The Spirit of Gratefulness is Strong in the Northwoods
Compiled by Northwoods News Staff
Many churches, nonprofit organizations and private businesses offer free community Thanksgiving meals in the Northwoods, proving the spirit of gratefulness is strong in the Northwoods!
The following are offered throughout this holiday week, and will serve a traditional turkey dinner unless otherwise noted.
Some meals are dine-in, others are carry-out only, and some offer both. Delivery may be available for those who are unable to drive and live nearby. Most events welcome volunteers and accept free-will donations.
Please check with your local program for availability and make a reservation for a meal if needed. Some reservations are required as early as today to ensure a spot.
We wish you a holiday filled with many blessings.
Wednesday, November 22nd:
Rhinelander:
Annual Free Meal
Backwaters Bar and Grill
4920 Highway 47
4:00 to 8:00 pm
715-369-5645
Backwaters dine-in will be closed on November 22nd to allow availability for pick up. Donations are welcomed.
Thursday, November 23rd:
Antigo:
Carving Memories Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Northstar Lanes
400 Prosser Place
11:30 am to 2:00 pm
715-216-7985 or 715-216-2110
Community members wishing to reserve a carry-out meal should call before 4:00 pm on Tuesday, November 21st. No reservations are necessary for those eating in.
Bessemer:
Free Thanksgiving Dinner
Bessemer VFW Post 3673
605 West Lead Street
2:00 pm
906-285-2006
Please call to make a reservation to ensure food availability. Leave a message with your name, number of guests and your phone number for callback confirmation.
Crandon:
12th Annual Free Thanksgiving Dinner
Pack Em Inn Bar
216 North Lake Avenue
Dinner at Halftime of Packer Game, Kickoff at 11:30 am
715 478-3850
Everyone is welcome! If you have no plans or no place to enjoy an amazing homemade Thanksgiving dinner, please come and cheer on the Packers! Free wine will also be available.
Eagle River:
Free Thanksgiving Dinner
The Rock Mission Center
1019 East Wall Street
4:00 to 6:00 pm
715-891-6279
Iron Mountain:
Free Thanksgiving Day Meal
First Global Methodist Church
106 4th Street
5:00 pm
906-774-3586
Please make a reservation by calling the church.
Iron River:
Bump’s Thanksgiving Dinner
Bump’s Burgers
119 Genesee Street
4:00 to 8:00 pm
906-284-7608
If you don’t have a ride or it’s hard for you to get out, call Bump’s Burgers and they will set up a delivery. If you would like to help on this day, they will need delivery drivers, call for more information.
Mattoon:
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Shepherd’s Watch Community Center
507 Stone Avenue
Noon to 1:30 pm
715-851-0324
Dine-In or Carry-Out. For reservations call or text Nancy by November 21st.
Pembine:
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Grace Lutheran Church
W8014 Minnie Street
Noon to 3:00 pm
906-396-3600
Everyone welcome! Free-will offerings are accepted. Takeout orders are available for those who are homebound. If delivery in the Pembine area is needed, please call.
Sayner:
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church
2903 State Highway 155
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
715-542-3701
Please join in for a full traditional Thanksgiving dinner serving turkey, dressing, mashed and sweet potatoes, vegetables and pie.
Tomahawk:
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
320 East Washington Avenue
11:00 am to 1:00 pm
715-453-2878
Dine-In held in the Church. To order delivery in the Tomahawk area, call no later than Noon on November 22, 2023. Calls are taken Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Other Options:
Local food pantries, some senior centers and the Vilas County Meal Delivery Program may provide Thanksgiving-style meals or fixings in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Some food pantries have application and income requirements. Senior meals usually need to be reserved at least a day in advance. Diners over the age of 60 usually pay a reduced price.
