Start from 25 curated places around Eagle River, WI, then choose the recommendations that fit your guests.
Restaurants & cafés
Toad in the Hole
A weekend brunch spot on S Railroad that builds a loyal following through scratch-made seasonal plates and a willingness to take the menu somewhere unexpected — Purple Ube Pancakes and Thai Chicken Sandwiches share the board with more familiar egg dishes. The room is small and the waits reflect it, but the kitchen is consistently executed. Wednesday through Saturday, 8am to 2pm.
Erin's Pub 'N' Grub
A Northwoods neighborhood bar on N Railroad that takes its food more seriously than the name suggests — the Garlic Parmesan Burger and donair pizza are genuine crowd favorites, and the kitchen is consistent across a full lunch and dinner menu. Darts, pool, and a golf simulator keep things lively after the plates are cleared. Rated 4.7 with over 500 reviews across platforms.
Trails & outdoors
Shannon Lake Trail
A figure-eight loop system around non-motorized Shannon Lake near St. Germain, with four color-coded routes ranging from 1.9 to 6.5 miles through rolling mixed forest. The green loop hugging the lakeshore is the standout — benches face the water and the only sounds are wind through pines and the occasional loon call. Used for mountain biking and fat-tire biking in winter when left ungroomed.
Three Eagle Trail
The 12.7-mile rail-trail corridor connecting Eagle River and Three Lakes is the most accessible walking and hiking route in the area — compacted limestone, no grades, and wetland bridges make it suitable for all fitness levels and ages. In winter it converts to 4.9 miles of groomed cross-country ski trail maintained for both skate and classical technique. The forest feels surprisingly wild for a trail this easy.
Things to do
Chain of Lakes Boating & Fishing
Getting on the water is the primary reason most visitors come to Eagle River, and the 28-lake chain delivers whether you are here to fish, pontoon, kayak, or simply watch the sunset from the middle of a lake. Muskie season draws serious anglers from across the Midwest; walleye and panfish keep everyone else happy. Several rental outfitters and public launches sit within minutes of the main strip.
Snowmobiling the Eagle River 500 Trail Network
Eagle River grooms 500-plus miles of interconnected snowmobile trails weaving through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and between the 1,300-plus lakes of Vilas County. Rentals are available in town, and the trail system connects to virtually every bar, restaurant, and lodge in the region — snowmobiling here is genuinely a transportation mode as much as a sport. The Sno-Eagles club maintains local grooming.
Landmarks & sights
Eagle River Chain of Lakes
The world's largest connected freshwater chain of 28 lakes stretches across Vilas County with over 174 miles of navigable shoreline. Rent a pontoon, drop a line for muskies, or simply cruise through the pine-lined passages connecting each body of water. The chain forms the backbone of outdoor life in Eagle River.
World Snowmobile Headquarters & Hall of Fame
Eagle River earned its title as the Snowmobile Capital of the World through decades of hosting the World Championship Snowmobile Derby each January, and this museum preserves that legacy with vintage sleds and Hall of Fame exhibits. The oval track next door has seen racers top 100 mph since 1964. Even in summer the exhibits are worth a walk-through to understand how central snowmobiling is to Northwoods identity.