Destination The Great Northwoods

By Maura Keller | Photo © St. Germain

The Northwoods of Wisconsin boasts an eclectic display of state-of-the-art venues that are ideal for today’s meetings and events. Cozy rather than commercial, these locales dotting the Northwoods region offer unique small-town charm and experiences for groups looking to work some and play some.

HAYWARD

The Hayward area is a great choice for meeting planners not simply because there are many meeting location options, but also because of the area’s overall aesthetic. Hayward has a small-town feel and still provides everything planners and attendees are looking for.

“There are a variety of options to fill time spent outside of meetings and the scenery simply can’t be beat,” says Brianna McKenzie, assistant director, Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce.

Venues in Hayward range from smaller meeting spaces that hold 30 people to larger venues that can hold upwards of 300, and meeting planners and attendees can expect beautiful facilities that highlight the Northwoods feel of northern Wisconsin. Some venues that have played host to many successful gathering in the Hayward area include SylvanDale Wedding & Event Barn; Flat Creek Lodge & Restaurant; The Steakhouse & Lodge; Sevenwinds Casino; Lodge & Convention Center; Lakewoods Resort, Mooselips Event Center; Big Fish Golf Club & Event Center and Holiday Inn Express. Many of these venues can also provide full- service meals and beverages, or you can choose to use an outside caterer.

When business is wrapping up, it’s time to enjoy all the amenities Hayward has to offer, including a wealth of outdoor experiences that keep attendees engaged and entertained. Whether it be biking or ATVing on the area’s vast trail system, fishing or kayaking one of the many lakes or rivers, golfing at one of the region’s beautiful courses, or skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing during the colder months — there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

“There are many options for dining and shopping as well, and our area boasts a variety of world-class events that take place throughout the year,” McKenzie says. “There is also a variety of lodging options in our area to host meeting attendees, with some venues even providing lodging on site.”

To enhance the attendee experience in Hayward, meeting planners can also provide a variety of options beyond the event.

“This can include team-building exercises utilizing some of our great outdoor activities or attending events happening throughout the area during your stay,” McKenzie says. “The Hayward Information Center provides excellent information for all amenities and experiences in the area and would be a great resource for event planners.”

EAGLE RIVER

If you are looking for a smaller venue to create a more intimate setting for your meetings, Eagle River is the place to be. The region offers businesses that can host small group meetings of 10, to resorts and venues that can hold 300.

“The thing that sets Eagle River apart from other meeting destinations is the outdoor environment,” says Kim Emerson, executive director of the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce.

Whether it’s boating on the World’s Largest Chain of Freshwater Lakes in the summer, enjoying the fall colors while hiking and biking during the autumn, or snowmobiling across the miles of trails in the Snowmobile Capital of the World in the winter, the Eagle River area is full of fun activities that can help teams bond and make business trips much more memorable.

Some of the key venues in Eagle River that planners should consider include Eagle Waters Resort, Chanticleer Inn, Eagle River Inn, Wild Eagle Lodge, Coady’s Point of View Lake Resort and Riverstone Brewing Company. Eagle Waters Resort offers meeting and convention space for up to 250 people and can help coordinate a wealth of team-building activities.

Wild Eagle Lodge is perfect for groups of 5 to 400, who are seeking to experience the rustic charm that the Wisconsin Northwoods has to offer. Complete with lodge homes, lakeside campfire rings, corporate meeting spaces, and boating options aplenty, Wild Eagle Lodge features a variety of meeting spaces that will make attendees feel right at home.

Eagle River’s lodging options include amenities that come with resort stays, the experience of staying in rustic cabins, familiar feels of traditional hotel spaces with pools, glamping adventures along the water, all the way down to the basics of camping in a tent.

“As far as experiences in Eagle River, our most recognizable one is fun on the water,” Emerson says. “Thanks to dozens of area lakes, visitors can enjoy a peaceful paddle in a canoe or kayak, fishing for musky and trophies, the thrill of jet or water skiing, relaxing on a pontoon and more. A system of trails and routes supports additional outdoor activities like hiking, biking, ATV/UTVing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and more.”

