Complete Price County, Wisconsin Tourism Guide 2026

Welcome to Price County

Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin’s Northwoods, Price County offers an authentic outdoor experience that larger tourist destinations have long since lost. With over 200 lakes and 300 miles of rivers across 1,278 square miles of pristine forest, it is the ultimate destination for fishing, motorized sports, and quiet wilderness escapes. Unlike the crowded destinations farther north, Price County delivers the real Northwoods. The kind where you can still pull over on a gravel road, step out of your truck, and hear nothing but wind through the pines.

• Population: 13,500. And proud of every single one
• County Seat: Phillips, home of the legendary Logging Congress
• Motto: “The Heart of Wisconsin’s Northwoods”
• Closest Major Airports: Wausau (75 miles), Eau Claire (90 miles), Rhinelander (65 miles)

🌟 Top Attractions & Must-See Destinations

1. Flambeau River State Forest

A sprawling 90,000-acre wilderness featuring 75 miles of the National Wild & Scenic Flambeau River. This is one of Wisconsin’s crown jewels for paddlers. The South Fork offers Class I, II rapids perfect for canoers, while the North Fork delivers quieter stretches ideal for fishing from a kayak. The forest also contains the Flambeau Trail System, a 60-mile network of hiking and cross-country ski trails that wind through old-growth hemlock and white pine stands.

• Activities: Canoeing, trophy fishing, primitive camping, hiking, cross-country skiing
• Best For: True adventure seekers looking to disconnect
• Camping: Nine rustic canoe campsites along the river (first-come, first-served, no fee) plus Connie’s Campground with vault toilets and fire rings
• Pro Tip: The Flambeau is one of Wisconsin’s best musky rivers. Fish the deeper pools below rapids in late June through September for your best shot at a trophy.

2. Tuscobia State Trail

This 74-mile multi-use trail connects Rice Lake to Park Falls, running straight through the heart of Price County. Originally a railroad corridor, the Tuscobia’s crushed-limestone surface makes it accessible for all skill levels. The trail passes through Prentice, Ogema, and Brill. Each with gas, food, and trail-friendly parking.

• Summer Use: ATV/UTVs. Trail passes required ($5/day or $30/annual for Wisconsin residents)
• Winter Use: Snowmobiling. Connects to 300+ miles of groomed county trails
• Access Points: Trailheads in Prentice (Center Street), Ogema (Hwy 86), and Park Falls (Flambeau Ave)
• Pro Tip: Stop at Rail Trail Cafe in Ogema. It’s right on the trail and serves the best breakfast on the route.

3. Price County Historical Museum (Phillips)

Explore the logging and railroad heritage that built the Northwoods. The museum houses original logging tools, a recreated 1900s general store, and photographs documenting the massive pine harvests that defined this region. Open May through October, Thursday, Sunday, with free admission (donations appreciated). Located at 420 N. Lake Ave in Phillips, right next to Elk Lake. Worth combining with a lakeside walk.

4. Timm’s Hill County Park

Wisconsin’s highest natural point at 1,951.5 feet sits right here in Price County. A short 0.4-mile trail leads from the parking area to the observation tower, which rewards you with panoramic views stretching across the northern highlands. The park also offers a picnic area, fishing pier on the adjacent lake, and some of the best fall color viewing in the county. Peak colors typically hit the second week of October.

🎣 Outdoor Recreation Guide

Top Lakes for Visitors

Price County’s 200+ lakes range from secluded trout ponds to full-service recreation lakes. Here are the standouts:

• Lake Durovec (Phillips): 675 acres, excellent walleye and northern pike. Two public boat landings, and the city beach on the north shore is well-maintained with a playground for families.
• Elk Lake (Phillips): 289 acres right in town. Perfect for a quick evening fish or kayaking loop. The historical museum sits on its shore.
• Butternut Lake (15 miles NE of Phillips): 826 acres of clear water known for musky and crappie. Three landings, limited shoreline development. This is what “up north” used to look like everywhere.
• Upper & Lower Connors Lakes: Quiet, undeveloped lakes in the Flambeau River State Forest. Access is via carry-in only, keeping the fishing pressure low and the solitude high.

