About Bear Paw… a brief History
Since 1994 Bear Paw Outdoor Adventures has shared the outdoors and the river with thousands of people. This 25 acre resort is located in the Town of Wolf River in Langlade County. It is next door to the Nicolet-Chequamagon National Forest, and is adjacent to hundreds of acres of hiking and biking trails and the Famous Wolf River.

Our Philosophy has always been that every person has a unique and special definition of what an outdoor experience means to them. It has been our mission to help our guests realize their own personal outdoor experience, whether it is a quiet paddle across a lake to see the eagles nest, or the thrill of navigating the rushing whitewater in a canoe or kayak. Our goal has been to create a welcoming community that shares in the love of nature and outdoor experiences. This is a place where one can relax, play and rejuvenate and call home.

Our History
Initially, Bear Paw was developed and built by Richard and Sally Pilsner of Waunaukee, Wisconsin. The Pilsner family operated then Bear Paw Inn as an outdoor education facility, a bed and breakfast, and a northern Wisconsin vacation spot. Development of Bear Paw Inn for Pilsner, centered on the idea that nature has a healing effect, and that many of us have dulled our senses for that need. His goal was to create a place where by the intention was to enrich the lives of participants, and at least subconsciously, help people become aware of our natural environment. Highlighted activities included wilderness skill workshops, wood carving, basketry, outdoor photography, and snowshoe lacing. He also developed a ski and snowshoe trail system on the property.

In 1997, Pilsner unveiled plans to open a Whitewater canoe and kayak school as added programming at Bear Paw. Scott Berry was instrumental with working with Pilsner to create a quality programming department with an emphasis on a paddling school on the famous Wolf River.

In 1998 A retail shop was developed, and offered the latest in whitewater gear and boats, and rentals.

In 1999, the on-site restaurant, The Sun Bear, was transformed into a restaurant and with the leadership of Shirlee Roche’, turned into Sun Bear Food & Spirits. This fun, funky boater hang-out put out some awesome unique food in a fun, feel at home atmosphere.

Until the year 2000, Bear Paw grew and flourished under the ownership of Richard Pilsner, until he made the difficult decision to sell the business. Then manager, Jamee Peters was able to realize her dream of owning and operating an adventure resort in her home town of Langlade and Wisconsin’s Wolf River.

From 2000 to 2007, Bear Paw operated as Bear Paw Outdoor Adventure Resort, offering active outdoor programming; focusing on river experiences, winter activities and special events.

The Kayak and Canoe School was develop further and had become a leader in kayak instructional programs, gaining some national recognition as professional kayakers enjoyed coming to. Bear Paw has been blessed with an awesome staff, some who have gone on to paddled internationally, and on the national level competitions.

In recent years more mountain bike trails have been developed offering some of the most challenging terrain in Northern Wisconsin. Bear Paw has from day one been a major sponsor for the renowned Wolfman Triathlon held every September in this region.

June 7, 2007 Tornado
All this momentum and growth came to a screeching halt when an F4 tornado almost wiped us out. The event destroyed our many beautiful trees, 6 buildings and our dreams. After a summer of cleaning up and sole searching Jamee and Scott decided to join forces, along with Craig Knapp, who was a guest at Bear Paw the day of the tornado, and has assisted with the clean-up ever since. We decided to recreate Bear Paw in a new way. Through it all we feel incredibly blessed by the beauty of the community and the many people who have helped out either physically, financially, or emotionally. We are excited to recreate Bear Paw and hope that you will join us in the near future to be a part of our community. While the appearance of our property has changed it is still very beautiful in a certain austere way. Watch us grow, come up and plant a tree, we will be here for you.

Our Future
We will continue offer whitewater kayaking and canoeing, kayak river touring, and family outings. In addition to paddling, the Wolf River area offers scenic trails for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring. We will continue to be a place where guests can call home and enjoy the outdoors

Our ACCOMMODATIONS range from rustic camping to clean, comfortable, northwoods style modern cabins and Chalet units. We maintain a small campground for tent-style camping. Shower houses are available. Our rustics are wooden structures with wood bunks.

Our New Bear Paw Pub, will provide the same great food in a casual up north setting, only smoke-free. Listen to great music, eat great food, drink great beer or drink specials, and feel like you are home.

For reservations, please call us at (715) 882-3502.
Questions can be emailed to info@bearpawoutdoors.com.