5 Best Things to Do in Oconto County Wisconsin in the Summer with Your Dog
Want to take your dog to Oconto County in the Summer?
I’ve been spending most of my summers in Northern Wisconsin since I was a baby, so I consider myself to be some kind of expert. Luckily I have family who permanently lives in this neck of the woods so I can visit whenever I want. 🙂
After spending the past three years bringing my dog Smitty up North, I’ve compiled a list of best things to do in Forest and Oconto County with your four legged friends.
Best things to do in Oconto County Wisconsin in the Summer
Forest and Oconto County has several great hiking options and dog friendly spots to visit during the summer.
1. Hike the Hagar Mountain Trail
The town of Mountain, Wisconsin has a few great hikes located just off the main Highway 64. Mountain itself is a little over an hour drive from downtown Green Bay.
Full disclosure, this trail is not marked well. While hiking you really need to pay attention to the trail and tree markings as it is easy to get lost. Be aware that you do part of the hike on a main road, if your pup is not good with recall, it might be better to keep them on-leash.
2. Visit Marilyn’s Greenhouse
Tucked away from the main highway in Lakewood, Wisconsin is a true hidden gem, Marilyn’s Greenhouse. If you are looking for a few house plants or to reinvigorate your home garden, it’s definitely worth a visit. They are dog-friendly, your dog must be potty trained and on a leash at all times.
3. Hike to Butler Rock
Another great hike located in Mountain, Wisconsin is the hike to Butler Rock. The trailhead is located off Butler Rock Road. Don’t be alarmed by the dirt road, that means you’ve almost made it to the trailhead!
The hike itself is relatively easy with beautiful views of the forest from multiple directions. If you are able to visit during the later months of summer, being August -September, the colors can be quite spectacular.
4. Kayak on Star Lake in Oconto County
Star Lake is one of the few lakes in Oconto County that is a no-wake lake. Even though it is a no-wake lake, I still recommend getting out on the water before 9 AM if possible. Smitty is an agile GSP who can and will swim all day if I let him.
I wouldn’t recommend a long kayak with your dog unless you have trained them and feel comfortable with them being in the water for long periods of time. Whenever we’re going to be paddling for more than 20 minutes, I make sure he has his life jacket on with a waterproof lead hooked to my kayak.
5. Mountain Fire Lookout Tower
If you’re a history nerd like me, you’ll love this spot! The tower was built in the 1930’s by the U.S. Forest Service and Civilian Conservation Corps. The tower has great views of the forest and is also a great workout!
Donations are encouraged but not required. Parking can be hectic in the summer months on the weekends.
What is the Weather Like in Oconto County in the Summer?
Northern Wisconsin can get rather warm during the day but it tends to cool off at night. The average daily temperature for the summer months is 75℉ with lows of 55℉ at night. Humidity is always a factor this time of year, so it’s always a good idea to stay hydrated.
Final Thoughts
The Northeast area of Wisconsin has so much to offer year round, but summer time is really when it shines. With plenty of trailheads and lakes to explore with your dog, the options are endless. I hope you found this list of 5 best things to do with your dog in Oconto County, Wisconsin helpful.
Now it’s time to start planning your own adventure, Cheers!
