Location: Spooner
Top Things to do in Spooner
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Spooner, United States
Spooner is a city in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 2,682 at the 2010 census. The city is located mostly within the southwest corner of the Town of Spooner, with a small portion extending into the Town of Beaver Brook on the south, the Town of Bashaw on the southwest, and the Town of Evergreen on the west. The city's nickname is "Crossroads of the North", a reference to the fact that the city is at the junction of two U.S. highways, 53 and 63, and State Highways 70 and 253. The city was named after Senator John Coit Spooner.
Restaurants in Spooner
1. Jacks' Canoe & Tube Rental
Overall Ratings
5 based on 37 reviews
Canoe, kayak, tubing trips on the scenic Namekagon River. Let us help you plan an adventure on one of the midwest best kept secrets.
Reviewed By fedelaney - Minneapolis
Rented a canoe for 3 days from Seeley to Trego and these folks were terrific. Although, we would recommend putting in at Hayward Dam and skipping the 2 portages that are between Seeley and Hayward since the river has lots of houses still at that point. The campsites are superb (but bring your own water ~ 1 gallon per canoe per day.) Note that you will share the river with tubers from Earl to Trego - and on nice summer weekends and holidays, that will be a LOT of tubes. Next year we will go from Trego to the St Croix and Jack's will definitely be our first choice!
2. Great Northern Train Ride
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 233 reviews
Reviewed By Kelly C
Fun experience but could be better for the money spent. Food was descent, Santa was personable and realistic. Could be done in one hour for half the price. There was no direction so we weren't sure if we should wait to be called to see Santa or just go. Bathrooms were a mess by the end of the two hours and one had a broken door. Kids got bored after the first hour. I would suggest they play Christmas music (at a low volume) throughout the ride to make the atmosphere more festive and maybe offer board/card games to keep passengers entertained while waiting. We probably will not go again but it was an experience my children will remember.
3. The Potter's Shed
Overall Ratings
5 based on 40 reviews
"like nowhere else" is the only real way to describe this place of wonder, creativity and fun. Whether you come for the shopping, eating, live music, hands on art or just relaxing--it's the one stop you've got to make.
Reviewed By wamrazing - Elyria, Ohio
My wife discovered this place while we were staying at our in laws cabin on the lake. She loved the vibe of the place and enjoyed a coffee and snack while checking emails on the free wifi.
We returned the next day for lunch and the service was terrific, the food was delish and made to order.
Brought our in laws over a couple of day later and they loved it...and hadn't even been there, though they're all of 10 minutes away and have lived there now for about 8 years!
Will definitely be going back. Enjoy the meal and walk around and look at all the crafts outside.
Ice cream for the kids...big or small at a small ice cream station.
4. Perlick Distillery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Mb300sr - Palm Beach, Florida
we visited this area for the first time last weekend (june 2017) and were treated to a very special experience whilst seeking amusement during a little inclement weather. it turns out the perlick distillery was celebrating the grand opening of their new "tasting room" down on the farm in washburn county, northern wisconsin. it would take volumes to describe how this hard working family is engaged in a big effort to create fine spirits - beginning with distilling vodka - on their 3000 acre spread. tasting room, retail store and maybe even a quick tour. not for kids but fun for grown ups! don't miss it.
5. Railroad Memories Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Andrew E - White Bear Lake, Minnesota
Huge number of displays (11 rooms!) that are generally well-organized (especially recommend the telegraph room). Everything is based upon donated materials (most of it from actual railroaders) and volunteers. Volunteer staff working the afternoon we visited extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While outstanding for those of us fascinated with railroad history and operations, most people will find some parts of the museum of interest.
6. Museum of Woodcarving
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 27 reviews
This museum is home to hundreds of unique wood cuttings.
Reviewed By FlaTraveler - Central Florida, Florida
We visited with family, looking for something to do. This place was just OK. The place looks like it hasn't changed in 30 years. Laid out strange. No cameras allowed. I had my expensive Nikon that's with me everywhere. When informed no photos, I stated " no problem, I won't turn it on." Not good enough. I was told to leave my $1500 camera on her counter. We walked it out to the car. I'm trusted in the Sistine Chapel in Rome to carry my camera in a no photo zone and be trusted to not take photos, but not in Shell Lake Wis. Really? I mean, this really is a little no- name place, but they can't take my word for not taking photos. The woodcarvings were ok, obvious the carver has talent, but many bible references to his sculptures are incorrect. The bible he used is not my NIV bible. Maybe Catholic interpretation? I would not recommend it.
7. Namekagon River Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Eisme77
We have enjoyed and canoed the Namekagon for years. We finally made the time to stop at the visitor's center on a rainy day. We were not disappointed. What an amazing little place! There are displays about the river fish and animals, the effect of humans impact on the river, lots of educational items. And definitely take the time to watch the 18 minute video. It was really well done and explains so much about how the river formed, the history, how logging affected the area, and how it became part of the National Park Service. This would be a great place for kids and adults alike. Only open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day weekend.
8. Washburn County Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By uwsuper - wisconsin
I love going to local historical museums when I visit an area so I was happy to find this open. There was 4 of us who got to tour the museum, and the two ladies who showed us around were super friendly! They made sure our girls tried on hats and touched things instead of barking rules at us which was so refreshing! The area has rich logging history and there are old tools and found items-including a ball and chain that someone found in a field (Like from an escaped prisoner or slave?) that one of the docents was so excited to show my daughters by having them lift it and imagine having it around their ankle! The girls got to turn the crank on an old music box type record player. Many patriotic items and memorabilia from WWI and II including uniforms. There are several buildings to tour including an old school-be sure to ask about the hole in the floor which has since been plugged but it's a cute story! Lots of items from local people-a smattering of varied things but we had a great time and learned lots!
9. Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By MT1 - Aurora, Colorado
This is just a small museum in Spooner, WI with probably 30 or more canoes on display - from actual birch bark canoes to more modern versions, but all are wood. Quite a few are from the east coast area - Adirondacks, Maine, etc. There are numerous styles of canoes on display with plaques explaining the heritage of the different styles. There is also a short video (~ 10 min?) you start yourself to view which is related to canoes on the Brule River.
While there is no entry fee per se there is a $4 suggested donation to cover the costs of the building which is rented for the museum's use. The museum also sells some trinkets such as t-shirts, mugs, etc to help fund the operation.
If you are someone interested in canoes this is a great place to visit. Front St parallels Rt 63 (the main road through town) to the east and is pretty much right behind the Visitor's Center located on the corner of Rt 63 and Rt 70 on the south end of town.
10. Klopp's Fifth Avenue Bar
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Marci V - White Bear Lake, Minnesota
Great fun! There was also a place to play bean bags outside! Very cordial company and friendly competition in shooting pool! The drinks were great, and the prices were awesome! The service is very quick, and they also have terrific pizzas!
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