Mercer
Mercer is a small town in far northern Wisconsin's Iron County, northwest of Manitowish Waters and close to the Michigan border. The area is surrounded by more than 200 lakes and over 74,000 acres of public forestland, though the lakes are more spread out than in other parts of Northern Wisconsin—some are pretty nice, but you won't find the same concentration of development and resort activity you see further south. Mercer is best known as the gateway to the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage, a 12,000-plus-acre wilderness-style water with island-studded views, quiet bays, and water-access-only campsites that draws serious anglers and paddlers. The town is also a popular spot for snowmobilers who want to be closer to Michigan and enjoy a more off-the-beaten-path experience. Mercer anchors the western end of the Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail System and has a small but handy downtown with the basics visitors need. It's a practical yet laid-back place to own a cabin if you want big nature, dark skies, wild low-density surroundings, and access to both lakes and trails. Below, you will find the most recent lakefront homes, lots and condos (with links to view all Mercer listings) as well as some featured lakes around Mercer (also with a link to all Mercer lakes). Below that you will find information on events, attractions and places to eat in Mercer.
Recent Homes for Sale:
Experience the charm of Northwoods living at this log-sided home offering 3 BR, 2 BA & 1,300 sq ft well-designed living space. Main level with open-concept layout that seamlessly combines the living room, dining area & kitchen w/stunning floor-to-ceiling fields…
NORDIC LAKE RETREAT. This Newly Constructed nearly 3300 SQFT home is nestled into a very private wooded 2.19 Ac Lot w/205'+/- West Facing (Sunset) Frontage on 1006 Ac Butternut Lake. The house is nearly done wih some final paint choices, trim, light fixtures, &…
Imagine owning this exceptionally well-maintained home on a peninsula, featuring stunning views of Pine Lake from both sides of the home! Level frontage, great sand for swimming and a firepit area where you feel like you can dip your toes in the lake while roas…
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Recent Lots for Sale:
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Recent Condos for Sale:
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GoldBar Lakes in Mercer:
| Lake Name | Access | Acres | Type | Distance | Avg Depth | Clarity | Chain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trude Lake | Public | 786 | Drainage | 21 min | 14 ft | 11.0 ft | -- |
View All Mercer Lakes >>
The Mercer Experience:
On The Water
The Turtle‑Flambeau Flowage is the star of Mercer’s on‑the‑water scene, created by a 1920s dam project that flooded multiple natural lakes into a single sprawling flowage with roughly 14,000 acres of water and more than 200 miles of largely undeveloped shoreline. Cabin owners can launch for day trips to fish, paddle, explore islands, and picnic at remote sites, or base on nearby lakes for quicker, everyday boating and swimming with the option to treat the flowage as a special‑occasion destination. Since the flowage is managed as a scenic waters area with limited development and many small islands and coves, buyers who value a wilder, less built‑up shoreline can find a very different on‑the‑water feel here than on typical resort chains, while still having access to more conventional lakes within a short drive.
Trails
Mercer anchors the western trailhead of the Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail System, with the Mercer Bike and Hike Trail connecting town south toward Manitowish Waters through forest, wetlands, and along lakes and rivers. Beyond the paved system, the surrounding public lands and forest roads provide additional options for hiking, birding, and exploring by bike or on foot, so active cabin owners can easily mix longer rides with short walks and scenic viewpoints. With Mercer sitting at the end of a long paved trail corridor, riders can stage out‑and‑back day trips to other Heart of Vilas communities or simply cruise local segments for low‑stress family rides, then switch to nearby forest roads or paddling routes when they want a wilder outing.
Winter
Winter is a major season in Mercer and Iron County, which are known for deep snow, long winters, and a well‑developed snowmobile network maintained by the Mercer Area Sno‑Goers and other clubs. Snowmobile trails link Mercer to neighboring towns and cross wide stretches of forest and lake country, while nearby areas offer cross‑country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat‑tire biking for days when cabin owners want quieter, human‑powered adventures. Strong club support, regular grooming, and trail connections that reach both local lodging and services make it realistic for second‑home owners to plan multiple winter trips each season, using Mercer as a base for big loop rides and relaxed evenings back in town.
Family Fun
Families in Mercer can build trips around Turtle‑Flambeau Flowage paddles, fishing outings on area lakes, easy segments of the Heart of Vilas paved trail, and simple in‑town stops for ice cream, parks, and community events. The combination of wild‑feeling water and forest with a small, manageable downtown lets parents keep logistics simple while still giving kids a sense of adventure, from spotting loons and eagles on the flowage to watching snowmobiles roll through town in midwinter. The mix of big‑nature experiences and approachable, repeatable routines—favorite landing spots, go‑to trail segments, and a handful of in‑town traditions—helps a Mercer cabin feel like a true wilderness‑edge base that families grow into rather than out of.
