EXPLORE YOUR WILD SIDE!
We have a boatload of fun activities for you to experience in every season. From stand-up paddle boarding to white water rafting to snowshoeing and disc golf, you decide how to explore your wild side!
Sports & Recreation
GO WILD!
ATV
Experience the beauty and adventure of the outdoors at Embarrass River O.H.V. (off-highway vehicle) Park & Campground. This is a 500-acre multi-purpose public park located 1/2 mile east of Tigerton along the Embarrass River. The park features about 30 miles at ATV/UTV trails which include mud pits and ponds for added challenge and fun. There are 70 campsites ranging from river, rustic and RV.
Biking
There are many options available for biking throughout Shawano County including park-to-park trails within the City of Shawano, Rails-to-Trails including the Mountain Bay State Trail and WIOUWASH Trail; and Town of Wescott Bike Routes.
Birding
Navarino State Wildlife Area ranks as one of Wisconsin’s top-rated wildlife viewing areas . This 15,000-acre property is a mix of prairie, woodlands, marshes and flowages. The Wolf and Shioc Rivers shape the character of this landscape that is home to many species of native mammals and birds including Sandhill Crane, Ruffed Grouse, Wild Turkey, Northern Harrier, Eastern Bluebird, Tundra Swan and American Bittern, Loggerhead Shrike, Little Blue Heron, Great Horned Owl–a total of 101 types of birds have been spotted. A nature center offers visitors educational opportunities and there are programs led by staff naturalists.
At 6,178 acres, Shawano Lake is part of a 62 square mile watershed within the Wolf River Basin. It is heavily used year-round for recreation. It is significant to wildlife, especially during spring and fall migrations when waterfowl of all types can be found on the lake. The county park at the north end of the lake contains woodlands where you can find Redheaded Woodpeckers. American White Pelicans and Tundra Swans can be found on the lake in the spring.
Bowling
Resch Lanes, 407 S. Howard St., Wittenberg, is an 8-lane “mom & pop” owned bowling center that offers great burgers, sandwiches, bar and fun events. 715-253-2605
Camping
Shawano Country has a wide variety of camping options available including lakeside, riverside, rustic, full-service resort, RV, and tent camping. Many campgrounds have fun activities, events, and water sports rentals available. For a full list, visit “camping” in our Find a Business directory.
Canoeing/Kayaking
The waterways in Shawano County provide a variety of experiences for all skill levels. If it’s calmer water you seek, try the lower Wolf River. The Wolf River, below the Shawano Dam, is a quiet and peaceful river to canoe or kayak on. It’s wide and never has logjams or large windfalls to block the paddlers progress. You will often see eagles, ducks and blue herons. It travels through farm land and lowlands (M to CCC) and the Navarino State Wildlife area (CCC to 156).
Notes: In late summer it can be too shallow and some walking the boats may be required; no place to stop.
You can cover the Shawano County portions of this river in one long trip or two shorter ones.
1) Put in on County M (Lieg Street) in the City of Shawano, about 6 blocks west of Main Street. Boat launch on left bank. Plenty of parking. No restrooms.
It’s usually about a 3 hour trip. A little less if water is high and fast. A little more if it isn’t.
2) Take-out (or launch for lower river paddle) at CCC. Boat launch on left bank. Plenty of parking. No restrooms.
3) Take-out at County 156. About a 4 hour trip if starting from CCC.
A kayak launch is available at Cecil Lakeview Park for accessing Shawano Lake.
Looking for something more challenging? According to paddling.com the Red River below Lower Red Lake is an excellent beginner to intermediate run with one of the drops pushing III+ to IV at higher flows. The Red is an old stand-by for locals when the other rivers are too low or too high. The power plant is always releasing at least a little water at a controlled rate that makes the Red somewhat predictable.
Cross-Country Skiing
Shawano Country has cross-country ski trails to challenge all levels of skiers.
- Navarino Nature Center, W5646 Lindsten Rd., Shiocton, has 12 miles of groomed trails. Ski rentals are available.
