The best arts & culture spots in Oneida County

“Three Lakes Historical Museum keeps local stories alive with narrated historic boat tours on the Three Lakes Chain, hands-on Pioneer Days, and Immersion Excursions that wander beyond the exhibits.”

From the Oneida County newsletter, September 17, 2026

“If you're itching to actually make something, Earth Goods Art Studio lets you dive into pottery painting or fused glass, then browse the in-house boutique and gallery for inspiration. Register for classes and events online, and keep this spot in your back pocket for rainy-day sanity.”

“Step into the Dr Kate Museum to meet Dr. Kate Pelham Newcomb, the trailblazing Northwoods physician whose Million Penny Parade rallied support to build a hospital, and revisit her 1954 "This Is Your Life" moment. Exhibits cover the AV-W schools, Otto Burich, Woodruff history, and the World's Largest Penny...”

From the Oneida County newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Rhinelander Historical Society Museum is a community-run historic house packed with stories of Rhinelander people, businesses, schools, and World War II service, plus that beloved Hodag. Pop in this week to wander room-by-room, spot familiar names in the archives, and leave feeling extra proud to call this place home.”

From the Oneida County newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Now that Pioneer Park Historical Complex is open for the season, go get your fix of Rhinelander lore, from the oldest logging museum of its kind in the nation to the 5 Spot locomotive, relocated historic buildings, and plenty of Hodag goodness along the Pelican River. Perfect quick win for a free afternoon this week.”

From the Oneida County newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Skip the porch light and let Kovac Planetarium spin you through the night sky inside the world’s largest mechanical globe planetarium, dreamed up and built right here. It’s part science, part art, totally mesmerizing, and a perfect reset when the week feels noisy.”

From the Oneida County newsletter, August 21, 2026

“Whether you grew up dodging sawdust or just love Rhinelander lore, Pioneer Park Historical Complex tells the Northwoods story with the oldest logging museum of its kind, the “5 Spot” locomotive, and delightfully odd Hodag displays... all set along the Pelican River.”

From the Oneida County newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Compact and packed with stories, Minocqua Museum brings the Island City’s past to life with a permanent exhibit that actually makes you slow down and look. If you grew up around here, it’s a satisfying nostalgia trip, and if you didn’t, it’ll still feel oddly familiar.”

From the Oneida County newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Rhinelander Antique Sawmill & Chainsaw Museum gives a gritty, fascinating look at the logging heritage that shaped our backyard as part of Pioneer Park Historical Complex, which also hosts the oldest logging museum of its kind in the nation, the famed 5 Spot locomotive, and abundant Hodag lore.”

From the Oneida County newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Celebrate 15 years of creative community at ArtStart in Rhinelander. Swing through the galleries for the Wood Engravers Network 5th Triennial Exhibition alongside Wood Engraving Masterworks, a compact hit of detail-obsessed artistry that rewards unhurried looking...”

From the Oneida County newsletter, August 12, 2026