Eagle River
Eagle River is the original vacation and retirement destination in Northern Wisconsin and anchors the famous Eagle River-Three Lakes Chain—the world's largest freshwater lake chain with 28 lakes connected together. This was one of the features that first drew vacationers to the area. With its interconnected network of lakes and rivers, Eagle River made an ideal place to settle back in the old days and was the home of the first permanent Indian settlement in the Northwoods. The town was named in 1853 for the abundance of eagles on the river. Eagle River has the conveniences of big grocery stores and a hospital, but it feels like an old town pulled off the cover of a postcard. Main street hasn't changed a ton appearance-wise over the years and still consists of small specialty stores instead of stores of the big box variety. It has a year-round population of 1,419 and is a compact 3.20 square miles. The town serves a wider region of classic Northwoods lakes, forests, and small communities like Phelps that feel tied to town for shopping and services. In summer, cabin owners split their time between long days on the water, easy in-town errands, and side trips to nearby lakes and beaches, while shoulder seasons bring quieter paddling, fishing, and fall-color drives. Winter is a major draw thanks to the area's snowmobile heritage—Eagle River has been known as the "snowmobile capital of the world" where for 50 years the World Champion Snow Derby has been held—along with ice fishing culture and events that let second-home owners plan cold-weather trips instead of treating the cabin as summer-only. With its mix of marinas, guides, simple parks, and family-friendly attractions, Eagle River works well for buyers who want a busy lake scene and strong amenities but still value forests, dark skies, and small-town character over big-city bustle. Below, you will find the most recent lakefront homes, lots and condos (with links to view all Eagle River listings) as well as some featured lakes around Eagle River (also with a link to all Eagle River lakes). Below that you will find information on events, attractions and places to eat in Eagle River.
Recent Homes for Sale:
Experience the beauty of Boot Lake, situated just north of Eagle River. This charming log cabin features 2 bedrooms and 1 bath, designed for comfortable living all year round. Enjoy relaxing on the lovely screened porch overlooking the lake, and take advantage …
Enjoy Northwoods lake living at its finest in this inviting 4-bedroom, 3 bath home with 148' of sand swimming frontage, permanent pier and Western exposure on Deerskin Lake. Located just outside Eagle River this custom built home is quality throughout. The open…
Extraordinary estate on Yellow Birch Lake, part of the renowned Eagle River Chain of Lakes. Set on approximately 2.7 wooded acres with 230 feet of prime, level sand frontage, this iconic log home offers nearly 5,400 finished square feet of exceptional living sp…
View All Eagle River Homes >>
Recent Lots for Sale:
Discover a rare Spectacle Lake opportunity in Vilas County! This west-facing lot spans 2.73 acres with 194 ft of pristine shoreline on a true Northwoods gem. Enjoy privacy, serene water views, and the chance to create your ideal retreat. Driveway construction i…
300 Ft of Frontage on Long Lake – Phelps, WI Discover the perfect Northwoods retreat on Long Lake in Phelps, WI! This beautiful 3.7-acre parcel offers 300 feet of lake frontage with a shared boardwalk leading you right to the water’s edge. Long Lake is known fo…
Exceptional Spectacle Lake opportunity in Vilas County! This north-facing lot offers 1.8 acres and 143 ft of pristine frontage on a true Northwoods gem. Enjoy peaceful privacy and beautiful lake views while planning your ideal retreat. Driveway construction is …
View All Eagle River Lots >>
Recent Condos for Sale:
Easy lake living meets classic Northwoods comfort at Wild Eagle Lodge on Duck Lake, part of the legendary Eagle River Chain. This desirable main-level 1BR/2BA condo offers no-hassle, level entry and peaceful lake views, making it ideal for weekends, full season…
Your Northwoods escape awaits at the prestigious Wild Eagle Lodge! This sought-after main-level 1BR/2BA unit offers one of the best values on the entire Eagle River Chain. With easy level entry on the main floor and serene Duck Lake views, it blends comfort, co…
