Recreation & Attractions

If you're a snowmobile or ATV/UTV enthusiast, you're in for a treat! Washburn County and the surrounding area are home to hundreds of world-class snowmobile and off-road trails, and the best part? The extensive network begins just outside your front door at Matson Lake Lodge! These trails connect to several local communities, bars, resorts, and restaurants, offering endless opportunities for adventure.

• Spend the day exploring the trails, taking in the beautiful landscape, and discovering charming local spots.

• After an action-packed day, return to the lodge for a relaxing evening with friends and family.

• We have plenty of parking for your trailers and indoor storage for your equipment, so you can safely and easily store your machines overnight.

• Take advantage of our heated garage to dry out your gear and get ready for another day of exploration.

Rentals are also available in Birchwood, just five miles south of the lodge, so if you don’t have your own gear, you can still experience all the excitement the trails have to offer.  

Local Festivals

Regardless the season, there's always something going on in Washburn County!  Events such as the world-famous American Birkebeiner nordic ski race in nearby Hayward, the thrilling and action-packed Heart of the North Rodeo in Spooner, quaint and classic local festivals such as Birchwood's Bluegill Fest or Rice Lake's Aqua Fest provide our guests with a seemingly endless list of things to do while staying at Matson Lake Lodge.  Click on the links to the events listed below for more details, and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for up-to-date information on what's going on in the area, as well as fun day trips and family favorites to add some local flavor to your Northwoods experience!

Paddling, Hiking, Biking, Shopping, Dining & Exploring!

The Birchwood area is home to quaint towns and villages, hundreds of pristine lakes and rivers just waiting to be explored!  The Namekogen River is a short drive north of the lodge and is part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.  You will also have access to over 1000 feet of shoreline of pristine Matson Lake!  Matson Lake is a 38 acre, 60 foot deep glacial, spring-fed lake.  Please note: Per Wisconsin DNR rules, outboard motors are not allowed on Matson Lake.  You can, however, use trolling motors or non-motorized watercraft such as canoes and kayaks to explore the bays and backwaters on and connected to the lake.  

The Tuscobia State Trail runs through Birchwood and is a multi-use trail serving Northwest Wisconsin.  Wildcat Mountain Bike Trail is a short drive from the lodge and features miles of trails with varying terrain that will suit beginner to advanced riders.  Hiking, nordic skiing and wildlife viewing are other popular outdoor pursuits in the Birchwood and Washburn County area.  

The Hayward Lakes Area is a short, 35 minute ride by car and offers a variety of entertainment opportunities including dining, fishing, shopping and outdoor recreation.  Located 30 minutes to the southwest of Matson Lake Lodge, Rice Lake is the largest "full service" community in the area and provides guests with access to a variety of restaurants and dining, auto service and repair, groceries and other conveniences.  Marshfield Medical Center in Rice Lake provides 24 hour emergency care.  Explore the community of Spooner!  With it's rich railroad history, vibrant downtown area filled with shops, antique stores, bars & restaurants, breweries and art galleries, there is sure to be something to appeal to everyone in your group.