About the Rhinelander Area

Rhinelander was born in the boom days of logging. Settled in 1880, it was first called Pelican Rapids. It was granted a charter two years later and named after F.W. Rhinelander of New York. Rhinelander was president of the Milwaukee, Lake Shore and Western Railroad. Grateful residents renamed their community in his honor after the railroad agreed to come to town.

The Rhinelander Area is famous for its connection with the logging industry and the lumber boom of the 19th century. Located in the belt of 700 million feet of pine and 300 million feet of hemlock and other timber, Rhinelander was one of the most important logging centers in the Northwoods. The community has evolved to embrace a number of thriving business sectors, including medical, paper-making, packaging, defense contractors and national research facilities.

Road Travel

The distance to Chicago is approximately 330 miles; to Minneapolis, 240 miles; to Madison, 200 miles; and to Milwaukee, approximately 240 miles. U.S. Highway 51 is a primary north-south artery, linking Oneida County to Interstates 90 and 94 in south-central Wisconsin.

U.S. Highway 8 is the major east-west corridor through the county, providing access to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Minneapolis/St. Paul. U.S. Highway 45, traversing the eastern edge of the county, is a second north-south route between Wisconsin’s Fox River Valley and the Upper Peninsula. State highway 47 provides additional access routes. Oneida County maintains 165 miles of trunk roads.

Air Travel

The Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport is the largest airport serving Oneida County and the surrounding counties, plus a sizeable portion of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. SkyWest Airlines dba Delta Connection provides daily schedules to link you to anywhere in the world.

Rhinelander Flying Service, Inc. is a full service fixed base operator providing air charter, air ambulance, fuel, aircraft repair, flying lessons, aircraft rental, and scenic airplane rides.

Medical personnel in the Northwoods truly have the best of both worlds. The healthcare system in Wisconsin is nationally renowned. Rhinelander Aspirus Hospital, a general medical and surgical hospital, provides professional health care to residents throughout the Northwoods region.

Both Aspirus and Marshfield Clinic have clinic locations in Rhinelander. Specialists in oncology, cardiology and other areas serve the needs of the region.

In addition, we have a number of local assisted living facilities, dental, hearing and optical services, and wellness providers.

Residents of the Rhinelander Area enjoy quality schools and educational resources. Great schools and the strong community commitment to education are reasons why people move to Rhinelander and businesses relocate to the area. From the Rhinelander public schools to Nicolet College, you’ll find quality educational opportunities in the Rhinelander Area.

The School District of Rhinelander serves nine townships and the city of Rhinelander. The district also offers a variety of parochial schools, including Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School and Zion Lutheran School, which are both preschool through grade 8 school within the district.

Nicolet College is a two-year community college located on the scenic shores of Lake Julia. The college offers more than 50 degrees, diplomas and certificates, including a University Transfer Liberal Arts program, where students complete the first two years of a bachelor's degree before transferring to a four-year college or university. Nicolet also offers Creative Arts Services, Business and Community Education, Learning in Retirement and the Outdoor Adventure Series.

Rhinelander Area lakes offer some of Wisconsin’s best fishing. Year-round, the fishing in the Rhinelander Area is spectacular. You’ll find lakes right in the heart of Rhinelander, such as Boom Lake, a large flowage on the Wisconsin River. There are hundreds more lakes within a short drive, including the popular Lake George, Lake Thompson, Lake Julia and the Moen Lake Chain.

Mountain bikers and road cyclists alike will enjoy bicycling in and around the Rhinelander Area. The quiet roadways that stretch out from Rhinelander are great for touring cyclists looking to enjoy the beauty of the Northwoods.

Hodag Country offers outstanding winter trails. Cross-country ski and snowshoe through snow-covered pines or glide along tamarack bogs and groves of hemlocks. Choose from several trails located just minutes from downtown Rhinelander. Excellent trail grooming combined with the area’s lodging, restaurants and numerous amenities make Hodag Country the ideal snowmobiling destination.

For more information visit www.ExploreRhinelander.com. 

The Rhinelander area isn’t just a great place to visit—it’s a great place to live!

Rhinelander Area residents enjoy a high quality of life as well as a low cost of living. The real estate market offers exceptional housing values for both buyers and renters. Residents find quality educational opportunities at all levels. Medical care in the Rhinelander Area is excellent, with a number of choices available to residents.

A thriving local economy provides a wide variety of jobs for a hardworking community. The low crime rate and strong community spirit make the streets of Rhinelander warm and welcoming to all.

As you consider moving to the Rhinelander Area and search for your dream home in the Northwoods, remember that we have a great group of real estate professionals, appraisers, surveyors, movers, building and construction services and welcome services that are here to help you.

To receive your free Hodag Home Relocation Packet and learn how you can make Rhinelander your home, contact us via the contact us page.