Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Solon Springs, WI

  • Published 2022/08/22

From gorgeous views of nature parks to outdoor adventures, there is no shortage of fun experiences in Solon Springs.

This beautiful town in Douglas County scores high ratings regarding tourist attractions, restaurants, shopping, and more.

Founded in 1855, the town first went by White Birch due to a small group of white birch trees growing near the area.

When American businessman and politician Thomas F. Solon discovered mineral springs in town, they changed the name to Solon Springs to honor him.

Known as a trail town, visitors can enjoy the abundance of wildlife and fun hiking in its outdoors.

Museums, eco-parks, and many campgrounds also keep you entertained.

Bring your family or friends to this appealing community in the great state of Wisconsin.

If you’re planning a trip soon, here are the best things to do in Solon Springs!

Paddle Your Way on St. Croix River

The waters of St. Croix River

Frank Kennedy MN / Shutterstock.com

Kayaking, canoeing, boating, and paddleboarding are fun activities on the St. Croix River, designated as a National Scenic River.

From its source in Upper St. Croix Lake in Solon Springs, the river flows to the Mississippi River.

On the river, you can paddle while enjoying the magical views together with other guests in the area.

When you’re in town, the lake has a public boat launch where you can start paddling through the river.

There are also marked campsites along the St. Croix River where you can land for camping.

Stay at Soft Pines Resort

Do you want to experience waterfront lodging?

Located on Country Road, Soft Pines Resort offers a lakefront stay, great food, and a great selection of beverages.

Since its establishment in 1997, the resort and sports bar has become a household name in Solon Springs for its famous boneless wings with ten different flavors.

Their cabins offer a comfortable stay with sweeping views of the lake.

Don’t forget to try the famous delicious ribs at the Soft Pines Resort!

Go Hiking at the North Country Trail

Whether you want hiking, backpacking, or simply taking scenic walks, go to the North Country Trail.

The trail passes through the town and is open for trekking to the wildlife area, the village of Solon Springs, wetlands, state parks, campgrounds, and more.

The North Country Trail Association built the trail and maintained it to give access to the public.

Several areas on the trail are also open for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more.

Enjoy the sweeping views of the lakes, rivers, wildlife, and other scenic areas within the North Country Trail.

Dine like a Local at Hog Wild BBQ & Smokehouse

Smoked meat and a top-notch dining experience await you at Hog Wild BBQ & Smokehouse.

Grab a hearty meal for lunch and dinner with their delicious pulled pork.

Established in 2020, the owners of this family-owned restaurant have over 20 years of experience preparing mouth-watering dishes like their famous pork barbecue.

Choose from their housemade sweet, spicy, smoky, and salty barbecue sauce flavors.

Enjoy the feast with the locals and repeat customers.

You can find Hog Wild BBQ & Smokehouse on US Highway 53.

Go Fishing at Park Creek Pond

Fishing is one of the best outdoor activities in Solon Springs, and Park Creek Pond doesn’t disappoint.

If you have a kid under 14 years old, you might want to bring them to this 11-acre pond.

Fishes like largemouth bass and trout abound in the pond, which is seven feet deep.

On the north side of the pond, you can take a break at several picnic tables and benches and enjoy the beautiful views of the park.

The Park Creek Pond is close to the Douglas County Forestry Department.

Enjoy Camping at Swanson’s Motel and Campground

Swanson’s Motel and Campground is a favorite spot for hikers passing through the North Country Trail.

It’s the best location in town for camping.

Their campground has a picnic shelter over the hill close to their cabin rentals.

As a guest, you can enjoy their heated swimming pool.

If you have kids in tow, the playground area is also free to use.

You must book in advance if you plan to spend a few days here because they’re always full.

Enjoy the magical views of the scenic trail, river, woods, and budding trees.

Swanson’s Motel and Campground is close to the headwaters of both Brule and St. Croix Rivers.

It has served the town for more than 65 years.

Go Bird Watching at Douglas County State Wildlife Area

This 4,000-acre spot between Gordon and Solon Springs takes pride in its abundance of wildlife.

Established in 1935, the Douglas County State Wildlife Area hosts gorgeous pine savanna, small lakes, and wetlands.

Locals refer to the park as the “Bird Sanctuary,” showing majestic views of wildflowers scattered throughout the area’s stables, clubhouse, and corrals.

It hosts Birddog field trial events in the fall.

Likewise, you can also ride horses in the park.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Friends of the Bird Sanctuary work together to maintain and improve Douglas County State Wildlife Area.

Visit Solon Springs Historical Museum

Check out the town’s history inside a small log cabin on South Railroad Street.

Known as Solon Springs Historical Museum, this place will teach about the town and the past lifestyle of its residents.

The museum features artifacts, memorabilia, artworks, and other things describing the town.

You’ll also learn the history of the water bottling company that Thomas F. Solon established in the area.

Also, at Solon Springs Historical Museum, you’ll learn about the history of the town’s railroads and local timber industries, among others.

