Introduction
Nestled in the heart of Northwest Wisconsin, Birchwood—proudly known as the “Bluegill Capital of Wisconsin”—is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone craving a laid-back Northwoods escape. Surrounded by pristine lakes, sprawling forests, and charming small-town vibes, Birchwood offers a wealth of activities year-round.
Table of Contents
Best Things to do in Birchwood, Wisconsin
1. Fish the Lakes and Streams
2. Explore the Trails
3. Hit the Water for Adventure
4. Savor Northwoods Dining
5. Discover the Parks and Outdoor Recreation
6. Dive into History and Culture
7. Celebrate Seasonal Events
Tips for Visting Birchwood:
Final Thoughts
Best Things to do in Birchwood, Wisconsin
Whether you’re casting a line, hitting the trails, or savoring a fish fry, here’s a guide to the top things to do in the Birchwood area that will make your visit unforgettable.
1. Fish the Lakes and Streams
If you like fishing, then Birchwood, WI is the place you must visit. Birchwood is known as the Bluegill Capital of Wisconsin and near by Long Lake is known as the Walley Capital of Wisconsin. If two fishing Capitals located in a close area of each other doesn’t sound like good fishing, then I don’t know what does.
The Birchwood area has a high lake concentration from the large lakes like Big Chetac, Red Cedar, Long Lake, Balsam Lake, and Birch Lake to the smaller lakes like Spider Lake and the numerous kettle moraine glacial lakes located within the 16,000 acres Washburn County Forest Primitive area.
You can find all the major fish species like bluegills, walleye, bass, northern, and perch in the bigger lakes. Big Chetac Lake is a local favorite for panfish and bass, while Red Cedar Lake and Long Lake are ideal for walleye. I have fished Big Chetac and Red Cedar and I personally had better luck fishing Big Chetac than Red Cedar, but that was during the hot summer months.
Spider Lake and the other glacial lakes in the area you can expect to catch northerns, bass, crappies and bluegills. Spider Lake is a peaceful, unique lake with many small islands and structures that are worth checking out.
Trout fishing is not well known in the area; however, the Birchwood area offers several trout fishing options. Washburn County has 17 stocked trout ponds with Sawmill Lake being the most popular. Sawmill Lake is a 9-mile scenic drive north of Birchwood. There is a fishing dock available, or you can fish from the shore or from a canoe or kayak. If you are up for an adventure, you can take your canoe or kayak on the Canoe Portage Trails and try fishing in the surrounding lakes. Or you can try hiking to the various lakes. I have caught panfish shore fishing Sawmill and Camp Lakes but unfortunately, I haven’t caught some trout yet, but I look forward to going back and trying again, maybe this time in a kayak.
Also, the Birchwood area has numerous trout streams if you prefer that avenue.
2. Explore the Trails
Birchwood is a heaven for trail lovers, with options for ATV & UTV riding, snowmobiling, hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.
If you like riding ATV’s, UTV’s, or snowmobiles, then you have to check out the Birchwood area. The Tuscobia State Trail is a 74-mile abandoned railroad trail that runs right through town that connects hundreds of miles of trails, including the 104-mile long Wild Rivers State Trail, making Birchwood a hub for outdoor adventure. Just outside of Birchwood are the Spider Lake and Harmon Lake ATV Trails. The scenic trails take you through the glacial lakes’ region.
In winter, the trails become accessible to snowmobile riders plus additional trails are form creating over 600 miles of groomed snowmobile trails at your disposal.
Hiking, biking, skiing. For a non-motorized experience, you have some options. The Tuscobi and Wild Rivers State Trials are an option but you are sharing the trails with motor vehicles.
Otherwise, hike or ski the 2.4-mile Little Sis/Green Lake Trail or tackle a segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which winds through Birchwood’s glacial landscapes. Or take a short drive to Hunt Hill Nature Center east of Sarona. Or head to the Rice Lake, WI area to tackle the Hiawatha, River Doc, and Pipestone trails managed by CORBA.
3. Hit the Water for Adventure
Beyond fishing, Birchwood’s lakes are perfect for water sports and leisurely exploration. Kayak or canoe the small glacial lakes. Try water skiing, tubing, or wakeboarding for an adrenaline rush. Take the kids to the beach at Doolittle Park to play in the sand and wade in the water. For a relaxing day, rent a pontoon from one of the many resorts in the area and cruise the lakes at your own pace, soaking in sun.
4. Savor Northwoods Dining
Being a resort, tourist area, the Birchwood area has many restaurants and bars options.
Start your day off in town at The Birchwood Café or the Bear Tracks Bar and Grill for a hearty breakfast.
For lunch, grab a sandwich at Pioneer Market and Deli before heading back to the lake. Or sit down and have a burger at Chit Chat Bar and Grill.
After a long day riding or being on the lake, grab a pizza at Paul’s Pizza Den or Mama Roppe’s Railside for Dinner.
If it’s Friday night, enjoy fish fry at Mary’s Bluegill Bar and Grill or at one of the other restaurants in the area. You won’t have a problem finding a place that serves fish fry on Friday night in Wisconsin.