Rare opportunity to own a main-level 2BR/2BA, 1,500 sq. ft. condo at Eagle Waters Resort on the famous Eagle River Chain! Fully furnished and sleeping up to 8, this unit doubles as a proven rental property with strong income. A rare perk is the included garage …
View All Eagle River Condos >>
GoldBar Lakes in Eagle River:
| Lake Name | Access | Acres | Type | Distance | Avg Depth | Clarity | Chain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Sand Lake | Public | 1427 | Drainage | 33 min | 16 ft | 10.5 ft | -- |
| Butternut Lake | Public | 1246 | Spring | 33 min | 25 ft | 18.0 ft | -- |
| Catfish Lake | Public | 978 | Drainage | 8 min | 12 ft | 4.2 ft | Eagle River |
| Cranberry Lake | Public | 924 | Drainage | 10 min | 9 ft | 4.5 ft | Eagle River |
| Long Lake | Public | 620 | Drainage | 13 min | 13 ft | 5.5 ft | Three Lakes |
| Long Lake (P) | Public | 872 | Drainage | 27 min | 30 ft | 12.0 ft | -- |
| Lower Buckatabon Lake | Public | 378 | Drainage | 21 min | 8 ft | 11.0 ft | -- |
| Meta Lake | Public | 175 | Seepage | 9 min | 13 ft | 13.5 ft | -- |
| Stormy Lake | Public | 523 | Seepage | 18 min | 33 ft | 24.0 ft | -- |
| Sugar Camp Lake | Public | 519 | Seepage | 17 min | 15 ft | 13.0 ft | -- |
| Sunset Lake | Semi-Private | 207 | Seepage | 13 min | 15 ft | 17.5 ft | -- |
| Upper Buckatabon Lake | Public | 493 | Drainage | 20 min | 20 ft | 12.0 ft | -- |
| Nelson Lake | Public | 104 | Seepage | 14 min | 20 ft | 21.0 ft | -- |
| Clearwater Lake | Private | 358 | Spring | 6 min | 22 ft | 16.5 ft | -- |
View All Eagle River Lakes >>
The Eagle River Experience:
On The Water
Eagle River’s identity is built around water, especially the chain of interconnected lakes that runs from town south toward Three Lakes plus nearby stand‑alone lakes in every direction. Cabin owners can spend entire days cruising from lake to lake, stopping at waterside restaurants, swimming spots, and sandbars, or shift to quieter mornings paddling smaller lakes and backwaters that feel more secluded despite being close to town. With the large range of lake types—from busy chain water with marinas and boat traffic to smaller, less developed lakes closer to Phelps or deep in the forest—buyers can choose the balance of action versus quiet that fits their style while still tapping into Eagle River’s shared services and amenities.
Trails
Off the water, Eagle River offers a growing network of trails and routes for bikers, hikers, skiers, and snowshoers, including the Three Eagle Trail that links the Eagle River and Three Lakes areas through forests and wetlands. Short walks in town parks, nearby nature trails, and regional bike routes make it easy to fit in a quick outing between boat rides or errands, while longer day adventures are a short drive away in Vilas County and the surrounding public lands. With the trail systems connecting multiple communities and passing lakes, wetlands, and big blocks of forest, active cabin owners can turn a simple ride or hike into a full day built around coffee stops, swims, and scenic overlooks without needing long highway drives.
Winter
Winter is a signature season in Eagle River, with a well-known snowmobile scene, groomed trail systems, and a social calendar that includes races, winter festivals, and ice-focused events. Snowmobile routes, ski and snowshoe loops, and plowed access to lakes for ice fishing give second‑home owners multiple ways to enjoy cold-weather weekends instead of staying indoors when the temperatures drop. The town’s long snowmobile tradition and event culture make winter feel lively rather than sleepy, which helps buyers justify a cabin investment they can use all year instead of just during a short summer window.
Family Fun
Families staying near Eagle River can mix low-key lake fun—swimming, tubing, fishing off the dock—with kid-pleasing outings like pirate ship cruises, casual mini‑golf, and simple in‑town parks and ice cream stops. Many activities are close to the core of town or reachable by a short drive, so it is easy to stack a few short adventures into a single day without wearing kids out in the car. Over time, that mix of chain-of-lakes excitement, easy trails, and friendly small‑town experiences makes Eagle River a place where kids grow up with favorite spots and traditions, helping second‑home owners feel like they are part of a community rather than just visiting a resort area.
