The Rhinelander Area is Hodag Country-home of the Hodag and the perfect balance between unspoiled nature and city life. Enjoy of crystal clear lakes, great fishing, vast forests and miles of woodland trails, combined with lots of shopping choices, plenty of restaurants and exceptional lodging options. It's a true year-round vacation destination.

Located at the center of Oneida County, the Rhinelander Area is surrounded by over a thousand lakes-a paradise for paddlers, boaters and anglers. Fish for panfish, walleye, bass, northern pike and trophy muskie in some of the finest angling waters on earth. During the winter, Hodag Country has some of the best ice-fishing you'll find anywhere.

A number of Rhinelander Area resorts and motels cater specifically to anglers. The Oneida/Vilas County map will provide you with boat landing and swimming locations throughout the area. Contact Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce for a copy of the map-contact information can be found below.

Throughout the year, Hodag Country hosts a number of annual fishing tournaments, including the Lions Club Fisheree in February, the Boom Lake Muskie Tournament in June and the Salmo Hodag Muskie Challenge each September. In addition to fishing events, the Rhinelander Area also hosts a number of fun festivals, including Rhinelander's very own Oktoberfest.

In addition to its spectacular angling, the Rhinelander Area is also famous for the Hodag. No definitive photographic evidence exists of the Hodag, but numerous reports of Hodag sightings and strange occurrences throughout Hodag Country point to a creature that is fond of pulling pranks. Tricks include beverages snatched from unwatched coolers, stolen golf balls and missing boat plugs. Anyone who is lucky enough to catch a glimpse of green fleeting though the woods will say that often heard Rhinelander phrase:

"I think it was a Hodag."

One thing is certain the Hodag-its only found in the Rhinelander Area. Perhaps the waterscapes and wilderness are what attract the Hodag. Or maybe the Hodag needs both outdoor adventure and big city fun to survive. Whatever the reason, you need to come to Hodag Country and See For Yourself.

What is a Hodag?
Just the fiercest, strangest, most frightening monster ever to set razor sharp claws on the earth, that's all. The Hodag made his first appearance near this northwoods Wisconsin city in 1896.