Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Peshtigo, WI

  • Published 2022/09/24

The city of Peshtigo in Marinette County, Wisconsin, is home to many exciting attractions.

From its natural wonders to its rich history, there is much for visitors to see and do.

Enjoy several activities during your stay, including camping, boating, fishing, and sightseeing.

Make your visit as relaxing, educational, or invigorating as possible, thanks to numerous indoor and outdoor excursions.

Accommodations are ideal for families, business travelers, and individuals seeking a quiet retreat.

The city’s rustic charm and friendly small-town ambiance will make your stay pleasant and keep you coming back for more.

If you’re wondering what’s in store for you in this quaint city, here are the best things to do in Peshtigo, Wisconsin:

Visit the Peshtigo Fire Museum

Exterior of the Peshtigo Fire Museum

self, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

The Peshtigo Fire Museum is a unique and sad place you shouldn’t miss.

The museum commemorates the horrific Peshtigo Fire of 1871, the deadliest wildfire in American history.

A mural inside the Peshtigo Fire Museum

self, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

The fire burned over 2,400 acres of forest and claimed the lives of over 2,000 people.

Located in downtown Peshtigo, inside a former church, the museum does an excellent job of commemorating the tragedy while providing hope for the future.

The Peshtigo Fire Museum features various exhibits that tell the story of the fire and the courage of the people who battled it.

Interior of the Peshtigo Fire Museum

self, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

There is also a section on modern-day wildfires and what people do to prevent them.

Not only will visitors learn from past events, but they will also learn of the steps to avoid the same disaster from happening again.

A bullseye telephone displayed in the Peshtigo Fire Museum

self, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Enjoy a Quality Outdoor Experience at Badger Park

With 60 acres of green space, Badger Park is one of the largest parks in Peshtigo.

It’s the premier outdoor destination for locals and visitors and has everything you can imagine the perfect park should have.

The park has a playground for children, picnic areas with tables, multiple hiking and biking trails, and up to 43 campsites scattered across the region.

The park divides into four main areas: a wooded area, a trail system, disc golf, and the picnicking playground.

There are many things to explore, and you can easily spend an entire day or two here.

Locals also host a series of activities in Badger Park throughout the year, so there’s always something going on.

If you love being outdoors, Badger Park is the perfect place to start your Peshtigo trip.

Take Your Tastebuds on an Italian Trip at Luigi’s Pizza & Pasta

No matter where you go, you must try the local food to get a real sense of the place.

When in Peshtigo, you can’t go wrong with Luigi’s Pizza & Pasta.

This Peshtigo institution is the perfect place to have a taste of Italy without even leaving Wisconsin.

This family-owned and operated restaurant has existed for 15 years and still going strong.

What is their secret to success?

They only use the freshest ingredients, which makes all the difference in the world.

Their menu features all the classics, such as spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, chicken parmesan, and pizza.

They also have American favorites such as burgers, onion rings, and garlic bread.

The dough and sauce they use for their iconic pizza are made fresh every day, so you know it’s good.

The pizzas at Luigi’s Pizza & Pasta are some of the best you’ll ever have.

Just ask the locals.

Take Your Furry Friend to the TOP Dog Park

Peshtigo is a pet-friendly city, and there’s no better place to bring your furry friend than the TOP Dog Park.

This 12-acre off-leash park is the perfect place for your pup to run around, play fetch, and socialize with other dogs.

The park has different sections for small, medium, and large dogs, so your pup will be comfortable no matter their size.

The park is a wide open area with plenty of surrounding trees, so there’s no need to worry about your pup getting too hot.

It’s also a great place to play sports with your pet, like frisbee or catch.

No matter what you plan to do with your pet, there are plenty of opportunities to have fun at the TOP Dog Park.

Go On a Nature Hike at the Hemlock Curve Nature Trail

There’s a ton of natural scenery in Peshtigo, and one of the best places to see it is the Hemlock Curve Nature Trail.

This 2.5-mile loop trail is perfect for a leisurely nature hike.