Trails around Mercer:
Carow Park Lakefront Loop
This informal loop begins at Carow Park on Grand Portage Lake, follows short paved paths and park roads, and uses a brief low-speed stretch of County J to create an easy 2–3 mile lakefront outing close to downtown Mercer. Benches, picnic shelters, a swimming area, and frequent water views make it an ideal choice for families, evening walks, or a gentle first spin after arriving in town.
MECCA Snowshoe & Winter Hiking Loops
Within the MECCA Trails system, dedicated snowshoe loops such as the Klondike and Mercer Springs routes offer about 3 miles of signed snowshoe paths, with additional untracked areas open for winter hiking. Short hills, mixed forest, and scenic overlooks create a relaxed but interesting winter experience for visitors who prefer walking to skiing.
MECCA Trails
The MECCA Trails system offers around 21 kilometers (13 miles) of groomed cross-country ski trails plus multi-season hiking and biking routes on rolling glacial terrain south of Mercer. A wood-heated chalet at the Fierick Road trailhead, scenic views into the Little Turtle Wildlife Area, and regular events like Winterfest make it a key silent-sports destination in the Mercer area.
Mercer Area Sno‑Goers Snowmobile Trails
The Mercer Area Sno‑Goers maintain more than 150 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in southern Iron County, tying Mercer into a regional network that exceeds 250 miles and reaches the U.P. of Michigan and neighboring counties. Deep lake‑effect snow, varied terrain, and abundant trail‑side services have earned the club state, national, and international recognition, making Mercer a bucket‑list snowmobile destination for many riders.
Mercer ATV/UTV Trails
Mercer is at the heart of an ATV/UTV network with more than 100 miles of local trails that connect into roughly 250 miles of Iron County corridors, forming the largest contiguous ATV/UTV system in Wisconsin. Trails wind through forest and along lakes and waterfalls, with direct access to trail-friendly bars, gas stations, and lodging, and many corridors stay open into winter when temperatures are cold enough.
Mercer Bike and Hike Trail
The Mercer Bike and Hike Trail forms the northern end of the Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail System, covering about 7.8 miles from Carow Park through Mercer and southeast toward Manitowish Waters on a mix of paved trail and rustic road. Riders enjoy lake and wetland views plus a notable bridge over the Manitowish River, all while staying close to town parking, parks, and services.
Mercer Attractions & Viewpoints:
Mercer Depot Museum & Loon Center (Attraction)
The Mercer Depot Museum, in the restored railroad depot, contains exhibits on local logging, tourism history, and Mercer’s evolution into the self-proclaimed Loon Capital of the World. Displays and information on loon research and conservation connect directly to the town’s loon-themed art and signage, making it a natural quick stop for context before exploring the flowage.
Claire d’Loon – World’s Largest Talking Loon (Viewpoint)
Claire d’Loon, the 26-foot-tall loon statue outside the Mercer Chamber of Commerce, is one of northern Wisconsin’s iconic roadside attractions. Travelers use it as a “we made it” photo stop, a landmark for meeting up, and a quick place to grab maps and intel on paddling and trail options around the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage.
Downtown Mercer Loon Park & Streetscape (Viewpoint)
Around the Mercer Chamber and Claire d’Loon statue, a small park and short stretch of storefronts create a walkable cluster of loon-themed art, signs, and planters. It’s a natural place for quick strolls and photos between errands or meals, especially for families who want to lean into the “Loon Capital” vibe.
Lake of the Falls County Park Overlook (Viewpoint)
Lake of the Falls County Park northwest of Mercer offers a short walk to a scenic waterfall and river overlook where water pours out of Lake of the Falls toward the Turtle River. Picnic tables, a small beach, and wooded campsites make it a classic “pack a lunch and take pictures by the falls” stop within an easy drive of town.
Tahoe Lynx Golf Course Vistas (Viewpoint)
Tahoe Lynx Golf Course near Mercer runs through rolling forest and wetlands, with several tees and greens that open up long-distance views over pines, lowlands, and ponds. Even non-golfers who ride along in a cart or pause at the clubhouse can enjoy quiet “up north” vistas a few minutes outside of town.
Turtle-Flambeau Flowage Scenic Overlooks & Dike Tour (Viewpoint)
The Turtle-Flambeau Flowage Scenic Waters Area offers a driving tour with dikes, landings, and small parking areas where visitors can step out to see sprawling water, islands, and big Northwoods sky. It’s widely praised as one of Wisconsin’s best flatwater landscapes, with easy roadside access for photos, loon watching, and scouting future paddling and camping trips.
Waterfalls Day Trip – Saxon & Hurley Area (Viewpoint)
Mercer is often used as a base for day trips to Iron County waterfalls like Saxon, Potawatomi, and Gile Falls, where short trails, stairways, and viewing platforms deliver big waterfall vistas. It’s an easy way for cabin guests to get a “big landscape” fix—canyon walls, rushing water, and deep forest—before returning to Mercer’s quieter lakes and trails.
