Land O Lakes
Land O'Lakes is a quite small town that sits on the Wisconsin-Michigan border in Vilas County and is defined by its dense forests, clear-water lakes, and low-key Northwoods vibe. There are a lot of nice lakes around the area, including Black Oak Lake which is the clearest lake in the state and one of my favorites in all of Northern Wisconsin. Land O'Lakes is a town where you can't help but feel a sense of contentment—everyone seems to be in a good mood and no one is ever in a rush. Visitors come for fishing, paddling, and relaxed cabin life rather than big crowds or nightlife. In summer, the area offers boating, hiking, and easy access to nearby state and county lands; in winter, extensive snowmobile and ski trail systems make it a basecamp for cold-weather adventure. With its small downtown, friendly local businesses, and nearby attractions on both sides of the border, it's a good fit for vacation-home buyers who want quiet, nature-forward living with plenty of outdoor access. Below, you will find the most recent lakefront homes, lots and condos (with links to view all Land O Lakes listings) as well as some featured lakes around Land O Lakes (also with a link to all Land O Lakes lakes). Below that you will find information on events, attractions and places to eat in Land O Lakes.
Recent Homes for Sale:
Enjoy life on 4300 surface-acre Lac Vieux Desert (trophy fish & boating fun) in this Northwoods chalet offering 102' of premium frontage, 1.5-acre wooded lot and a new crushed limestone road. There's plenty of room to pull in & turn around with a trailer at the…
Classic Northwoods lakefront retreat on Big Lake, located on the highly sought-after Wisconsin side of the Cisco Chain. This western-facing ranch sits on over 2.5 wooded acres with 200 feet of sandy frontage, offering breathtaking sunset views and a peaceful se…
Special Lac Vieux Desert Lake Property, Located of South Shore Dr and Know as Muskie Alley. Over 4000 Acres of open water for boating, fishing, etc. This Year Around Home Has Received Many Updates. New Thermal Windows in Tree Season Room W/ Wood Burner Stove. I…
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Recent Lots for Sale:
Discover a fantastic building lot now up for grabs on Landing Lake in Vilas County. The beautiful Landing Lake connects to Mill Lake, providing you with 328 acres of limitless recreational opportunities. This lot ensures maximum seclusion, features grand trees,…
CISCO LAKE CHAIN- 395 feet of shared frontage on Big Lake; a 771 acre lake that offers a multitude of recreational opportunities, a variety of bars/restaurants along with fabulous fishing on the 15 different lake this famous chain has to offer. The building sit…
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Recent Condos for Sale:
View All Land O Lakes Condos >>
GoldBar Lakes in Land O Lakes:
| Lake Name | Access | Acres | Type | Distance | Avg Depth | Clarity | Chain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Oak Lake | Public | 564 | Seepage | 7 min | 34 ft | 34.0 ft | -- |
| Forest Lake | Public | 468 | Seepage | 12 min | 29 ft | 38.0 ft | -- |
| Lac Du Lune | Public | 442 | Seepage | 19 min | 24 ft | 19.5 ft | -- |
| Big Portage Lake | Public | 586 | Seepage | 9 min | 18 ft | 20.0 ft | -- |
View All Land O Lakes Lakes >>
The Land O Lakes Experience:
On The Water
Land O’ Lakes is surrounded by classic Northwoods lakes that are ideal for quiet paddling, fishing, and casual cruising. Public landings and resort access points make it easy to get on the water for a morning paddle, an evening fishing run, or a lazy pontoon cruise. Many lakes around Land O’ Lakes are smaller and less developed than in busier hubs, which appeals to buyers who want peaceful shorelines, dark skies, and a stronger sense of wilderness.
Trails
The Land O’ Lakes area has a growing network of non-motorized trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and paddling. From local bike routes to regional systems like the Wilderness Lakes Trail and Wisconsin River Centennial paddling segments, it’s easy to build day trips without long drives. Because trails link into neighboring communities and cross into Michigan, active cabin owners can treat the area as a base for a whole menu of silent-sport loops rather than a single out-and-back path.
