Looking for a laid-back Northwoods escape? Head to Shawano! Nestled along Shawano Lake and the Wolf River, this small town offers big outdoor adventures, waterfront dining, Native American culture, and year-round recreation. Whether you're boating, hiking, fishing, or just relaxing, Shawano delivers natural beauty and small-town charm.

Shawano, WI Highlights:

  • For Lake Lovers: Spend the day on Shawano Lake – Swim, fish, or boat on this scenic 6,000-acre lake with multiple public access points.
  • For Culture Seekers: Visit the Menominee Cultural Museum – Explore exhibits highlighting the history and heritage of the Menominee Nation.
  • For Families: Ride go-karts and play mini-golf at Bamboo Bend Recreation – A fun spot for kids and adults alike just outside town.
  • For Hikers: Explore the Mountain-Bay State Trail – Walk, bike, or snowmobile along this scenic trail that runs right through Shawano.
  • For History Buffs: Tour the Shawano County Historical Society – Step back in time with preserved buildings and local stories.

Best Time to Visit Shawano, WI

The best time to visit Shawano is from late spring through early fall (May to October). Summer is ideal for lake activities, outdoor festivals, and hiking, while fall offers colorful foliage and cozy harvest events. Winter also offers snowmobiling and ice fishing opportunities.

How to Get to Shawano, WI

  • If you are traveling by car: Shawano is easily accessed via Highway 29 and Highway 22. It's about 45 minutes from Green Bay and 2.5 hours from Milwaukee or Madison.
  • By Plane: The nearest airport is Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB), with rental cars available for the drive to Shawano.
  • By Bus: While no major bus lines serve Shawano directly, regional transit connects nearby towns.

Where to Stay in Shawano, WI

  • Recommended for Families: Boarders Inn & Suites by Cobblestone – Family-friendly amenities, free breakfast, and a convenient location.
  • For Couples: Tillaway Resort – Cozy lakefront cottages ideal for romantic getaways on Shawano Lake.
  • For a Rustic Experience: Pine Grove Campground – Cabin rentals and RV/tent camping in a peaceful wooded setting.

Best Things to Do in Shawano, WI

⮕ For History Buffs: Twig's Beverage Museum


See vintage soda gear and sample sips during a fun, affordable trip.

For History Buffs: Twig's Beverage Museum

© Twig's Beverage Museum

Thirsty for a taste of soda history? Twigs Beverage Museum in Shawano, Wisconsin, celebrates the fizzy legacy of Twigs Beverages, a beloved family-run company best known for its Sun-Drop soda made with 100% pure sugar. It’s a nostalgic, flavor-filled stop that’s fun for all ages.

Highlights:
  • Free admission to the museum and gift shop
  • Historic memorabilia, artifacts, and vintage soda machines
  • Classic working jukebox—play a tune for just 25 cents!
  • Short film sharing the story of Twigs and Sun-Drop’s roots
  • Free soda samples offered to all visitors
Pro Tip:

Don’t leave without trying the original Sun-Drop—you’ll taste the difference real sugar makes. Great pit stop for road-trippers or soda lovers.

Twigs Beverage Museum
920 S Franklin St, Shawano, WI 54166
Phone: 715-526-5031

⮕ For Foodies: Dixon's Torchlite


Savor classic American meals and relax on a casual retirement-friendly dinner stop.

For Foodies: Dixon's Torchlite

© Anello’s Torch Lite

Craving comfort food with a side of quirky history? Dixon’s Torchlite in Shawano, Wisconsin, sits on the legendary site of the 1897-built Continental—once a restaurant, bar, and even a house of ill repute. Today, it’s a spacious, family-friendly spot serving up hearty Italian and American fare with a playful twist.

Highlights:
  • Eclectic menu with Italian and American favorites
  • Homemade soups, fresh-baked bread, and a 21-item salad bar
  • Full-service bar and complete takeout menu
  • Outdoor seating and a petting zoo for the kids
  • Spacious, inviting atmosphere with a colorful past
Pro Tip:

Bring the whole family and enjoy the salad bar while the kids check out the petting zoo. History buffs will love the backstory—ask your server for a tale or two!

Dixon’s Torchlite
1276 E Green Bay St, Shawano, WI 54166
Phone: 715-526-5680

More Places to Eat in Shawano, WI

  • Recommended for Families: Angie’s Main Café – Classic comfort food and friendly service in a vintage diner-style setting.
  • For Supper Club Vibes: Classic’s Restaurant and Lounge – Enjoy steaks, seafood, and craft cocktails near the lake.
  • For Casual Dining: Farm Inn’ on Main – Country-style meals, baked goods, and a rustic atmosphere popular with locals.

If you are interested in local events:

  • For Car Lovers: Shawano Car Show (Summer) – See vintage and custom cars, live music, and food trucks.
  • For Fair Fun: Shawano County Fair (Labor Day Weekend) – Carnival rides, livestock shows, and live entertainment.
  • For Winter Fun: Shawano Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe Hike (January/February) – Nighttime outdoor adventure on groomed trails.

Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Shawano, WI:

  • For Nature Fans: Navarino Wildlife Area (25–30 min) – Hike or birdwatch in 15,000 acres of protected forest and wetlands.
  • For Casino-Goers: Menominee Casino Resort (25 min) – Try your luck, dine, or catch live music in Keshena.
  • For History Buffs: Heritage Park in New London (30 min) – Stroll a recreated pioneer village with historic buildings and exhibits.
  • For Wine Lovers: Cloverleaf Lakes and Surroundings (20–25 min) – Sip Wisconsin wines and explore charming small-town scenery.
  • For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Wolf River rafting in White Lake (30 min) – Paddle thrilling rapids or take a relaxing float trip.
  • For Shopping: Antiques in Bonduel (15–20 min) – Browse antique shops and rural charm in this nearby village.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Where is Shawano located?
    • Shawano is a small Wisconsin town in Shawano County near Shawano Lake, a haven for boating, kayaking, and cooling off in the summer.
  • What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy near Shawano?
    • Nearby, Wolf River is known for fly fishing, whitewater rafting, and paddling.
  • What attractions are in Shawano’s historic downtown?
    • The town has a nice historic downtown district with antique shops and stores famous for the locally made barn quilts.
  • What can visitors learn at Twig’s Beverage Museum?
    • Twig’s Beverage Museum tells the story of the local soda company and its popular Sun Drop soda that many locals grew up loving.

Plan Your Trip


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