Visit Elton: Bakery Treats, Trout Fishing and Northwoods Horse Trails (posted August 18, 2026)

Just east of Antigo along Highway 64, the small community of Elton offers an easygoing introduction to rural Langlade County. A day here can begin with warm cinnamon rolls from a country store, continue with trout fishing beside a spring-fed pond and lead into the wooded hills of one of the area's most scenic equestrian trail systems.

This itinerary combines local flavor with time outdoors, making it a good fit for families, couples and anyone who prefers quiet Northwoods experiences over a tightly packed schedule. Pack a cooler, bring sturdy footwear and leave room for a few roadside discoveries as you explore another corner of Wisconsin's County of Trails.
 

The Evergreen Shoppe: Start the Day with Fresh-Baked Favorites

The Evergreen Shoppe is the kind of Highway 64 stop that can quickly become part of the day's plan rather than a brief detour. This Mennonite-owned bulk food country store is best known for its bakery, where shelves and counters may be filled with breads, cookies, pies, and generously iced cinnamon rolls.

Choose something ready to enjoy in the car or pick up frozen, ready-to-bake treats for another morning. Rolls, turnovers, and cookie dough make it possible to bring a little of the bakery experience home without trying to keep a delicate pie balanced during the rest of the day's travels.

The store also carries practical provisions for a picnic or cabin stay. Browse the deli case for meats and cheeses, then look through selections of eggs, butter, spices, nuts, chocolate, produce, and other bulk pantry goods. It is an easy place to assemble a simple trail lunch before heading farther into the wooded Elton area.While you are nearby, stop at Elton Mall & Cafe for another taste of the community. The local shop carries gifts and convenience items along with bait, DNR licenses, and access to an ATM, making it a useful stop when you need one last item before fishing or spending the afternoon outside.

Silver Moon Springs: Catch Your Own Northwoods Trout

After stocking up along Highway 64, continue to Silver Moon Springs for a fishing experience that is approachable even for first-time anglers. The trout hatchery has a relaxed, park-like setting where children and adults can fish for rainbow and brook trout without needing to plan a full day on a lake.

There is still a sense of anticipation each time the line touches the water. Watching trout move beneath the surface, waiting for a bite and carrying home a freshly caught fish turns an ordinary stop into a memorable part of the trip. Bring your own fishing poles or use the cane poles provided at no charge. Because the experience is simple and hands-on, it works especially well for families introducing younger children to fishing.

Fish are priced by the pound, and the staff will clean and bag your catch, taking much of the work out of preparing fresh trout for dinner. Pair the catch with bread or bakery treats from The Evergreen Shoppe, and the day's earlier shopping becomes part of the evening meal. 

Crocker Hills Horse Trails: Ride Through Hardwood Hills and Valleys

From Silver Moon Springs, the itinerary moves deeper into the County of Trails at the Crocker Hills Recreation Area. Located east of Antigo off of Fraley Road, the Crocker Hills Horse and Dog Sled Trail System covers approximately 15.3 miles between Norway Lake and Evergreen Creek.

Designed for visitors traveling with their own horses or sled dog teams, the trail system provides a scenic way to experience the varied landscapes of Langlade County. Riders and mushers should plan ahead, as rentals are not available.

This is not simply a flat loop around a trailhead. The elevation changes and wooded scenery give the route a distinctly Northwoods character, particularly when the hardwoods begin to change color in early fall. Choose a trail that matches both your riding experience and your horse’s abilities, and come prepared for the natural conditions you may encounter along the way.

The trailhead includes parking, a vault toilet, and an open-air shelter with picnic tables. A hand pump provides fresh water, while hitching posts, and a manure pit support visitors traveling with horses. These facilities also make the trailhead a convenient place to pause for lunch or bakery items picked up earlier in Elton.

Visitors without horses can still appreciate how the Crocker Hills trail system contributes to Langlade County's outdoor identity. 

Super 8 Antigo: Relax After a Day Around Elton

After a day of shopping, fishing and exploring the Crocker Hills, head west to Antigo for a comfortable overnight stay at Super 8. The hotel sits near the intersection of Highways 45 and 64, providing convenient access to Elton and other Langlade County destinations.

Guest rooms include practical amenities such as Wi-Fi, microwaves, and refrigerators, which can be especially useful when traveling with snacks, picnic supplies, or a cleaned trout catch. Jacuzzi and family suites are available, and select rooms allow pets for an additional fee.

The heated indoor pool, whirlpool, and sauna offer a welcome way to unwind after time on the trail. Guests also receive access to a fitness center, while free large-vehicle parking can accommodate travelers hauling trailers or outdoor equipment. In the morning, a complimentary continental breakfast with coffee, tea, and juice makes it easy to start another day of exploring.

Staying in Antigo also puts visitors close to local restaurants, shops, and a variety of attractions and experiences to enjoy during their stay. From here, the Elton itinerary can become one day within a longer northern Wisconsin getaway, with more trails, lakes, and small communities waiting in every direction.

Make Elton Part of Your Langlade County Getaway