Solon Springs Historical Society maintains and manages the museum.

Enjoy Snowmobiling through the Wild Rivers State Trail

Snowmobiling has never been more fun than the Wild Rivers State Trail.

The counties of Douglas, Washburn, and Barron manage and maintain the trail, stretching 104 miles long.

The trail starts in Superior and crosses Solon Springs, Gordon, Minong, Trego, Spooner, Haugen, and Rice Lake.

Trail 27 in Solon Springs circles the town and its nearby lakes, where you can enjoy snowmobiling.

In town, you can experience the thrill while snowmobiling around the big pines, forests, and stunning views of the lakes.

The Wild Rivers State Trail is also great for hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

You can also bring pets on the trail as long as you keep them on an eight-foot leash or shorter.

Shop at the Little Gift House

There’s no better way than buying your loved ones back home some precious gifts from Solon Springs.

At The Little Gift House, you can browse their vast collection of gift items such as books, clothing, home decor, novelty, skin care, kitchen stuff, and more.

Moreover, they have a Coffee House where you can have your favorite cuppa, breakfast, or lunch.

Three women who started their journey together managed and operated the store ten years ago.

Today, the Little Gift House is one of the thriving women-owned businesses in Solon Springs.

The gift shop sits next to Franny K’s Country Foods.

Get Your Hair Fixed at Branded Salon

After a few days of outdoor activities, you will need pampering.

Solon Springs provides many places that can give you the pampering you deserve.

Established in 2020, Branded Salon offers world-class services ranging from hair cuts, perming, hair color, beard care, waxing, extensions, and beard care.

Jenna Brand, the owner, has 14 years of experience in the beauty industry and started her journey to serve the other locals.

You can find Branded Salon on O’Brien Parkway.

Sample Wisconsin Microbrews at Solon Springs Mercantile

If you need some sporting goods, hardware, and most of all, Wisconsin ales, check out the lifestyle store called Solon Springs Mercantile.

It features a liquor store specializing in Wisconsin microbrews, your chance to taste the state’s best ales.

Apart from Wisconsin beers, the store also sells different kinds of liquor, including spirits and wines.

Originally a full-service hardware store, new owners Ken & Meg Thoreson bought the place in 2002.

They decided to add sporting goods and liquor soon after the acquisition.

Its original location suffered a devastating fire in 2004, pushing the Thoresons to move the business next to Highway 53.

Solon Springs Mercantile has become a household name in town, selling fishing, camping, hunting supplies, and of course, Wisconsin Ales!

Soak in the Water at Lucius Woods County Park

Swimming areas around Solon Springs are accessible.

You can also find various water activities in Lucius Woods Country Park.

The park features a gorgeous swimming beach with clean water to enjoy while experiencing the magical beauty of the lake.

It’s on the beautiful Upper St. Croix Lake, offering fun outdoor adventures such as hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing, and open-air live music.

The park houses an amphitheater where the famous Music in the Park annual outdoor event happens.

The Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center holds annual concert events.

There are more than 20 campsites in the park with flush toilets, showers, and a fireplace in the log pavilion.

Swim and enjoy the striking views of the lake and go back home with a smile!

Established in 1950, the Lucius Woods County Park gets its name from Nicholas and Emma Lucius.

The Luciuses preserved the surrounding areas of the park.

Play Golf at Hidden Greens North

Check out the tree-lined fairways, gorgeous rolling hills, lush trees, and the sound of chirping birds around Hidden Greens North.

Playing golf at this beautifully designed course is always fun and exciting since it gives you the best scenic views of Solon Springs.

They offer courses for all skill levels and ensure you make the most of your golf time.

Moreover, they also have a full-service bar offering their award-winning Bloody Mary.

How cool is that?

Also, their snack bar serves pizza, sandwiches, and other snacks to enjoy while sightseeing after hitting a hole.

Of course, the golf course has a shop that sells souvenirs and golfing accessories.

Hidden Greens North opened in the summer of 1995.

Feast on Pizza at the Village Pump

You’ll keep coming back to The Village Pump and eating their famous pizza that locals and tourists have raved about.

Enjoy their housemade pizza sauce with a good amount of toppings.

The restaurant also offers delicious burgers made with fresh ground beef with a log cabin ambiance in the beautiful Solon Springs.

They also prepare their signature smash’d burger, and you can build your own!

Likewise, they prepare Night Specials, offering unique dishes inspired by different cuisines such as Asian, Mexican, Italian, and more.

Locals also keep coming back for their steak nights, cold beers, and occasional live music.

Hang out with the locals and enjoy the food.

You deserve a hearty meal at the Village Pump!

Final Thoughts

Solon Springs is a small community that offers fantastic tourist attractions.

These gorgeous spots make the place an excellent destination for those looking for fun and exciting adventures.

Since a lake surrounds the town, you’ll have tremendous fun in the water, especially when you want to escape the city.

Plan your trip today and experience northern hospitality and magnificent views, thanks to the best things to do in Solon Springs!

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