Lincoln County: River Landscapes, Trails and History

Along the Wisconsin River, Council Grounds State Park is near the site of former Native American camps. Its boat landing provides access to Lake Alexander and the Wisconsin River; the park also has an accessible fishing pier. Otter Lake Recreation Area offers a swimming beach, picnic area, boat landing and nature trails for day use. Only non-motorized boats are allowed on Otter Lake.

River Landscapes and Wildlife Viewing

Prairie Dells Scenic Area features a different kind of river landscape: a gorge, large boulders and scenic rock outcrops line the banks. Three observation platforms offer views of the area, one of which is accessible. A variety of wildlife can also be spotted there.

At New Wood State Wildlife Area, cedar swamp and wooded uplands meet across 1,600 acres. Activities include hiking and birdwatching. The New Wood River attracts a variety of wildlife and numerous bird species. Those who enjoy the outdoors will find both trails and opportunities for nature viewing here.

Trails for Different Activities

Horseback riding, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, fishing and snowmobiling are all possible at Underdown Recreation Area. The area has more than 20 miles of marked trails and ten parking spaces for vehicles with trailers. It is also a popular destination for horseback riders.

The River Bend Trail runs along five miles of paved trails from the east side of Merrill to Council Grounds State Park. It is suitable for walking, running and biking, and accommodates strollers, wheelchairs and pets. Otter Lake Nature Trail offers a different kind of route: this 1.3-mile loop passes through a scenic hardwood forest. The loop trail and paved connection differ in both their route and length.

No trail pass is required for the designated Ice Age Trail or other trails on Lincoln County properties. As part of Northwoods Navigators, hikers can hike the Ice Age Trail between Harrison Hills and Timberland Wilderness, including connecting trails, and visit Merrill.

ATV riders can explore the Harrison Hills ATV Trail, a 47.8-mile, two-way trail network through the area of Lincoln County Forest known as Harrison Hills. The route passes through heavily wooded, hilly terrain dotted with numerous lakes and wetlands. Three parking areas provide direct access to the trail network.

Water Access and Historic Landmarks

SARA Park also combines a swimming beach with the Wisconsin River: it has a family-friendly beach and a public boat landing. Tomahawk’s Trestle Bridge was built in 1894 by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. It allows cyclists and pedestrians to take the Hiawatha Trail north across the Wisconsin River from SARA Park. The Hiawatha Trail runs 6.6 miles north to Heafford Junction and the Lincoln–Oneida County line. There it connects to the 18-mile Bearskin State Park Trail, which links to Minocqua.

Camp New Wood County Park is located ten miles northwest of Merrill on the Wisconsin River and State Highway 107. The site was home to a Civilian Conservation Corps camp that operated in the 1930s. The park has a boat landing on the Wisconsin River and hiking trails.

Bridges and buildings offer further insights into architectural history. Three Stone Arch Bridge is the only surviving three-arch stone bridge in Wisconsin; it spans the Prairie River and was built in 1904. It is a National Historic Landmark. Lincoln County Courthouse is a Beaux-Arts-style building that was formally dedicated on September 23, 1903.

Museums in Tomahawk and Merrill

Log Cabin Museum in Tomahawk features exhibits on agriculture, logging and the history of the local railroad. Tomahawk’s First School Museum has permanent exhibits featuring a circa-1900 kitchen, military memorabilia from veterans, a one-room schoolhouse and artifacts from early businesses. The topics range from everyday life, education and military history to local industries.

Merrill Historical Museum explores the period when Merrill was called Jenny Bull Falls and how the city changed.

Discover more destinations: Tomahawk, Merrill, Waupaca County, Douglas County, Waushara County, Rusk County, Grant County, Langlade.

For the main travel overview: Wisconsin.