Towns Near Eagle River:
Three Lakes
A twelve minute drive from downtown Eagle River will take you to downtown Three Lakes. Three Lakes is a great little town. It was voted best town in America in a Disney vote a few years back. The town has a mom and pop feel and is quite cozy. There are a few places in town to grab a bite to eat, a great little bakery and my favorite, an ice cream shop. You won't feel anything other than welcomed by the great people of this little town. For the wine lovers out there, don't miss the chance to check out the Three Lakes Winery.
Saint Germain
A fifteen minute drive from Eagle River will bring you to St. Germain. St. Germain is another smaller northwoods town. It has quite a few places to eat in town, a grocery store, some rental places and a few hotels. There are also activities happening around the town all year round.
Clearwater Lake
Clearwater Lake is the home of Gold Bar Realty, Sorellas restaurant, and to some really nice people. It's basically a map dot on HWY 45 but is located just five miles from both Eagle River and Three Lakes so it is has location working in its favor.
Sugar Camp
Sugar Camp is thirteen miles south of Eagle River on HWY 17. There are a few bar and grill places in town as well as the White Stag, which has some really good food.
Conover
Fourteen miles north of Eagle River on HWY 45 lies Conover. Conover is another map dot town, but it has gas and bait and can come in handy if you live north of Eagle River and need something small. It saves some drive time.
Trails around Eagle River:
Anvil National Recreation Trail
The Anvil National Recreation Trail circles through mature hardwood and hemlock forest near Anvil Lake, with roughly 12 miles of signed loops that serve hikers and mountain bikers in the warm seasons and cross-country skiers in winter. Rolling terrain, clearly marked difficulty levels, and grooming for both classic and skate skiing make it one of the Eagle River area’s signature Nordic systems and a reliable choice for year-round trail time.
Downtown Eagle River Connector Loop
Starting near the historic depot, this informal loop follows the Eagle River City Connector bike path into downtown before circling back on wide sidewalks and low-traffic neighborhood streets. It stays nearly flat, passes shops and cafés, and works well as a gentle orientation ride or evening walk when you want a bit of movement without committing to a longer out-of-town trail.
Eagle River ATV/UTV Routes
ATV and UTV riders in the Eagle River area can tap into over 70 miles of designated routes that link town streets with county roads and forest corridors, creating multiple loops and connections to neighboring communities. Many stretches pass close to gas, food, and lodging, making it easy to pair a half-day or full-day ride with stops at supper clubs, pubs, and lakeside resorts along the way.
Eagle River In-Town Nature Loops
This small trail system lies just outside the core of Eagle River and strings together several short, mostly level loops through mixed pine and hardwood forest, giving locals and visitors an easy place to walk or run without driving far. In winter, portions can be packed for snowshoeing and casual classic skiing when snow cover is good, making it a convenient option for low-key exercise compared with driving out to larger Nordic centers.
Shannon Lake Trails
The Shannon Lake Trail system offers several miles of looped singletrack and doubletrack around Shannon Lake, with rolling terrain through mixed hardwoods and pines. Hikers and mountain bikers can pick shorter beginner-friendly loops or extend into slightly more technical sections with tighter turns and a few steeper pitches, all within a short drive of Eagle River.
Sno-Eagles Snowmobile Trails
The Sno-Eagles Snowmobile Club grooms and maintains key routes in and around Eagle River, tying into a regional Vilas County system that totals more than 500 miles of interconnected snowmobile trails. Riders can stage in Eagle River and choose loops toward Conover, Three Lakes, and beyond, using club maps, trail reports, and grooming apps to time their rides around fresh grooming and the best available snow.
Three Eagle Trail
The Three Eagle Trail runs roughly 12 miles between Eagle River and Three Lakes, offering a non-motorized corridor of crushed-granite tread, wooded stretches, and long boardwalks across wetlands and lowlands. Gentle hills, good signage, and multiple trailheads with parking, bathrooms, and bike tools make it a go-to choice for families and recreational cyclists who want a scenic ride without tangling with highway traffic.
Wisconsin River – Otter Rapids to County O
This Wisconsin River segment starts just below the Otter Rapids Dam west of Eagle River and runs about 7 miles downstream to the County Highway O landing near the head of Rainbow Flowage. Paddlers see a mix of wooded banks, small islands, and mild boulder gardens with enough current to feel lively but not intimidating for intermediate paddlers, and nearby outfitters make shuttling and rentals straightforward for a half-day outing.