Events in Mercer:
Loon Day Art & Craft Fair
Loon Day is Mercer’s flagship summer event, filling downtown with more than 250 art and craft exhibitors, a flea market, sidewalk and bake sales, food vendors, kids’ activities, and live music. The day also features the world‑famous loon‑calling contest, giving cabin owners and visitors a fun, only‑in‑Mercer reason to plan an August weekday trip into town between days on the flowage or area lakes.
Mercer Bike Fest & Loon Ride
Mercer Bike Fest and the Loon Ride send cyclists on 7‑, 24‑, and 50‑mile routes starting and ending at Carow Park on Grand Portage Lake, with post‑ride music, food, raffles, and swimming. It supports local trail expansion and gives active cabin owners a way to combine a summer weekend of riding with time at the park and an early start to Loon Day week.
MECCA Trails Winterfest
MECCA Trails Winterfest brings skiers, snowshoers, and fat‑tire bikers to Mercer for a day of races, tours, and family‑friendly activities on the groomed MECCA trail system. Cabin owners can use the event to anchor a quiet, human‑powered winter weekend built around time in the woods, with options for different ages and abilities.
Mercer Area Sno‑Goers Winter Blast
Winter Blast is the Mercer Area Sno‑Goers’ big winter party at the groomer barn, featuring a vintage snowmobile show, the finale of the club’s poker run, raffles, food, drinks, and live music from morning into the night. Cabin owners and riders treat it as a mid‑winter anchor weekend, combining long trail loops with a social gathering that directly supports the grooming that keeps the Mercer area’s system in top shape.
Mercer 4th of July Celebration
Mercer’s Fourth of July Celebration typically includes a daytime parade through town and an evening fireworks show visible from area lakes and parks. Cabin owners can split the day between paddling or boating and a classic small‑town parade and fireworks, often pairing Mercer’s celebration with nearby communities’ events over the long weekend.
Carow Park Summer Events
Carow Park hosts a rotating lineup of summer events—from small concerts and family activity days to community gatherings tied to Bike Fest and Loon Day—that make the park a natural hub for in‑town lake time. Cabin owners can plan low‑effort outings that combine beach time, playground visits, and occasional live music or special events without ever leaving Mercer.
Mercer May Days
Mercer May Days runs through the month of May, encouraging visitors to explore local businesses, dining, performances, and special events across town as the Northwoods wakes up from winter. Cabin owners can use it as an excuse for an early‑season visit, mixing quiet paddling and biking with low‑key in‑town stops before summer crowds arrive.
Mercer Food Scene:
Around the Corner Pub
Around the Corner Pub in downtown Mercer is a popular neighborhood bar and restaurant serving hearty pub food—burgers, sandwiches, baskets, and daily specials—alongside a wide variety of cocktails and tap beer. Reviews highlight quick, friendly service, good value, and satisfying bar food that makes it a go‑to stop for locals and visitors year‑round.
Ding‑A‑Ling Supper Club
Ding‑A‑Ling Supper Club on Highway 51 offers casual, elegant dining with steaks, ribs, chops, and seafood plus nightly specials, a deluxe salad bar, made‑from‑scratch soups, and a full cocktail bar and wine list. Guests praise their filets, ribeyes, shrimp, and fish, describing it as one of the area’s best dinner spots for a traditional Northwoods supper‑club experience.
Heart of the North Bar & Grill
Heart of the North Bar & Grill on Lakeview Avenue overlooks Mercer Lake and offers “food you wouldn’t expect in a bar,” including steaks, creative sandwiches, burgers, and elevated bar‑and‑grill fare. Reviews say the menu feels a step up from typical bar food and note friendly service and a comfortable lakeside‑adjacent setting.
Lazy Ace Saloon
Lazy Ace Saloon is a smokehouse BBQ bar and grill on the ATV and snowmobile trails near Mercer, billed as the only true smokehouse BBQ bar in the Northwoods. It serves smoked brisket and ribs, pizza, sandwiches, and a Friday fish fry, and is popular with trail riders and cabin groups looking for hearty comfort food and drinks.
The Pines Restaurant & Beer Garden
The Pines Restaurant & Beer Garden on Highway 51 serves German specialties like pork schnitzel, spaetzle, and red cabbage alongside pizza and American favorites, with a lively outdoor beer garden and tiki‑bar atmosphere. Reviews highlight authentic German food, fun outdoor seating with live music and bonfires, and good fish‑fry nights where reservations are recommended.
Tom's Country Cafe
Tom’s Country Cafe is a small, homey diner‑style cafe in Mercer known for big breakfasts, homemade pies, and classic lunch plates like burgers and hot sandwiches. Travelers describe it as a memorable, friendly stop with good coffee and satisfying portions before or after time on the trails and lakes.
Wolf's Den Bar & Grill
Wolf’s Den Bar & Grill just outside Mercer is known for one of the best burger and sandwich menus in the area, plus nightly specials like prime rib and a Friday fish fry. Guides describe it as a comfortable, friendly place to grab hearty bar food after a day on the trails or lakes.