Craving something unique for the area and a little Southern, check out Bear Paw Resort and Campground for a mouthwatering seafood boil.
If you are looking for a really good Bloody Mary or White Russian a take a scenic drive out to Spider Lake Saloon. Watch out for the deer. They are located right on the snowmobile and ATV trail 5 miles north of Birchwood.
Looking for that old school, hole in the wall, dive bar, then check out Fernwood Bar located on Birch Lake. They have good drinks and fun bar games, try the White Russian and Bloody Mary.
5. Discover the Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Doolittle Park. For a family-friendly day by the water, head to Doolittle Park on Birch Lake. This local gem offers a sandy beach for swimming, a playground for kids, picnic pavilions, and a boat landing.
Bluegill Park. Home to the 14-ft long giant Bluegill. The park offers a small parking lot with a small picnic area and access to the Tuscobia Trail and the Ice Age Trial. Don’t forget to take a picture with the Giant Bluegill!
Murphy Flowage Recreation Area. Located south of Birchwood, Murphy Flowage has 9 camping sites, picnic area, restrooms, and boat launch. Fish the 172-acre flowage for panfish, northerns, and bass, or fish the near by trout stream. Also, the Ice Age Trail runs near the park.
Birchwood Skate Park. Located near the center of Birchwood, the newly constructed Skate Park was made for skateboarding, scootering, roller-skating, and other incline skating. In addition, Skate Park is home to Tennis and Pickle ball courts.
Village Rest Park. Take a rest break at Village Rest Park located on Main Street. While you are there, check out the Birchwood Log Cabin Museum, a hand carved replica of an entire logging camp operation at the turn of the century.
Sawmill Park. Located 9 scenic miles north of Birchwood, Sawmill Park has 25 campsites, pavilion, fishing dock, boat launch, walking trails and canoe trails. Come here to fish for trout, panfish, and bass or watch birds and other wildlife.
Hunt Hill Nature Center. Hunt Hill Nature Center is a 600-acre nature preserve and learning center open to the public. The Nature Center has 7 miles of hiking trails and is a great place to view a variety of wildlife. Hunt Hill also has a picnic area, dining hall, rec hall, outdoor amphitheater, and cabins for rent.
Tagalong Golf & Resort. Tagalong Golf is an 18-hole golf course located on Red Cedar Lake south of Birchwood.
6. Dive into History and Culture
Birchwood has a couple small but fascinating museums that offer a glimpse into the area’s past with artifacts and stories.
Birchwood Area Log Cabin Museum. Birchwood’s rich logging and settler history comes alive at the Birchwood Area Log Cabin Museum. The Log Cabin is a hand carved replica of an entire logging camp operation at the turn of the century.
Howard Morey Homestead. Howard Morey Homestead honors the memory and service of Howard Morey who made a significant difference in Wisconsin aviation, including training glider pilots for World War II.
7. Celebrate Seasonal Events
If you’re in the area in July, don’t miss the Birchwood Bluegill Festival, a lively celebration with parades, fishing contests, craft market, food, medallion hunt, and live music.
Looking for treasure hunting fun, Birchwood hosts a Community-Wide Gargage Sale on the first 2 Saturdays of September.
For some winter fun, don’t miss the Birchwood Christmas Festival (first Saturday in December) for holiday cheer. Enjoy the lighting of the Love Light Tree, fire truck rides, horsedrawn wagon rides, craft market, bake sale, Christmas light contest, meat raffle, and visiting with Santa Claus.
Tips for Visting Birchwood:
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- Birchwood has many places to stay from resorts, motel, campgrounds, VRBO and Airbnb rentals, or B&Bs.
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- Rent a pontoon or fishing boat from a local resort or outfitter to explore the lakes.
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- Check trail conditions before hitting the trails and pack a map or use a trail app.
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- Pack bug spray.
- Always verify event dates and conditions with local sources, as schedules can change.
Final Thoughts
Birchwood, Wisconsin, is the kind of place where you can chase adventure or simply unwind at the lake. From fishing and trails to festivals and cozy cafes, this Northwoods village has something for everyone. Whether you’re staying at a lakeside resort, a cozy B&B, or a campsite, Birchwood’s charm will leave you planning your next visit before you even leave.
For more details on activities, accommodations, or events:
Birchwood Chamber of Commerce: https://www.birchwoodwi.com/
Village of Birchwood: https://birchwoodvillage.wi.gov/
CORBA Trails: https://corbatrails.org/
Hunt Hill Nature Center: https://hunthill.org/
Rusk County Parks Reservations System: https://parks.ruskcounty.org/parks/camping/
Tuscobia State Trail: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/tuscobia
Washburn County Tourism: https://www.washburncounty.org/
Washburn County Parks & Reservations: https://www.washburncountyparks.us/parks/camping/
Washburn County Trout Ponds: https://co.washburn.wi.us/departments/forestry/trout-ponds-of-washburn-county/
Wild Rivers State Trail: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/wildrivers
Wisconsin Trout Stream Maps: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/trout/streammaps
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