This Lake Town Is The Midwest’s Biggest Summer Surprise Destination

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We at Travel Off Path scour the interwebs at all hours like caffeine-fueled night owls in search of hidden gems slipping through the cracks.

The most notable find this week has broken tourism records 3 years running. What’s most interesting about that is it’s likely a town you’ve never heard of, but those in the know have been flocking to this serene, laid-back hideaway for consecutive years without any hype from Lonely Planet, Travel + Leisure, or Condé Nast — all the more reason to check us out first! 😉

The scenic lake town of Tomahawk, Wisconsin is the ultimate relaxing getaway.

Home to salt-of-the-Earth locals, a charming downtown drag, and plenty of waterfront thrills and delights for all ages, you can leave the ‘mansion in Wiscansin‘ vibes to Milwaukee and Madison in favor of rustic lodging and endless outdoor adventures.

Tomahawk: Where The River Meets The Lake

Venturing into Wisconsin’s stunning Northwoods, you’ll find a plethora of delightful towns to escape the bustle of major cities.

Tomahawk has led the charge for 3 straight years, putting Lincoln County on the map as a secret summer getaway expected to continue to thrive this season.

With splendid springlike weather consistently in the high 70s to low 80s from June through September, there’s no better conditions for unforgettable memories spent enjoying the water.

What makes Tomahawk unique is that you have multiple waterways to choose from. The Tomahawk River, from which it derives its name, is the largest tributary of the Wisconsin River, flowing into tranquil Lake Mohawksin.

Though Lake Nokomis is a standalone body of water and the largest of the region, it offers more waterways to explore and fish.

Popular activities include boating, canoeing, kayaking, and even stand-up paddleboarding since the waters are generally calm, and the same can be said for Lake Mohawksin with the exception of a must-see event taking place each summer — Kwahamot Water Ski Club’s free water ski shows.

While Nokomis is known for its serenity, Mohawksin may be equally beautiful, but it’s known as Tomahawk’s heartbeat with more aquatic thrills, gorgeous Bradley Park, and must-visit Castaways Bar & Grill offering patio seating with sweeping lakeside views.

Make Some Time To Peruse Downtown Tomahawk

A great starting point to see Tomahawk’s main sites is the Tomahawk Riverwalk, where you’ll pass a Dairy Queen for an obligatory Dilly Bar run, and scenic SARA Park, where you’ll also discover a hidden beach alongside the river.

From there, downtown is your oyster to explore, with inviting local boutiques, Mom & Pop eats (if you decline a Dilly Bar), and historic character left behind from bygone eras.

There’s certainly no shortage of history here as Tomahawk was established in the late 1800’s and settled by various Native American tribes lifetimes ago.

What remains is a postcard downtown locals and visitors all congregate in summer for surprisingly lively bars, family fun at Big Bear Mini Golf & Ice Cream, or better yet, live music as part of the Music on the River shows every Wednesday at Veteran’s Memorial Park.

Where To Stay In Tomahawk

Tomahawk may be a name you don’t know, but there’s no denying its newfound popularity.

As such, there’s an array of accommodations for every style and budget in and around town, many of which are perched lakeside.

While hordes of tourists flock to such places as Lake Michigan this summer, even with a record-breaking spike in visitors, Tomahawk doesn’t feel overly crowded.

That being said, since it is such a small town you’ll want to get a move on booking a room if you’re planning to visit any time soon.

Tomahawk offers homey lodges, affordable chains, and lakeside resorts. For those wanting a familiar name and willing to settle for four walls, A/C, and Wi-Fi, a place like Rodeway Inn & Suites is for you.

If it were me, I’d opt for something cozy to set the tone for such a secluded lake hideaway. Top-rated Bridge Inn Tomahawk hits the mark.

If you’re a resort type, then a cabin at Tomahawk Resort on Lake Alice is your best bet. One recent guest stated, “It’s my all-time favorite resort. I was blessed to live here before it became a resort, and the lake views are just spectacular.”

Best of all, it’s on a different lake (Lake Alice) not as frequented by visitors so you can experience even more solitude to unwind.