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Recreation

Outdoor Adventures In Marinette County 

Photo from Team Winnebagoland Powersports

Wisconsinites are great about getting out and enjoying our shared backyard for in-state vacations. As such, Marinette County offers a wealth of outdoor adventure – without the overrun of tourists common in other parts of the state, explains Shawano Lake-area resident Jon Meyers. 

“For years we have frequented the Eagle River-Minocqua area, and decided we had seen it all and wanted a new look,” says Meyers. “Our neighbors have a cabin near Crivitz and encouraged us to come up and see the waterfalls. Waterfalls? We didn’t even realize they existed, and not only one, but several! [There are] beautiful parks and walking trails [and] the parks were clean and well maintained.” 

Like Meyers and his wife, Patti, recently experienced, load up the car with your outdoor essentials and check Marinette County’s flora and fauna! 

Five Ways to Play

Explore the Waterfall Capital of Wisconsin 

The 14 world-famous waterfalls located within Marinette County can be found along short and long hikes, making it a family-friendly activity and a nice break from those pesky devices that have infiltrated our lives. Get back in touch with nature and see amazing waterfalls right here in our backyard — take a self-guided tour for $5 per day per car, or $25 for an annual pass. And waterfalls aren’t just for fair-weather peeping, adds Jenny Knox. “A friend and I just went and hiked Dave Falls over the winter, too, so even in the winter months you can still go and hike through the different waterfall areas,” says Knox. “It’s such a pretty area.” Visit therealnorth.com for a waterfall map. 

Take a Fall Color Tour 

Photo courtesy of Dan Smeiska, Northwoods Storm Chasing

Marinette County’s tourism arm — also known as The Real North – has put together a fall colors driving tour for visitors to enjoy, explains Rockhill. The tour guides you through parks and scenic overlooks, along several Rustic Roads, and provides breath-taking views. Follow the orange maple leaf signs to immerse yourself in all-things fall. Visit therealnorth.org for more info about this popular outdoor experience. 

Hit Some Riding Trails 

Marinette County has more than 200 miles of ATV/UTV trails for you to explore. The majority of this trail system is open year-round, except during inclement trail conditions during the springtime. All UTVs are allowed to ride on ATV designated trails in Marinette County. If you’re looking to plan a snowmobile trip to Marinette County, the area has many clubs that groom and maintain around 500 miles of funded snowmobile trails. Marinette County is very large, so trail conditions can vary greatly from section to section. Visit marinettecosnowtrails.com for up-to-date information about the trail conditions throughout the winter season. 

Go Whitewater Rafting at Wildman Adventure Resort 

Two world-class rivers in Marinette County means you can plan a whitewater rafting trip right here in Wisconsin! The Menominee River provides rapids with some of the largest volumes in the Midwest, while the Peshtigo River offers adventure enthusiasts the longest stretch of whitewater the Midwest has to offer, ranging from Class II to Class IV. 

Soak in the Beauty of Governor Thompson State Park 

Photo from Gov. Thompson State Park

The park, with more than 2,800 acres of woods, a campground, picnic area, lake, skiing and hiking trails, also includes six miles of shoreline on the Cauldron Falls Flowage. If solitude and mental restoration are what you need, try the newest trend in wellness – nature bathing – within the heavily forested park. 

Engaging Activities For The Whole Family 

When you’re in Marinette and Marinette County, the world truly is your oyster when it comes to choosing interesting activities for the family. 

High Ropes Course, Paintball, Zip-lining & Rock Climbing  

If a high ropes course adventure is what you’re looking for to get the adrenaline pumping, visit the Alpine Tower at the Peshtigo River Outpost of the Wildman Adventure Resort in Athelstane, which is constructed on a series of vertical towers. For the ultimate test of strength, stamina and courage, take up a game of paintball, go rock climbing or buckle in for zip lining at Wildman’s Niagara location. The rock climbing is done along 60-foot natural rock walls with breathtaking scenery. The five zip lines cover 1,900 feet along the Menominee River, with amazing views of Wisconsin and Michigan. 

Northern Lights Fun Park

Slated for a tentative opening early this summer, the Northern Lights Fun Park in Crivitz offers food, mini golf, go-karts, an arcade and fun. Take Grandma on in a game of mini golf, or race Grandpa to the finish line!  

Locked in Crivitz

A real-life escape room has been built in Marinette County! Players are locked into a room with a time limit to escape, and you must look for clues and solve the puzzles to find your codes.