Overview
Shawano is in North Central Wisconsin and is the largest city on WIS 29 between Green Bay and Wausau. With a population of roughly 9200, the city is the largest in Shawano County, and is nestled on the southwest side of Shawano Lake. Shawano is also on the Wolf River and has fishing dedicated to both bodies of water.
1 sights · 2 things to do · 6 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Shawano
Shawano County Historical Society
Historical park along the Shawano Lake Outlet.
Great Wolf Tubing Co
Tubing company dedicated to water recreation on the Wolf River.
Shawano Lake County Park
County park on the northern shores of Shawano Lake.
Plan your trip
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- GRB Austin Straubel International Airport, Green Bay — 30 mi away. Directions
- ATW Appleton International Airport, Appleton — 36 mi away. Directions
- MKE General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee — 131 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Shawano County Historical Society, Great Wolf Tubing Co
- Lunch Brother's Pub
- Afternoon Shawano Lake County Park
- Dinner Farm Inn' On Main
- Evening Stubborn Brothers Brewery
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
The area was inhabited by the nearby Menominee, with the namesake of the city, lake, county, and adjacent town believing to be named after Chief Sawanoh (translating to southern in an Ojibwe term).
Get around
- WIS 22 comes in from the south towards Clintonville and Waupaca, and exits the city on the east side for Cecil and Oconto.
- WIS 29 is the main freeway/expressway in the area, providing access to Wausau and Wittenberg going west, and Bonduel and Green Bay heading east-southeast. There are three main access points into the city; at Business WIS 29/CTH-MMM, at Exit 225 for WIS 22, and at Exit 227 for WIS 47/55 north / CTH-K south.
- WIS 47 and WIS 55 are concurrent throughout the city of Shawano. They run alongside WIS 29- WIS 47 coming in from Appleton and WIS 55 from Kaukauna respectively- in the southeast, then head north towards Keshena in the Menominee Reservation. In Keshena, WIS 55 turns right for Crandon while WIS 47 remains heading northwest towards Antigo.
See
Do
Buy
Downtown Shawano (especially along Main Street) has a variety of local shops, boutiques, and antique stores. More commercialized amenities can be found along WIS 22/47/55 on the east side of the city, including a Walmart Supercenter and several fast food restaurants.
Eat
Eat Farm Inn' On Main (Farm Inn on Main)
Popular spot for hearty breakfasts, homemade pies, and classic American comfort food.
Eat Luigi's Pasta & Pizza (Luigi's)
Family-owned Italian restaurant serving pizza, pasta, and classic Italian dishes.
Eat Longhorn Saloon
Bar and grill sandwiched between WIS 22 and the Wolf River with burgers, sandwiches, and a lively local atmosphere.
Eat Shawano's Cafe
Classic American diner serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites.
Eat The Daily Drip Coffeehouse (Daily Drip)
Local coffeehouse with espresso drinks, pastries, and light breakfast/lunch options.
Eat Brother's Pub (Brothers' Pub)
Casual pub with a wide menu, including burgers, pizza, and Friday fish fry.
Drink
Drink Stubborn Brothers Brewery
Local craft brewery with a rotating selection of beers, pub food, and frequent live music events.
Drink Sharona's Bar
Neighborhood bar offering drinks, pool, and a friendly local crowd.
Sleep
Stay safe
Although the town has a relatively low crime rate, the notorious Samanta Roy Institute of Science & Technology (commonly shortened to SIST or alternatively called Ramas) still exist within the vicinity. While not nearly as active right now as they were prior to 2010 (where they made a hit list targeting many city and county officials over a dispute), they still maintain a compound along WIS 47/55 north of Shawano. They should not be a problem to you as long as you don't look for trouble.
Go next
- Green Bay is the largest city in Northeast Wisconsin, and is home to the Green Bay Packers, Bay Beach Amusement Park, museums, and a growing downtown.
- Appleton can be accessed via WIS 47 south, and is the largest city in the Fox Cities region. The city boasts a tall downtown, the Fox River Mall, and is home to Lawrence University.
- Wausau is the largest city in North Central Wisconsin, and is home to the Granite Peak Ski Area, the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, and a vibrant downtown. Rib Mountain, described as Wisconsin's tallest mountain, is right outside.
- Going north on WIS 47/55 leads to the Menominee Reservation, a gateway to the northwoods. Travelers can opt to either head towards Crandon and ultimately the western Upper Peninsula, or head towards Antigo and the Northwoods region.
Nearby
Freedom
City / town · 31 mi away
Green Bay
City / town · 35 listings · 34 mi away
Oconto
City / town · 8 listings · 36 mi away
Appleton
City / town · 19 listings · 37 mi away
Waupaca
City / town · 38 mi away
Ledgeview
City / town · 9 listings · 39 mi away
Denmark
City / town · 5 listings · 48 mi away
Marinette
City / town · 13 listings · 50 mi away
My experience
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