Cable: Heart of the Wisconsin Northwoods
Located in the heart of the Wisconsin northwoods, the charming town of Cable (known as Trail Town USA) is an ideal base from which to explore this region’s natural beauty and historic past.
From the stunning Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, and Lake Superior to the world-renowned American Birkebeiner Trail, the area offers something for everyone—outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, or simply vacationers looking for a break from the big city.
Cable is located on the Namekagon River and the Gaylord Nelson Highway (U.S. Highway 63), named for the Wisconsin senator who founded the annual Earth Day observance that began in 1970.
Here are the top tourist attractions in the Cable area that should be on your list:
Forest and riverway
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest covers over a million acres of land in northern Wisconsin. It attracts visitors for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, ATVing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
The Namekagon River is a tributary of the St. Croix River and is part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. The Namekagon River runs 96 miles from its headwaters in Lake Namekagon to the Saint Croix River. The lake is well-known for its walleye fishery and the river is home to trout in its headwaters and walleye, musky, northern pike, bass, and sturgeon. A great destination for canoeists and kayakers, the river has dozens of primitive water-access campsites.
The forest and river are home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, beavers, foxes, wolves, bobcats, and bald eagles. It is an ideal destination for those looking to explore the great outdoors and immerse themselves in nature.
Local museum: The Cable Natural History Museum offers exhibits and educational programs that highlight the region’s flora and fauna, as well as its geological and cultural history. Visitors can also participate in guided tours and nature walks led by experienced naturalists.
American Birkebeiner Trail
The American Birkebeiner Trail is a world-renowned cross-country ski trail that stretches for over 50 miles through the northern Wisconsin countryside. The trail is a popular destination for skiers of all levels and is home to the American Birkebeiner Ski Race, one of the largest cross-country ski races in the world. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for an adventure.
The Cable Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) Trails are a network of over 300 miles of mountain biking trails that wind through the forests and hills of northern Wisconsin. The trails are suitable for riders of all skill levels and offer a variety of challenges and terrain. The area is also home to several mountain biking events and races throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for avid bikers.
Lake Superior
Many Lake Superior cities and towns are 45 to 60 minutes from Cable. Start with the sandy beach and shopping in the “Mural City†of Ashland. Chequamegon Bay offers world-class sportfishing for lake trout, salmon, and smallmouth bass. The cities of Washburn and Bayfield are known for crafts and shopping as well as sailing, sea-kayaking, and cruising the Apostle Islands. Viking Cruises ships make regular calls at Bayfield as part of their Great Lakes itinerary.
Many rivers drain into Lake Superior, which means that many stunning waterfalls are just a short drive from Cable. The waterfalls are a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Where to stay
If you’re planning a trip to Cable, Telemark Northwoods Lodging is a perfect place to stay. Telemark offers a range of accommodations, such as condos with their own private Jacuzzi rooms, partial to full kitchens, and family-sized condos directly on Lake Namekagon. Being centrally located on the American Birkiebeiner Trail, the resort is an ideal lodging option for “silent sport†enthusiasts.
The resort’s onsite access to miles of paved and unpaved trails used for hiking, biking, and skiing make it an ideal destination for visitors seeking to unwind and enjoy the region’s beauty.
Kate O’Keefe is the general manager of Telemark Northwoods Lodging.Send your travel stories: Wherever you go, and wherever you stay, be sure to send your Suite Vacations travel stories to: [email protected]