Manitowish Waters Solstice 2026

Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin. The Northwoods. The Solstice Festival returns June 19‑21, 2026 — a weekend of cycling, running, walking, and mountain biking, all supporting the MWA Foundation. Saturday rides: 50‑mile half‑century (9:00 AM), 30‑mile Cranberry Loop (10:00 AM), 15‑mile Buswell Loop (10:30 AM), and a 6‑12 mile Family Fun Ride (10:15 AM). Saturday 5k fun run/walk at 10:45 AM. Post‑race Party in the Park at Koller Park (11 AM‑2 PM) with live music, beer, food, and games. Sunday: Waggin' Tails dog‑friendly 3k/5k run/walk at WinMan Trails (9:00 AM), plus free mountain bike demos from River's Edge Adventure Co. (10 AM‑12 PM). All registered participants receive a Solstice Festival gift.

Location — Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin (Northwoods):

• Manitowish Waters is a small town in Vilas County, in the heart of Wisconsin's Northwoods lake country
• Known for its chain of 10 connected lakes, boreal forests, and extensive trail systems
• Koller Park (on Highway W) is the hub for Saturday's rides and party
• WinMan Trails is a trail system managed by WinMan (Winter/Manitowish) — known for mountain biking, fat biking, and hiking

Friday Kick‑Off — Check‑In and Welcome Party:

• June 19, 5:00‑7:00 PM at Manny's Parkside (Manitowish Waters, next to Koller Park)
• Check‑in, pick up your race packet and Solstice Festival gift
• Enjoy the backyard patio, food, drinks, and socializing with other participants
• Optional evening ride on the Heart of Vilas County paved trails (self‑guided)

Saturday Rides — Marked Routes with Rest Stops and Support:

• All rides start and finish at Koller Park
• 30‑mile and 50‑mile routes feature the Famous Bloody Mary Bar (rest stop along the course)
• Family Fun Ride includes games and activities along the route — fun for kids
• All routes are clearly marked with road assistance available

Saturday 5k Fun Run / Walk:

• Start at 10:45 AM from Koller Park
• Course uses the Heart of Vilas County paved trail system — flat, scenic, and accessible
• Open to runners and walkers of all paces
• 5k finishers receive the same Solstice Festival gift as cyclists

Party in the Park — Saturday Post‑Race Celebration:

• 11:00 AM — 2:00 PM at Koller Park
• Live music, beer, food, drinks, and games
• Celebrate your ride or run with fellow participants
• Family‑friendly atmosphere

Sunday — Waggin' Tails Dog‑Friendly Run/Walk at WinMan Trails:

• June 21, 9:00 AM start
• Choose 3k or 5k — non‑competitive, untimed
• Dogs welcome on leash — a fun way to include your four‑legged friend
• Sponsored by WinMan and Rustic Roots
• Beautiful trail run through Northwoods forest

Sunday — Free Mountain Bike Demos (River's Edge Adventure Co.):

• 10:00 AM — 12:00 PM at WinMan Trails
• Test ride mountain bikes for free
• Perfect for first‑time riders or experienced mountain bikers
• Explore WinMan's incredible trail system after your run

What's Included (Saturday Rides/Run):

• Solstice Festival gift (all registered participants)
• Marked routes with rest stops and support
• Road assistance (sag wagon) for cyclists
• Aid stations with water, snacks, and (for 30/50 mile routes) Bloody Mary Bar
• Post‑race Party in the Park (live music, food, beer — food/drink may be extra or included? check event website)
• Parking at Koller Park
• Event photography (likely)

What's Included (Sunday Waggin' Tails):

• Dog‑friendly 3k or 5k run/walk on WinMan Trails
• Access to free mountain bike demos
• Parking at WinMan Trails

Charity Beneficiary — MWA Foundation:

• All proceeds support the MWA Foundation (Manitowish Waters Area Foundation)
• Funds help strengthen and enrich the local community — cycling safety, trail accessibility, youth programs, and community initiatives

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Course marshals, rest stop volunteers, registration, setup/breakdown, party help
• Volunteers receive Solstice Festival gifts and access to the party
• Sign up on event website

Sponsorship Opportunities:

• Financial or in‑kind donations appreciated
• Sponsors help the MWA Foundation give more money back to the community

Area Recreation — Make a Weekend of It:

• WinMan Trails — mountain biking, hiking, fat biking
• Heart of Vilas County Paved Trail — 52 miles of paved trail connecting Manitowish Waters, Boulder Junction, Sayner, and St. Germain
• Discovery Center (Manitowish Waters) — nature center with exhibits and trails
• Lakes — swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking (chain of 10 interconnected lakes)

Lodging & Restaurants:

• Many options in Manitowish Waters and surrounding area (check event website for recommendations)
• Camping available at nearby state parks and private campgrounds

Contact: Solstice Festival — P.O. Box 4, Manitowish Waters, WI 54545.