🏘️ Communities to Explore

Phillips (Pop

Phillips (Pop. 1,300)

The county seat and the commercial hub. Known for the annual Logging Congress (August), classic Northwoods supper clubs like Karow’s on Lake Durovec, and a walkable downtown with local shops. Don’t miss the Phillips Chain of Lakes. Three connected lakes right in town that offer some of the best panfishing in the county.

Prentice (Pop. 600)

“Progress Days” home. The annual Progress Days Festival hits Labor Day Weekend and draws visitors from across the Northwoods with a parade, live music, and a classic small-town street fair. Prentice sits right on the Tuscobia Trail, making it a popular fuel-and-food stop for ATV riders. Home to Borrachos Bar, where everything on the menu is fried in 100% beef tallow.

Park Falls (Pop. 2,200)

The western gateway and the largest community in the county. Prime Flambeau River access runs right through town. You can launch a canoe at the downtown landing. Park Falls hosts the annual Musky Festival (June), one of the longest-running fishing celebrations in Wisconsin. Also home to Weather Shield Windows, one of the county’s largest employers.

Ogema (Pop. 200)

Tiny but strategically placed right on the Tuscobia Trail. Rail Trail Cafe makes this a mandatory pit stop. The surrounding area offers some of the best grouse hunting habitat in the state.

Fifield (Pop. 250)

The southern entry point to Price County. The Fifield Post is a classic Northwoods bar/restaurant that’s been serving loggers and travelers since the 1800s. Excellent snowmobile staging area in winter.

📅 2026 Seasonal Guide

Spring (April, May): The Awakening

Temperatures range from 40, 65°F. This is walleye season. The northern opener in early May brings anglers from across the Midwest. Forest roads open up, wildflowers carpet the understory, and the Flambeau River swells with snowmelt, making it the best time for a high-water paddle. Don’t miss: The Prentice Fishing Opener weekend, when the whole town turns into an impromptu festival.

Summer (June, August): Peak Season

Temperatures hit 70, 85°F with long daylight hours (sunrise at 5:15 AM, sunset after 9 PM). This is when Price County is at its busiest, ATV trails hum, lake beaches fill up on weekends, and the festival calendar is packed. Key events: Park Falls Musky Festival (June), Phillips Logging Congress (August), Prentice Progress Days (Labor Day). Book lakeside cabins 3, 6 months ahead.

Fall (September, November): Color Country

Temperatures drop from 70°F to 45°F. The fall color season in Price County is genuinely world-class. Maples, oaks, and tamaracks create a three-week show starting in late September. Trophy deer and grouse hunting seasons open. The crowds thin out, lake cabins drop to off-season rates, and the fishing actually improves as waters cool. Pro Tip: Timm’s Hill and the Flambeau Trail System offer the best leaf-peeping hikes in the county.

Winter (December, March): Snowmobile Paradise

Temperatures of 10, 30°F with reliable snow cover. Price County grooms over 300 miles of snowmobile trails, connecting every community in the county. Ice fishing shanties pop up on Lake Durovec and Butternut Lake by January. Cross-country skiing on the Flambeau Trail System. Don’t miss: The contrast between a silent snowy trail and a warm tavern at the end of it. That’s the Northwoods winter experience.

🏠 Where to Stay

Accommodation in Price County ranges from rustic to resort-quality:

• Resorts & Cabins: Lake Durovec and Butternut Lake both have long-standing family resorts with full kitchen cabins. Expect $125, $300/night in season.
• Camping: Flambeau River State Forest (rustic canoe sites, free), Price County Forest campgrounds ($10, $15/night with basic amenities), and private RV parks near Phillips and Park Falls.
• Motels & Inns: Phillips and Park Falls each have 2, 3 independent motels. Clean, affordable, and usually under $100/night.
• Pro Tip: For summer and fall color weekends, book 3, 6 months out. The best lake cabins fill by March.