|
By: Robert Janis
Wisconsin Resort
Attracts Rough Riding ATV’ers
If a rugged terrain with high ridges and
scenic views is what you’re looking for when you
traverse the trails, then you might want to
check out the Wildman Ranch in Northeastern
Wisconsin.
Opened in 1990, the Ranch has two
facilities--one in Athelstane and the other in
Niagara, Wisconsin. It has been catering to
ATV’ers since 2003.
According to Michael Krejcarek of Wildman Ranch,
glaciers shaped the topography of the area.
“There are a lot of high ridges and interesting
features,” he said. “Marinette County, where
we’re located, has one of the most extensive
trail systems in Wisconsin. There are more than
200 miles of public trails. It is a
beautiful ride. You go through heavy woods and
pine forests and cross rivers. There are
breath-taking vistas along the way with big
hills and sharp curves. You’ll cover quite a
wide variety of different types of areas.”
Krejcarek noted that the local ATV clubs keep
the trails in very good condition. He describes
the trails as having a sandy soil that is kept
flat. The public trails are open only to ATVs
and S-UTVs.
The Wildman Ranch
The Wildman Ranch started off as a raft
outfitter on the Peshtigo River. Over the years
the facilities were built up and more activities
were added and a second site was constructed on
the Menominee River in 2005.
The resort offers a variety of outdoor adventure
activities including
whitewater rafting,
kayaking, sea kayaking, a high rope challenge
course, rock climbing, paint ball combat, golf,
snowmobiling, and ATV riding.
Wildman Ranch rents S-UTVs and also offers
guided tours of the trails. “The tours are
generally a three- to four-hour trip that covers
50 miles. There are a few different loops we
use, and on each tour we have a few stops so
that riders can enjoy the area. We also stop to
grab something to eat at a local pub and grub
place alongside the trail,” said Krejcarek.
The most popular stop on the tour is McClintock
Park, he said. “The Peshtigo River runs through
it and there are islands with old logging cabins
that are connected by bridges. The rest of the
park has large virgin pines. It is a great place
to explore, relax, and take a break during the
ride,” said Krejcarek.
Guests can rent an S-UTV for a total of $190 on
the weekends and $175 during the weekdays. Also,
the ranch organizes rides.
As noted the Wildman Ranch has two facilities.
In combination the two have a total of 10
campsites on the whitewater section of the
Peshtigo River where there are waterfalls.
The accommodations also include five cozy
cabins, which are bunk house style lodging with
only a heater, electrical outlets, and beds; and
10 full-service cabins that sleep from 4 to 16
people. A campsite costs $9 per person a night;
the bunk house or cozy cabins are $60 a night on
weekdays and $72 a night on weekends. The full
service cabins cost from $150 up to $325 a
night. All cabins include a picnic table and
fire pit.
The Menominee River facility has a Texas-style
barbecue restaurant, which also caters the
Peshtigo facility where guests eat in the
outdoor pavilion. Bluegrass and blues artists
provide the entertainment on the weekends.
The Ranch offers discount packages depending on
the amount of activities you sign up for. The
more activities one signs up for, the greater
the discount.
The Ranch has a close relationship with two ATV
club organizers. “We work with them on different
ways we can contribute to the trails,” said
Krejcarek. The local clubs help to promote the
ranch and the ranch’s staff volunteers to help
maintain the trails.
For more information visit the Wildman Ranch
website at
www.wildmanranch.com.
|
