Wisconsin Family Vacation Packing List: Don't Forget These

Fishing licenses — buy online before you go

Wisconsin fishing licenses are required for everyone 16 and over. Buy them at dnr.wisconsin.gov before you leave — don't depend on finding a license agent in a small northwoods town on a Saturday morning. The Go Wild app works well on mobile. Print a backup copy if cell service will be limited.

Rods and reels for each person fishing

A 5.5–6 foot medium-light spinning combo works for most northwoods fishing. Kids do well with shorter ultralight setups (5 foot or under). Pre-tie terminal tackle before you leave home: bobber, split shot, size 10 hook. The first morning of fishing is easier if all you have to do is add a worm.

Tackle box basics

Worm hooks (size 8–12), split shot weights, slip bobbers, a few jig heads (1/16 and 1/8 oz), some plastic worms and grubs, and a package of wax worms for panfish. A small Plano box with these covers most family fishing situations. Buy live bait locally at the first bait shop you pass.

A small cooler for bait and fish

A separate small cooler (soft-sided works) for live bait keeps it out of the food cooler and stops the conversation about who put minnows next to the sandwiches. An inexpensive fillet knife and cutting board if you plan to keep and cook fish.

Life jackets — sized for each person

This is the most important item on the list. Cabin-provided life jackets (when available) are often generic adult sizes that don't fit children properly. Bring PFDs that fit each member of your family correctly — a life jacket that doesn't fit won't save anyone. Wisconsin law requires properly fitting PFDs for children on any vessel.

Sunscreen and reapplication plan

Kids on a lake deck or in a boat burn faster than you expect — the water reflects UV. SPF 50 spray sunscreen (easy to apply on kids), applied at home before you leave in the morning and reapplied every 2 hours on the water. Lip balm with SPF. A sun hat for young children.

Water shoes

Rocky lake bottoms, boat ramps, and dock approaches are better navigated in water shoes than bare feet. They're also useful for wading to fish or exploring the shoreline. $15 at Target covers the basics.

Towels and change of clothes at the dock

Keep a bag at the dock with towels and a dry change of clothes per person. Kids going in and out of the water all day otherwise leave wet clothes throughout the cabin. This is a small logistics upgrade that makes the rest of the day much easier.

Bug spray — DEET-based for northwoods effectiveness

Burnett and Washburn County mosquitoes and deer flies in June and July are serious. Off Deep Woods or Sawyer Picaridin are the most effective options. Apply before going outdoors in the morning and evening. The first week of June through early July is peak bug season; late July through August improves significantly.

Cash for local restaurants and bait shops

Many northwoods establishments — local bars, supper clubs, bait shops — operate cash-preferred or cash-only. ATMs in small Wisconsin towns exist but aren't always reliable. Bring $100–150 in cash per couple for the trip to avoid friction.

Flashlights and headlamps

Northern Wisconsin has extremely dark skies — walking from the fire pit to the cabin at 10pm requires a light. Headlamps are better than flashlights for hands-free use. One per adult, plus extras for kids. This sounds obvious but consistently appears on 'forgot to bring' lists.

First aid and specific medications

The nearest urgent care from most northwoods cabins is 20–45 minutes away. Bring a full first aid kit, any prescription medications, antihistamine for bee stings, and something for stomach issues. Tick removal kit — a fine-tipped tweezers at minimum; tick removal tools are better. Check for ticks every evening, particularly on children.