Off-Roading Adventures in Eagle River, Wisconsin

Eagle River, Wisconsin, is a popular destination for off-roading enthusiasts. Located in the northern part of the state, Eagle River is surrounded by beautiful forests, lakes, and rivers, providing an amazing leisureway for off-roading adventures.

In Eagle River, Wisconsin, is where I spend a good majority of my summers, from going on the water to going mudding and offroading to just spending time with family and friends.

I love to spend most of my time on ATV's and UTV’s with my cousins. I can drive those trails in my sleep if I wanted. Rain or shine, we always go. We throw on some really old clothes, shoes and helmets and off we go. 

I personally prefer to go when it is either raining or after it was raining the night before. Some of the mud puddles can get up to four feet deep because of the usage of the trails of the other riders. And when there are no other riders on the trail, that’s when I let everything go and just have the time of my life. 

Hold down the throttle or gas petal and go flying through the puddles. Let the water and mud fly over my head and let the steam roll from the engine. That's when I have let everything go and just let things be. I personally suggest going to Nicolet National Forest, Vilas County ATV Trails and/or Iron County ATV Trails. From personal experience, these ATV trails and forests have always been my favorite trails to go on since I was five years old and counting. 

One of the most popular places to go off-roading in Eagle River is the Nicolet National Forest. This massive forest covers over 661,000 acres and features a wide range of terrain, including rocky hills, dense forests, and open fields. There are over 600 miles of off-road trails to explore here, providing plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration. My family and I go to these trails every once in a while when we want to go on a longer ride. And these trails are absolutely gorgeous and super nice and yes, they are muddy and sometimes dusty like most trails are. I have gotten stuck here a couple times but that makes it all the more fun! 

Another great place to go off-roading in Eagle River is the Vilas County ATV Trail System. This system features over 50 miles of off-road trails that wind through beautiful forests and along scenic lakeshores. The trails are well-maintained and offer a mix of easy and challenging terrain, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced off-roaders. Vilas County ATV Trails are the most popular trail system up in Eagle River. Everytime I am riding on the trails there is always someone else passing me. And these trails, I will always come back full of dirt or mud which is what I love about these trails. And one of my favorite things about these particular trails is that they have these really good restaurants. A personal favorite is Bear Trap Inn. They have these calzones called the “Bear Claw”. They have this giant bavarian pretzel appetizer. Another personal favorite is called Dublin’s Sports Bar and Grill. They have some really good food and the seating on the porch looking out on the lake is absolutely gorgeous.  I like sitting outside to see the hummingbird visitors. 

If looking for a more rugged off-roading experience, consider heading to the nearby Iron County ATV Trail System. This system features over 200 miles of off-road trails that wind through dense forests, rocky terrain, and along scenic rivers. The trails here are more challenging than those in the Vilas County system, providing an exciting off-roading experience. Iron County ATV Trails are also super nice, although rugged. They include  some wildlife while on the trails. These trails will also be one of those trails I come back muddy from. 

If you're planning a trip to Eagle River, be sure to bring your off-road vehicle and explore the area's many trails. Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride through the woods or a challenging adventure that will test your skills, you're sure to find it here.