guides · From the editor's notebook
A Local's Guide to Mercer: Loon Capital of the World and the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage
Mercer is the self-proclaimed Loon Capital of the World -- home to "Claire" the giant loon and Loon Day, on the doorstep of the wild Turtle-Flambeau Flowage, with classic Northwoods supper clubs.
Mercer calls itself the Loon Capital of the World, and it has the giant statue to prove it -- "Claire," a 16-foot loon greeting visitors at the edge of town. It's a small Iron County lake community on the doorstep of the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage, one of Wisconsin's great wilderness waters. Come for the loons and the lakes; stay for a fish fry at a classic supper club.
What is Mercer known for?
Loons and the Flowage. Mercer leans all the way into its Loon Capital identity, from Claire the giant loon to its annual Loon Day celebration in August, complete with a loon-calling contest. Just west of town, the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage spreads across tens of thousands of acres of protected, largely undeveloped water and islands -- prime paddling, fishing, and wildlife-watching, including the loons themselves.
Things to do in Mercer
The water is the draw. The Turtle-Flambeau Flowage is the marquee -- a vast, wild flowage made for kayaking, fishing, and quiet wildlife-watching -- and the surrounding Iron County lakes carry the same up-north appeal. Snap a photo with Claire the loon, and time an August visit for Loon Day and the loon-calling contest, the town's signature event.
Where to eat in Mercer
It's tavern-and-supper-club country. The Pines Restaurant and Beer Garden is the local favorite, and Ullman's Ding-A-Ling Supper Club is the classic up-north supper-club experience. Around The Corner Pub, Wolf's Den, The Lazy Ace Saloon, and Johnny's Bar & Grill cover the tavern side, Tom's Country Cafe handles breakfast, and Beaver's Resort and Muskies Bar & Grill put you near the water.
When to go
Summer is peak flowage-and-lake season, and August brings Loon Day. Fall is excellent for color and quiet paddling, and the loons are most visible spring through early fall before they migrate. Winter turns Mercer into snowmobiling and ice-fishing country, with the supper clubs warm and open year-round.
Planning your visit
Mercer sits on US-51 in Iron County, between Hurley to the north and the Lakeland area to the south. The Turtle-Flambeau Flowage needs a boat or a kayak to do right -- and a little planning, since it's wild, low-development water. The town itself is small and easy; Claire is right on the highway.
The bottom line
Mercer is loons, wild water, and a good supper club -- the up-north Wisconsin you picture, distilled. We surface what's worth the trip; you choose the paddle. See what's on this week at the Lineup.