Your Social OUTlet

Serving Fun to Chicago's GLBT community

Wisconsin Wilderness Weekend (for camping, rafting, etc.)

Yes, this is the same event formerly known as "The LPL Rafting Trip" but we have changed the name since rafting is only a small portion of the trip... and like our tagline says, there is "something fun for everyone", even if you choose to not venture out onto the river (as has been more and more common in recent years.)

(check the calendar for exact dates on this year's schedule.)

We will be camping at GLACIER WILDERNESS CAMPGROUND near Elton, Wisconsin, which will be completely private to our group. The campground has hiking trails, wooded and open areas, a scenic creek running through it, clean and adequate indoor washroom facilities with hot showers and electricity so you can bring your decorative lighting, hair dryers, and other gadgets. The campground also has a large comfortable pavilion equipped with plenty of tables. Near the campground are a private trout pond (no license required), lake swimming, wilderness hiking trails, casinos, and a great horseback riding stable. (It is a good idea to call Mountain Meadows Horseback Riding Stables before going there.) Based upon the weather, you may want to indulge in everything from sunbathing to board games. Every year is a new adventure!

You have the option of joining the adventurous souls for rafting (in two-person rubber rafts) down the Wolf River as it meanders, churns and boils down a twelve mile stretch through the Menomonee Indian Reservation in northern Wisconsin. The trip begins at Shotgun Eddy's raft rental near Whitelake, Wisconsin. It takes about six hours and includes four series of rapids, a thrilling run through a canyon and four waterfalls, the last of which, Big Smokey Falls, will certainly take your breath away.

You may arrive anytime Thursday or Friday. A welcome-and-get-together dinner will be prepared on Friday evening prior to campfires or card/game night in the pavilion. Wake-up call on Saturday is 7:00 A.M. followed by a full breakfast. We will leave the campground about 9:00 A.M. for Shotgun Eddy's to secure our rafts and should enter the river before 10:00 A.M. A light snack and hot soup will await us when we return to the campground after a heavy day of rafting, followed by a Texas-style barbecue of steaks, fresh trout, sweet corn, potatoes, salads and even strawberry shortcake. Later in the evening, come to the pavilion for our awards ceremony and party. Who knows, there may be a surprise or two. Later, you can retire to a campfire to socialize with old and new friends. Wake up anytime on Sunday to the smell of fresh coffee and enjoy a full brunch, which should surpass the previous days. LPL will supply the beer and soda, but hard liquors and mixers are at your own discretion. When you are not eating or drinking, you can enjoy fishing, hiking, swimming, horseback riding, etc. and Partying! Nearby, in the Menomonee Indian Reservation, you can try your luck at Las Vegas style "21", Slot or Video Poker Machines or BINGO at the Casinos or visit the Menomonee Logging Camp Museum. There is one casino near Keshena and two casinos near Mole Lake. Nearby Antigo can provide antiquing and shopping.

To enjoy all these added activities more fully, you are welcome and encouraged to spend an extra day with us and come up on Thursday for a modest additional charge. YOU WILL DEFINITELY HAVE A GOOD TIME ON THE TRIP!

[Check out the links in the right-hand sidebar for registration forms and directions to CampIt Campground ]