Crandon
Crandon is a small town in Forest County that sits in the heart of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest along the Nicolet-Wolf River Scenic Byway, giving it a more wild, big-woods feel than some of the larger resort hubs to the west. The area has some really clear lakes—the town itself is set on the shore of Metonga Lake, a more than 2,000-acre lake known for its clear water, fishing, and bird life, with other nearby waters like Peshtigo Lake, Little Sand Lake, and Duck Lake rounding out the local on-the-water options. The area is a bit isolated, being about a half hour from Rhinelander and forty-five minutes from Antigo, but many people from Green Bay have interest in Crandon since it's a little bit shorter drive from there. Crandon is also home to the Crandon International Off-Road Raceway and sits close to attractions like Mole Lake Casino and the Forest County Potawatomi Cultural Center, layering motorsports and Native American history onto the usual mix of lakes and forest. For cabin buyers, the area offers a blend of quiet lake and forest time with the option to tap into events, casino nights, and cultural outings, all within a smaller town that still feels distinctly Northwoods. Below, you will find the most recent lakefront homes, lots and condos (with links to view all Crandon listings) as well as some featured lakes around Crandon (also with a link to all Crandon lakes). Below that you will find information on events, attractions and places to eat in Crandon.
Recent Homes for Sale:
Peaceful mornings, serene lake views, and year-round adventure await in this Northwoods retreat. Nestled along the scenic shores of Little Rice Lake just northwest of Crandon, this 1.5 acre wooded property offers privacy, beauty, and a true lake life experience…
Get ready for year round fun and activities in this 25 yr old 1-1/2 story in a tranquil setting on 217 full rec lake . Two acres and 250 ft of level frontage. Extra 2 story drive-in storage building. Home consists of 2 main floor BR,s and full bath large shower…
This beautiful property offers a 1-bedroom, 1-bath main home with a spacious deck overlooking the sparkling waters of Pickerel Lake — perfect for morning coffee or evening sunsets. The property also includes a cozy 3-season guest cottage featuring 1 bedroom and…
View All Crandon Homes >>
Recent Lots for Sale:
A rare opportunity of two beautiful parcels of vacant land are available on Crane Lake and being sold individually. Each lot is nicely wooded and gently sloped to the lake, offering a serene and picturesque setting. Lot 4 features 901+/- feet of sand gravel, an…
View All Crandon Lots >>
Recent Condos for Sale:
View All Crandon Condos >>
GoldBar Lakes in Crandon:
| Lake Name | Access | Acres | Type | Distance | Avg Depth | Clarity | Chain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metonga Lake | Public | 2038 | Drainage | 6 min | 25 ft | 22.0 ft | -- |
| Lake Lucerne | Public | 1039 | Drainage | 8 min | 31 ft | 23.5 ft | -- |
View All Crandon Lakes >>
The Crandon Experience:
On The Water
Metonga is the centerpiece of Crandon’s on‑the‑water scene, offering more than 2,000 acres for boating, paddling, and multi‑species fishing along largely forested and cabin‑lined shores. Other nearby lakes—including Peshtigo Lake and smaller forest lakes—provide additional spots for swimming, casual cruising, and fishing, often with a less built‑up feel than in some higher‑density lake districts. Since cabin owners can choose between being right on Metonga or tucked along quieter nearby lakes, they can decide how close they want to be to town activity, events, and the highway while still having multiple waters within easy reach for different moods and seasons.
Trails
Crandon’s location inside the Chequamegon‑Nicolet National Forest puts a wide radius of hiking, mountain‑biking, and multi‑use trails within reach, including routes in areas like Ed’s Lake National Recreation Trail and other signed loops in Forest County. Forest roads, scenic drives like the R‑118 route, and nearby trailheads give cabin owners plenty of ways to get into the woods for everything from short family walks to several‑mile hikes and bike rides through rolling, tree‑covered terrain. Since most of the trails and forest roads are a short drive from town yet feel very remote once you are out there, active owners can mix in‑town errands or events with deep‑woods time on the same day, which is appealing for people who like a wilder feel without giving up access to services entirely.
Winter
Winter around Crandon is defined by snowmobile and forest‑based adventures, with Forest County offering more than 400 miles of groomed, state‑funded snowmobile trails weaving through the Chequamegon‑Nicolet. Guided snowmobile tours, cross‑country ski and snowshoe opportunities in the national forest, and easy lake access for ice fishing give cabin owners multiple ways to use a Crandon‑area place in the colder months. Many of the trails connect directly to lodging, restaurants, and places like Mole Lake Casino, so it is realistic to plan winter weekends around riding, skiing, and evenings out, rather than just hunkering down at the cabin once the sun goes down.
Family Fun
Families in the Crandon area can combine simple lake time—swimming and paddling on nearby lakes—with trips to in‑town parks, the off‑road raceway on event weekends, and kid‑pleasing stops like the Forest County Potawatomi Cultural Center and area playgrounds. Short drives open up even more options, from guided snowmobile experiences and forest hikes to occasional day trips to regional kid attractions in the broader Northwoods if they want a bigger outing. The mix of quiet cabin days, big‑woods trail adventures, and unique local experiences like race weekends or cultural center visits helps a Crandon‑area place feel like a personal basecamp in the forest rather than just another lake rental that happens to be in northern Wisconsin.
