Rhinelander offers a clear choice between cultural history and nature trails: the Pioneer Park Historical Complex focuses on Northwoods themes; a short walk along the Wisconsin River offers river views, while the Holmboe Conifer Forest has loop trails and boardwalks through wetlands. This gives you a helpful distinction for planning: you can shape your stay around culture, the water, or forest and wetland trails, and consider adding relevant event dates.
Museums and Northwoods History
On the Pelican River, the Pioneer Park Historical Complex preserves and presents Northwoods history. Its museums cover logging, railroads, conservation history, rural education and local folklore. The scope therefore ranges from work and transportation to nature, education and local traditions. The Rhinelander Logging Museum is the centerpiece of the complex. Founded in 1932, it is the oldest museum of its kind in the state devoted to logging history. This lets you contrast the complex’s broad historical perspective with a closer look at logging.
Art and Events
ArtStart is an arts and cultural center in downtown Rhinelander. Upcoming events and exhibitions are announced there; the program may change. In the wider Rhinelander area, the Rhinelander Historical Society operates a historic house museum. If you have an ArtStart exhibition or event in mind, check the current program.
The annual Hodag Heritage Festival takes place at Pioneer Park. The 2026 edition’s program includes Hodag and cryptid vendors, talks, a Hodag-calling contest, historical bus tours, live music, food stalls and lumberjack shows. Unlike a museum visit, the festival combines talks, a contest, music and demonstrations. If a particular program item will influence your travel decision, check the dates for that edition.
By the Water and in the Forest
Hodag Park stretches along the shore of Boom Lake. Hodag water ski shows take place there, and the amphitheater is used for special events and concerts. Check specific event dates if a show or concert is the reason for your visit. By contrast, the Rhinelander Riverwalk runs along the Wisconsin River and offers river views on a short walk. It is accessible from the Chamber of Commerce parking lot and includes a boardwalk and a lookout point. So the key question when choosing between them is whether you want to attend an event or take a short walk with river views.
The Holmboe Conifer Forest offers a third kind of nature experience. It was designated a State Natural Area in 1983. It has about a mile of loop trails and several boardwalks through wetlands. Comparing its nature trails with the Riverwalk, the difference is clear: river views and a short walk in one place, loop trails and boardwalks through wetlands in the other. Trail conditions and seasonal access at Holmboe may vary; check before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Minocqua, Hazelhurst, Three Lakes.
Return to the main travel overview: Oneida County.