Winter
Winter is a defining season in Land O’ Lakes, with dependable snow and extensive snowmobile and ski networks connecting to nearby towns and the UP. Frosty Snowmobile Club grooms local routes, and cross-country systems north of town help keep silent-sport users happy all winter. Events like the Bent’s Camp Radar Run and Halloween-themed festivities add personality to the cold months and give second-home owners reasons to visit outside of summer.
Family Fun
Families will find low-key but memorable experiences, from dock fishing and short hikes to Storybook Garden, local murals, and small-town festivals. The smaller scale of Land O’ Lakes means kids experience classic Northwoods activities—campfires, starry skies, wildlife sightings—without the busier feel of larger resort towns, while still having access to trails, lakes, and events a short drive away.
Towns Near Land O Lakes:
Eagle River
Eagle River is a 20 minute drive South on Hwy 45 from Land O'Lakes. Eagle River is the original tourist town in Northern WI and has all sorts of things to do and places to eat. There are also two big grocery stores that are a good spot to stop in on your way up to your place in Land O'Lakes.
Conover
Ten miles south of Land O'Lakes on HWY 45 lies Conover. Conover is another map dot town, but it has gas and bait and can come in handy if you live south of Land O'Lakes and need something small. It saves some drive time.
Trails around Land O Lakes:
Eagle River – Land O’ Lakes Bike Route
The Eagle River – Land O’ Lakes Bike Route covers roughly 22 miles of lightly traveled county and town roads, connecting Eagle River to the Land O’ Lakes bike system through classic Northwoods scenery. Riders follow a mix of gently rolling forest corridors and lakeside stretches, with opportunities for food, water, and rest stops along the way, especially near Eagle River. It’s a good choice for road and fitness cyclists who are comfortable sharing pavement with vehicles but want a relatively calm, scenic route between two Northwoods communities rather than a high-traffic highway ride.
Frosty Snowmobile Club Trails
The Frosty Snowmobile Club maintains a network of groomed trails in and around Land O’ Lakes, often promoted as the “Top Trails at the Top of Wisconsin.” Roughly 45 miles of routes radiate from town to connect with neighboring communities like Conover, Eagle River, Phelps, Boulder Junction, Sayner, and St. Germain, as well as north into Michigan’s Gogebic County. The system gives sledders reliable, well-groomed access to both local loops and longer day rides, supported by a business community that caters to winter visitors with lodging, fuel, and food options.
Guido Rahr Sr Tenderfoot Preserve Paddle & Trail
The Guido Rahr Sr Tenderfoot Forest Reserve trip is a combination paddle and hike that starts at Palmer Lake, follows a narrow river reach to Tenderfoot Lake, and then explores a low-impact trail system within the preserve. Paddlers cross Palmer Lake and then slip into a meandering river corridor lined with pickerelweed, alder, and spruce, often described as one of the most scenic short paddles in the region. Once at the preserve shoreline, visitors can tie up and hike easy, mostly flat paths through mature forest and along undeveloped lakeshore, experiencing a pocket of Border Lakes wilderness without a long drive north.
Land O’ Lakes Bike & Multi-use Trail
Starting near Land O’ Lakes and running north toward Watersmeet, this rustic multi‑use trail offers an easy way to stretch your legs without getting in the car for a long drive. The route follows an old corridor through woods and lowlands with gentle grades, suiting casual riders, families, and walkers who just want a quiet out‑and‑back. Surfaces and conditions are more rustic than a paved rail‑trail, but the well‑marked path makes it a solid “everyday” option for cabin owners looking for a quick ride or stroll from town.
Land O’ Lakes Cross-Country Ski Trails
Just a couple of miles north of downtown Land O’ Lakes, this groomed trail system winds through mixed forest and low hills, offering classic Northwoods ski scenery close to cabins and town. The network is laid out in several loops totaling roughly 9 miles, with easier, rolling terrain on the east side and somewhat hillier, hardwood terrain on the west. In winter, volunteers groom tracks for classic skiing and set wider lanes in spots for snowshoeing, giving silent‑sports fans a reliable, low‑drive option for weekday skis or quick sessions between other activities.
