Lac Du Flambeau
Lac du Flambeau is a Northwoods community centered on the Lac du Flambeau Reservation, where the town and surrounding lakes sit amid 80,000+ acres of forest, wetlands, and water. The name comes from an Ojibwe phrase meaning "a place where they fish by torchlight," and the area has long been known for its fishing, heritage tourism, and lake-based vacations drawing visitors from Chicago, Milwaukee, and beyond. It's a small town with a population of 3,420, located just 22 minutes northwest of Minocqua and situated around Flambeau Lake. The area is home to the Fence Lake/Lac Du Flambeau Chain of Lakes, which is a big chain with clear water. There is a large Ojibwe Indian culture throughout the area, and today cabin owners find a mix of resorts, private cabins, and cultural attractions like the George W. Brown Jr. Ojibwe Museum & Cultural Center, Waswagoning Indian Village, and multiple places offering Indian arts, crafts, and more. The town is home to Lake of the Torches Casino, a modern casino property that adds entertainment options to the area. The region also includes Powell Marsh, a 12,000-acre wetland and the top birding destination in Wisconsin, set among the area's clear lakes and marshes. For buyers who value both water access and a strong sense of Native American history and community, Lac du Flambeau offers a different experience than neighboring resort hubs while still being a practical home base near Minocqua and Manitowish Waters. Below, you will find the most recent lakefront homes, lots and condos (with links to view all Lac Du Flambeau listings) as well as some featured lakes around Lac Du Flambeau (also with a link to all Lac Du Flambeau lakes). Below that you will find information on events, attractions and places to eat in Lac Du Flambeau.
Recent Homes for Sale:
Fence Lake Chain – Charming wet boathouse with living quarters above, nestled in a private lagoon with direct big water access to Fence Lake. The studio-style living space includes a murphy bed, full bath, living area/dining area and kitchenette, making it a pe…
Big Crawling Stone Lakefront Estate - generational family campus is set on a private, wooded 4.8 acres w/ 330’ of ripple sand frontage, offering big water Eastern views on the sought-after west shoreline of one of the highest quality lakes in the Northwoods. Pa…
A large fish was spotted right by the dock (approximately 60' of waterfront) while placing the for-sale sign at this stunning property. This home offers 4,152 square feet of finished living space, featuring 4+ bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, a 3-car detached garage, and…
View All Lac Du Flambeau Homes >>
Recent Lots for Sale:
Hard to find Level lot on big water, this has some pencil weeds but frontage is hard, Amber Lake known for great fishing and all water sports, this has driveway roughed in and lake front has some clearing very easy to view. 119' of gently frontage, with neighbo…
Nicely wooded lot on LITTLE CRAWLING STONE, part of the Fence Lake Chain. The 167' of solid sand frontage & clear waters will make the perfect place to add your pier and enjoy over 8,000 of recreational waters that the 10 lakes will give you access to. The lot …
Privacy Plus. Gorgeous 272' frtg creates an amazing Panorama View. It's a mix of sand, rock and weed. Beautiful 207 Acre Booth Lake, 34' depth. Full water recreation at your fingertips. Great fishing, class A Muskie LK, northern, walleye, bass, panfish also pre…
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Recent Condos for Sale:
View All Lac Du Flambeau Condos >>
GoldBar Lakes in Lac Du Flambeau:
| Lake Name | Access | Acres | Type | Distance | Avg Depth | Clarity | Chain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crawling Stone Lake | Public | 1483 | Drainage | 7 min | 31 ft | 15.0 ft | Fence Lake |
| Fence Lake | Public | 3483 | Drainage | 18 min | 37 ft | 18.0 ft | Fence Lake |
| Flambeau Lake | Public | 1166 | Drainage | 7 min | 28 ft | 19.5 ft | Fence Lake |
| Ike Walton Lake | Public | 1417 | Seepage | 14 min | 10 ft | 9.0 ft | -- |
| To To Tom Lake | Public | 105 | Drainage | 9 min | 10 ft | 19.5 ft | -- |
| Long Interlaken Lake | Public | 380 | Drainage | 4 min | 20 ft | 18.0 ft | Fence Lake |
| Moss Lake | Public | 185 | Seepage | 3 min | 15 ft | 12.0 ft | Fence Lake |
| Little Crawling Stone | Public | 113 | Drainage | 9 min | 18 ft | 16.0 ft | Fence Lake |
| Pokegama Lake | Public | 1041 | Drainage | 5 min | 20 ft | 18.5 ft | Fence Lake |
| Big Crooked Lake | Public | 384 | Drainage | 18 min | 30 ft | 12.0 ft | -- |
| Whitefish Lake | Semi-Private | 200 | Spring | 15 min | 19 ft | 15.0 ft | -- |
| White Sand Lake | Public | 1229 | Drainage | 13 min | 24 ft | 13.0 ft | -- |
View All Lac Du Flambeau Lakes >>
The Lac Du Flambeau Experience:
On The Water
Lac du Flambeau is surrounded by an exceptional concentration of water, with roughly 250–260 lakes and a 10‑lake chain plus rivers and streams that support boating, paddling, and multi‑species fishing. Cabin owners can spend days exploring the chain, paddling 71 miles of rivers and streams, or fishing quiet bays and back lakes, while birders and paddlers are drawn to places like Powell Marsh with its extensive wetlands and wildlife. With a variety of lake sizes and settings—from busy chain segments to secluded forest‑rimmed lakes—buyers can choose between resort‑adjacent convenience and more private, tucked‑away water while still benefiting from the broader Lac du Flambeau community and services.
