A Nature-Rich Retreat With Forest Trails, Disc Golf, And Festivals Makes Up One Of Wisconsin's Most Affordable Towns

If you find yourself in Wisconsin craving some time outdoors, then you should make your way to the city of Antigo. Surrounded by soul-soothing nature and boasting amazing views of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, this seat of Langlade County treats residents and visitors alike to everything from hunting and hiking to camping and disc golf. 

Despite offering an abundance of recreational riches, the city is far from overpriced. Antigo boasts an affordable cost of living combined with low housing prices, with rates hovering around the $190,000 mark. This means that Antigo has, in recent years, become a shining beacon for retirees who are looking to settle down. You don't need to be a silver-topped grandparent to enjoy this idyllic corner of the Badger State, though. Antigo has something for everyone, including festivalgoers and those who are interested in community events that celebrate local culture.

To fly to Antigo, you're best off catching a plane to either Central Wisconsin Airport, roughly 50 miles away, or Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport, a 48-mile drive away. Depending on where you're traveling from, you could also consider Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE), located 189 miles south of Antigo, or Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), situated 217 miles to the west. Fly into the latter and you'll be experiencing an airport widely recognized as North America's best. 

No visit to Antigo would be complete without a day spent wandering the Springbrook Trail.  Stretching out over two miles in length, the Springbrook Trail can be tackled either on foot or by bike — some even choose to speed down the path on rollerblades. 

Near the top of the Springbrook Trail map, you'll find the Antigo Disc Golf Course. Just like a regular golf course, it consists of 18 distinct holes spread out over large distances. Unlike regular golf courses, though, the holes are baskets, the balls are flat discs (you might know them as "frisbees"), and as for the clubs? Well, you'll just be using your throwing arm. The big course here in Antigo is 2.1 miles in length and should take just under two hours to complete. 

Once you've had your fill of strolling amongst the Springbrook Trail's flora and fauna, and flinging discs down fairways like a plate-chucking Rory McIlroy, why not keep the outdoorsy good times rolling with an overnight camp? The Antigo Lake RV Campground has got you covered. Open seasonally from May 1 to October 1, the pet-friendly campground is situated just off Hudson Street and Third Avenue and  serves up easy access to a charming mix of activities and attractions downtown. 

In a small, tight-knit community like Antigo, public events and festivals help bring people together. Visitors are welcome to partake in the joy, too. If you time your visit just right, you'll be able to visit the Langlade County Fair, for example. Held annually around the end of July, this four-day bonanza brings together live music, motorsport demonstrations, fairground rides, fun-for-all-the-family shows, and more into one delightful spectacle. Still need convincing? Perhaps having the chance to see 5,000 exhibits spread across four different buildings and to sate your appetite at the various food booths will do the trick. Plus, getting into the fair won't cost you a penny.

For something a little more tranquil, the Blended Marketplace held in the middle of October might be one to check out. Hosted at Langlade County Fairgrounds and Event Center,  this event features 140 booths to browse handmade items, jewelry, home decor, and more. Combine that with the fact that food and refreshments are available, and there's a strong chance you'll leave with fewer dollars than you had on entering. But with a full stomach and a bag bursting with newly-purchased items, you'll also be singing Antigo's praises. Add this Wisconsin mini city to your itinerary alongside the parks, botanical gardens, and art festivals of Janesville. Don't sleep on Wisconsin's cheese festivals either.