The Rhinelander Area in Three Days – A Sample Fall Getaway Itinerary
Head to Hodag Country for the perfect fall getaway. Unspoiled nature, great amenities and dazzling fall color await you in the Rhinelander Area. You’ll find convenience and outstanding recreational options, as well as value—a Hodag Country fall getaway will cost only $200 to $400 for a couple.
It’s time to start enjoying the Rhinelander Area’s crystal-clear lakes, miles of woodland trails and great shopping. And remember, fall is a great time to see a Hodag—the creature’s green coloring shows up quite well against the backdrop of yellow, red and orange leaves. Keep your eyes peeled!
Hodag Fact:
In Rhinelander, more than 90% of all lost eyeglasses, fishing lures, golf balls and world-record fish can be attributed to the Hodag.
Day 1
2pm – Arrive in Hodag Country – Your first stop should be the Visitor Center, located at 450 West Kemp Street, just off Business Highway 8 in the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce Building. The Visitor Center can provide you with information on area lakes, trails, tours and entertainment. Be sure to pick up a Downtown Rhinelander Walking Tour Map and don’t forget to have your picture taken with the giant green replica of the Hodag.
3pm – Check into Lodging – Choose from a long list of options. You’ll find hotels, resorts, cottages, cabins and campgrounds in the Rhinelander Area.
3:30pm - Walking tour of Downtown Rhinelander – A stroll through Rhinelander is the perfect way to spend an autumn afternoon. History buffs will enjoy Rhinelander’s self-guided historic walking tours, featuring historic buildings such as the remarkable Oneida County Courthouse. Walking tour maps are available at the Visitor Center.
5pm – Experience a Northwoods Supper Club – Nothing warms up a crisp fall night better than a meal at one of the area’s excellent supper clubs.
7pm – Movie Night – Catch a first-run film at a Rhinelander Area theatre.
9:30pm – Back to the Hotel
Hodag Fact:
The Hodag does not believe in the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot, the Chupacabra or UFOs.
Day 2
7am – Fantastic Fall Fishing – The Rhinelander area is famous for its outstanding fishing. During the fall, enjoy some of the best angling of the year for bass, walleye, northern pike and musky. You’ll find dozens of boat launches in the Rhinelander Area. Good shore fishing can be found in Hodag Park, which is located on Boom Lake.
10am – Shopping – The Rhinelander Area is a major shopping destination for the Northwoods. Discover unique shops and galleries, as well as larger national retailers.
Noon – Wisconsin River Cruise – Take a cruise on the Wilderness Queen. The Sightseeing Cruise is the perfect way to see the fall color that paints the wooded banks of the Wisconsin River. For more information about the Wilderness Queen’s fall cruise schedule, visit www.wisconsinrivercruises.com.
3pm – An Afternoon in Space – Kovac Planetarium near Rhinelander is a one-of-a-kind globe-style planetarium that shows audiences a complete replica of the night skies. Learn more about scheduling a visit at www.kovacplanetarium.com.
5pm – Dinner Time – Enjoy a meal to remember at one of the Rhinelander area’s many restaurants.
7pm – Live Music – Hit the town for a night of live music. Several venues in the Rhinelander Area schedule live bands on a regular basis. For a list of local nightspots, visit www.rhinelanderchamber.com.
9pm – Back to Lodging
Hodag Fact:
The Hodag caught the world-record musky in Rhinelander and just threw it back into the lake because he was fishing for crappies that day.
You can find more Hodag facts at www.hodagsightings.com.
Day 3
8am – Take a Hike – Nothing starts off an autumn day better than a woodland hike. Right in the heart of Rhinelander, you’ll find the 32-acre Holmboe Conifer Forest Walking Trail. Walk through a beautiful piece of old-growth forest along the south bank of the Pelican River.
10am – Last Chance Shopping – With your three-day trip to Rhinelander coming to a close, it’s time to hit those stores and shops where you saw things you liked or wanted to take home as a souvenir. Looking for some Hodag-related merchandise to remember your trip to Rhinelander? Stop by the Visitor Center, where you’ll find a full selection of Official Hodag Merchandise.
Noon – Head Home – See you again in Hodag Country!
