Tomahawk, Wisconsin Is Your Scenic, Walkable Gateway To The Northwoods
Tomahawk sits right where the Wisconsin River runs wide and the forests grow thick, making it the perfect jumping-off point for families seeking a Northwoods adventure without the hassle.
Downtown stretches just a few blocks, but those streets pack in local shops, waterfront parks, and trails that connect right to your car.
Whether you want to paddle a quiet lake, grab a burger overlooking the dam, or simply stretch your legs on a paved river walk, this small city delivers big on accessibility and natural beauty.
Disclaimer:
This article is for general informational purposes.
All descriptions reflect publicly available details at the time of writing and should not be taken as safety or travel advice.
Visitors should verify local conditions, accessibility, and operational details before planning a trip.
1. Historic Downtown District
Walking Tomahawk’s main drag feels like stepping back to when every town had a hardware store, a coffee shop, and a dress boutique all within shouting distance.
Auntie Em’s Resale offers vintage finds and secondhand treasures, while HMM Boutique stocks women’s clothing that actually fits real bodies.
What’s Brewin’ pours strong coffee and pastries perfect for a mid-morning break. Most shops sit within a five-minute walk of each other, so you can browse without moving your car.
Tomahawk’s historic main street runs along West Wisconsin Avenue, centered around the 100–300 blocks of W Wisconsin Ave, Tomahawk, WI 54487, where most of the shops and cafés sit within a short walk of one another.
2. Bradley Park
William H. Bradley founded this city and left behind a hundred-acre park that wraps around the edge of Lake Mohawksin like a green ribbon.
Trails range from easy loops for toddlers to longer paths where older kids can burn off energy before dinner.
A children’s fishing lake lets young anglers practice casting without tangling lines with the experienced anglers nearby.
Pack a cooler and claim a picnic table near the boat launch for an afternoon that costs almost nothing.
Bradley Park welcomes visitors at 1100 W Mohawk Dr, Tomahawk, WI 54487, stretching across the western edge of Lake Mohawksin with trails, picnic areas, and a family-friendly fishing spot.
3. Tomahawk River Walk
Starting at Veteran’s Memorial Park, this paved and boardwalk route follows the Wisconsin River westward past the public library and a Dairy Queen that saves many a summer stroll.
The trail ends at SARA Park, where a small beach and boat ramp make a natural turnaround point.
Total distance runs about a mile one way, gentle enough for strollers and wheelchairs.
Go early morning to catch mist rising off the water, or late afternoon when the sun slants gold through the pines.
The River Walk begins at Veteran’s Memorial Park at 11 S 4th St, Tomahawk, WI 54487, then follows the shoreline toward SARA Park on 900 W Somo Ave, Tomahawk, WI 54487.
4. Hiawatha Trail
Once a Milwaukee Road rail line, this 6.5-mile crushed-gravel path now carries hikers and bikers instead of freight cars.
The trailhead at SARA Park offers parking and restrooms, then the route rolls gently through second-growth forest where you might spot deer browsing at dawn.
It connects to the longer Bearskin State Trail if you want to add miles.
Rent bikes in town or bring your own; the surface stays firm enough for road tires in dry weather.
The Hiawatha Trail starts at SARA Park, located at 900 W Somo Ave, Tomahawk, WI 54487, giving walkers and cyclists a smooth path that connects to longer regional routes.
5. Lake Mohawksin
This 1,515-acre reservoir formed when the Tomahawk Dam backed up the Wisconsin River, creating a fishery popular with anglers who hope to catch northern pike, walleye, or the occasional large muskie.
Water stays cool even in July, so families often opt for shorter swims during early summer.
Rentals for pontoons and kayaks are available nearby if you left your boat at home.
Lake Mohawksin surrounds much of the city, but the easiest public access points sit near Bradley Park at 1100 W Mohawk Dr, Tomahawk, WI 54487, and the boat launch at SARA Park at 900 W Somo Ave, Tomahawk, WI 54487.
6. Tomahawk Dam And Civic Core
The dam that created Lake Mohawksin sits right in the heart of town, a concrete reminder that Tomahawk grew up on logging and hydropower.
City Hall and the police station stand within easy walking distance, anchoring a compact civic center where you can grab permits, ask questions, or just admire the tidy municipal architecture.
Watch water spill over the dam from a small overlook that locals use as a lunch spot.
It is a surprisingly photogenic piece of infrastructure.
The Tomahawk Dam stands just south of The Bridge Restaurant at approximately 103 W Wisconsin Ave, Tomahawk, WI 54487, next to the compact civic area anchored by City Hall at 23 N 27th Ave, Tomahawk, WI 54487.
7. The Bridge Restaurant
For years, The Bridge Restaurant sat in a prime spot overlooking the dam and the Wisconsin River, serving the kind of supper-club comfort food that travelers still talk about today.
Locals remember Friday fish fry, generous Saturday prime rib, and relaxed Sunday breakfasts that drew families in after church.
Kids colored at the table while adults ordered Old Fashioneds made the classic Wisconsin way, using brandy instead of whiskey.
Although the restaurant no longer operates at its former home at 103 W Wisconsin Ave, Tomahawk, WI 54487, its riverfront setting and long-running traditions remain a familiar part of the community’s history.