Regarded as an easy route, it only takes 43 minutes to complete and provides stunning views of the nearby Peshtigo River.

The Hemlock Curve Nature Trail is a great place to see some of Peshtigo’s native wildlife, such as deer and squirrels.

It’s also an excellent opportunity to go bird watching as plenty of birds call this area home.

Dogs are allowed there, though you should keep them on a leash.

When going on this trail, apply mosquito repellent, as there are plenty of mosquitoes in the area, especially during the rainy season.

Admire Peshtigo’s Natural Beauty at Harmony Arboretum

Peshtigo boasts plenty of natural beauty everywhere you look.

One of the best places to see it is the Harmony Arboretum.

Located 4.5 miles north of downtown Peshtigo, this 460-acre country farm developed into a horticulture and conservation area where you can admire various native plants, flowers, and trees.

It features a majestic hardwood forest, a restored prairie, demonstration gardens, and many walking trails.

Marinette County owns and manages the Harmony Arboretum.

However, the locals are responsible for its development and cultivation.

The Peshtigo community has come together to make this a beautiful place for everyone to enjoy.

The Harmony Arboretum is a great place to exercise, enjoy nature, and learn about Peshtigo’s plant life.

Admission is entirely free!

Practice Your Aim at the Peshtigo Shooting Range

After a temporary closure, the Peshtigo Shooting Range has opened again to serve the Peshtigo community.

This shooting range is perfect for those who want to practice their aim or learn how to shoot.

They offer an open-space range where you can hit targets at your leisure.

They also offer classes to help you get started if you’re a beginner.

In addition, they have a variety of different firearms you can use, such as shotguns and rifles.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned practical shooting veteran, the Peshtigo Shooting Range is a great place to brush up on your skills.

The Peshtigo Shooting Range is great for fun and learning new skills.

Just follow all the safety rules so everyone can have a good time.

Go Bird Hunting at Springer Creek Lodge

Whether you’ve tried bird hunting or not, Springer Creek Lodge is the perfect place to give it a go.

Located 4.7 miles south of downtown Peshtigo, this place offers some of the best bird hunting in Peshtigo.

They have an extended, wide land area with various terrain for hunting.

Birds like pheasants, grouse, and partridge are some of the many species you could come across.

Depending on your preference, Springer Creek Lodge has guided and unguided hunts.

They also have various packages to choose from so you can customize your experience.

There’s also a sporting clay course to practice your aim before going on the hunt.

Whether you want to fuel up for a day’s worth of hunting or recharge after spending a day in the great outdoors, Springer Creek Lodge has you covered with its on-site restaurant and accommodations.

Explore the Peshtigo Harbor State Wildlife Area

Signage of Peshtigo Harbor State Wildlife Area

Royalbroil, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The urban area of Peshtigo is puny compared to the natural majesty that surrounds it.

The Peshtigo Harbor State Wildlife Area, located just south of the city, is a great place to embrace nature while in town.

It offers many opportunities to explore the great outdoors and get some exercise.

Many hiking and biking trails wind through the different ecosystems in the area.

You can also go fishing, bird watching, and even hunting seasonally.

The Peshtigo Harbor State Wildlife Area is also a great place to take a relaxing nature walk and breathe fresh air.

You can join ranger-led tours if you want to learn more about the area.

Just follow the posted rules so you can help preserve this natural space for future generations to enjoy.

There are also tons of parks and recreational areas scattered within the Peshtigo Harbor State Wildlife Area, so you can always find a place to relax and have fun.

Tee Off at Cramer’s Vernon Hills Golf Course

Don’t miss out on an opportunity to play competitive golf at Cramer’s Vernon Hills Golf Course in Peshtigo.

Located along Highway 41—just 2.8 miles west of downtown Peshtigo—this 18-hole golf course is perfect for a game or two with friends.

This public course, designed by Vern Cramer in 1996, is in a valley with beautiful views of the surrounding hills and bluffs.

With its ample fairways, this course is perfect for a leisurely game.

