Location: Mercer
Top Things to do in Mercer
The 10 Best Things to Do in Mercer, United States
Mercer is a town in southern Iron County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,732 at the 2000 census. The census-designated place of Mercer and the unincorporated communities of Carter and Manitowish are located within the town.
Restaurants in Mercer
1. North Lakeland Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 34 reviews
The North Lakeland Discovery Center is your connection to the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Nestled on 63-acres within the NH-AL State Forest the Discovery Center offers countless opportunities to explore the Northwoods. With our twelve miles of hiking, biking, groomed skiing, and snowshoe trails you can wander through large pine and maple forests, see bogs and lakes and even get stunning views of the beautiful Manitowish River.We have a Nature Nook where your entire family can touch, feel and experience many of the amazing resources of the area. Other drop-in activities include kayaking, canoeing and fishing on pristine Statehouse Lake. And with naturalists on staff, our programs offer learning adventures for adults, family and children. Visit our website for more details!
Reviewed By Sarracenia - Norman, Oklahoma
We hiked the bog trail as well as another longer trail in the same area as the bog trail. Nice trails and nice forest. The boardwalk through the bog was not very long, but the bog was nice. We did not see any carnivorous plants in the bog area. The boardwalk will be repaired soon as it has deteriorated some. There were informative signs along the trail. A nice place to take a walk and it is free.
2. Lauer Aviation - Private Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By dbannie - Melbourne, Florida
Yesterday I had the great pleasure of taking a flight with Bill. I found his service online via google in an effort to see how I could spice up my usual trip to the North Woods. As a photographer I knew that a flight over the various lakes and wetlands would be something I didn't want to miss. Bill was extremely responsive by email (my preferred method of contact whenever possible) and we narrowed down a date and time that turned out to be perfect.
The skies were fully of fluffy white clouds with the customary North Woods robin's egg blue popping through which made for spectacular color on the ground. With a little help from me by way of a google map to point out our dock, he arrived right on the button. What a thrill to see him fly overhead and land off in the distance before puttering over to our dock.
Just as friendly and personable in person, Bill and I discussed possible routes and soon we were off. The take off was flawless and smooth and before I knew it we had the window open and I was snapping away. He took me over various lakes, roping water ways and vibrant boggy wetlands. Truly better than I had hoped. The landing was just as smooth, not a single wiggle, wobble or bump.
I would absolutely recommend contacting Bill and setting up your own custom flight. The aircraft seats up to 3 passengers and the view from above just cannot be beat. Plus, I'm sure you can get access to some beautiful, remote locations for a truly peaceful, quiet day of hiking, fishing, or whatever your heart desires. I'll absolutely be looking him up again next summer.
3. WinMan Trails
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
1300 acre destination for silent sports in Wisconsin's Northwoods: mountain biking, hiking, classic skiing, skate skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing.
Reviewed By dbannie - Melbourne, Florida
This relatively new trail system up in the North Woods of Wisconsin reveals just how beautifully a track can be planned along the rolling hills and topography of the area. Originally I wasn't planning on hitting Winman, thinking it was a bit out of the way from where we stay in Minocqua, but after a quick trip to the local bike shop (BJ's) the staff couldn't emphasize enough that I needed to check it out.
I'm from Florida so most of my Mountain Bike miles have been on flat, sandy trails where climbing is something we don't often see. Winman however, has you rolling up, over and along the wooded ridges in perfect rhythm. Every climb up a hill, pushes you along with the occasional whoop-dee-do drop to propel you further up making it easy on riders of all abilities and to be perfectly honest, absolute fun! The downhill sections along yellow and green feature some stunning berms, dirt jumps, the occasional technical feature that you can bypass and beautiful scenery that will tempt you to stop and take it in along the way.
Just off yellow you'll fine the Lake Trail (Blue Technical Loop) which offers some fun challenges for the more intermediate riders and a spectacular, bone-shaking rock ramp drop.
Hop onto the hub, and roll through the woods along your way to hit a number of the other trails. The Red Downhill trail is recommended for advanced riders, and with good reason. The occasional rocky feature and tight fit between or over obstacles could be a bit much for some to handle.
Trial and Air offers a more rugged ride through the woods and down the hills, with much less of the buttery flow than you enjoy on yellow.
Green trail is another favorite that branches off the Hub. If you loved yellow, you'll really find Green to be a treat. Berm-city and super flowy, but on a different level. Not so much of the dramatic ups and downs of yellow, just a super fun, super fast weaving roll through the woods.
We didn't manage to get over to the Bridge Trail, but if it's anything like the rest, it no doubt offers something special and unique of it's own.
