Find Outdoor Recreation in the Merrill Area

Experience more natural wonder, less concrete jungle. The greater Merrill area offers an abundance of year-round recreational activities. There's camping, canoeing, kayaking, snowmobiling, ATVing, cross-county skiing, hiking, fishing, hunting and biking, including some of the best fat tire bike trails in North Central Wisconsin.

Photo by Wisconsin ATV / UTV Association, Inc.

ATVing

Lincoln County trails are open seasonally and offer beautiful scenery. Most of the year the trails are open, but during the early snowmobiling season and the early spring season the trails are closed.

Camping

Camping has never been more fun in the Merrill area! Our local campgrounds offer scenic views and the perfect place for tent or RV camping.

Canoeing and Kayaking

Located at the confluence of the Wisconsin and Prairie rivers, Merrill offers the perfect spot to canoe or kayak.

Cross-County Skiing and Snowshoeing

With picturesque trails through towering forests, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing is a great way to get out and enjoy the snowy season.

Fat Tire Biking

Merrill’s distinct geological features — rolling hills, towering bluffs, and steep ravines — offer plenty of singletrack fun for advanced fat tire bikers and novices. The Merrill area offers some of the best fat tire bike trails in North Central Wisconsin.

Fishing

There are many places to hunt and fish. Lincoln County has 726 lakes and 246 streams. These waterways provide many fishing possibilities from walk-in fishing to canoeing, to large boat fishing. Species of fish vary from panfish to muskies.

Golfing

Merrill is known for being friendly, and that rings true both on and off the course. Experience service that’s second to none from course staff and welcoming locals who treat you like family.

Hiking and Exploring

Merrill offers some of the best trails for exploring the outdoors. Whether hiking for a short distance or a multi-day excursion, hikers can find exactly what they are looking for here.

Photo by Merrill Foto News

Horseback Riding

Visit the Merrill area for a horse ride through pristine forests. Saddle up for scenic routes and riding trails as you experience the beauty of the Merrill area by pony or horseback.

Hunting

When it comes to hunting, the Lincoln County Forest offers 101,000 acres open to the public for a variety of recreational uses. Wildlife available to hunt during the open season includes deer, bear, grouse, squirrel, rabbit, turkey and waterfowl.

Snowmobiling

Lincoln County has more than 400 miles of groomed trails for your winter wonderland adventure. During your journey, you will experience all types of terrain, from farm fields to lakes and streams to hardwood forests.

Swimming

From natural beaches to indoor pools, Merrill offers several spots to swim.