11 Best Things to Do Near Chetek Wisconsin
Looking for things to do near Chetek Wisconsin? Here are 11 great ideas when visiting this area of Northern Wisconsin.
Chetek is a small town located in the northern part of Wisconsin. This charming town is known for its chain of six lakes, which makes it a perfect place to visit for outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, and watersports.
There are many fun things to do near Chetek Wisconsin, from spending time on the lakes to learning more about the town’s history at the interactive pioneer village. Chetek Wisconsin is a great place for families with many fun kid-friendly places such as a bowling alley, escape room, a drive-in movie theater, and more.
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11 Best Things to Do Near Chetek Wisconsin
Below is a list of the best 11 things to do in Chetek Wisconsin. These activities are perfect for experiencing northern Wisconsin, especially during the summer.
1. Visit the Chetek Area Museum
Located at 728 2nd St, Chetek, WI 54728
For those interested in Wisconsin’s history, the Chetek Area Museum is definitely worth visiting. The Chetek Area Museum focuses on preserving local history and is run by the Chetek Area Historical Society.
While the museum is small it has interesting exhibits, including rooms dedicated to the following: Native American & Early Settlers, Lumber Industry & Farming, Local Business & Industry, Resorts & Tourism, Local Military, and Chetek Heritage & Local Heroes.
Admission to the museum is free, as it is run by a non-profit organization. Summer hours for the museum are 12 pm to 4 pm from Tuesday through Saturday. In the spring and fall the museum is open from Thursday through Saturday from 12 pm to 3 pm.
2. Go Fishing at Lake Chetek
Located at 101 Banks St, Chetek, WI 54728
One of the best things to do near Chetek Wisconsin is to go fishing on Lake Chetek. Lake Chetek is a 922-acre lake with a depth of 22 feet. It is a scenic lake that borders the small town and offers some great fishing opportunities.
Lake Chetek has many fish species, but the most popular to catch are the sunfish, crappies, walleyes, pike, muskies, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and perch.
Fishing can be done either on the shore or from a boat. There are several boat ramps and water access points on Lake Chetek. One of the popular shore fishing spots is Anglers Park, which features a fishing pier. It is also possible to do a boat rental from the Lake Country Marina on Lake Chetek.
3. Spend a Day at the Beach at Chetek City Beach
Located at 228 Lakeview Dr, Chetek, WI 54728
Located on the beautiful Chetek Lake is Chetek City Beach. This sandy beach is the perfect place to visit to spend an afternoon relaxing in the sun or swimming in the freshwater lake. The beach is small in size, but it has nice access to the calm waters of Lake Chetek, making it a great place for swimming.
Spending the day at Chetek City Beach is one of the best things to do near Chetek with kids. There is a fun playground as well as plenty of sand to build some sand castles.
During certain holidays, such as the Fourth of July, you may even be able to see a fireworks display at Chetek City Beach.
4. See a Waterski Show at the Chetek Hydroflites Ski Site
Located at 728 Lakeview Dr, Chetek, WI 54728
If you are visiting Chetek during a summer weekend, check out a water ski show held by the Chetek Hydroflites. This exciting show features talented water skiers who will perform a variety of jumps and acrobatic maneuvers. It is a unique experience and a great way to spend a summer evening in Chetek, Wisconsin.
The water ski shows take place on Lake Chetek, at the brand new Aqua Theater. The theater has outdoor, auditorium-style seating that is great for viewing the water skiers perform on the lake. Shows are typically held on Saturdays throughout the summertime until Labor Day weekend.
5. See a Movie at the Stardust Twin Drive-In Theater
Located at 995 22nd St, Chetek, WI 54728
Enjoy a movie under the stars at the Stardust Twin Drive-In Theater. This classic theater allows you to park your car, tune in to the radio station for the movie audio, and enjoy a film on the big screen.
This old-school drive-in movie theater is the perfect way to spend a summer night for the whole family. The theater features two big screens and features a variety of movies. Make sure to also visit the concession stand for some yummy treats such as popcorn, hot dogs, funnel cakes, and more.
Movies start at dusk and are every Thursday through Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. They also offer some Friday and Saturday showings in the spring and fall time.
6. Explore the Pioneer Village Museum
Located at 1866 13 1/2 14th Ave, Cameron, WI 54822
The Pioneer Village Museum provides a look back in time to Wisconsin’s pioneer days. This historical site is an immersive experience that allows visitors to walk through the village and see what life was like in Wisconsin in the 1800s.
The Pioneer Village Museum consists of 37 buildings, with many of them being original log cabins. There is also a small museum that holds many historical artifacts, including antiques, historical clothing, WWI and WWII artifacts, and Civil War artifacts.
Every July, the Pioneer Village Museum holds Pioneer Heritage Days. During this fun weekend event, you will see the village come to life, with people in historic costumes, horse and buggy rides, and several historical exhibits. Some of the exhibits include ice cream churning, wood carving, blacksmithing, candle making, and more.
The Pioneer Village Museum is open from June through August on Thursday through Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. It is also open in September on Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm.
