Location and Lodging
The School of the Arts at Rhinelander takes place at James Williams Middle School, 915 Acacia Lane, Rhinelander, WI 54501.
About Rhinelander
Rhinelander's roots lie in the boom days of logging. Settled in 1880, it was first called Pelican Rapids. It was a granted a city charter two years later and was named after a man who most likely never set foot in the town – F.W. Rhinelander, the president of the Lake Shore and Western Railroad. Grateful residents renamed the community in his honor after the railroad agreed to build tracks through the town.
Rhinelander soon became a supply point for many logging camps in northern Wisconsin and Michigan. A visit to the local Logging Museum in Pioneer Park includes photos and records dating back to the early 1900's as well as a fascinating look at the men who planted trees and constructed roads during the Great Depression.
The focal point of Rhinelander's historic downtown is the Oneida County Courthouse. Striking murals inside the building depict pioneer life while the Tiffany glass windows of its dome make the landmark building an unforgettable site.
Things to do in the area
With more than 230 lakes within a 12-mile radius of Rhinelander, it's no surprise that water helped define the town's past and its present. Access to water routes made Rhinelander a logging center. Today, local waterways help support one of the town's main industries, papermaking, as well as varied recreational opportunities. Located on US 8, Rhinelander is located in the Wisconsin northwoods about 220 miles from Minneapolis, 230 miles from Milwaukee, and 320 miles from Chicago.
The areas many lakes and rivers provide a venue for water activities ranging from fishing and boating to kayaking and canoeing. For more information on these opportunities visit the Fishing in Rhinelander http://www.fishingrhinelander.com and Northern Paddle and Trail http://www.northernpaddletrail.org.
The nearby Thunder Lake Wildlife Area is a 2,700 acres of meadow, barrens, bog lacks and tamarack forest. Enjoy birdwatching from the observation field or one of the many area trails. Call (715) 356-5211 for more information.
The Rhinelander Logging Museum offers insights into the history of the Wisconsin Northwoods. Visitors can tour a full-scale replica of a logging camp and the original Soo Line Rail Depot (built in 1892).
For more details on these and other activities, as well as the complete Visitor's Guide, please visit the Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce website or contact them at 1-800-236-4386.
Lodging Information:
Each participant is responsible to secure personal lodging. Early reservations are advised since the School of the Arts takes place at the peak of Rhinelander's tourist season. For complete information about lodging availability, contact the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce, 1-800-236-4386, www.rhinelanderchamber.com, or e-mail info@rhinelanderchamber.com.
In addition to the many resorts and campgrounds available in the Rhinelander area, the School of the Arts program has reserved rooms at the following hotels. Group rates may be available if you reserve your room by June 1.
Holiday Inn Express: 1-715-369-3600
Claridge Inn, Best Western: 1-715-362-7100
Directions:
Mapquest directions
Please note that the school is listed as James Williams Jr. High School in Mapquest and no results will show up if you search under James Williams Middle School.
Directions from Madison:
Take I-39N/I 90W/I-94 @ toward Wisconsin Dells for 23.7 miles.
Take Exit 108A toward Marrimac/US 52/Portage/Wausau.
Merge onto I-39N via Exit 108B toward US-51/Portage/Wausau and drive for 102.9 miles.
Merge onto US-51N and drive for 47.3 miles.
Take the US-8 exit – EXIT 234 – toward Pretice/Rhinelander.
Turn right onto US-8E. US-8E becomes W. Kemp Street/US-8.
Turn left onto WI-17.
Turn right onto East Larch St.
Turn slight right onto Coolidge Ave.
Turn left onto Acacia Lane.
End at James Williams Middle School, 915 Acacia Lane, Rhinelander, WI 54501.