Eagle River Attractions & Viewpoints:
Cranberry Marsh Tours & Harvest Views (Attraction)
During cranberry season, Eagle River’s Cranberry Fest and local marsh tours give visitors a chance to see flooded bogs, harvest equipment, and the processing side of the region’s cranberry industry. Many tours include short walks, tastings, and time to take photos of the bright red berries floating in the beds, making it a unique fall attraction for both families and photographers.
Eagle Falls Adventure Golf & Laser Tag (Attraction)
Eagle Falls Adventure Golf on the east side of town offers an 18-hole mini golf course themed like a 1950s fishing camp, complete with cabins, bridges, and waterfalls. A laser-tag arena on site and lush landscaping make it a fun evening destination for families or groups looking for something active after time on the water.
Eagle River Historical Society Museum (Attraction)
The Eagle River Historical Society Museum showcases local history through logging-era artifacts, resort memorabilia, and displays on how snowmobiling helped shape winter tourism. It’s a good rainy-day stop or low-key outing for second-home owners who want to understand how the town evolved from lumber camp to four-season vacation hub.
Kartway Go-Karts & Mini Golf (Attraction)
Kartway, just outside Eagle River, packs several go-kart tracks, bumper boats, mini golf, and a small kiddie-ride area into one compact, old-school amusement park. It’s an easy “change of pace” stop when kids want something more carnival-like than hiking or paddling, and prices stay relatively approachable compared with big theme parks.
Northwoods Children’s Museum (Attraction)
The Northwoods Children’s Museum offers more than 20 interactive exhibits, from pretend grocery stores and cabins to water tables and art areas, aimed at younger kids. Families use it as a go-to rainy-day or too-hot-afternoon option, and it pairs easily with lunch or ice cream downtown since it sits close to the main strip.
Downtown Eagle River Mural & Depot Area (Viewpoint)
Downtown Eagle River is gradually adding murals and public-art features around the historic depot and main streets, creating an emerging set of selfie and photo spots within a short walk of shops and restaurants. The combination of old brick, train history, and new artwork gives visitors simple landmarks to stroll between when they want a low-effort “stretch your legs in town” outing.
Downtown Eagle River Streetscape & Artscape Banners (Viewpoint)
Downtown Eagle River’s compact main street combines historic storefronts with seasonal Artscape banners, creating a colorful outdoor gallery feel on summer and fall walks. Visitors often do a simple loop from the depot area to the riverfront, stopping for coffee, shopping, and quick photos under the banners or in front of restored buildings.
Eagle River Depot Museum & Rail Mural (Viewpoint)
The restored Eagle River depot building houses exhibits on the area’s railroad history and early tourism days, with memorabilia, maps, and historic photos from when trains first brought visitors north. Outside, the depot area and nearby mural create a compact spot for photos with vintage architecture and public art in the same frame.
Riverview Park on the Eagle River (Viewpoint)
Riverview Park sits along the Eagle River just off downtown, with a small playground, picnic tables, and docks that give close-up views of the river and passing boats. It’s an easy place to grab family photos by the water, watch fall colors reflect on the river, or let kids play before or after a walk through the main street shops.
Scenic Drives to Bond Falls & Agate Falls (UP day trip) (Viewpoint)
From Eagle River, many visitors make a day-trip north into Michigan to see Bond Falls and Agate Falls, two of the region’s most impressive waterfalls with developed viewing platforms and boardwalks. It’s a longer outing but a classic “if you have an extra day” recommendation, pairing Eagle River lodging and restaurants with big-waterfall photo ops across the border.
Events in Eagle River:
National Championship Musky Open
The National Championship Musky Open brings hundreds of anglers to the Eagle River area each August for a multi‑day catch‑and‑release tournament on local lakes. Headquarters and weigh‑in activities create a festival‑like atmosphere, and many cabin owners treat the event as a late‑summer tradition built around serious fishing during the day and social time with other musky anglers in the evening.
USA Hockey Pond Hockey National Championships
The USA Hockey Pond Hockey National Championships turn a section of the Eagle River Chain into a massive outdoor rink complex in early February, drawing hundreds of teams and spectators. Dozens of rinks and tents spread across the ice as players rotate through games and off‑ice social time, giving cabin owners a midwinter excuse to gather friends for a long weekend built around hockey, bonfires, and local food and drink.
