Nicolet Trail

Horse - Crossing Oconto River BridgeSpur of the Moment Resort sits on the Nicolet State Trail with direct access to it.  The trail itself is an old railroad bed extending 89 miles across 3 counties – Forest, Florence, and Oconto. It is a multi-use trail open to horses; carriages; ATV’s, UTV’s, hikers, hunters from May 1 – October 31rst each year. The trail is primarily used by snowmobilers during the winter season. As beautiful as it is with its bridges; and forest and streams along it; most trail users agree that it is the main thoroughfare for facilities; access to more wooded trails designated for their sports’ sole purpose. Make no mistake, it is a valuable resource for Oconto County, WI.

Chute Pond Recreational Area

Chute Pond provides many recreational hours of fun whether you are kayaking,, boating, swimming, hiking, fishing, duck hunting, bird watching, For the bird watchers, the stretch from the Oconto River, under the bridge and down the entrance into Chute Pond is a great place to watch the ducks, blue herons geese, loons, bald eagles, swans, and an occasional osprey. There is a little something for everyone. Spur of the Moment Resort is approximately 1/2 mile walk from the boat launch. Although we do not have direct access; the boat launch is just at the bridge on Kingston Road 1/2 mile from the ranch. The boat launch provides a great area to launch a fishing boat, kayak, fish from shore. If you take a short ride to the Oconto County Park, you can enjoy the swimming beach; the rock jumping area for the big kids; larger boat launch; hiking across the dam to an old natural feature called “slippery rock” ; fishing by the dam. There is a natural sand bar in the middle of Chute Pond where pontoon boats go for people to party and play in the water.Kayak on chute 2 post size

Mountain Museum

Most of the small towns along the HWY 32 corridor have a local museum. Mountain is no exception. It is in a local wayside about 4 miles to the north of Spur of the Moment Resort on HWY 32. There you will find an old steel bridge over a pond that is stocked with fish in spring; a logging display pulled by horses; a log home originally built by Frederick Bartz in approximately 1889 that is open during the summer months on Saturdays from 12-3 PM for viewing. There is also an old outhouse on display.

Fire Tower

Fire Tower BlogIn Mountain itself is the old Mountain Forestry Fire Tower. Folks are welcome to climb to the top and soak in the view. The old Fire Tower is not for the faint of heart. It is a steel tower that rocks, rattles, and rolls as you go. It is definitely a feeling of pride if you make it to the top. The Fire Tower is about 5 miles from the ranch; north on HWY 32/64 to County HWY W. Take a right on County HWY W, go about 20 feet, turn left onto old HWY 32. Follow it out about 3-4 miles to the Fire Tower.

Bass Lake

Bass Lake Recreational Area is part of the US Forest Service. There is a small fee per carload to spend the day; or buy a seasonal pass if you are going to be in the area for awhile. Bass Lake is a beautiful clear sand bottom lake. The swimming area is good size; there are picnic tables for available to share snacks and a meal; a bathhouse for changing and restroom facilities. There is also a public boat launch for fishing; water skiing, or tubing. Lakewood Ski and Sport has kayaks and paddle boards available for rent if you do not have a boat. You can also check out Boot Lake and Wheeler Lake with similar setups to add some variety to your stay. Bass Lake is about a half hour ride from the ranch; north on HWY 32/64; left or west on HWY 64 to County HWY T. Right or north on T; follow the signs to Bass or Boot Lake.Bryce Paddle Board

Lakewood Cross Country Ski Trail

The Lakewood Cross Country Ski Trail is a 22 kilometer main trail. There are several secondary loops that connect to the main trail. Trails are groomed for traditional cross country skiing, as well as ski skating when snow conditions are favorable. There are beginning; intermediate; and advanced routes that wind through beautiful, wooded settings with rolling hills. In summer, mountain bikes are welcome to the area with the exception of the portion that goes through the golf course. The Lakewood Cross Country Ski Trail is approximately 1/2 hour from the ranch accessible from old HWY 32. Summer 2014 the x-country Ski trails were updated; the routes color coded and marked for ease of finding your way. Signage on the trails have been updated as well.

Lakewood

Lakewood is our nearest town to the north, approximately 10 miles from the ranch. Lakewood is a great place to spend a few hours relaxing. A trip to Sweet Memories is a must. This is a candy store that has most if not all of the candy you remember as a child. It is a great tasty walk through memory lane. My personal favorite is the dark chocolate pecan turtles. Yum. Kiddy corner and just to the south of there is the Joan White Studio. She does amazing pictures in wood, check out her website www.joanwhite.com.Heading north again up HWY 32, you will come to Northern Perks. This is a little north woods specialty store that has gifts, cards, and coffee. There are a few other stores in that complex; and then north just a little is The Little Shoppe On The Hill. You will find a great mix of clothes and gifts. While your there, stop in the Nicolet Pharmacy and check out Amy’s Wine Cellar.Sweet Memories Store Shot blog

Whitewater Rafting

The Wolf and the Peshtigo Rivers are well known for their whitewater rafting. Springtime is typically when the rivers are the highest and fastest, but can provide great fun in the spring, summer, and fall of the year. One of the favorites for people to raft is Shotgun Eddies http://www.shotguneddy.com/Trips.html. Follow the link to get information on their various trips and schedules. On the Peshtigo you can check out the rafting trips at Kosir’s http://www.kosirs.com/rivers.html. Shotgun Eddies blog