Arbor Vitae is part of the Lakeland area that includes the communities of Minocqua and Woodruff, and is home to about 3000 year-round residents. Arbor Vitae, along with Woodruff, is considered the “Crossroads of North” since highways 51, 47 and 70 join nearby. Like many other towns in the area, Arbor Vitae boasts a rich logging history but turned to tourism when the logging industry began to decline in the early 20th century.

Today the tourist industry is flourishing in Arbor Vitae, and it is home to a wide variety of accommodations including resorts, cottages, private homes, hotel and motels, bed and breakfasts and campgrounds.

There’s plenty to see and do n the area, including wildlife parks, live theatre, antique shops and events. The north woods offer four full seasons of fun with unique shopping, fine area restaurants, golf courses and endless outdoor recreational opportunities. Little and Big Arbor lakes are popular spots for fishing and boating, and Big Arbor Lake is home of the Chill Out Ice Fishing Tournament in the winter months.

There are a number of abandoned railroad right-of-ways and logging roads which today provide an extensive trail system for snowmobiling in the winter and hiking and biking during the spring, summer and fall. Whether you like to relax on a beach or by the pool, cross-country ski or water ski, paddle a canoe, bird-watch, shop, hunt, or just tool around and see the sights, you’ll find something to do in Arbor Vitae that suits the whole family.

Arbor Vitae also offers a number of unique shops and eateries such as the Little Creek Coffee Company, Marty’s Place North, Slo’s Pub and more.