Land O’ Lakes Lakeshore Hiking Loop
The Land O’ Lakes area offers hiking routes that link together small forest roads and paths past lakes like Deer Island Lake, Crooked Lake, and Mountain Lake, creating a relaxed loop with frequent water views. These hikes are less about steep climbs and more about wandering through mixed hardwood and conifer forest, spotting loons and eagles, and enjoying quieter shorelines. They work well for families or couples who want a flexible half‑day walk with options to shorten or lengthen the route based on time and energy.
Landover ATV Club Trails
The Landover ATV Club Trails form a network of routes and trails that connect Land O’ Lakes with neighboring communities like Conover, Phelps, and Eagle River. Riders can access a variety of forest roads, designated off-road segments, and signed town routes that create longer loops through eastern Vilas County. The system gives cabin owners and visitors a way to explore backroads, forest tracts, and small lakeside communities by ATV/UTV, with local businesses and club maps helping riders plan fuel, food, and rest stops along the way.
Wilderness Lakes Trail System
The Wilderness Lakes Trail System is a roughly 40-mile loop that runs through northern Wisconsin and Michigan, linking together quiet forest roads, paved paths, and unpaved stretches around a series of remote lakes. Riders and hikers see classic Northwoods scenery—mixed hardwood and pine forest, small bays and inlets, and occasional wetland vistas—without the heavy traffic of larger resort corridors. Multiple bathroom stops and access points make it easy to break the loop into shorter sections, and the mix of surfaces means it appeals most to recreational cyclists and silent-sports users who are comfortable with a bit of adventure rather than perfectly manicured pavement.
Wisconsin River Centennial Trail – Trip 1
The Wisconsin River Centennial Trail Trip 1 covers roughly 25 miles of the upper Wisconsin River, offering a multi-day paddle option within reach of Land O’ Lakes. Paddlers wind through a mix of quiet forested stretches, marshy banks, and occasional wider pools, with several landings that allow flexible start and end points. Along the way there are both manmade and beaver dams that require short portages, plus a couple of rustic riverside campsites for those who want to turn the route into an overnight adventure rather than a very long day trip.
Land O Lakes Attractions & Viewpoints:
Alley Lanes & Tavern (Attraction)
Alley Lanes & Tavern offers classic small-town bowling and a bar in the Land O’ Lakes area, giving visitors a simple rainy‑day or evening option that isn’t weather-dependent. It’s the kind of place where locals and cabin owners mix over a few games, a burger, and a drink, providing a different flavor of “up north” time than being out on the water or trail.
Artistree Gallery & LOLA Arts (Attraction)
Artistree Gallery and LOLA Arts (Land O’ Lakes Area Artisans) serve as the creative heart of town, showcasing work from regional artists and hosting classes, workshops, and small events. Visitors can browse paintings, pottery, fiber art, and more, or time their visit with make‑and‑take sessions, live music, or special exhibits. For vacation‑home owners, it’s a go‑to place to find Northwoods art for cabins and stay plugged into the local creative scene.
Land O’ Lakes Town Center (Attraction)
Land O’ Lakes has a compact town center with a handful of local businesses that serve as the community’s everyday hub. Visitors will find fuel, groceries, a few places to eat, and small shops catering to cabin owners and anglers. While it doesn’t have a large, touristy main street, its low-key character fits buyers looking for a quieter home base that still has essentials close at hand.
Land O’ Lakes Town Hall Playground (Attraction)
The Land O’ Lakes Town Hall Playground is a community-led project to build a central play space on the Town Hall grounds, giving families with younger children an easy in-town spot to burn off energy. The playground’s “Play, then…” theme ties into nearby library, arts, and trail experiences, encouraging families to combine a stop here with other activities around town. For vacation‑home buyers with small kids or grandkids, it’s a useful indicator that the community invests in family-friendly infrastructure, not just lakes and trails.
