The Northwoods Tourist Guide: Dog Edition
By Casey Reeves, Northwoods News Digital Journalism Intern
Whether you are a local resident or a visitor of the Northwoods, it’s common to have your furry best friend in the car with you. Car rides can be fun for your dog, but sometimes they just need a little extra stimulation in their lives. After all, humans aren’t the only ones who need extra sources of fun. From places to spoil your dog, to parks where they can run around with friends, the Northwoods has many amazing places to visit with your pup. Here are just a few places around the Northwoods to check out.
Photo by K. Woodzick
Lakeland Area Dog Park, Minocqua
9863 Plaza Dr, Minocqua, WI 54548
Daily Hours: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm
Lakeland Area Dog Park is a lovely 1.65 acre park for you and your furry friend. With separate areas for both large and small canines, the park is fully fenced in so you don’t have to worry about your pup going astray!
Additionally, if you also need to pick up some supplies for your pup, Tractor Supply (8761 Northridge Way, Minocqua, WI 54548) is located right across the street. Get a variety of goods such as dog food, toys, and more! You can even pop in and use their dog bathing stations, which have everything you need to get your furry friend squeaky clean.
9695 State Highway 70 Minocqua, WI 54548
Monday to Friday: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
After all that play, your dog might just need some freshening up! Pampered Paws is located near the Lakeland Area Dog Park. They have been offering grooming services since 1979, and are part of a respected franchise in the industry. Get your pup a trim or bath, and check out the food and toys they offer while your dog is getting pampered.
Rhinelander Dog Park at Shepard Park (AKA Drs Foster & Smith Dog Park)
808-844 Boyce Dr, Rhinelander, WI 54501
Daily Hours: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
Open year-round, this park is the perfect area to bring your pet to play. The park started in the early 2000s, with a mission to provide a clean, fenced area for dogs and people to enjoy time together. There is a small dogs only area, which means pups of any size can join in the fun at the park. There are also several areas of the park to enjoy, from hiking trails to a designated fetch area!
2134 Lincoln Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin 54501
Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00am to 5:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
Rhinelander’s beloved pet store, Northwoods Pets, has all the goodies you could ever need! From dogs to reptiles, this store has it all. Providing several different services, there is even a new adoption bundle that the shop provides for free if you just got your furry friend. You can also check out their website (linked above) for different treat recipes and articles about pet health.
1921 Epler Ct, Three Lakes, WI 54562
Daily Hours: 5:30 am to 9:30 pm
This two-acre dog park is one of the newer options on this list, as it was opened in June of 2020! With a resting pavilion for dog owners to relax, there are also two areas for pups to play. Senior dogs are also encouraged to join in on the fun in the small dog area, where they can have a safe time to explore and relax in the outdoors.
1003 West Somo Ave, Tomahawk, WI 54487
Daily Hours: Dawn to dusk
With an area for small or shy dogs, and a three-acre fenced-in area for the big pups, this park offers a fantastic outdoor experience for your furry friends. All breeds are allowed, so there is no need to worry if your pup will be welcome or not! The park does ask that you limit yourself to bring only two pets at a time, so that more pups and owners from the community can join in the fun.
Hometown Feed Mill & General Store
216 South Tomahawk Avenue, Tomahawk, WI 54487
Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
Saturday: 8:00am to 2:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
Another great option to gather pet supplies, Hometown Feed Mill & General Store has many options. From food and toys for dogs to supplies for other pets, such as rabbits, they have it all. If you happen to have some farm friends, they also carry feed for all your animals. They even have wildlife mixes available for feeding deer!
While there are all these amazing spots to take your pup, we look forward to more parks being created in the Northwoods. There are currently talks of a dog park being built in Eagle River! Joe Laux, City Administrator, has been pushing for a meeting to discuss the possibilities of constructing a park for pets. This proposal is heavily backed by other local government employees and citizens. Others interested in looking for a dog park to be built in Eagle River should contact Debbie Brown, the City Clerk, at 715-479-8682. Members of the Town of Lincoln are also encouraged to call.
There are also many establishments in the Northwoods that will let your pup sit on the patio with you while you enjoy a drink or a meal! Including Black Bear, Heart II Bar-N-Grill, Lakeside Grill, Oakfire Pizza, PJ’s Burger Barn, Rocky Reef Brewing Company, The Yacht Club, and Ye Old Shillelagh.
Did we cover your favorite dog spot? If not, let us know by emailing news@northwoodsnews.com.
Casey Reeves is a college student with a few years of writing experience under their belt. Casey currently lives in Chicago, and has family in the Northwoods.