Vintage World Championship Snowmobile Races
The Vintage World Championship Snowmobile Races showcase classic and collectable sleds on the same famous oval track, usually one week before the main World Championship Derby. Fans line the snowbanks to watch restored and modified vintage machines race under winter skies, and many cabin owners treat the back‑to‑back vintage and modern Derby weekends as a two‑week stretch of midwinter tradition in Eagle River.
World Championship Snowmobile Derby
The World Championship Snowmobile Derby is Eagle River’s signature winter event, drawing thousands of fans and more than 500 racers from across the U.S. and Canada to the banked ice oval at the Derby Complex. Over several days in mid‑January, spectators pack grandstands and infield viewing areas to watch high‑speed oval racing, vintage classes, and championship finals, turning town into a full‑blown snowmobile festival with vendor tents, evening gatherings, and packed restaurants and bars.
Burger Bash
Burger Bash is a family‑friendly downtown event centered on grilled burgers, live music, and an arts and crafts component, typically held on a Saturday in July. Streets fill with the smell of grills, kids’ activities, and casual seating, so cabin owners can drop in for lunch and music before or after time on the lake.
Eagle River 4th of July Fireworks & Parade
Eagle River’s Fourth of July celebration typically includes a daytime parade through town followed by evening fireworks that can be viewed from parks, shorelines, and boats on nearby lakes. Cabin owners often build a full holiday around the event, spending the day on the water or at the parade and ending with fireworks over the Northwoods skyline.
Up North Beerfest & Premier Beer Night
Up North Beerfest is a summertime craft beer event that brings dozens of breweries to Eagle River for tastings, live music, and food, anchored by Premier Beer Night on Friday and the main festival on Saturday. For cabin owners, it’s an easy way to sample regional beers and enjoy a social afternoon outdoors, and it pairs naturally with a weekend of lake time and in‑town dining.
Pirate Ship Live Music Nights (Pirates Hideaway)
Pirates Hideaway hosts summer live‑music events at its lakeside tiki bar and ice cream shop, with bands playing to crowds arriving by boat and by car. For cabin owners, these low‑key shows turn an ordinary evening into a mini‑festival, combining sunset views on the chain with snacks, drinks, and a kid‑friendly, pirate‑themed atmosphere.
Memorial Day Arts & Crafts Show and Sidewalk Sale
This Memorial Day weekend event combines an arts and crafts show with downtown sidewalk sales, giving early‑season visitors a reason to stroll Eagle River’s shops and pick up handmade goods and Northwoods décor. Cabin owners who open up for the season can pair lake chores and first paddles with a relaxed morning browsing booths and grabbing lunch in town.
Old Fashioneds Up North
Old Fashioneds Up North is a specialty tasting event where local bars and restaurants compete to serve their best takes on the classic Wisconsin old fashioned, with attendees sampling and voting for favorites. It gives second‑home owners a fun, adults‑oriented reason to plan a shoulder‑season weekend, mixing supper‑club flavors with live music and social time in town.
Cranberry Fest (Eagle River)
Cranberry Fest is one of Eagle River’s biggest weekends, celebrating the local cranberry industry with fresh berries, baked goods, cranberry beer and wine, and a large arts and crafts fair at the Vilas County Fairgrounds and downtown. Families wander between food vendors, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and market stalls, and many cabin owners time fall color trips around the festival to combine marsh tours, shopping, and scenic drives.
SepTimber Ride
SepTimber Ride is a fall cycling event that sends riders on paved and low‑traffic road routes through forests and lake country around Eagle River, with options for different distances. Afterward, participants gather for food, drink, and social time, making it an appealing event for active cabin owners who want a reason to visit during prime color season.
Eagle River Food Scene:
Agave Azul
Agave Azul brings a full Mexican menu to Eagle River, with tacos, fajitas, combination plates, and margaritas in a colorful, casual dining room. Reviews note generous portions, friendly service, and solid takeout, giving cabin groups another option when they want something different from the usual fish fry and burgers.
Bortolotti's Cin Cin Wine Bar and Restaurant
Bortolotti’s Cin Cin Wine Bar and Restaurant offers a cozy wine‑bar atmosphere with a curated wine list, Italian‑leaning dishes, and small plates just outside Eagle River on Bluebird Road. Writeups emphasize a slower‑paced, adult‑friendly environment with attentive service and good pairings for date nights or quieter evenings away from the busier bars.
