I could watch the boats and paddle boarders on the lake while I waited for my order. They have a full menu. You can choose from steaks, seafood, and a great Friday fish fry. I had loaded nachos. It’s a lively place with a great atmosphere in a log building. It definitely has that “up north” vacation vibe and I would recommend going early.

18398 Waubee Park Lane, Lakewood

Oconto County Campgrounds

There are quite a few camping options in Oconto County. Most are open seasonally, so be sure and check if you are looking to camp before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. Here are some in Oconto County.

I typically stay at state or county parks, or COE campgrounds. I stayed at Heavens Up North Campground for two nights. This is a private campground. I had a small drive thru site which i had the option of changing because the woman at the desk said it was a small site. I was okay with that, but if I would have had my dog with me, or knew I would be at the site for more than just sleeping, I would have asked for another. The site has a water hookup and dump station available.. There are 116 sites, many are seasonal. There’s a pool and other amenities on site. It’s in a magnificent spot for ATVers to ride the trails. Mc Causlin Brook Golf Course is nearby if you love golfing.

18331 Lake John Road, Lakewood

If you prefer county park camping, Chute Pond Park Campground is an option. I camped here a couple of years ago. It’s wooded. Some sites are uneven, but there are also some fabulous even, spacious sites here. There’s a small beach area and some recreational trails in the park. I can recommend camping here.

12436 Chute Dam Lane, Mountain

There are three federal owned campgrounds in Oconto County. One offers some electric hookups, but all are on water with nearby boat landings. This is rustic camping. All three have drinking water, toilets, grills, and picnic tables.

Bagley Rapids Campground is on the Oconto River and has 30 first come-first serve campsites available. You will have a better chance of getting a site during the week. Camping fee is $15 per night payable at the self serve kiosk. Interagency Pass holder half price.

Bagley Rapids Road, Mountain. Directions: From Mountain, drive south 2.2 miles on Highway 32 to Bagley Rapids Road (FR 2111). Turn right (west) on Bagley Rapids Road and drive 0.6 miles to the campground.

Boot Lake Campground has 36 campsites, 19 are reservable on the 263 acre Boot Lake. There is a beach, vault toilets, and a boat landing. Site fee is $18 a night. Interagency Pass holders half price.

Cty T on Boot Lake, Mountain. Directions: From the intersection of Highway 32 and County Road T in Townsend, drive south on T 5.6 miles to the campground.

Boulder Lake Campground is the largest of the three with 99 sites. 21 sites have electricity and have shower facilities, beach, recreational activities, and a dump station. Here you have the benefit of a rustic setting, with additional amenities. Non electric sites are $18 per night, electric $28 per night. Interagency Pass holders half price.

Cty T at Boulder Lake. Directions: Take Cty W west out of Mountain and turn right at FR 2116. The campground is about 13 miles from Mountain.

There are fun things to do in Oconto County to make your weekend getaway a memorable one. This destination in northern Wisconsin is known for its hiking, water recreation, shopping, and dining options.. I have made some great memories in this area, why don’t you come see what Oconto County has to offer you.