10 Destinations Way Up North In Wisconsin That Are So Worth The Drive

Much of the population of the state lives in the southern half, but some of the prettiest, most beautiful, and fun things are in the northern half. It can be a bit of a drive, but it’s also one of the most beautiful, relaxing drives you can imagine. Whether you’re way down south or so far east or west or somewhere in between, some of these things to do in northern Wisconsin are quite the hike, but so, so worth the drive:

1. Apostle Islands

The whole Lake Superior shore is worth your time, but these stunning cliffs, caves, and islands are unlike anything you've ever seen. Years of freezing, thawing, and moving water have created stunning formations. And the area is remote enough that even on the busiest days, it's still totally manageable.

2. Big Manitou Falls

Wisconsin's tallest waterfall tumbles 165 feet into the Black River. It's actually the fourth-highest falls east of the Rocky Mountains. And Pattison State Park has so many great things to keep you busy. Big Manitou Falls are located in Pattison State Park at 6294 WI-35, Superior, WI 54880.

3. Minocqua

Editor's note: The Paul Bunyans in Minocqua is closed.

One of the best Northwoods towns, this little spot among the lakes is home to Lumberjack and waterski displays in the summer, plus a ton of great little shops, restaurants, and more. Near to so much, it's the perfect spot to serve as a home base as you explore the Northwoods.

4. Cornucopia

This adorable small town has a couple of beautiful public beaches, access to Siskiwit Falls, and one of the oldest general stores in the state. Folks tend to overlook this little spot along Lake Superior, but it's one of our favorite spots Up North.

5. Cable

Cable is not only a wonderful, typical Wisconsin Northwoods spot, but it's a spot with tons of outdoor options, from hiking trails to kayaking and more. In the winter, it's a cross-country skiing haven.

6. Boulder Junction

Boulder Junction is a town that feels like it could be far away from Wisconsin. The great outdoors here is just breathtaking, with miles of forests and lakes. Nearby Fallison Lake is one of the state's hidden gems.

7. Tomahawk

An outdoor paradise, Tomahawk is home to the Bearskin and Hiawatha State Trails. These trails are converted rail beds. The DNR website states, "The railroad line was built to export white pine logs from the forests of northern Wisconsin to the cities of the Midwest. Today the trail is a recreation corridor, surfaced with compacted granite suitable for walking and bicycling in summer and snowmobiling in winter." You can walk right over the top of lakes and right up to The Windmill ice cream shop, among other things. It's a great way to explore the area.

8. Hayward

An absolutely awesome spot if you love antiquing, there's so much to love in this town that's also home to the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. It's a quaint little downtown and a fun place to spend a weekend.

9. Marinette County

Up in the far northeast corner of Wisconsin, along its border with the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is Marinette County. Just 80 or so miles north of Green Bay, the area is an outdoor paradise with more than 230,000 acres of county forest, 444 lakes, and 920 miles of rivers and streams. The Pike, Thunder, Peshtigo, and Menominee Rivers all flow through the area, creating a myriad of waterfalls and rapids to explore. The folks in Marinette County have even grouped together some of the falls and given the tour names so you can find them all when you head out into the wilderness. Many are located in the park system, but you can buy a car pass for $3 a day or $12 for the full year.

10. Cathedral Woods State Natural Area

The logging industry was a very big part of Wisconsin’s history. Because of how widespread it was, there are few "virgin" or old-growth forests left anywhere in the country, much less in Wisconsin. In the October 2004 issue of the Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine, "Surveys conclude that only about one percent of Wisconsin’s old-growth forests remain intact. A 1995 study by the U.S. Department of Interior’s National Biological Service states, less than five percent of the lower 48 states’ original old-growth forests remain.

But deep in the north-central part of the state, in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, there is a bit of state natural area that has been protected and contains some of the oldest trees you’ll find. They seem to stretch up forever, creating an ethereal, storybook quality to the forest. The area is known as Cathedral Woods or Pines and it has its own State Natural Area. The story goes that Lucy Rumsey, whose husband was the president of Holt Lumber Company, brought her children to these woods to pray and worship. Mrs. Rumsey asked her husband to protect the area, saving it from being cut down.

With so many things to do in northern Wisconsin, it's hard to pick a favorite. But we'll challenge you anyway. What’s your favorite spot that requires a little work to get to, but is so worth the effort? Let us know in the comments!

Speaking of fun things to do in "up north" Wisconsin, how about hiking the Bearskin Trail in Tomahawk? This scenic hike is worth putting on your bucket list.