However, local tournaments and leagues often happen here, letting you test your skills against other Peshtigo golfers.

The breathtaking scenery in the background, coupled with the well-maintained course, makes Cramer’s Vernon Hills Golf Course an enjoyable experience for golfers of all levels.

Go Camping at the Schwittay Farm Harvest Host

When you thought you’d seen it all, Peshtigo has one more hidden gem to offer: the Schwittay Farm Harvest Host.

This working farm is a great place to pitch a tent or park your RV for the night.

You can enjoy all the peace and tranquility of the great outdoors with all the comforts of home.

Since it’s a working farm, you can also get a unique insight into the day-to-day operations of a farm.

The Schwittay Farm Harvest Host also has a small shop on site where you can buy locally-sourced honey, eggs, and produce.

So, if you’re looking for a unique camping experience, check out the Schwittay Farm Harvest Host.

Other Things To Do Nearby

Peshtigo and the nearby city of Marinette offer many things to see and do.

Here are just a few more ideas to add to your list:

Sip Fine Wine at the Forgotten Fire Winery

If you want to taste some of Peshtigo’s finest wine, you must head to the Forgotten Fire Winery.

Established in 2011, this family-owned winery, located on Marinette, Mississippi, offers a variety of red, white, and dessert wines.

With their tasting room open year-round, you can enjoy a glass no matter when you visit.

A fun fact about this winery is that it gets its name from the Peshtigo Fire.

The team behind Forgotten Fire Winery strives to create a unique and memorable experience for all its visitors.

They also offer winery tours where you can see how they produce their iconic vino.

Likewise, they sell craft beer and hard cider.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or looking to try something new, add Forgotten Fire Winery to your list of places to visit.

This winery is four minutes from Peshtigo.

Go Bowling at Dome Lanes

Whether you want to play bowling or witness the competitive side of the sport, check out Dome Lanes in Marinette, Wisconsin, 13 minutes from Peshtigo.

This famous bowling alley has existed since 1960 and is the perfect place to have family fun.

They have 12 bowling lanes, an arcade, pool tables, bean bags, darts, and much more.

They also have an on-site bar and grill where you can order some food while you play.

If you’re feeling competitive, they also offer league bowling.

Besides their year-round bowling, Dome Lanes also offers volleyball during the summer months, so you can enjoy a summer activity, too.

If you’re looking for a fun night out with friends or family, you can’t go wrong with Dome Lanes.

Have a Great Time at Equity Hall Bar & Grill

Established in 1914, Equity Hall Bar & Grill is one of the oldest bars in Marinette County.

This historic bar, located 12.4 miles in the village of Pound, Wisconsin—a 15-minute drive from downtown Peshtigo—is the perfect place to enjoy a cold beer or cocktail and some good old-fashioned bar food.

They have a full menu of burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, and more.

Of course, they have a wide selection of beer and cocktails.

They also have a community hall to host various events, including bingo, darts, live music, and more.

So, if you’re looking for a fun night out, check out Equity Hall Bar & Grill.

Spend a Day or Two at the Peshtigo River Campground

If you’re looking for a great summer getaway, the Peshtigo River Campground in the beautiful Northwoods of Crivitz, Wisconsin—a 27-minute drive from downtown Peshtigo—is a great option.

Nestled beside the great Peshtigo River, this campground has all the features you’d want for a relaxing stay.

Over 115 campsites, kayaking and tubing in the nearby river, hiking, and multiple playgrounds.

There are tons of fun and exciting opportunities waiting for you.

This campground also has a few amenities, including showers, flush toilets, a dump station, and a camp store.

There’s also a game room, on-site diner, and a pavilion for group events.

The Peshtigo River Campground has everything you’re looking for in a camping adventure.

Final Thoughts

Despite its small country-like footprint, Peshtigo offers many activities and attractions for tourists and residents alike.

With its many outdoor activities, historic sites, bars, and restaurants, there’s always something that will keep you on your feet when in town.

Plan your trip today and discover the best things to do in Peshtigo, Wisconsin!

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