Trails
Beyond the lakes, Lac du Flambeau sits within the Northern Highland Lake District and has easy access to a wide radius of trails used for hiking, biking, and other silent sports, including regional routes that connect toward Minocqua, Manitowish Waters, and other Vilas County communities. Forest roads, public land parcels, and nearby designated trail systems give cabin owners options ranging from casual walks and wildlife viewing to longer rides and hikes that link lakes, wetlands, and viewpoints. Since the town sits in the middle of a broader trail grid, active owners can treat Lac du Flambeau as a quieter trailhead, mixing local walks and paddles with day trips to better‑known paved systems and singletrack networks in the surrounding region.
Winter
Winter keeps Lac du Flambeau busy, with wooded trails and frozen lakes supporting snowmobiling, cross‑country skiing, and snowshoeing, plus regional connections into Vilas and Oneida County trail networks. The Northern Hornshoe Trails Snowmobile Club maintains area routes that link into larger systems, so cabin owners can head out for long rides through forests and across lakes, while quieter loops and open spaces work well for families who prefer skiing, snowshoeing, or simple snow play. That combination of trail connectivity, lake access for ice fishing, and nearby amenities such as the casino resort and community events makes it realistic to plan winter trips that feel active and social rather than just hunkering down indoors.
Family Fun
Families in Lac du Flambeau can blend classic Northwoods fun—swimming, paddling, fishing, campfires—with experiences that highlight Ojibwe history and living culture, like visiting the museum or village, attending community events, or learning about traditional fishing practices. Campgrounds, lakeside resorts, and simple parks give kids room to roam, while the short drive to Minocqua or Manitowish Waters expands options for rainy‑day attractions, biking trails, and additional dining when needed. Over time, that mix of on‑the‑water adventures, wildlife‑rich places like Powell Marsh, and meaningful cultural touchpoints helps families build deeper traditions around their cabin stays, making Lac du Flambeau feel like much more than just another lake town on the map.
Towns Near Lac Du Flambeau:
Manitowish Waters
A nineteen minute drive up County Road H and then north on Hwy 51 takes you to Manitowish Waters. Manitowish Waters is a neat little Northern Wisconsin town. It has a very artsy feel to it with multiple artist studios in town. It is a very non-commercialized place. The Manitowish Waters Chain of Lakes is a clean chain that is quieter than some of the other chains. There are numerous trail systems in the Manitowish Waters area to explore and some great little places to grab a bite to eat. The population of the town is 565 people. Be sure to check out the Skiing Skeeters during the summer time. They put on free shows two nights a week all summer long.
Minocqua
If you drive nineteen minutes to the east on Hwy 47 you will be in Minocqua. The "island city" is probably the most "modern" of the towns in Northern Wisconsin. There are still plenty of the older mom and pop type of businesses, but they are sprinkled in with fast food restaurants and other national box store outlets. There is a wide variety of things to do and places to visit around Minocqua and the chain of lakes that surround the town is one of the most popular ones around. Being popular, it is also the busiest chain around. The town is considered a tourist hot spot and many summer weekends you will feel like you're back in the city with all the people...well, you will if you're coming from the Lac Du Flambeau area at least!
Trails around Lac Du Flambeau:
Lac du Flambeau Area ATV/UTV Access
ATV and UTV riders staying in Lac du Flambeau can trailer a short distance to reach Vilas County and Iron County route systems, which together include dozens of miles of designated riding corridors. Recent county rule changes opened most Vilas County highways year-round to machines except those in the town of Lac du Flambeau, so careful map reading is essential to connect lodging in town with the larger regional network.