Northern Waters Museum (Attraction)
Northern Waters Museum introduces visitors to the stories behind Land O’ Lakes and the surrounding Northwoods—logging, early resorts, border history, and the lakes themselves. Exhibits appeal to anyone curious about how the area developed from wilderness to vacation‑home destination. It’s a useful rainy‑day stop and helps new buyers understand the character and culture of the community they’re considering.
Storybook Garden (Attraction)
Storybook Garden is a small, volunteer‑driven outdoor attraction near Land O’ Lakes that mixes gardens, woodland paths, and story‑inspired displays. Families stroll short loops past whimsical characters, seasonal decorations, and flowers, making it an easy stop for younger kids or a low‑key outing after time on the lake. It’s the kind of quirky, only‑in‑this‑town spot that gives the area personality beyond pure fishing and boating.
Black Oak Lake Park & Beach (Viewpoint)
Black Oak Lake Park & Beach sits along County B on the south shore of Black Oak Lake, providing public access to what’s widely described as the clearest lake in Wisconsin. The small park offers a sand beach, changing rooms, basic facilities, and a front-row view of the lake’s remarkable clarity, making it a natural swimming and photo stop on hot summer days. For cabin shoppers, it’s also an easy way to experience the feel of the lake before touring properties, without needing a private dock or resort access.
Downtown Land O’ Lakes Murals (Viewpoint)
Downtown Land O’ Lakes features several outdoor murals, including pieces on the library and other central buildings, that have been highlighted as some of Vilas County’s most “Instagrammable” selfie spots. The art celebrates local history, wildlife, and even hometown athletes, and it gives visitors an easy walking route for photos between shops, cafés, and the library. For cabin owners, these murals become familiar landmarks and simple “let’s go stretch our legs in town” destinations.
Lake Elaine Scenic Access (Viewpoint)
Lake Elaine is a small lake near Land O’ Lakes that occasionally appears on “things to do” lists as a spot for a quiet walk, paddle, or shore view. It doesn’t have the size or name recognition of the bigger lakes, but for nearby property owners and explorers it offers another peaceful, out-of-the-way water view that fits the area’s “100 lakes” character.
Events in Land O Lakes:
Bent's Camp Radar Run
The Bent’s Camp Radar Run is one of Land O’ Lakes’ signature winter events, drawing snowmobilers and spectators to the ice for a full day of high‑speed runs, food, drinks, raffles, and music. Riders test their sleds on a groomed 1,000‑foot snow track while families watch from the legendary ice bar and shoreline, with special classes, a bikini run, and an after‑party supporting the Frosty Snowmobile Club that maintains local trails.
3rd of July Fireworks
Land O’ Lakes celebrates Independence Day with a “3rd of July” fireworks show that gives locals and cabin owners a festive kickoff to the holiday. The event typically features a community gathering with food, music, and family‑friendly activities leading up to the display, allowing visitors to enjoy fireworks here and still have flexibility to explore neighboring towns’ celebrations on July 4 itself.
NorthwoodStock
NorthwoodStock is a summer music‑focused event in the Land O’ Lakes area that brings together live bands, food and drink, and family‑friendly activities in a casual outdoor setting. It’s the kind of laid‑back, small‑town festival where cabin owners can listen to regional musicians, meet neighbors, and enjoy an easy night out without leaving town.
Zombie Crawl & Halloween Town events
Each October, Land O’ Lakes embraces its governor‑recognized title as “Wisconsin’s Halloween Town” with a month of spooky events culminating in the Zombie Crawl. Bars and restaurants host a costumed pub crawl supported by shuttles, while arts groups and local businesses add ghost hunts, seances, kids’ crafts, and themed parties, creating a fall tradition that brings second‑home owners back after summer has ended.
