Rhinelander, WI

Travel Guide
Rhinelander showing interior views and signage
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.

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Rhinelander, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Rhinelander, an IHG Hotel
2.5 out of 5
1958 NAVAJO STREET, Rhinelander, WI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $109 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
$109
$115 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this property in Rhinelander. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Hodag Beach and Historic Courthouse are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
"Very nice, well kept, hotel."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Rhinelander, an IHG Hotel
AmericInn by Wyndham Rhinelander
AmericInn by Wyndham Rhinelander
2.5 out of 5
648 W Kemp St, Rhinelander, WI
The price is $116 per night from Mar 30 to Mar 31
$116
$129 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 30 - Mar 31
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rhinelander. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (416 reviews)
Nice Hotel
"Hotel is inviting. Rooms and common areas are clean and up to date. Beds were very comfortable. Breakfast was good. We enjoyed our stay. Staff was friendly and helpful. Nice pool and spa."

Reviewed on Mar 4, 2024

AmericInn by Wyndham Rhinelander
Quality Inn Rhinelander
Quality Inn Rhinelander
2.5 out of 5
668 W Kemp St, Rhinelander, WI
The price is $91 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
$91
$101 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Rhinelander. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
7.6/10 Good! (858 reviews)
"Hotel seemed good and nice but they are in the middle of renovating so some areas were messy. The room I had was nice but old. Tile in shower was dirty and could tell it hadn’t been cleaned in a while. Walls seemed thin and could hear people. There was a connecting door in my room which makes noise ..."

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

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.
Beautiful Lakefront House With Three Bedrooms,  Two Baths, Pier / Hoist
Beautiful Lakefront House With Three Bedrooms, Two Baths, Pier / Hoist
Rhinelander
Stay at this vacation home in Rhinelander. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Lake ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (123 reviews)
Great stay for our family
"We loved our stay here. The views of the lake are beautiful, lots of space, and very easy access to town without being in town. Very kind and flexible owners with quick communication. We will likely stay here again!!"

Reviewed on Jan 10, 2024

Beautiful Lakefront House With Three Bedrooms, Two Baths, Pier / Hoist
Large lakefront lodge w/Kayaks, Arcade games, WIFI, next to public boat launch
Large lakefront lodge w/Kayaks, Arcade games, WIFI, next to public boat launch
Rhinelander
Stay at this cabin in Rhinelander. Enjoy onsite parking, a garden, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Wisconsin River Cruises and Rhinelander Logging Museum ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (8 reviews)
December Weekend
"We really enjoyed the stay. The property was big enough with enough private space. The larger shared space is great for bigger groups and eating and drinking together. We would be happy to book here again."

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2024

Large lakefront lodge w/Kayaks, Arcade games, WIFI, next to public boat launch
Rhinelander Home - Jennie Webber Lake On-Site
Rhinelander Home - Jennie Webber Lake On-Site
Rhinelander
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Rhinelander. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Discover genuine guest reviews for Rhinelander Home - Jennie ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
Get Away
"A group of 7 family who stayed at this Lake home. It was beautiful. The home had everything we needed. Thank you so much!!!"

Reviewed on Oct 23, 2023

Rhinelander Home - Jennie Webber Lake On-Site
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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