- Maple Hills Recreation area, on Hwy 22, 2 miles south of Shawano, has 6.9 miles of groomed hilly trails with a parking area.
- Shawano Lake County Park, W5785 Lake Dr., Shawano, has a one-mile groomed trail.
- Shawano Lake Golf Course, W5714 Lake Dr., Shawano, has 5 miles of groomed trail.
- Wilson Lake County Park, 2 miles west of Wittenberg on Nightingale Rd., has a one mile trail through wooded area.
Disc Golf
9 hole course-Martzke Park, 234 County Rd. B, Shawano.
9-hole course-Shawano Middle School, 1050 S. Union Street, Shawano
18-hole course-Dream Big Disc Golf, located at Embarrass River ATV Park, 1100 Quad Park Lane, Tigerton. Moderately hilly and heavily wooded.
For putting practice-Panic Park, Hemlock Rd. It’s a small park a couple of acres in size with nice picnic area along the river.
No actual course layout. Just nine baskets scrunched together. You can putt from one basket to the next.
Escape Room
Experience a fun team-building activity at Shawano’s Escape Room located in the Shawano County Library. This is a real life team based puzzle game where you are in a room and have to solve puzzles together to get out. Every month there is a new theme. Call and schedule an appointment for your group or family, 715-526-3829. Puzzles take approximately 45 minutes to solve.
Fishing
Shawano Country is a fisherman’s paradise and home to some of the most exciting fishing tournaments in the state. The area’s extensive lake and river system offers excellent pan and sport fishing. Visit the Shawano Country Chamber & Visitor Center for a topographic map of Shawano Lake and a complete list of other lakes in the county. Here is a sampling….
- Shawano Lake covers over 6,000 acres up to 40 feet deep in some areas. It is one of the state’s best fishing lakes containing a wide variety of fish including largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike, perch, crappie, muskie, bullhead and bluegill and panfish. A handicap-accessible dock is located near the intersection of Highways 22 and 117 in Cecil.
- Washington Lake is connected to Shawano Lake by a small channel on the north shore of Shawano Lake. It has excellent largemouth bass cover, especially early in the season.
- Loon and Lulu Lakes are located just west of Washington Lake and are good bass and walleye pike lakes.
- Upper and Lower Red Lakes are formed by dams on the lower Red River at Gresham. They provide excellent bluegill, bass, and northern pike.
- The Cloverleaf Lakes chain of lakes near Embarrass is good for bluegill and bass.
For bait and tackle and great advice on what’s biting, visit Kuhn’s Bait & Tackle Palace, 202 N. Airport Rd., Shawano, 715-524-5252.
Go-Karts
US Air Motorsorts, W5901 County Rd. BE, Shawano, has Karts available for rent on their professional track. They have several “Arrive and Drive” programs designed for the novice enthusiast up to the experienced racer. Book the rental karts for bachelor, birthday, other parties, or corporate events. Everything you need is included–karts, suits, helmets, and on-track instruction. You can view racing action of sprint and oval karts, SuperMoto motorcyles, UTV SxS and Drift Cars. Open April through October. 715-524-9231
Golden Sands Golf Community
Maple Hills Golf Course
Pine Hillls Golf & Supper Club
Shawano Lake Golf Course
Golf
Golden Sands Golf Community, 300 Nabor Rd, Cecil, is a beautiful 18-hole, par-71 course overlooking the east shore of Shawano Lake. Open for outings of all sizes and banquet facilities for up to 300 people. Full dining menu 5-9 p.m. Fridays year-round. 715-745-2189
Maple Hills Golf Course, N6621 Cardinal Ln, Wittenberg, is an easily accessible 9-hole, par-36 golf course placed perfectly in the rolling hillsides with breathtaking views. They have a banquet hall, restaurant and full bar in the clubhouse. 715-253-2448
Pine Hills Golf & Supper Club, N9499 Pine Hills Dr., Gresham is a scenic, well-maintained, mature par-72 course . The supper Club and bar & grill is open April through October. The Many Trails Banquet Hall and Pine Hills Clubhouse are available for meetings, parties, and other events. 715-787-3778
Shawano Lake Golf Course, W5714 Lake Dr., Shawano, is a beautiful 18-hole course on the north shore of Shawano lake with a practice green and fully stocked pro shop. Open for outings of all sizes. Banquet facilities are available. The Shal Bar & Grill is open Thurs. and Fri. nights year round and daily during golf season. 715-524-4890
Shawano Pathways
Mountain Bay State Recreation Trail
WIOUWASH State Trail
Navarino Nature Center
Gibson Island
Hiking
There are many options available for hiking throughout Shawano County including park-to-park trails within the City of Shawano, Rails-to-Trails including the Mountain Bay State Trail and WIOUWASH Trail.
