During Your Stay

Tomahawk: Adventure, History, and Great Eats

Tomahawk, Wisconsin, known as the “Gateway to the Northwoods,” is the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. Surrounded by lakes and rivers, it’s a haven for fishing, boating, paddling, and swimming in summer, with snowmobiling, skiing, and ice fishing taking over in winter. Trails like the Hiawatha and Bearskin State Trail or the scenic Ice Age Trail make it a year-round destination for hikers and bikers. History buffs can step back in time at the Tomahawk Area Historical Museums or see the historic steam train in Washington Park. After a day of exploring, visitors can stroll Main Street to enjoy local shops, cozy restaurants, and classic Wisconsin suppers, or unwind with a glass of wine at Brigadoon Winery. Whether you’re chasing adventure, culture, or a great dinner out, Tomahawk has something for everyone.

Outdoor Activies & Nature

Lakes and Rivers:

Tomahawk is surrounded by water, including Lake Mohawksin, Lake Alice, Lake Nokomis, and the Wisconsin River. These offer excellent opportunities for:
  • Fishing: Known for musky, walleye, bass, and panfish.
  • Boating and Paddling: Kayaking, canoeing, and pleasure boating are popular.
  • Swimming: Beaches can be found at places like SARA Park, Frenchtown Beach, Crystal Beach, and Spirit Flowage Beach.

Trails:

  • Hiawatha & Bearskin State Trail: Great for biking, hiking, and snowmobiling.
  • Ice Age Trail (Harrison Hills and Grandfather Falls Segments): Offers scenic hiking through diverse landscapes.
  • Tomahawk Riverwalk: A pleasant trail along the Wisconsin River.
  • Underdown Recreation Area: Features trails for hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.

Parks:

  • SARA Park: A large park with boat landings, event venues, sports fields, and a campground.
  • Memorial Park: Offers waterfront views.
  • Bradley Park, Frenchtown Park, Mary’s Park & Dog Run, Nokomis Community Park, Pride Park: Various green spaces for recreation and relaxation.

Golf:

Edgewater Country Club and Inshalla Country Club offer courses for golfers.

Winter Sports:

  • Snowmobiling: Over 400 miles of groomed trails connect to a larger network.
  • Ice Fishing: Popular on lakes like Lake Alice and Lake Nokomis.
  • Cross-country Skiing: Available on trails like the McNaughton Trail, Raven Nature Trail, and Madeline Trail.
  • Camp 10 Ski n Snowboard: For downhill skiing and snowboarding.

Discover Tomahawk

Coffee Shops

What’s Brewin’ Coffee Shop:

A local favorite in historic downtown Tomahawk, known for gourmet coffee, teas, breakfast, lunch, homemade soups, sandwiches, fudge, and baked goods. They offer indoor seating and an outdoor garden patio.

Northwoods Cafe & Coffeehouse:

A small-town family business offering breakfast and lunch alongside coffee drinks, lotuses, and Red Bull chargers. They feature monthly drink menus, baked goods, sandwiches, salads, burgers, wraps, and soup, often using locally sourced ingredients.

Rise Coffee Company:

A drive-thru coffee shop offering coffee and “munches” for on-the-go or a quick break.

Restaurants

Tomahawk has a good mix of supper clubs, bar & grills, family restaurants, and fast food. Here are some options:

Billy Bob’s Sports Bar & Grill:

Offers homemade pizza, burgers, fish fry, prime rib, and broasted chicken.

Castaways Bar & Grill:

Features daily specials, Friday Fish Fry, and gluten-free options.

Dog N Suds:

Famous for its “World Famous” Root Beer, hot dogs, and Texas burgers.

Floyd’s Timber Tavern:

Known for daily specials like Bacon Tacos on Tuesday, Wing Wednesday, and Burger Thursday.

Mary’s Hangout:

Described as a “dive bar” and a local spot.

Nacho’s Mexican Grill:

Offers Mexican cuisine.

Outboards Bar & Grill:

Serves elevated appetizers, sandwiches, homemade pizza, and daily specials.

Sideways Wine Bar & Craft Beer:

A popular establishment in downtown Tomahawk, Wisconsin, known for its selection of wines and craft beers, as well as a creative food menu.

The Loop Hole LLC:

Offers a variety of food, including Mexican options and locally sourced beef. They also have live music and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Tilted Loon Saloon:

Known for specialty sandwiches, fish fry, and homemade pizza (with gluten-free options).

Tomahawk Family Restaurant:

A homey diner serving American breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Twin Bay Resort:

Offers made-to-order pizza, Italian appetizers, and homemade lasagna, in addition to being a resort.

Super Clubs

Tomahawk supper clubs are classic Wisconsin dining establishments known for their nostalgic atmosphere, hearty portions, friendly service, and traditional menus featuring items like prime rib, steaks, fish fry, and Old Fashioned cocktails.

Bootleggers Lodge:

A fine dining supper club on Lake Nokomis, known for organic meat dishes, seafood, and a Friday night fish fry, along with an extensive wine selection.

Pine Tree Supper Club:

A classic Northwoods supper club experience.

Silver Birch Supper Club:

American fine dining, steakhouse, and seafood.

Museums & History:

  • Tomahawk Area Historical Museums:

    Located in Tomahawk’s first schoolhouse (built 1888) and a former log tourist information building. They feature exhibits on early logging, farming, a one-room school setting, military collections, and the history of “Tomahawk, the Magic City.”

  • Historic Steam Train:

    Located in Washington Park.

  • Tomahawk’s First School Museum:

    Another historical site offering a glimpse into the past.

Other Attractions:

  •  Ice Cream: A fun option for families. Windmill Ice Cream Shop
  • Brigadoon Winery: Located near Tomahawk in Tripoli, offering wine tastings.
  • Tomahawk Cinema: For moviegoers.
  • Tomahawk Speedway: For racing enthusiasts.
  • Main Street: Explore local shops, dining, and seasonal events like the Farmer’s Market.
  • Events: Tomahawk hosts various community events throughout the year, including the July 3rd Arts, Crafts, & Vendor Show, Fall Ride, and Oktoberfest.