Rhinelander, WI

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Glenn Sanderson/Wisconsin Department of Tourism
Photo provided by Glenn Sanderson/Wisconsin Department of Tourism
Photo provided by Glenn Sanderson/Wisconsin Department of Tourism
Photo provided by Glenn Sanderson/Wisconsin Department of Tourism
Photo provided by Kovac Planetarium/Wisconsin Department of Tourism

Although it is home to the mythical Hodag monster, you won’t find somewhere more welcoming or charming than this small city in Wisconsin. 

Rhinelander is a vacation destination in the Midwest known for ice fishing and antique shopping. The county seat of Oneida County lies in north Wisconsin and is surrounded by picturesque lakes.

Rhinelander is affectionately known as “Home of the Hodag.” In 1893, local prankster Eugene Shepard reported capturing and killing a fearsome green monster covered in white spikes. After Shepard was said to have captured a second creature, which he called a Hodag, the sensation grew. It wasn’t until scientists from the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. expressed interest in inspecting the beast that Shepard admitted it was all a hoax. Today, the mythical Hodag is a mascot of the city. As you pass the Chamber of Commerce, look for the statue of the legendary creature.

Discover other aspects of Rhinelander’s past at Pioneer Park Historical Complex. This open-air museum has recreations of log cabins from the fur trade era and shops from the late 19th century. Explore the old schoolhouse museum and learn about Rhinelander’s long logging history. The museum includes several exhibits devoted to the Hodag.

Fishing is a favorite leisure activity in Rhineland, often referred to as the “Ice Fishing Capital of the World.” The surrounding area is full of lakes and streams that are teeming with musky, bass and other fish. Purchase all the equipment you need at local bait shops.

Explore antique stores and boutique shops in downtown Rhineland. Sip coffee in cafés or indulge in three-course meals at restaurants. Enjoy a show at Tommy O’s Playhouse or see local artists’ work at ArtStart, a community-supported gallery located in the old Federal Building.

Rhinelander has mild summers and very cold winters with heavy snowfall. Bring high quality cold-weather clothing for ice fishing and cross-country skiing in winter.

Rhinelander is in north Wisconsin, a 4-hour drive west of Minneapolis. Green Bay is a 2.5-hour trip by car. Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport offers flights to the Minneapolis and Saint Paul metropolitan area. Rhinelander’s isolated location in the lake region of Wisconsin only adds to the city’s charm.

Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Rhinelander
Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Rhinelander
2.5 out of 5
735 W Kemp St, Rhinelander, WI
$138 nightly
The price is $154 total per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
$154 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rhinelander. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Wisconsin River Cruises and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (36 reviews)
"Hotel is new and very aesthetically pleasing. Nice amenities include breakfast, fitness room, and pool. The only concern I had was when a dog in the room above us was barking in the morning (probably while its owners went to breakfast). While I realize the hotel is not responsible for this specifically, ..."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Rhinelander
Comfort Inn Rhinelander
Comfort Inn Rhinelander
2.5 out of 5
1490 Lincoln St, Rhinelander, WI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$101 nightly
The price is $113 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$113 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rhinelander. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (582 reviews)
"Excellent all around. Great breakfast in the mornings and the rooms are very nice. Staff is also good and quick to resolve any issues."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Comfort Inn Rhinelander
Quality Inn Rhinelander
Quality Inn Rhinelander
2.5 out of 5
668 W Kemp St, Rhinelander, WI
$88 nightly
The price is $99 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$99 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Rhinelander. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.6/10 Good! (955 reviews)
"Disappointed that no one made bed or changed towels."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Quality Inn Rhinelander
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Blue Jay Cabin | Lakefront cabin in Rhinelander with dock & row boat
Blue Jay Cabin | Lakefront cabin in Rhinelander with dock & row boat
Rhinelander
Stay at this cabin in Rhinelander. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Wisconsin River Cruises and ArtStart are ...
2/10 (1 review)
MISSLEADING LISTING - DO NOT STAY HERE
"The description and the pictures are very misleading. We drove up walked in and left immediately! THERE IS NO A/C . When you stay in a home especially when it is 95 degrees outside it becomes a sauna. The entire place is so small. I could touch both walls standing in the middle of the room. The pictures ..."

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2023

Blue Jay Cabin | Lakefront cabin in Rhinelander with dock & row boat
Beautiful Lake  George house on the water
Beautiful Lake George house on the water
Rhinelander
Stay at this vacation home in Rhinelander. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions George Lake and Long Lake are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (57 reviews)
Memorial Day weekend 2025
"Great location. House was very clean and organized. Had good supply of cooking equipment. Beautiful lake property Did not use the basement at all. Felt unsure about the stairs without a hand rail."

Reviewed on May 27, 2025

Beautiful Lake George house on the water
Fish Year-Round: Riverfront Cottage in Rhinelander
Fish Year-Round: Riverfront Cottage in Rhinelander
Rhinelander
Stay at this cottage in Rhinelander. Enjoy laundry facilities, cable/satellite TV service, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Hodag Beach and Wisconsin ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
"Cabin had everything we needed and very peaceful on the water. Would definitely stay again!"

Reviewed on Jun 9, 2025

Fish Year-Round: Riverfront Cottage in Rhinelander
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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