Lac du Flambeau Snowmobile Trails
The Northern Hornshoe Trails snowmobile club grooms local corridors around Lac du Flambeau that tie the community into the broader Vilas County and regional snowmobile networks. Riders enjoy dense woods, occasional marsh and lake crossings, and big-sky views near Powell Marsh, with town access to fuel and food making Lac du Flambeau a convenient staging point.
Lac du Flambeau Winter Snowshoe Loops
Vilas County winter guides point to several overlapping snowshoe and backcountry-ski loops near Lac du Flambeau that add up to roughly 6 miles of low-key winter exploration. These modest-length routes follow existing forest paths and two-tracks, giving visitors an easy way to stretch their legs on snow without traveling far from cabins on the nearby lakes.
Powell Trail – Lac du Flambeau Access
The Powell Trail, highlighted as Lac du Flambeau’s signature winter trail, offers more than 10 miles of ungroomed loops that work well for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and quiet hiking. Rolling terrain, minimal development, and a mix of forest and lowlands give it a backcountry feel that appeals to visitors looking for a quieter alternative to big, groomed Nordic centers.
Lac Du Flambeau Attractions & Viewpoints:
George W. Brown Jr. Ojibwe Museum & Cultural Center (Attraction)
The George W. Brown Jr. Ojibwe Museum & Cultural Center houses one of the most complete collections of Lac du Flambeau history, including a 24-foot dugout canoe, traditional clothing, beadwork, and a world-record sturgeon. Rotating exhibits, cultural programs, and seasonal workshops give visitors and cabin owners a way to connect more deeply with Ojibwe life past and present, all within a short walk of downtown.
Lac du Flambeau Fish Hatchery & Pokegama Shoreline (Attraction)
The Lac du Flambeau Fish Hatchery, established in 1936 on Pokegama Lake, is used for stocking walleye and other species in tribal and local waters. Visitors can see outdoor rearing ponds and portions of the facility (when open) and pair the stop with shoreline views and short walks along the lake near the hatchery.
Waswagoning Indian Village (Attraction)
The Waswagoning Indian Village just outside Lac du Flambeau recreates an 18th-century Ojibwe village with wigwams, teaching lodges, and interpretive stops along a forested path. Guided tours and demonstrations introduce visitors to stories, tools, and daily life of the Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe, making it a standout cultural stop for families and history-minded guests.
Big Crooked Lake Boat Landing & Island View (Viewpoint)
Big Crooked Lake, highlighted in travel guides as a top local water, has public access points where visitors can see islands, wooded shorelines, and classic Lac du Flambeau scenery without launching a boat. It’s a simple stop for photos, loon watching, or scouting future paddling and fishing days while exploring back roads around the reservation.
Downtown Lac du Flambeau Lakeside Green & Murals (Viewpoint)
Downtown Lac du Flambeau includes a small lakeside green and gathering area near the main intersection, where visitors can look out over Pokegama Lake and spot a mural and Ojibwe-themed artwork on nearby buildings. It’s a natural place to pause for photos after visiting the museum or local shops, and it anchors short “walk around town” loops for cabin guests.
Lake of the Torches Casino & Pokegama Lake View (Viewpoint)
Lake of the Torches Resort Casino sits directly on Pokegama Lake, with picture-window views from the property, a lakeside patio, and access to docks and a small marina. Even for non-gamblers, the grounds offer easy sunset views across the lake and a sense of Lac du Flambeau’s mix of modern resort life and traditional lands.
Powell Marsh Wildlife Area Dike Road (Viewpoint)
Powell Marsh Wildlife Area, a short drive from Lac du Flambeau, features a long dike road that runs through 4,300 acres of managed marsh and wetlands, offering panoramic views in every direction. Birders and photographers come for sandhill cranes, ducks, and big-sky sunrises and sunsets, and on clear nights the area can offer impressive star and northern-lights viewing away from town lights.
Events in Lac Du Flambeau:
LDF Deep Freeze Ice Fishing Classic
The LDF Deep Freeze Ice Fishing Classic is a winter ice fishing tournament on Flambeau Lake that offers cash prizes, raffles, and a day of friendly competition on the ice. Cabin owners and locals set up shacks and tip‑ups across the lake, turning a cold January day into a social event with plenty of storytelling, food, and return trips to shore to warm up.
Bear River Annual Traditional Pow Wow
The Bear River Annual Traditional Pow Wow is a multi‑day summer gathering held at the Old Indian Village along Bear River, featuring grand entries, traditional dance, drumming, and food and craft vendors. It is one of Lac du Flambeau’s signature cultural events, drawing tribal members, neighbors, and visitors to share in ceremonies and social time, and many cabin owners plan July trips around it.