While your meeting might be the reason for gathering, Emerson stresses the importance of ensuring attendees can experience the great outdoors through the numerous activities and specialty businesses that Eagle River offers. From fishing guides and rental shops, there’s always a way to create everlasting memories while in this neck of the woods.

“For food and activities in any season, don’t be afraid to check out a traditional Wisconsin supper club or small locally owned diner while you’re in town, too,” Emerson says. “The Eagle River area has two breweries: Tribute Brewing Company and Riverstone Brewing Company. In addition, Mary Kate’s Wine Bar is a great option for libations. Other indoor activities include Kickin’ Axe Up North and Up North Escape Room.”

ST. GERMAIN

Centrally located in Vilas County, St. Germain is about halfway between Eagle River and Minocqua and is historically known as a lake resort and snowmobiling destination. The area is ideal for team retreats or smaller meetings rather than larger conferences due to the typical size of the event spaces and rental properties. From cozy cabins to charming resorts, St. Germain is the ideal spot for smaller groups to “get away from it all” and enjoy the northern climate of Wisconsin.

“For larger indoor meetings, there is the Town Hall, which has a kitchen, restrooms, foldable tables and chairs with capacity of around 300,” says Azael Meza, executive director, St. Germain Chamber of Commerce. “For outdoor events, there is the Town Pavilion which includes a kitchen and picnic tables and adjacent restroom facility.” The St. Germain Chamber of Commerce board room is ideal for smaller gatherings of 15 attendees.

“The setting of St. Germain is quintessential Wisconsin Northwoods, with an abundance of lakes and outdoor recreation opportunities for both motorized and silent sports,” Meza says. Activities available include fishing, water recreation, snowmobile and ATV/trails, hiking, and 50 miles of paved bike trails in the area, as well as the Snowmobile Hall of Fame Museum.

Charming restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream parlors and golf courses also dot the region and offer the perfect opportunity for meeting attendees to enjoy what the Northwoods wilderness has to offer.

MINOCQUA

From igniting team unity to uncovering new levels of creativity, the Minocqua area provides the perfect atmosphere for success. “Tap into Minocqua’s unique allure with a stress-free location and elevate your team’s experience,” says Sherry Hulett, sports and group sales director at Let’s Minocqua Visitors Bureau. “Come and immerse yourself in the inspiring environment of fresh air, a small town and relaxed setting — where connections are made, creativity flows and success is within reach.”

The Minocqua area includes numerous venues depending on a group’s needs. The Waters of Minocqua is a full-service hotel with banquet space and an indoor water park, offering an ideal location for business gatherings that may include families. Red Crown Lodge and Franklin Coon Lodge, both located on Trout Lake, offer on-site water activities, small conference or retreat meeting rooms and superb service. In fact, Red Crown Lodge offers the opportunity for the entire property to be solely available to each group — resulting in an ideal private experience for meeting attendees.

And for larger groups, the Point Hotel and Suites, which is located on the Minocqua Chain of Lakes, boasts a theater-style meeting room.

“As outstanding as our hotels and resorts are, we know that you will choose Northern Wisconsin so your attendees can enjoy our outdoors,” Hulett says.

Get the creative juices flowing with Minocqua’s jaw-dropping scenery and unbeatable recreational offerings. Attendees have the option to relax and unwind or engage in lively team-building activities like ATVing, ziplining, fishing, cross-country skiing, disc golfing, or hiking, to name a few. Also, golf, mini-golf, escape rooms and horseback riding can be found close to downtown Minocqua.

“Incorporating the vast beauty of our lakes and forest into the event or meeting is the perfect way to enhance attendees’ experience in the Northwoods,” Hulett says. Unplug from the stress of everyday life and enjoy the calm and quieter pass of Minocqua. The Northwoods of Wisconsin has some of the friendliest communities you will find in the world. You won’t regret holding a meeting or event here. And the fishing in the Minocqua area is second to none — Field and Stream magazine recently named the Minocqua Area one of the “Best Fishing Towns in America.”