Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Recreation
A segment of the National Scenic Ice Age Trail is in
Hartman Creek State Park
(715/
258-2372); the county section totals 20 miles and links on both ends with Portage County's
segment. The park has a hike-in primitive cabin offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
The state park also maintains off-road bike trails. The park is popular with canoeists and
boaters,sincemostoftheupperChainO'Lakesareeitherinoradjacenttostateparklands.
The lolling, tranquil Crystal River is perfect for canoeing. Organized excursions leave
from
Ding's Dock
(along Hwy. Q, 715/258-2612,
www.dingsdock.com
), which also rents
decent cottages.
This is prime touring area for bikers; trails run along waterways and through some
Amish farmstead areas. Northwest of the city, the topography shifts to rolls of kettles and
moraines.
Accommodations
This is another resort/cottage area, so despite the large numbers of places, few are cheap.
Moreupscalelodgingisatthe
Best Western Grand Seasons
(110GrandSeasonsDr.,junc-
tionofWIS10and54,715/258-9212or887/880-1054,$79),whichhasapool,healthclub,
sauna, and enormous game room.
In anachronistic Rural (
the
place for a quaint getaway) is the
M
Crystal River Inn
(E1369RuralRd.,715/258-5333or800/236-5789,
www.crystal-riverinn.com
,
$70-168),an
old farmstead. The six original farmhouse guest rooms (with myriad styles and amenities)
are done with antiques and brass beds. All the rooms have views of either the river, a wild-
wood garden, or the backyard garden. You'll also find cottages and a “Little House on the
Prairie.” Superb.