Lac du Flambeau 4th of July Celebration
Lac du Flambeau’s 4th of July Celebration typically includes daytime community activities and evening fireworks that reflect over Flambeau Lake and nearby waters. Cabin owners can mix time on the water or at the campground with in‑town festivities, then gather along the shoreline or on boats to watch fireworks over the reservation’s lakes and pines.
Waaswaaganing Indian Bowl Weekly Pow Wow
The Waaswaaganing Indian Bowl hosts weekly summer powwows that bring together dancers, drum groups, and community members to share Ojibwe culture through song, regalia, and storytelling. Cabin owners and visitors can spend an evening watching grand entries, listening to emcees explain traditions, and browsing vendors, gaining a much deeper sense of place than a typical vacation event provides.
Waaswaaganing Round Dance
The Waaswaaganing Round Dance is a community event that includes a pipe ceremony, feast, and evening round dance with drumming and singing, plus contests such as best ribbon shirt. It offers cabin owners and visitors a winter or early‑spring opportunity to experience living Ojibwe traditions in a welcoming, family‑friendly setting.
Cultural Programs at George W. Brown Jr. Ojibwe Museum
The George W. Brown Jr. Ojibwe Museum & Cultural Center periodically hosts special programs such as storytelling nights, craft demonstrations, and history talks that deepen visitors’ understanding of Lac du Flambeau’s past and present. Second‑home owners can time visits to catch these events, pairing them with days on the water to give family and guests a fuller picture of the community they’re spending time in.
Lake of the Torches Casino Entertainment Lineup
Lake of the Torches Resort Casino hosts a rotating lineup of concerts, comedy shows, and special events that bring regional and national performers to Lac du Flambeau throughout the year. For cabin owners, these shows add an easy night‑out option—dinner, gaming, and entertainment—especially in shoulder seasons and winter when outdoor hours are shorter.
Lac Du Flambeau Food Scene:
Brew Bear Coffee Shop
Brew Bear Coffee Shop appears in local dining listings as a small coffee shop in downtown Lac du Flambeau serving espresso drinks, drip coffee, and simple baked goods and snacks. It gives cabin owners and casino visitors a handy place in town to grab a morning coffee or a quick pick‑me‑up without leaving the area.
Crickets Pub & Cafe
Crickets Pub & Cafe is listed as a local dining option in Lac du Flambeau, combining a small pub with a cafe menu of burgers, sandwiches, and casual comfort‑food plates. Regional roundups mention it as one of the go‑to in‑town spots alongside the casino and marina restaurants, especially for people wanting straightforward bar food without a long drive.
Eagle's Nest Restaurant (Lake of the Torches)
Eagle’s Nest Restaurant inside Lake of the Torches Resort Casino serves buffet and plated meals, featuring cooking stations with steaks, chops, ribs, seafood, and rotating themed buffets. Reviews describe a well‑maintained buffet with good variety and quality for the price, making it a convenient choice for casino guests who want a full meal without leaving the property.
Harrison's Pub & Grill
Harrison’s Pub & Grill is a family‑friendly neighborhood restaurant and pub set in the woods off Pokegama Lake Trail, serving burgers, sandwiches, fried baskets, and rotating nightly specials. Descriptions emphasize a welcoming, local feel, cold drinks, and solid bar food, making it a regular stop for both residents and visitors staying on nearby lakes.
The Dam Bar
The Dam Bar on Highway 70 has been family‑owned since 1958 and serves burgers, sandwiches, broasted chicken, and classic Friday fish fry in a simple, road‑house tavern setting. Its location by water and on the drive between Lac du Flambeau and Minocqua makes it a convenient, old‑school stop for cabin groups and anglers.
The Flame Restaurant & Bar
The Flame Restaurant & Bar sits right on the marina off Peace Pipe Road, offering classic Northwoods bar‑and‑grill fare like burgers, sandwiches, and hearty nightly specials, plus a notable Friday fish fry with cod, walleye, and perch. Guests highlight the lakeside setting, ability to watch the game with a drink, and generous portions that make it a popular local hangout and an easy choice after time on the water.
Woody's Bar & Grill (Lake of the Torches)
Woody’s Bar & Grill at Lake of the Torches Resort Casino is a sports‑bar‑style venue decorated with Northwoods touches and entertainer memorabilia, combining a full bar with quick‑bite grill items. It serves burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, and breakfast‑through‑late‑night fare, giving players a convenient place to grab food while watching games or taking a break from the slots.
