Skip to main content

Area Guide

Our short list.

The house sits on the Oconto River, in a stretch of northeastern Wisconsin most people drive past without stopping. The river runs with walleye, bass, and brown trout. The surrounding land has trails, quiet towns, and a handful of places worth slowing down for. Below is everything we would tell a friend.

Food & Drink

From gas station chicken (trust us) to farm-to-table dining.

The Brothers Three Pizza

$

A true northern Wisconsin specialty: thin crust loaded with toppings and smothered in cheese. The supreme is the move. Call ahead so it's ready when you arrive.

106 Superior Ave, Oconto, WI 54153Tip: Call ahead

Falls Family Restaurant

$

A local greasy spoon diner with a friendly vibe. Classic American comfort food. The Stuffed Hashbrowns are a must. Friday fish fry is outstanding. No alcohol.

158 N Main St, Oconto Falls, WI 54154Tip: Best breakfasts in the area

The Shell Station Broasted Chicken

$

Yes, it's a gas station. Yes, it's some of the best chicken in the state. Broasted chicken: pressure cooked and deep fried. Insanely crispy outside, juicy inside. Call ahead.

517 Smith Ave, Oconto, WI 54153920-834-5711Tip: Must call ahead

The Wooden Shoe

$$

Great comfort food variety and a legendary Bloody Mary selection. On Sundays, the loaded Bloody Mary takes three adults to finish. Laid-back sports bar atmosphere.

100 W Main St, Lena, WI 54139Tip: Sunday Bloody Marys are an event

Rustique

$$

Wood-fired flavors in a beautifully restored chapel space with stained glass and soaring ceilings. Artisan pizzas, roasted meats, and seasonal sides. The best upscale option nearby.

13201 Velp Avenue, Green Bay, WI 54313

Chives

$$$$

Farm-to-table with seasonal menus and ingredients sourced locally. Rustic-modern setting, excellent wine and craft cocktails. The best in the area for a special occasion.

1749 Riverside Dr, Suamico, WI 54173Tip: Make a reservation

The Iron Duck

$$$

California farm-to-table meets Wisconsin pub food. Industrial-chic setting, diverse menu, great steaks and fresh salads. Always duck on the menu, and excellent beer cheese soup.

2525 Velp Ave, Green Bay, WI 54303

The Dockside Tavern

$$

Right on the breakwater with waterfront views. Classic Wisconsin comfort food: crispy perch and walleye. The Friday fish fry is a standout. You can arrive by car or boat.

11302 Harbor Rd, Oconto, WI 54153

The Dairy Barn

$

Comically oversized hand-dipped ice cream cones that defy gravity. Part roadside diner, part retro ice cream stand. Order the largest size if you're brave.

414 E Main St, Lena, WI 54139

Groceries & Essentials

Stock the kitchen before you settle in.

Wisco Meats

Just 2 miles from the house. Locally owned butcher shop with fresh cuts, house-made sausages, and smoked meats. The pre-marinated chicken and bratwurst selection are excellent. Also carries Wisconsin cheese curds.

5068 US-141, Oconto, WI 54153

Brubaker's Country Store

A Mennonite-owned store with bulk goods, fresh deli sandwiches, and homemade treats. A warm, authentic stop for pantry staples.

3152 Co Rd A, Oconto, WI 54153

Festival Foods

Well-stocked grocery store with fresh produce, quality meats, an impressive deli, and a top-notch liquor store.

2348 Lineville Rd, Suamico, WI 54313

Maplewood Meats

Premium family-owned butcher shop with locally-sourced beef, pork, chicken, and specialty sausages. Their deli is packed with meat sticks, a Wisconsin staple.

4663 Milltown Rd, Green Bay, WI 54313

Woodman's

A massive grocery warehouse with unbeatable prices and an enormous selection. Great for stocking up. Cash, Debit, or Discover Card only.

2400 Duck Creek Pkwy, Green Bay, WI 54303Tip: Cash/Debit/Discover only

River & Outdoors

The Oconto River is your backyard. Here’s how to use it.

Oconto River: Right from the House

The river runs along the property. Walk to the dock to fish, wade, or launch a tube or kayak directly from the backyard. No gear provided. Bring your own or see rentals below.

Tubing & Kayaking

Float the Oconto from the house all the way into town, about 3 to 4 hours by tube and faster by kayak. Best late spring through early fall. Bring life jackets, water shoes, sunscreen, and a dry bag. Uber/Lyft can get you back.

Fishing on the Oconto River

Walleye (especially during spring run), smallmouth bass, and brown trout are all present. Public access points are minutes away. Wisconsin fishing license required. Printed copies only.

Tip: Local guide: Tim Mahar (920-604-4169)

Oconto Water Fun Rentals

Pontoons, fishing boats, and ski boats available for full or half-day rentals on the Oconto River and Green Bay.

101 Neddo Street, Oconto, WI 54153920-604-1826ocontowaterfunrentals.com

Machickanee Forest Hike

A 6.7-mile loop trail near Oconto. Easy to moderate terrain, popular for hiking, running, and cross-country skiing. Beautiful scenery throughout.

Copper Culture River Hike

A short 0.8-mile loop through woods along the Oconto River. Great for birding and wildlife spotting. Starts near the museum and passes through a thick timber canopy.

Breakwater Park & Harbor

Drive along the breakwater over the water for expansive views of Green Bay. Excellent for walleye, perch, northern pike, and muskie. A favorite spot for anglers and nature lovers.

Oconto, WI

Day Trips

Green Bay, Door County, and local landmarks within easy reach.

Titletown District, Green Bay

Adjacent to Lambeau Field. Year-round attractions include Packers tours, a public plaza, a large sledding hill in winter, and outdoor games in summer. A must for football fans.

Cave Point County Park, Door County

Dramatic limestone cliffs along Lake Michigan with stunning views. Numerous hiking trails with secluded coves and underwater caves. One of the most scenic spots in the state.

Wequiock Falls

A small, beautiful waterfall cascading into a serene pool. Especially impressive in spring or after heavy rains. Short walk from the parking area to the viewing platform.

Bay Beach Amusement Park, Green Bay

A historic family amusement park with rides for all ages at very affordable prices. Classic carousels, roller coasters, games, and picnic areas.

Heritage Hill State Historical Park

An open-air museum with over 25 historic buildings showcasing northeastern Wisconsin history. Costumed interpreters, hands-on activities, and seasonal events.

New Zoo & Adventure Park

Located just north of Green Bay. Features a diverse animal collection plus an adventure park with zip-lining and rope courses for kids.

Peshtigo Fire Museum

A poignant museum documenting America's deadliest wildfire (1871), which coincided with the Great Chicago Fire but is far less known. Haunting and historically rich.

Winter

Wisconsin winters are real. Here’s how to enjoy them.

Cross-Country Skiing at Machickanee Trails

Eight miles of groomed routes through varied terrain. Beginner to advanced options, with hills and curves for experienced skiers. A separate trail is available for snowshoers.

Snow Tubing at Oconto Falls Tubing Hill

Nearly 900 feet of free, family-friendly snow tubing. Bring your own tube, dress warmly. A rope tow pulls you back to the top after each run. Updates posted on Facebook during season.

Whispering Pines Christmas Tree Farm

Just 5 minutes from the house. Cut your own tree, take a horse-drawn wagon ride through the pines, warm up with hot cider. Santa visits on select weekends.

Northwoods Powersports Adventures

Year-round ATV, UTV, and snowmobile rentals. Can-Am and Ski-Doo models available. Great for exploring the trails of northern Wisconsin.

15309 Highway 32, Lakewood920-889-5367northwoodspowersportsadventures.com