Things to Do in Eagle River, WI
The Northwoods Children’s Museum and Discovery Store is teeming with engaging hands-on exhibits and stimulating programming designed to encourage a life-long desire to learn. Children and families find that it’s easy to spend several hours at the museum perusing through exhibits such as the Art Center, Medical Center, Pioneer Cabin, Fire Tower & Ranger Station, Magic of Music, Shadow Room and Construction Junctions—among many others.
History buffs regularly visit the Eagle River Historical Museum, which showcases an array of historical pictures, books, records and artifacts relaying the rich history of Eagle River and its surrounding area. The museum is located on the Trees for Tomorrow Campus, a specialty school that emphasizes matters relating to area natural resources.
Race fans of all kinds will revel in the fast-paced events at the Crandon International Off-Road Raceway, the Eagle River Derby Track and the Eagle River Speedway. Enthusiasts will also enjoy the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame & Museum in nearby St. Germain.
Those with a green thumb will relish in the 6.5-acre Shady Gardens site in Eagle River, open from May through September. This area is filled with more than 200 hostas, 200 daylilies, iris, peonies and a wide selection of additional perennials. Shady Gardens is a regular at the Eagle River Farmers Market, held Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Highway 45.
While in the area during the winter, make sure to stop by and experience Eagle River’s Ice Palace, an exquisite, 20-foot-high ice castle that comes to life through the dedication of numerous volunteers and firefighters. More than 700 hours are put into cutting nearly 3,000 12-inch-thick blocks of ice taken from a local lake. This popular attraction, which stands until late February, has been a part of the community since the 1920s and continues to draw in a number of locals and visitors to this day.
Annual Events in Eagle River Wisconsin
High quality theatrical presentations are offered through the Black & Decker Performing Arts Company, while everything from Broadway productions to musical and dance performances take the stage at the Headwaters Council for the Performing Arts’ state-of-the-art Auditorium at NPHS. Eagle River also offers a calendar year full of fantastic family-friendly events, drawing in community members and guests from all over.
Springtime brings about the annual Journeys Marathon, a full marathon course stretching from Boulder Junction to Riverview Park. In addition to the full marathon, participants can take advantage of the half marathon course, the 13.1-Mile Power Walk, the 5K and the Kids Fun Run for children aged 12 and under.
The warm summer months invite members of the community and beyond to enjoy the Professional Musky Tournament Trail events, the Great Northern Beer Festival, the annual 4th of July Parade Celebration in Downtown Eagle River—complete with a bright fireworks display at dusk—the annual Guides/Kids Fishing Day, the Annual Paul Bunyan Fest in Downtown Eagle River, the Annual National Championship Musky Open and the Eagle River Area Festival of Flavors. Also not to be missed is the Annual Artarama Riverwalk Art Show & Sale at Riverside Park in July.
The Annual Eagle River Cranberry Fest kicks off the fall season each October, while the World Championship Snowmobile Derby, Annual Labatt Blue USA Adult Pond Hockey Championships and Klondike Days occur at the beginning of the new year in January and February.