Leisurely forest town living in the Wisconsin Northwoods
A rustic, leisurely lifestyle awaits in Lakewood, a small community tucked into the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest’s southeast end. This town offers the comforts of rural living with abundant outdoor recreation and privacy under the trees. Winding trails and varied lakes nearby make Lakewood one of northern Wisconsin’s key spots for vacations and day trips, but locals can always enjoy events hosted by area organizations, locally beloved restaurants and vibrant businesses peppered along the state Highway 32.
Outdoor exploration, fishing and golfing greens
Lakewood’s connection to the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest gives residents numerous options for trails and outdoor leisure. From spring to early fall, folks can travel by ATV or UTV across the Oconto County area along the Nicolet Trail. In the winter, snowmobile paths and guided tours are popular among locals and visitors from the Green Bay area and beyond. Other options for adventures include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter hiking. Fishing, kayaking and boating enthusiasts can stop by Chain Lake and Little Archibald Lake to the west or the Wheeler Lake area northeast to enjoy the varied Wisconsin waterways. McCauslin Brook Golf Course and Country Club offers an 18-hole layout and an onsite restaurant. Across the street from the country club, the Heritage Golf Park has a driving range and a mini-golf course with real grass, sand traps and roughs, bringing the experience closer to a true game of golf.
Private homes in the heart of the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest
In Lakewood, buyers can find custom homes built on large lots in varying styles. Most properties in the area date from the 1960s to the early 2000s, with log cabins, ranch-style homes and luxurious golf course residences among the options nearby. Properties generally start near $120,000 and top out near the $400,000 mark. For buyers considering a custom build, land prices generally range from $15,000 up to $75,000.
Local vendors, familiar stores and distinctive restaurants
Most of Lakewood’s local businesses are smaller retailers and independent restaurants along Route 32 and County Highway F in town. Lakewood SuperValu has a mix of familiar brands and private-label goods for home chefs, while Family Dollar and Dollar General offer discounted everyday needs. Specialized stores nearby include Yvonne’s Classy Closet, a boutique with distinctive clothing and accessories for her, and Mighty Fine Sports Shop and Fireworks, a bait and tackle shop. Food options nearby include Sandtrap Bar & Grill, serving American fare near a set of ATV trails, and Northern D’Lites, a go-to for ice cream and frozen yogurt. Bailey’s Pour Haus offers drinks on tap and cocktails in a cozy sports bar setting. Mainstream retail outlets such as Walmart and TJ Maxx are available in Antigo, about 40 miles west.
Learning the fundamentals at Wabeno Area schools
Students in Lakewood attend schools within the Wabeno Area School District. Wabeno Elementary School has a 10 to 1 student-teacher ratio and earns a C-plus grade on Niche. Middle- and high school-level students attend Wabeno High School, which offers more than 30 extracurricular and athletic programs. The school also earns a C-plus grade on Niche.
Town gatherings throughout the year in Lakewood
Annual celebrations in the Lakewood area include the Mardi Gras festivities each summer, a town tradition for more than 60 years, and the Fourth of July Parade. Other gatherings include the Annual Lakes Country Arts & Crafts Show around early August, Festi-Fall in September and the annual tree lighting in December.
Connected to the greater Northwoods with Route 32
Lakewood residents are about 76 miles north of Green Bay. The area’s primary highways are County Highway F and Wisconsin Route 32. For medical emergencies, the HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital is 45 miles southeast of the neighborhood in Oconto Falls. For out-of-state trips, the Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport is 70 miles southeast.