7. Go Golfing at Sioux Creek Golf Course
Located at 568 23rd St, Chetek, WI 54728
For golfers, Sioux Creek Golf Course is the perfect place to spend the day in Chetek. This public golf course is highly rated and well-maintained. It is a great option that is sure to be challenging enough for golfers of all skill levels.
Sioux Creek Golf Course offers a 9-hole option or 18-hole option. The golf course also features a golf shop and bar, and a full-length practice range.
8. Go Bowling at Chetek Lanes
Located at 695 County Hwy SS, Chetek, WI 54728
Bowling is a fun activity for the whole family. Chetek Lanes Event Center & Pizzeria is the perfect place to spend an evening in Chetek Wisconsin. Play a few games of bowling, try some delicious homemade pizza, or check out their sand volleyball court.
Chetek Lanes offers affordable bowling and shoe rental, making it a fun yet budget-friendly activity. Bowling is great for all skill levels, from beginners to expert bowlers. For kids, they offer bumpers that allow for an easier game.
9. Visit the Pine Lodge Shop
Located at 2420 6 1/4 Ave, Chetek, WI 54728
The Pine Lodge Shop is an adorable boutique shop located in Chetek Wisconsin. This charming shop features a variety of goods, including antiques, cute home decor items, repurposed treasures, garden and outdoor items, and other unique finds.
The store is a local, family-operated store, and is a must-visit shop in Chetek. The idea of the Pine Lodge Shop is to appreciate the rustic charm of the log cabins found in this area of northern Wisconsin.
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Pine Lodge Shop also hosts the Chetek Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings. It is definitely a cute shop worth stopping by while you are visiting Chetek.
10. Try to Escape at Tactical Escape 101
Located at 2900 S Main St Cedar Mall, Rice Lake, WI 54868
Participating in an escape room is a fun-filled activity for friends, couples, or families with older kids. This immersive experience consists of a series of puzzles, riddles, and critical thinking to solve the mystery and escape the room before the 1-hour time limit runs out.
Tactical Escape 101 has a few different locations, including its Rice Lake location which is near Chetek. There are a few different themed escape rooms, and most allow for between 2-6 players.
It is a fun and exciting activity for both kids and adults, but it is best for kids ages 9 and up as some of the puzzles can be tricky to solve!
11. Go Camping at Southworth Memorial Park
Located at 650 26 1/2 27th St, New Auburn, WI 54757
Southworth Memorial Park is located on Tenmile Lake. The serene park offers camping from May 1st to September 30th and is the perfect place to enjoy nature.
Wake up with lakeside views and spend the day fishing or swimming in the lake. At the end of the day, enjoy a cozy campfire while you roast s’mores. Camping at Southworth Memorial Park is a great way to experience Wisconsin’s beautiful nature.
If you don’t plan on camping, you can also visit Southworth Memorial Park to go fishing, take a nature walk, or enjoy a picnic.
Where to Stay in Chetek Wisconsin
There are plenty of fun things to do in Chetek Wisconsin, so it is a great place to stay for a few nights. Below are some recommendations of where to stay in Chetek Wisconsin.
Northwoods Best Inn – Chetek
Located right in the heart of Chetek Wisconsin is the Northwoods Best Inn. This 3-star hotel is a great choice for a central location near all the fun things to do in Chetek Wisconsin. The hotel has an up-north feel with an indoor pool and hot tub. Complimentary breakfast is also available.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Rice Lake
Just a short drive from Chetek is a highly-rated Holiday Inn Express & Suites. This is a newer hotel that was first built in 2017 and has modern-style decor. Amenities include a complimentary breakfast, an outdoor patio with a fireplace, and an indoor pool and hot tub. It is a great hotel option that is near Chetek.
FAQ: Things to Do Near Chetek Wisconsin
Chetek Wisconsin can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer.
From June through August, the weather is warm and perfect for outdoor activities such as fishing, nature walks, or swimming in one of the lakes around Chetek. During the summer many attractions also have longer opening hours, such as the Pioneer Village Museum.
There are six lakes near Chetek, Wisconsin. These lakes include Lake Chetek, Lake Prairie, Lake Pokegama, Moose Ear Lake, Ten Mile Lake, and Ojaski Lake. The six lakes make up a chain of lakes that cover a total area of 3,800 surface acres.
Lake Chetek is a beautiful, pristine lake that is perfect for fishing. There is a large variety of fish species in Lake Chetek, including sunfish, crappies, perch, walleyes, pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and muskies. There are plenty of great fishing locations around the shores of Lake Chetek, and it is also a popular spot to fish while out on the lake.
The Wrap-Up: Things to Do Near Chetek Wisconsin
There are many things to do near Chetek Wisconsin. It is an ideal summer destination due to the warm, mild weather that is perfect for enjoying the outdoors. The highlight of visiting Chetek is exploring its six lakes. There are plenty of activities along the lakes such as fishing, kayaking, swimming, or boating.
Other than spending time on the lake, other activities include visiting one of the museums, watching a movie at the drive-in theater, solving puzzles at an escape room, and more. No matter how you decide to spend your time in Chetek, you are sure to have a great vacation in northern Wisconsin.
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