Squirrel Hill Overlook and Tower House
A gem of the park in all four seasons
Squirrel Hill has been the center piece of Minocqua Winter Park since the very beginning. A remnant from the glaciers, it’s high vantage point served as the perfect spot for the construction of a fire lookout tower over 50 years ago. This historic tower still stands to this day!
The Squirrel Hill Overlook was constructed in 2020 and is the perfect place to take a break and enjoy the endless view over the great Northwoods. Bring binoculars and see if you can spot waterfowl on the Squirrel River. Watch for soaring eagles, ospreys, and turkey vultures.
If you only have less than an hour to visit the park, this is the perfect spot to check out.
Tower House Update
The Tower House at the top of Squirrel Hill is now complete and has officially been dedicated. The Tower House is available to rent for special events through Minocqua Winter Park. We are incredibly grateful to the many donors, volunteers, craftsmen, and supporters who helped make this project a reality.
Read the full Tower House dedication story and see photos from the celebration here:
Accessibility
Summer:
Hikers and bikers can access the overlook directly from the summer access parking lot via a 1/2 mile paved road starting near the information kiosk.
The uphill single track mountain bike trail “Smoke Chaser” leads right up to the top of the hill and ends at the overlook.
Winter
Snowshoers can access the overlook via the 1.4 mile Mountain Goat snowshoe trail which starts at the Chalet. Cross country skiers can access the overlook via the Squirrel’s Tail or Fire Tower expert level trails or ski up the groomed face of the old alpine runs. What comes up must go down, skiers need to be prepared for steep downhill descents after visiting the overlook.
