The picturesque “Island City” of Minocqua is situated in Oneida County, Wisconsin, and is surrounded by lakes. The close-knit community of Minocqua is home to just under 5000 year-round residents, and is located in the heart of Wisconsin’s north woods, right off Highway 51 and is conveniently just a few hours from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Originally established in 1888 as a logging town with the name Maniwaki, the town’s current name is thought to have been derived from the Ojibwe word “Ninocqua,” which means “noon-day rest.” Others believe the name came from Ojibwe Indian Chief Noc Wib or Minocquip, who lived on the island.

Minocqua became a popular vacation destination early in its history with the decline of the Midwestern logging industry, and today is a favorite vacation stop for people from all over the state with over 45 different resorts. Minocqua is a four-season destination with a variety of activities from hunting and fishing to cross-country skiing, golf, hunting, water skiing, hiking, a nearby casino and so much more. Minocqua is part of the Lakelands community which also includes the quaint neighboring towns of Arbor Vitae and Woodruff, Wisconsin.

With its Ojibwe history, Minocqua offers abundant cultural experiences like Ojibwe craft-making classes and traditional pow-wows. There are also more hiking trails than you can count in the surrounding forests that are great for day hikes, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Find out why so many people love the Island City and come back year after year. Rent a cabin, stay in an all-inclusive resort, camp in the woods, or rent a vacation home on a lake. Browse our site to learn more about staying, playing, dining and even living and working in the quintessential north woods community of Minocqua.