Parks

The Quiet Side of the Northwoods is home to two public parks that offer plenty of amenities for family fun.

Hazelhurst Town Park, located on Yawkey Street next to the former Town Hall, offers a paved tennis court, a ball diamond, a playground and a picnic area.

Lake Katherine Beach Park, located on Oneida Street, offers a playground, a swimming area with an on-duty lifeguard from Memorial Day to Labor Day, a public boat landing, picnic areas and a covered pavilion. 

For more information about these parks, contact the Town of Hazelhurst.


Hiking, biking and birdwatching

Hazelhurst is a popular destination for hikers, bicyclists and birdwatchers, offering great walking or pedaling among the most spectacular scenery you can imagine. The Bearskin State Trail runs right through the heart of Hazelhurst. Its 18 miles of smooth red granite trails wind through oak, evergreen and maple forests, running from Minocqua to Hazelhurst and south to Cty. Hwy. K.

The trail is named after the Bearskin Creek, a tributary of the Tomahawk River it traverses. Eagles, osprey, deer and raccoons are commonly seen along the route, as well.

More than 10 additional hiking, biking and birding trails are available within 5 to 20 miles of Hazelhurst. From the natural grassy knolls of the night-lit Schlecht Lake Trail to the Raven’s rugged hills that wind through dense forests near Inkpot and Clear Lakes, this area has the right trail for you.

To get you started on your next Northwoods biking adventure, visit Trek the Trails for more information about trails in the Lakeland area. And, don’t forget to purchase a state trail pass.


Fishing

Whether you are a well-seasoned angler or a novice parent taking the kids out for their first fishing adventure, Hazelhurst is home to an abundance of lakes, rivers and streams. You will be sure to fill your stringers (or at least bag enough for a family fish fry) with northern, walleye, musky, bass and pan fish.

For expert advice, check out our area guide services. And, don’t forget to purchase a Wisconsin fishing license.


Boating, Canoeing, Water skiing and more

You can find many different ways to enjoy Hazelhurst’s abundance of lakes, flowages, rivers and streams. From canoeing or kayaking the Tomahawk River to pontoon boat rides or water skiing on Lake Katharine, you can’t go wrong.


Cedar Falls and Willow Flowage

For the adventurous, an abundance of both primitive and traditional camping opportunities exist near the 7,000-acre Willow Flowage and Cedar Falls.

These areas also offer undisturbed wooded shorelines, fishing, hiking, biking, hunting, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Bring your camera and binoculars, because wildlife is abundant, including several threatened and endangered species.

Surrounded by swamps, bogs and other watery lowlands, the flowage is isolated from roads and development. Year-round residents include three wolf packs and healthy populations of deer, bear, beaver, river otter, grouse and loon.

For fishing enthusiasts, musky and walleye abound within the Willow’s depths. A popular Northwoods spring activity is to visit the rushing Cedar Falls, located along the Tomahawk River near the flowage, to watch the musky spawn. 


Golfing

Surrounded by lakes, trees, and abundant wildlife, the area's dozen golf courses challenge all skill levels. Choose from 9-and 18-hole layouts, each varying in yardage, design and difficulty – all offering scenery unmatched anywhere else.

The course located closest to accommodations in Hazelhurst is Timber Ridge Golf Club, which offers junior and twilight golfing, and 9-and 18-hole options.


Viewing the fall colors

Capture the breathtaking beauty of the bright reds, vivid yellows and warm oranges reflecting off the sparkling lakes and arching over the Bearskin Trail and our scenic back roads.

Generally, peak colors can be seen anywhere from the last two weeks of September to the first two weeks of October. While you visit local Colorama celebrations, stay in the Quiet Side of the Northwoods, where you will be sure to experience the glory of fall.


Hunting

Hazelhurst public lands are open for hunting during scheduled seasons. Ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, white-tailed deer and wild turkey are the primary game species. Trappers can find beaver, muskrat, otter, raccoon, fisher and mink. Please obtain the appropriate licenses and review state of Wisconsin regulations before hunting or trapping.


Skiing and snowshoeing

Winter silent sports enthusiasts love to come to Hazelhurst to take advantage of our average annual 65-inch snow fall and the network of area cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails.

Winter Park is easily accessible from Hazelhurst by taking the back roads – Camp Nine Road to Scotchman Lake Road. The park offers 75 kilometers of trails, including three children’s loops, telemarketing slopes, a chalet, a café, heated wax room and a babysitting service.

In addition, several state trails are available in the area, ranging from 2.9 to 12.5 miles in length. These trails may be groomed or ungroomed, and they encompass a range of difficulties.

Schlecht Lake Trail, just a mile north of Hazelhurst, is groomed, 10 km. in length, 3 km. which is well-lit for night skiing until 10 p.m. To view maps of the trails, visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Hazelhurst is also home to several restaurants and cozy lodging options, including resorts, bed and breakfasts and motels, which remain open throughout the winter to accommodate skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts. 


Snowmobiling

The Bear Skin State Trail, located partially in Hazelhurst, is a main thoroughfare to the more than 1,600 miles of professionally groomed trails in the Lakeland area. Thanks to the hard work of local snowmobile clubs and volunteers, you can take off in any direction on your sled and find plenty of well-marked Northwoods trails, as well as numerous welcoming trail-side pit stops. Several Hazelhurst lodging options and restaurants remain open throughout the winter to accommodate snowmobilers, as well.