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Six Ways to Play in Shawano 

1. Swing some clubs

Located on the north shore of Shawano Lake, Shawano Lake Golf Course (nicknamed “Shalagoco” or simply the Shal) is one of Wisconsin’s oldest golf courses. The Shalagoco is a public course established in 1922 that features 18-holes spread over 120 acres of rolling, tree-lined fairways. During the golf season, the Shal Bar & Grill offers lunch and dinner specials. Visit shawanolake.com to book a tee time. 

2. Hit the water

Water sport enthusiasts will be able to scratch that itch with Shawano County’s many lakes, rivers and streams. Shawano Lake, the county’s largest water body, spans more than 6,000 acres and its calm waters are ideal for boating and fishing. As one of the best fishing lakes in Wisconsin, Shawano Lake features a variety of fish such as Musky, Northern Pike, Walleye, Panfish, Rock Bass, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill and Sturgeon. Say hello to your fellow boaters at the lake’s several sand bars where it’s customary to gather. Just north of Shawano, visitors will find various white water rafting outfitters. The upper portions of the Wolf River, which runs through Shawano, provide a thrill for rafters with Class I to Class IV rapids. 

3. Watch a ski show

The Shawano Ski Sharks, the 2017 Division 3 State Water Ski Champions, perform a free water-ski show every Wednesday at 6 p.m. from June 6 through August 15. On Wednesday August 8, the ski show will start at 7 p.m. with the first community movie night to follow. Shows take place at the Wolf River Beach at Smalley Park. The whole family will be dazzled by their daring stunts including high speed barefoot acts and acrobatics off the jump ramp. 

4. Head to the races

For some fast-paced fun, watch IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Fastrak Late Models and WISSOTA Late Models race on Shawano Speedway‘s half-mile dirt track. Races occur every Saturday night at 6 p.m., April through September at the speedway located at the Shawano County Fairgrounds. The races are family friendly and concessions are available for purchase. 

5. See a movie at a drive-in theater

With fewer than a dozen Wisconsin drive-in theaters left in business today, Moonlight Outdoor Theater offers a unique and nostalgic movie-going experience. For only $8 for adults and $3 for children, viewers can take in a double screening of first-run entertainment. The drive-in might have a throwback feel, but it also features updates like Dolby Digital Surround Sound, rocker-recliners and state-of the-art projection quality. Movies start at dusk. Visit shawanocinema.com for more details.

6. Have a heart-pounding adventure 

One of Shawano’s best kept secrets is the U.S. Air Motorsports Raceway. Adrenaline junkies flock to the destination which offers private go-kart rentals and hosts club events including drifting, autocross, UTV, SuperMoto motorcycles, legend car and kart racing. The 1.1-mile race course sits on a 40-acre property that offers world-class competitions and entertainment. U.S. Air’s rental karts are the real deal – you’ll reach speeds up to 45 mph on the scenic road course full of curves and elevation changes. Karts, suits, helmets and on-track instruction are provided. Must be 16 with parental permission.