Tomahawk has lakes, summer tourism and a strong community spirit
Surrounded by lakes and rivers, Tomahawk is a prime spot for boating and fishing. Locals and tourists live along the water, where back decks overlook the Wisconsin River and private docks jut into Lake Mohawksin. Tourism typically peaks in summer, drawing seasonlong guests and short-term vacationers, but Tomahawk’s 3,500 permanent residents pride themselves on being welcoming all year long. “Everyone’s always willing to pitch in," says Jennifer Turkiewicz, executive director of Tomahawk Main Street. "If there are projects that need some funding to get off the ground, there are always folks willing to give donations to get it up and running.” Projects range from helping neighbors to upgrading one of the city's several parks.
Riverfront SARA Park and the 24-mile Hiawatha and Bearskin State Trail
Tomahawk residents and tourists have plenty of water access. Lake Mohawksin sits on the western side of the community, and the Wisconsin River bisects the town, while Lake Alice, Lake Nokomis and other bodies of water surround the city. SARA Park’s sandy beach overlooks the river, and the boat launch offers access to the waterway. The space also has baseball fields and an indoor hockey rink, plus the start of the 24-mile Hiawatha and Bearskin State Trail, which is open to pedestrians, bikers and snowmobilers. Washington Square Park, right in the center of town, has a playground and a splashpad. In 2023, the city partnered with Tomahawk Together, a local nonprofit, to update the space, redoing the playground and adding better lighting and seating. Edgewater Country Club’s nine-hole course overlooks Lake Alice and is open to the public.
City homes on tree-lined streets and lakefront properties with docks
Nationals, bungalows and ranch-style homes line Tomahawk’s residential streets. Tall trees rise over rooftops and sidewalks, while narrow alleyways run behind homes and lead to detached garages. Prices typically range from $100,000 to $340,000. Meanwhile, lakefront homes with private docks and fishing piers are slower to come on the market, but recent sales went for $600,000 to $870,000. Vacationers have summer homes and short-term rentals, but Turkiewicz says many part-timers turn into permanent residents after spending so many summers in Tomahawk.
Hands-on learning and apprentice programs at Tomahawk schools
Tomahawk Elementary School receives a B-minus from Niche, Tomahawk Middle School gets a C-plus, and Tomahawk High School gets a B-minus. All three schools are located on the same campus. The high school partners with local businesses for its youth apprenticeship program, where students can earn hands-on learning and certificates in industries like government, plumbing and real estate.
American diners, downtown cafes and lakeside grills in Tomahawk
Tomahawk Family Restaurant is an American diner open from breakfast through dinner. What’s Brewin’ has large front windows to let in plenty of natural light. The downtown coffee shop has a glass pastry case and sandwich and soup specials of the day. Castaways Bar and Grill sits along Lake Mohawksin, where patrons can enjoy the views from the patio. Docks allow boaters to access the restaurant from the water. The menu features American fare, like burgers and sandwiches. Trig’s is the community’s grocery store. Two Walmart Supercenters are about 24 miles away, one in Rhinelander , one in Merrill .
Tomahawk's active social calendar and annual traditions
From June to October, the Main Street Farmers Market sets up every Tuesday in downtown Tomahawk. In addition to the fresh produce, baked goods and artisan goods offered by vendors, a different local nonprofit volunteers each week to make lunch for attendees. In early July, Lions Club Pow Wow Days features a parade, water skiing shows and fireworks. “That Fourth of July time is when you see a lot of our families come back together,” Turkiewicz says. “A lot of family reunions are being hosted here. You see multiple generations who come back.” Summer isn’t the only time to see a water sports. “We’ve got a water ski team here, so every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday night in the summer, we host a ski show,” Turkiewicz says.
Rhinelander and Merrill are the closest bigger cities
Tomahawk offers most of what its residents and vacationers need, from restaurants and a grocery store to healthcare at Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital. For other needs, Rhinelander and Merrill are bigger cities about 20 miles away. U.S. Route 51 goes through the eastern side of town, linking Tomahawk with the two cities. About 20 miles away, Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport offers daily flights to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and seasonal summer flights to Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
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Written By
Caroline Ernst
