Wander up to Wisconsin's Northwoods in October and be captivated by fall’s dramatic colors, trek trails rich with history, paddle on sparkling lakes, cycle over cool creeks, harvest from the land, and be part of the beloved tradition known as the “Up North” experience.
Ladies, come to the Northwoods for our women's ultimate "Up North" experience. The setting of our adventures is scenic Manitowish Waters in Vilas County, Wisconsin. This is a place known for beautiful nature, friendly communities, and outdoor recreation like canoeing, hiking, biking, and fishing.
The Wisconsin Fall Colors Northwoods Women's Adventure combines a variety of unique outdoor adventures & local experiences led by resident experts including North Lakeland Discovery Center Naturalists, local scientists, business owners, and author John Bates.
Northwoods Outdoor Adventures!
- Explore by pontoon and canoe the pristine Turtle Flambeau Flowage while in the company of loons, ospreys, and bald eagles.
-Paddle your canoe down Bear River to learn about how the changing river affects local wildlife.
-Stretch your legs on two guided hikes that will help you learn about how glaciers influenced Vilas County's ecological communities and topography.
-Relax on a historical tour by pontoon between Spider Lake and Island Lakes. A member of the Historical Society will show photos and tells stories about significant sites connected to pioneers, Native Americans, and even the mobs of Chicago!
-Bike with a naturalist from Manitowish Waters to Boulder Junction, winding through various habitats with plenty of stops to talk about local flora and fauna.
-Head to big water! Explore Lake Superior's shoreline and hike to a few nearby waterfalls.
Local Experiences:
-Visit a commercial cranberry farm to learn about one of Wisconsin's native fruits.
-Learn canning basics and make cranberry relish to take home.
-Become bat aware. Learn about bat research and conservation projects and make your own bat roost.
-Try weaving. Make a Cattail place mat with natural materials and learn about the ecological importance of Cattails.
Meals will catered by a local company with emphasis on locally sourced, farm-to-table ingredients. Breakfasts and dinners will take place at the Discovery Center. Lunches will be sacked lunches with the exception of one afternoon out.
By car:
Address:
North Lakeland Discovery Center
14006 Discovery Lane • Manitowish Waters, WI
North Lakeland Discovery Center is about 6 hours north of Chicago.
By plane:
These airports are within 1-1.5 hours by car of Manitowish Waters:
Ironwood, MI (IWD) - 40 minutes
Rhinelander, WI (RHI) - 1 hour
Central Wisconsin (Wausau) (CWA) -1..5 hours
Chicago, IL (ORD) 5.5 hours
Note:
Once I know how many people plan to fly in, then I will help coordinate transportation. You may have to rent a car.
All activities are taught at the beginner level and will be tailored to the group. Participants should know their limits and be comfortable communicating them. Hikes are easy to moderate and are unpaved. Expect uneven terrain and gradual inclines. Participants should be able to walk unassisted carrying a light backpack.
The bike ride from Manitowish Waters to Boulder Junction is 16 miles on paved path that is mostly flat. Participants have the option to try electric assist bikes to give them an extra boost without the effort.
Our home base for the week is North Lakeland Discovery Center on the shores of Statehouse Lake. The property is a serene lake setting perfect for an early morning cast from the boat dock, or nature walk on 12 miles of hiking trails including a self-guided birding adventure. From our base, we will venture out each day to explore the surrounding area's natural wonders including a trip up the shores of Lake Superior.
Sleeping accommodations:
2 Bunkhouse Suites each sleeps 4 persons (Muskellunge and Mallard Cabins)
The bunkhouse suites have two bedrooms connected by a small living area. The bedrooms each have two twin beds which are converted bunk beds and also have cubbies for storage. Each bed will be on the ground, not stacked. The two bunkhouse suites are connected by two shared bathrooms (one with walk in shower) and a full kitchen. There are two toilets and one shower for 6 people AS well as access to bathhouse on the property.
2 Standard Bunkhouses: (Canvasback and Redhead Cabins)
The standard bunkhouses have large rooms with a private bathroom that connects to the other cabins bathroom (could open up the door to share the space or keep it closed to remain private. One bathroom has two toilets and a walk in shower. The other bathroom is ADA accessible with one toilet and large walk in shower. There will be two-three persons per room, each with a bottom bunk. No stacked beds. There will be more beds in a room than people to a room and also include cubbies for storage.
Bedding:
Cabins are heated, but it can get cool at night. Sheets, pillow and pillowcases are provided. Bring your own blanket or sleeping bag.
Bathhouse
The community bathhouse has 5 stall toilets and a shower area. Individual showers are separated by curtains
Property Features:
Bunkhouses
Main Lodge with commercial kitchen and large meeting space
Small, Wilderness Lake Access
12 miles of Hiking Trails
Gardens to Explore
Nature Nook with exhibits and live educational animals
Participants arrive at the North Lakeland Discovery Center by 3pm.
Dinner at the North Lakeland Discovery Center
Evening Program: Canoe lessons and evening paddle. Participants will learn beginner strokes and techniques of canoeing before a nice evening paddle on a small Northwoods lake.