All the trails eventually spill you out into the parking lot (a fun downhill doubletrack) where you can roll out again towards another trail or wrap it up for the day. The people behind Winman really put a lot of thought and time into this system of trails and it shows. Everything is excellently marked on the trails along the way so you can focus your attention on the ride and not so much on trying to figure out where you're going. With a great selection of one-way single track, a bit of double track and beautifully designed challenging features, it really does have something for everyone.
Want to keep an eye out for a group ride or trail updates? They're very active on their facebook page, so absolutely swing over there for the latest information. :)
NOTE: Make sure you have everything you may need for your bike. The nearest place we could find for a replacement bike chain was in Boulder Junction about a 20 minute drive away, or Minocqua which is 40 minutes away.
We can't wait to get back up there again next summer to see what new trails and features the Winman team have put together. :) Keep up the great work!!
4. Frank B. Koller Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By VAtraveller_11 - Reston VA
You should certainly stop at this beautifully-manicured park on a lake with a giant Northern (fish) sculpture, but you really have to visit the restrooms---you won't believe they are in a public park!
5. Aunt Esther’s Attic
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Scott C - Lake in the Hills,Illinois
The wife fell in love with the huge selection of clothing and accessories available here. The ladies that work here are just awesome. We arrived a little late on the of of our visit and they stayed open late to accommodate and assist my wife. They assisted her until she was totally satisfied with her purchase. I received a "Patient Man Award" for not making them hurry while assisting my wife. Men, when in Mercer send your wife in and let her buy a few of those things she doesn't normally buy.
The gals working here are just remarkable !!
6. Manitowish Waters Community Playground
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Located at the Community Center on Airport Road, 1 mile south of CTH W •Restrooms near tennis courts 24/7 or inside the Community Center when the building is open •Lions Pavilion adjacent to playground (request for use may be made with Town Hall) •Airport terminal: D25 (715-543-8320) located at the end of Airport Road •One-acre playground •Sun shelter with picnic tables •Open air picnic tables •Seasonal drinking fountain next to Community Building (and inside near restrooms) •Ball field •Golf driving field (bring your own equipment; first come first served) •Horseshoe pits (adjacent to tennis courts; bring your own equipment) •Tennis courts (first come first served) •Paddleball court (equipment available in attached building, first come first served) •Situated on the M.W. paved hike/bike path (parking available) •Adjacent to Frank B. Koller Memorial Library
Reviewed By Paula1950 - Appleton, Wisconsin
Can not go by a playground when you got the grandkids along. The equipment was in good shape and the grounds were spotless. They could use indoor restrooms, the outhouse was kind of a downer.
7. Lake of the Torches Casino
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Ryan M - Hobart, Indiana
I have visited this place many times now. As far as buffets go, this one is pretty good. There a good selection and you can't beat the prices. Most of the food items are prepared nicely and your kids will appreciate the dessert selections.
I highly recommend the prime rib and baked chicken. Very good! I have also had the lobster buffet. Insanely good price point considering there were some big dudes putting down 15 to 20 of them. As for me, I ate a couple and it was more than enough.
The only real negative for me is that the entire casino/buffet reeks of cigarette smoke. Normally I would never go to a place that smelled of smoke but I was with some friends the first time I went. As a result, I put up with the smoke to enjoy the occasional buffet visit.
8. Rest Lake Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Linda G - Chicago, Illinois
Rest Lake Park is brand new in 2014! Completely re-envisioned with gorgeous landscaping, shady benches and picnic tables, boat docks, play area, and room to enjoy the peaceful lake views as you set awhile. Bald eagles fly over regularly and sunsets provide a stunning Kalideiscope of color. Bathrooms are sparkling clean and food is available for purchase at the supermarket or pub just 1/4 mile away. Spring, summer, autumn or winter are all great times to come and visit!
9. Lake of the Falls Country Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By DonandLisaFromUSA - Hurley, Wisconsin
This park is ok but it tries to accommodate everyone from tent campers to large rigs. When I was there, I noticed that one of the campers had an extension cord running from his camper to the outhouse for power. That was odd but interesting. It was not as out of the way and secluded as we had thought...
10. Bobber Down Guide Service
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Heather B
My husband and I have two boys (ages 10 and 11) that love to fish. We, however, aren't that great at fishing. We were in Mercer on vacation. The boys really wanted to catch some fish. We got Jeff's card from a Bait shop in Mercer. I'm SO glad we did! We called him in the evening. He had an opening the next afternoon. We met at a boat landing. He took all 4 of us out. Was ultra-patient with all of us. His knowledge was impressive. We were comfortable with him almost immediately. He was fun to talk to, and showed the boys what to do the whole time! Then, at the end of the day, he even cut the fish up for us, so I could take them back to our cabin and cook them up the next day! Best day ever! :)
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