Trails around Crandon:
Crandon Area ATV/UTV Trails
Crandon anchors Forest County’s ATV/UTV network, which includes state trails like the Nicolet State Trail, Wolf River State Trail, Valley Trail, and the Forest County Public ATV Trail plus many miles of open town and county roads. Riders can build long loops that reach neighboring towns and counties, but they should always ride with current maps and observe seasonal and temperature-based rules, especially in winter.
Ed’s Lake Trail
Ed’s Lake Trail is a short loop hike in the Nicolet National Forest that circles a small, scenic lake east of Crandon on gently rolling singletrack. It’s a good half-day option for families or anyone wanting classic Northwoods forest and water views without a long drive or strenuous terrain.
Forest County Public ATV Trail – Eight Mile Loop
The Forest County Public ATV Trail, known as the Eight Mile Loop, is a two-way, 8-mile route on old logging roads a few miles east of Crandon. It is open to ATVs, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, hikers, bikers, and skiers, making it a compact but versatile loop for both motorized riders and silent-sports users who don’t mind sharing the corridor.
Forest County Snowmobile Trails – Crandon Hub
Crandon serves as a key hub in Forest County’s snowmobile system, which consists of more than 400 miles of state-funded trails maintained by several local clubs. From town, riders can access corridors like the Nicolet State Trail, Wolf River State Trail, and Valley Trail, then connect on to Langlade and Oneida County networks for long-distance touring.
Wolf River Paddle – Crandon Segment
This Wolf River segment near Crandon offers about 6 miles of paddling between two public landings, with gentle current, small riffles, and wooded banks typical of the upper Wolf. Intermediate paddlers can treat it as a relaxed half-day trip, and it can be combined with adjacent segments to build longer river days using a shuttle or two vehicles.
Wolf River State Trail – Crandon Segment
The Wolf River State Trail follows a former rail corridor for about 33 miles between White Lake and Crandon, with roughly 14 miles in Forest County close to town. Users travel on a compacted-granite surface with easy grades, river views, and access to Nicolet National Forest scenery, with seasonal rules determining when ATVs/UTVs, snowmobiles, and other uses are allowed.
Crandon Attractions & Viewpoints:
Forest County Courthouse Square & Deer Park (Attraction)
Crandon’s Courthouse Square, platted in 1885, features the historic Forest County Courthouse, Veterans Memorial Park, a deer pen, and grounds planted with about 40 different tree species from around Wisconsin. Visitors can walk shaded paths, read memorials, see deer in the small park enclosure, and take photos of the courthouse architecture, making this a surprisingly rich in-town stop for a small Northwoods county seat.
Crandon International Off-Road Raceway – Spectator Hill (Viewpoint)
Crandon International Raceway, known as “The Big House,” is one of the world’s premier short-course off-road racing facilities, drawing tens of thousands of fans for events like Brush Run and the World Championship Off-Road Races. Spectator hill and the main grandstands offer sweeping views of 1.75 miles of track where unlimited trucks and buggies hit triple-digit speeds and massive jumps, making race weekends some of the most visually dramatic days of the year in Crandon.
Crandon Water Shows – Lake Lucerne Shoreline (Viewpoint)
On summer weekends, Crandon Water Shows bring free waterski performances to Lake Lucerne, drawing locals and visitors to the lakeshore for pyramids, barefoot acts, and trick runs. The show site doubles as a relaxed viewing area for general lake scenery, with families lining the shore on blankets and lawn chairs for quintessential “small-town summer” evenings.
Historic Downtown Crandon Walking Loop (Viewpoint)
Crandon’s compact downtown makes it easy to do a short walking loop that hits the courthouse square, small shops, cafés, and older brick storefronts in one go. It’s a simple way for cabin shoppers and visitors to get a feel for the town center, grab ice cream or a drink, and take a few “this is our Northwoods main street” photos without needing a formal tour.
Lake Metonga Municipal Beach & Fishing Pier (Viewpoint)
Crandon Municipal Beach on the north shore of Lake Metonga offers a sandy swimming area, fishing pier, and open lawn with big-water views across one of Forest County’s most popular lakes. It’s a favorite local spot for families to swim, fish, and watch sunsets, and a simple place for cabin shoppers to get a feel for Metonga’s size and clarity without booking a boat.
Metonga Lake Scenic Drive & Boat Landings (Viewpoint)
A ring of town and county roads plus several public landings around Lake Metonga create a natural scenic drive with repeated viewpoints of the clear lake, islands, and wooded shores. It’s a good way to compare different shoreline stretches, look for eagles and loons, and scout access points if you’re considering Metonga for paddling, fishing, or a future cabin.
Nicolet-Wolf River Scenic Byway Pullouts near Crandon (Viewpoint)
Crandon sits along the Nicolet-Wolf River Scenic Byway, a driving route that includes forest and river pullouts where travelers can step out and see deep woods, rolling hills, and river valleys. It’s an easy way for visitors to get “big forest” photos and scout future hikes or paddling segments without committing to long trail days.