- Scenic hikes through the woods are available at many locations including Navarino Nature Center, Gibson Island.
- The Cone Memorial Fitness Trail is a one-mile paved trail that has eight simple workout stations like those used on U.S. Army bases. It is located on the grounds of Hope Community Church, 302 Tristan Dr., Shawano.
- Born Learning Trails located at Kuckuk Park, 700 Oak Dr., and Eberlein Park, 107 Eberlein Park Dr. in Shawano is geared toward preschoolers and families. They have engaging, interactive exhibits that are fun and educational. The trails highlight the unique cultural diversity of Shawano with signs in English and Spanish and many words in Menominee.
Hunting
Hunting is available at the 15,000 acre state-owned Navarino Wildlife Area, located 10 miles south of Shawano for whitetail deer, ruffed grouse, wood cock, squirrel, snowshoe hares and cottontail rabbits, Canada geese, turkeys and pheasants. A 1,000 acre refuge is closed to hunting during waterfowl season. Wisconsin hunting rules apply.
Ice Skating
Outdoor ice skating is available in several locations. In Bonduel (located behind the Public Safety Building at 201 S. First St.). Tigerton and Wittenberg ice rinks with warming houses and skates available.
Indoor ice skating is available at the Crawford Center, 225 S. Waukechon St., Shawano. Open October through March for Shawano Hockey League. Open skating available. $3 admission, skate rentals available. 715-524-3976
Jet Skiing
Mini-Golf
Shawano Sports Park, 1056 E. Green Bay St., has an 18-hole miniature golf course, automated batting cages, and Nascar-style go-kart track. 715-524-3849
Paddle Boarding
Shawano Lake is a great place to experience stand-up paddle boarding. Rentals are available at Shawano Lake County Park, W5791 Lake Drive, Shawano.
Skate Boarding
The City of Shawano Skate Park allows BMX bikes and is located on Elizabeth Street across from Memorial Park.
Sledding
Sledding hills are located at Navarino Nature Center, W5646 Lindsten Rd., Shiocton and Maple Hills Recreation Area, 2 miles south of Shawano on Hwy 22.
Snowmobiling
Shawano County has over 400 miles of groomed and marked snowmobile trains winding through majestic forests and scenic meadows. ATV’s can be used on most of the trails (with the exception of the Mountain Bay and WIOUWASH Trails) when the temperature is below 28 degrees and trails are open.
Snowshoeing
Groomed trails are available at:
- Maple Hills Recreation Area–2.5 mile trail
- Shawano Lake Golf Course, W5714 Lake Dr., Shawano
Natural trails are available at:
- Navarino Nature Center, W5646 Lindsten Rd., Shiocton–Snowshoe Rentals available
- Hayman Falls County Park, CTH M west of Shawano through Pella one mile, then south 1/2 mile.
- Shawano Lake County Park, W5785 Lake Dr., Shawano
- Shawano Lake Golf Course, W5714 Lake Dr., Shawano
- Wilson Lake County Park, 2 miles west of Wittenberg on Nightingale Rd.
Splash Pad
Located at Memorial Park, 909 S. Lincoln St., Shawano. Open daily, Memorial Day to Labor Day. Family Friendly refreshing activity for those hot summer days!