Buckshots Saloon & Eatery
Buckshots Saloon & Eatery is a rustic Northwoods bar and grill serving burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and daily specials in a casual, wood‑paneled setting. Reviews describe friendly bartenders, good drinks, and hearty portions, with many guests treating it as a go‑to stop when staying on nearby lakes or riding area trails.
Chanticleer Inn Restaurant
Chanticleer Inn’s restaurant sits on the Eagle River Chain and serves supper‑club‑style dinners with steaks, seafood, and classic Friday fish fry in a cozy, lodge‑like dining room. Guides and guest comments mention lake views, friendly owners, and an intimate atmosphere that feels tucked away despite being a short drive from town.
Chef Rene's at the Inn
Chef Rene’s at the Inn operates as a traditional Wisconsin supper club, serving steaks, seafood, and a well‑regarded Friday fish fry in a lodge‑style dining room on the water. Guests talk about hearty portions, classic cocktails, and an old‑school supper‑club feel that fits well with special‑occasion dinners and long weekends at the inn.
Chubby's Family Restaurant
Chubby’s Family Restaurant on East Wall Street is a large, family‑friendly restaurant known for generous portions of classic American comfort food, from burgers and sandwiches to hearty breakfast plates. Reviews emphasize friendly staff, reasonable prices, and a straightforward, no‑nonsense menu that hits the spot after hunting, trail riding, or long drives.
Country Store of Eagle River
Country Store of Eagle River is an old‑fashioned candy and gift shop known for award‑winning homemade fudge, chocolates, and ice cream treats a block off Wall Street. Writeups note scratch‑made sweets with state‑fair awards and a nostalgic, candy‑store feel that makes it a staple stop for kids and grandparents alike.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen in Eagle River operates as a DQ Grill & Chill, serving burgers, chicken baskets, and the full line of Blizzards and soft‑serve treats at a convenient in‑town location. It is Dairy Queen.
Eagle Lanes & Lounge
Eagle Lanes & Lounge operates as a classic small‑town bowling alley with a lounge serving pizza, burgers, and bar snacks alongside leagues, open bowling, and arcade games. For cabin groups and families, reviews frame it as a go‑to rainy‑day or off‑the‑water option where kids can bowl while adults relax with a drink and simple, satisfying food.
Eagle River Inn Bar & Restaurant
The bar and restaurant at Eagle River Inn sits right on the river and offers burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and nightly specials to inn guests and the public in a laid‑back setting. Locals and visitors mention friendly bartenders, river views, and easy access from snowmobile trails, making it a convenient stop for casual drinks and dinner.
Eagle River Roasters
Eagle River Roasters is a small‑batch coffee roastery and cafe with a drive‑thru, serving espresso drinks, brewed coffee, teas, and house‑roasted beans. The coffeehouse offers bakery items, bagel sandwiches, quiche, and seasonal sandwiches and salads, plus a pet‑friendly garden patio that’s busy on summer mornings.
Eagle Waters Resort Restaurant
The Eagle Waters Resort restaurant pairs classic Northwoods lodge character with a supper‑club‑style menu of steaks, burgers, pizzas, and a well‑regarded Friday fish fry. Guests mention Old Fashioneds on the patio, live music nights, and lakeside views that make it a favorite for special dinners, weddings, and big family gatherings.
Eddie B's White Spruce Restaurant & Tavern
Eddie B’s White Spruce Restaurant & Tavern sits along the Eagle River and serves a broad menu of smoked ribs, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and classic fish fry in a relaxed tavern setting. Reviews and writeups highlight their in‑house smoked meats, riverside deck with boat slips and tiki bar, and a lively bar area that works well for both couples and larger groups.
Erin's Pub 'N' Grub
Erin’s Pub ’N’ Grub on North Railroad Street is a casual, friendly pub serving burgers, sandwiches, and bar‑food specials with a full bar and plenty of TVs. Reviews describe it as a comfortable “stop in when you’re in town” place with good drinks, solid food, reasonable prices, and staff who remember repeat visitors.
Friendship House Family Restaurant
Friendship House Family Restaurant anchors the downtown dining scene with a long menu of pancakes, skillets, burgers, and hearty dinner plates in a bright, roomy dining room. Reviews describe it as a reliable all‑ages spot with efficient service, generous portions, and a true “family vacation” feel for groups rolling in after long days on the lakes or trails.
