The ultimate summer road trip need not take you coast-to-coast. Sometimes the best adventures are found close to home.

The Hayward Lakes Area of Northwest Wisconsin is just a short drive from most cities in the Upper Midwest and offers these incredible experiences and events:

Land Sports

An abundance of trails can be found in the Hayward Lakes Area, which is loaded with meadows, rolling hills and gorgeous woods. Whether your preferred mode of transport is bike, horseback, ATV/UTV or your own two feet, there are trails perfect for your sport of choice. Visit the town and county parks or venture out to the neighboring Chequamegon National Forest for 850,000 acres to explore.

Don’t forget your golf clubs. The region boasts six beautiful courses, all within a 25-minute drive of Downtown Hayward.

Water Sports

The Namekagon River, free-flowing, scenic and pristine, is popular for paddling and floating. From the Namekagon Dam to Hayward, a canoeist or kayaker can expect a two-day trip on this intimate, narrow stretch of river. From Hayward to Trego, paddlers can expect another two-day trip where the river is relatively narrow, but with a good gradient and some small rapids. Bring your own watercraft or rent a kayak, canoe or tube from one of the area’s rental stores.

Need to cool off? With crystal clear lakes too numerous to count, including the 15,000-acre Chippewa Flowage and its 200 miles of undeveloped shoreline, you’ll find it hard to decide where to take a swim.

Wine, Dine and Stay Awhile

Balance your visit with a trip down Hayward’s Historic Main Street, where you can find shopping, dining, wine tasting and ice cream. Document your visit with a photo op next to the Hayward mural.

While a trip to Hayward Lakes Area is a short drive away, you can make a weekend of it at one of the region’s many hotels, motels, resorts, campgrounds or private vacation homes.

To plan your visit, click here for more information.