Events in Crandon:
World Championship Off‑Road Races® & Crandon World Cup
The World Championship Off‑Road Races® and Crandon World Cup are held over Labor Day weekend at Crandon International Raceway, bringing many of the world’s best short‑course off‑road racers to the “Big House.” Fans spend four days watching Pro and Sportsman classes battle for championships and the prestigious Crandon Cup, capping the Northwoods summer with one of motorsports’ most iconic off‑road events.
Forest County Potawatomi Sobriety history_culture
The Forest County Potawatomi Sobriety history_culture is a New Year’s Eve gathering with dancing, drumming, and community time at the Forest County Potawatomi Community Center south of Crandon. It offers cabin owners and guests a meaningful way to ring in the new year in a family‑friendly, alcohol‑free setting that highlights local Native culture.
Crandon 4th of July Fireworks & Parade
Crandon’s Fourth of July activities typically include a daytime parade and community events in town, followed by evening fireworks visible from the Lake Metonga shoreline or fairgrounds area. For cabin owners on Metonga and nearby lakes, it’s easy to split the day between the beach or boat and a classic small‑town parade and fireworks show.
Forest County Festival
The Forest County Festival is a multi‑day summer celebration featuring live music, food, carnival‑style rides, and family activities at the fairgrounds near Crandon. Cabin owners can mix lake time with evenings at the festival, giving kids midway rides and games while adults enjoy music and fair food close to town.
Kentuck Day Festival
Kentuck Day Festival is a downtown Crandon street festival that honors the area’s early settlers from Kentucky with bluegrass‑style music, Southern‑leaning food, and a large craft and vendor fair. Cabin owners and locals browse booths, listen to live music, and enjoy small‑town parade and picnic vibes, making it a relaxed mid‑summer reason to spend a day in town instead of at the lake.
Forest County Potawatomi Brush Run
The Forest County Potawatomi Brush Run is a three‑day off‑road racing weekend in June at Crandon International Raceway, featuring Champ Off‑Road national series trucks, buggies, and side‑by‑sides on the famous land‑rush start course. Cabin owners and fans pack the campgrounds, watch racing from hillside viewing areas, and enjoy a festival atmosphere with parades, music, and vendor rows, making it a major early‑summer tradition in Crandon.
Sunday Fun Day Fall Market
The Sunday Fun Day Fall Market near Crandon features hayrides, hay bale slides, a hay maze, apple sling shots, pumpkin picking, and chances for kids to meet farm animals. Cabin owners can pair color drives and late‑season lake time with a day at the farm, giving younger visitors a hands‑on fall experience beyond the woods and water.
Crandon Food Scene:
Hotel Crandon Restaurant & Bar
Hotel Crandon Restaurant & Bar has been serving residents and visitors since 1929, offering breakfast daily plus steaks, prime rib, pizza, burgers, and other American meals with a salad bar in a historic downtown setting. Guests note large hand‑cut steak and prime rib portions for the price, fresh‑baked bread, and a family‑friendly dining room right on the Nicolet–Wolf River Scenic Byway and snowmobile trail.
Log Cabin Cafe
Log Cabin Cafe on South Lake Avenue is a cozy, wood‑accented cafe known for hearty breakfasts—pancakes, eggs, omelets—and classic lunch plates like burgers and sandwiches. Reviews describe it as a busy little breakfast and lunch spot with friendly service and reliably good, homestyle food.
Palubicki's Eats 'n' Treats
Palubicki’s Eats ’n’ Treats on West Glen Street is a quick‑bite drive‑in known for fast‑food baskets and good ice‑cream and frozen‑yogurt treats. Reviews describe it as a friendly, inexpensive stop for burgers, fries, and ice cream in Crandon.
The On Deck Platter
The On Deck Platter is an eclectic spot in Crandon that combines pizza with Asian‑inspired fare, offering sushi rolls, Japanese and Asian dishes, and pizzas under one roof. Reviews call it a budget‑friendly place for something different in town, with a casual, low‑key atmosphere.
Tricia's Treasures Bistro
Tricia’s Treasures Bistro on Lake Avenue is a small, charming bistro serving homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, and baked goods, often highlighted for its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. Visitors appreciate its fresh, lighter options and relaxed vibe, making it a favorite for breakfast or lunch in downtown Crandon.
Water's Edge Lodge
Water’s Edge Lodge on County Road W operates as a Northwoods supper‑club‑style restaurant, serving prime rib, steaks, seafood, and a traditional Wisconsin salad bar with lake views from the bar and dining room. Diners mention enjoying Old Fashioneds on the deck before dinner, perfectly cooked prime rib, and attentive, friendly service.
Yeti's Drive‑In
Yeti’s Drive‑In on East Pioneer Street is a seasonal, retro‑style drive‑in offering burgers, sandwiches, Wisconsin cheese curds, frozen custard treats, and specialty shakes with carhop service. Guests describe it as an old‑fashioned drive‑in with fun vibes and tasty burgers and ice‑cream treats, popular in warm weather.
