Three Lakes: Lakes, Forest and History
Accommodation in Three Lakes
Three Lakes lies at the southern end of a chain of 28 connected lakes. Twenty of these lakes are in Three Lakes; their shoreline spans 106 miles. The chain forms the larger body of connected water, while the 20 lakes and their shoreline describe the local scale. This distinction helps differentiate the lakes within the community from the broader chain. Forest trails and culture offer other points of interest. The remaining eight lakes lie outside Three Lakes.
Lakes and Trails
The Sam Campbell Memorial Trail winds through a forest of pines, balsam firs, and deciduous trees. In spring, it offers opportunities to observe birds and wildflowers. One section leads to Wegimind Point and Vanishing Lake. The Three Eagle Trail begins at Don Burnside Park in Three Lakes. The two trails have different points of reference: the Sam Campbell Memorial Trail focuses on the forest and springtime viewing opportunities, as well as a section leading to two locations; the Three Eagle Trail has a specific starting point in the park. Their respective landscape and location references help distinguish the trails.
Seasonal Activities
Three Lakes has 132 miles of state-funded snowmobile trails and an additional 54 miles of locally funded trails. The two distances also differ in how they are funded. Check conditions and seasonal access before your trip. The Aqua Devils Ski Shows entertain audiences from mid-June to mid-August; check current show dates before visiting.
The time of year also offers different points of reference: the Sam Campbell Memorial Trail provides opportunities to observe birds and wildflowers in spring, while the Aqua Devils Ski Shows entertain audiences from mid-June to mid-August. If either of these is important to your trip, match it to your planned dates.
History and Culture
The Three Lakes Historical Society & Museum consists of seven exhibit buildings documenting the history of the Three Lakes area. Historic boat tours on the Three Lakes Chain focused on the history of many early families, their homes, and boathouses. The topics have different points of focus: the museum looks at the history of the area, while the historic tours focus on families, their homes, and boathouses. Regional history and specific family stories thus offer two perspectives.
The Three Lakes Center for the Arts Theater shows popular films, adding its own cultural touch. Three Lakes Winery’s historic tasting room is located in the Chicago and Northwestern railroad depot in downtown Three Lakes. The depot’s location provides another specific point of reference alongside the topics of film and regional history.
Discover more destinations: Rhinelander, Minocqua, Hazelhurst
Return to the main travel overview: Oneida County.