Sporting Clays
J&H Game Farm Sporting Clays & Pheasant Hunting, W5810 J & H Road, Shiocton, owns 715 acres with a 2700 sq. ft. clubhouse offering home cooked food and a large pro shop. The different hunting fields and sporting clay courses use 250 of the club’s 715 acres of marsh and brush areas, which are natural cover for pheasants. There are six spacious areas for the hunter to choose, from open sorghum strips to dense brushy terrain. J&H has hosted many State and National Shoots including the second largest individual shoot in the state and the Wisconsin Ironman. After the hunt, relax in their spacious Sportman’s Lodge with beverages and home-cooked food while enjoying the fireplace. 715-758-8134 Open Tues. – Thurs. 8 a.m. to dark; Fri.-Sun. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Underwater Sturgeon Cam
Sturgeon Spawning Season Info
Shawano Leader Article May 9, 2014
WLUK TV Coverage of 2018 Sturgeon Spawning
Sturgeon Viewing
The nation’s largest population of lake sturgeon-the sacred fish called Nama’o by the native Menominee-migrate north each spring from Lake Winnebago up the Wolf River. Watch along the rocks in spring when the water begins to warm and you’ll see a commotion that draws crowds. Lake sturgeon spawning in the shallows draw people from all over, and the volunteer Sturgeon Guards stand watch around the clock to ensure that no poachers disturb their amorous behavior. Their migration culminates at the Shawano Dam where spectators can view the ancient ones up close. At Shawano Dam, biologists have netted and tagged lake sturgeon up to 250 pounds. Local Menominee Indians still consider the sturgeon sacred and celebrate the big fish in dances, stories and an annual Sturgeon Feast. Scientists from all over the world have come to study lake sturgeon in the Wolf and downstream at Lake Winnebago where the total population stands at about 60,000 fish.
Triathlon / Strong Man
The Leopolis Triathlon, held on July 4th started in 1986. The triathlon is sponsored by the Leopolis Booster Club and consists of three different races — the jock class (50-yard swim, 12-mile bike and 5-mile run), the beer belly (50-yard swim, 5-mile bike, 2-mile run) and the 16 & under (50-yard swim, 5-mile bike and 2-mile run). Also included in the festivities a parade, food, refreshments, raffle and entertainment. Registration 9-10:30am, race start time 11am; parade at 1:30pm. 715-787-4402
The Cloverleaf Lakes Triathlon is in August: Distance-1/4 Mile Swim, 19 mile bike and 3.5 mile run; relay 1/4 mile swim, 19 mile bike ride, and 3.5 mile run; sprint-1/8 mile swim, 3.5 mile bike ride, and 1.5 mile run. Packet pickup: Rustic Resort, N2660 Rustic Cr., Clintonville.
The Tigerton Strong Man competition is held in August during Lumberjack Days, Community Park. 715-535-3300
Tubing
If it’s a relaxing float trip you’re looking for, then the lower Wolf River is your best bet. We’ve got several tubing trip outfitters to help make your experience great!
Water Skiing
Enjoy water skiing on Shawano Lake–boat rentals available.
The State Champion Ski Sharks are a non-profit water ski club that presents free, weekly ski shows in a family-focused environment. They perform every Wednesday June through August at Wolf River Beach in Smalley Park, Shawano. Pre-show 5:30 pm, show at 6:00 pm. Two Sunday shows: June 30th and July 7th. Full concessions available. They also hold “Learn to Ski” classes for children and “Believe & Ski Adaptive Ski” classes for those with disabilities. Shawano is the site of the Guinness World Record for the most barefoot water skiers behind one boat–32!
Rafting Outfitter-Shotgun Eddy
Herb's Rafting
River Forest Rafting/Tubing
Rafting Outfitter-Big Smokey Falls
White Water Rafting
The Wolf River-one of America’s designated national Wild and Scenic Rivers-is among the best whitewater rafting experiences in the Midwest. On the upper portions of the Wolf within Menominee County, visitors will experience Class I to Class IV rapids. Several outfitters are available to provide all the gear you need for a memorable journey.
Yoga
Find your Zen while using yoga as a form of exercise, relaxation and meditation.