Honey Bear Inn
Honey Bear Inn is a cozy roadside bar‑and‑grill west of Eagle River known for burgers, sandwiches, wings, and classic comfort‑food plates in a relaxed Northwoods setting. Reviews call out generous portions, loaded Bloody Marys, and friendly service, making it a popular stop after days on nearby lakes and snowmobile trails.
House of Dogs
House of Dogs (J.J.’s House of Dogs) on East Wall Street is a local favorite for loaded hot dogs, burgers, and fast, walk‑up style lunches. Visitors praise the variety of creative dog combinations, quick service, and reasonable prices, making it a go‑to summer stop for families and trail users.
Kickback Grill
Kickback Grill sits on Duck Lake and combines classic Northwoods bar‑and‑grill food with a lakeside setting, serving burgers, wings, salads, fish tacos, and a well‑known Friday fish fry and Saturday prime rib. Guests highlight the lake views, outdoor seating, boat and snowmobile access, and a friendly, slightly upscale tavern vibe that still feels relaxed and come‑as‑you‑are.
Leif's Cafe
Leif’s Cafe is a bustling Eagle River staple known for hearty breakfasts, diner‑style lunches, and friendly, small‑town service. Reviews highlight enormous pancakes, cinnamon rolls, house sweet rolls, and well‑made omelets, with many families making it a traditional first‑morning stop on Eagle River trips.
Lucy's Lunchbox
Lucy’s Lunchbox is a cozy, diner‑style cafe on East Wall Street serving hearty breakfasts, burgers, sandwiches, and daily comfort‑food specials in a compact, hometown setting. Reviews mention consistently good eggs, potatoes, and pancakes, friendly service, and a fun collection of vintage lunchboxes decorating the space.
Lumpy's Bar & Grill
Lumpy’s Bar & Grill on Hwy 45 is described as a big, personality‑filled Northwoods bar with neon‑lit decor, plenty of TVs, and a menu of pizzas, burgers, wraps, and bar staples. Reviewers mention friendly servers, fun atmosphere, and solid, reasonably priced food, making it a favorite stop for families, snowmobilers, and groups catching a game.
Marksman's of Eagle River
Marksman’s of Eagle River is a casual bar and grill along Hwy 17 serving burgers, sandwiches, and fish fry in a relaxed setting that draws a strong local crowd. Local chatter calls it out as a reliable spot for solid bar food and drinks, especially during summer and fall weekends.
McDonald's
This Eagle River McDonald’s sits on West Pine Street and serves the usual lineup of burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches, and McCafé drinks for a quick, familiar meal option in town. It is McDonald’s.
Peanut's Ice Cream & Cookie Dough
Peanut’s Ice Cream & Cookie Dough on Wall Street serves hard‑scooped ice cream, edible cookie dough, and frozen treats in a small, walk‑up style shop that’s busy on summer evenings. Reviews highlight friendly service, fun flavors, and generous scoops, making it a popular stop after dinner or on hot days in town.
Pirates Hideaway Ice Cream Shop
The ice cream shop at Pirates Hideaway sits right on Duck Lake, serving cones, sundaes, and frozen treats next to the pirate‑themed tour boat and lakeside tiki bar. Families mention pulling up by boat or car for ice cream, photo ops with the pirate ship, and a fun, whimsical atmosphere that feels like a mini attraction.
Pitlik's Sand Beach Resort Restaurant
The restaurant at Pitlik’s Sand Beach Resort overlooks Sand Lake and serves burgers, sandwiches, fish fry, and other casual fare to both resort guests and the public. Reviews and regional guides highlight the relaxed bar, Northwoods decor, and sandy shoreline, making it a popular stop by boat, car, or snowmobile.
Subway
The Eagle River Subway on West Pine Street offers made‑to‑order subs, wraps, and salads with the same menu travelers expect from the brand, plus takeout for quick lunches on the go. It is Subway.
The Craftsman American Tavern
The Craftsman American Tavern is presented as a newer‑style American tavern featuring burgers, sandwiches, shareable appetizers, and elevated comfort‑food plates alongside a strong craft‑cocktail and beer list. Visitors mention a warm interior, attentive service, and good execution on both food and drinks, positioning it as a nice evening option beyond the traditional supper‑club circuit.