Oktoberfest in Land O’ Lakes
Oktoberfest adds another shoulder‑season reason to visit Land O’ Lakes, with local businesses and organizers putting together beer, food, and live entertainment in a festive autumn setting. Vacation‑home owners often time fall visits around the event to combine color touring, late‑season fishing, and a community gathering that feels very Northwoods in scale and personality.
Land O Lakes Food Scene:
Brew’s Pub
Brew’s Pub is a casual bar and restaurant on County B that serves as one of Land O’ Lakes’ go-to spots for burgers, sandwiches, wings, and cold drinks. It has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that appeals to locals, cabin owners, and ATV/snowmobile riders coming off the nearby trail network, making it a natural choice for a low-key lunch, dinner, or game-watching stop after a day outside.
Dari Maid
Dari Maid is a classic seasonal drive-in on County B that serves soft-serve ice cream, shakes, and simple snacks like burgers and sandwiches in the heart of Land O’ Lakes. It’s a popular warm-weather stop for families biking or walking through town, and many second-home owners make a habit of ending summer evenings with cones or sundaes here. The casual walk-up service and outdoor seating give it a nostalgic small-town feel that fits perfectly with Northwoods summer routines.
Gateway Lodge Restaurant
Set inside the historic Gateway Lodge at the “top of Wisconsin,” this restaurant pairs classic Northwoods architecture—fieldstone fireplace, timber beams, lodge décor—with a traditional sit‑down dinner experience. Guests come for steaks, fish, and other supper‑club staples in a setting that feels like stepping back into an earlier era of up‑north resort life. For vacation‑home buyers, Gateway serves as the local “special occasion” or date‑night option, as well as a place to bring visiting friends who want a lodge‑style meal without driving to a larger town.
Pine Cone Café
Pine Cone Café is the go‑to breakfast and lunch spot on County Road B, with a menu built around hearty, homemade comfort food. Reviews consistently mention friendly service, stuffed French toast, country‑style sausage gravy, burgers, soups, and daily specials, making it an easy choice for fueling up before a day on the lake or trail. The cozy, family‑run atmosphere and early opening hours make it especially appealing to anglers, snowmobilers, and cabin owners who want a reliable, no‑fuss meal in town.
The Bear Trap Inn
The Bear Trap Inn on County Road B blends bar‑and‑grill energy with classic supper‑club comfort, drawing both locals and visitors. Guests talk about fish fry, burgers, sandwiches, and generous portions in a casual, wood‑paneled setting that feels very “up north.” It’s the kind of place where you can roll in after a day on the snowmobile trail or lake, grab a drink, and settle into a relaxed, no‑pretenses meal that quickly becomes part of the weekend routine for cabin owners.
The Black Oak Inn
The Black Oak Inn on Old County B combines a rustic Northwoods bar atmosphere with a menu built around house-made comfort dishes, from soups and burgers to pulled pork, pizza, and nightly specials. Diners repeatedly praise the Friday fish fry (including potato-crusted walleye and perch), homemade soups, and generous portions, along with friendly staff and a relaxed, locals-and-regulars vibe. For many cabin owners and visitors, it’s a destination in its own right and a favorite place to bring guests for a substantial meal and a couple of Old Fashioneds after a day outdoors.
TJ Grizzlies
TJ Grizzlies sits on County B near the center of town and leans into Italian-American comfort food, with a focus on pizzas, pasta dishes, lasagna, and meatballs. It’s a small, welcoming place where families and groups can share pies and baked dishes after a day on the water or trails, and many visitors treat it as their reliable “pizza night” destination during cabin stays.
Twilight Supper Club at 45 & E
Twilight Supper Club sits south of Land O’ Lakes at Highway 45 and County E and leans fully into the traditional Wisconsin supper‑club experience. Menus and reviews highlight house‑made baby back ribs, Friday fish fry, Saturday prime rib, perch and walleye, pressure‑fried chicken, and a popular salad bar, plus well‑regarded Old Fashioneds. The atmosphere is relaxed but lively, making it a natural “must‑do” dinner stop for families and groups staying in the Land O’ Lakes area who want that classic Northwoods night out.
