Welcome to Winter Activities in the North Woods, and a winter adventure at Spur of the Moment Ranch. Whether it is a family; couple; or friends looking for things to do in the winter, look no further than Oconto County. We have had snow since the middle of December, and although we have not added a huge number of inches of snow, old man winter has been more than generous with the cold necessary to keep the winter activities in the north woods going.
Riverview Town Hall has there ice skating rink, fully operational, even the hockey rink is open now. The area folks have been kind about donating and recycling skates so everyone can have the opportunity to try out this fun sport. You can come and find some skates in your size and/or everyone’s size in the family until they are out for the year. The skates are free, they just ask that if this is the only time you are skating this season, please leave them when you go. If you think that you might like to skate again this year, and you find a pair your size or your child’s size, you may take them with you. They ask only that if you are in the area, or your child out grows them that you find a way to recycle them. This is a great way to pay it forward, and for everyone to have winter fun. This is a photo of my daughter Sarah, and her daughter Tessa, both found skates and were enjoying a beautiful day on the rink. 
Turkey Bowl – February 22, 2014 at the Riverview Town Hall Ice Rink at Noon. This is a fun event for the whole family. Bring boots that you can move on the ice with. Teams will consist of 4 people, if you don’t have a team, come anyway, and you will placed on an impromptu team. What could be more fun. Instead of bowling with a ball, you will be bowling with frozen turkeys. There will be lots of laughs, and fun. Food and refreshments will be available to keep you warm and give you energy. See you at the Turkey Bowl. Riverview Town Hall is located on HWY 32; west side of the road halfway between Mountain and Lakewood.
Several of our visitors have been ice fishing. There are 58 lakes in Oconto County. Check with the locals, but right now Chute Pond has a good foot of ice on it, as do most other lakes in the area. Please ask around about any lake you are going on, all lakes can have springs which make walking or driving dangerous, but many of the guys in this area love the sport and spend many hours out on the lakes fishing through the holes in the ice. So, if this is on your bucket list, gather your gear, and come on up to Oconto County. If you stay at Spur of the Moment Ranch while you are here, you can warm up by the fireplace when you are done for the day.
If you enjoy Cross Country Skiing or have an interest in giving it a try, the Lakewood Cross Country Ski Course is a beautiful venue that winds through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The course has a beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails; there are maps available here at the ranch as well as at the trail head of the Ski Course off of old 32 about 8 miles from Spur of the Moment Ranch. If you would like to try the sport; contact Lakewood Ski and Sport to rent equipment. Call 715-276-3071.
Snowmobiling is very popular in the winter. Spur of the Moment Ranch sits on the Nicolet Trail giving you direct access to the trail system. This season is the first time that there are snowmobiles available for rent from a new business right in Mountain called Adventure Motorsports Rentals. You can get all the information for your trip by calling 920-373-7258 or 920-883-7682 or check their website at www.adventuremotorsportswi.com.
For those that love just quietly moving through the woods, there is always snow shoeing. You never know what creatures you might run into, there are many turkeys, rabbits, fox, grouse, and deer moving around this time of year. If you just want to getaway and stay at the cabin, there is always building a snowman; snow fort; or making snow angels. There is no reason not to enjoy winter. Come out to experience Winter Activities in the North Woods.