What is new for Northwoods Drifter in 2026
Finding fun in the Northwoods during the deep freeze takes creativity. The Blind Pig in Rhinelander proved that on a recent Saturday when over 100 people gathered on frozen Boom Lake for something you won’t find at your typical bowling alley: turkey bowling.
Teams slid frozen turkeys across the ice toward bowling pins, competing for bragging rights in one of the region’s most entertaining winter fundraisers.
For $15 per team, participants of all ages bundled up and headed out onto the lake. The event wasn’t just about knocking down pins—it was about bringing the community together when cabin fever hits hardest.
Frank Kovac, Activities Manager at the Blind Pig, made sure nobody got left behind. The venue stocked turkeys in three sizes: big, medium, and small.
“If the kids want to come out here, small ones, then we’re just making it happen,” Kovac explained.
That attention to inclusivity paid off. Families showed up alongside snowmobilers fresh off the trails that run right past the Blind Pig’s property north of Highway 47. Kids laughed as undersized turkeys wobbled toward the pins while their parents competed with the full-sized birds.
The Blind Pig sits directly on Boom Lake, part of Rhinelander’s sprawling chain of glacial lakes. In summer, boaters dock at the restaurant. In winter, that same ice becomes a natural venue for events that would be impossible anywhere else.
This wasn’t the Blind Pig’s first rodeo with frozen poultry. Last year’s smaller turkey bowling event served as a test run to work out the logistics.
“This year, we’re just trying to get the event to run smooth,” Kovac said. The turnout proved they’d figured it out—over 100 attendees suggests word spread fast through Oneida County.
Participant Jeff Devor summed up the general sentiment: “Blind Pig does a great job.”
“This year, we’re just trying to get the event to run smooth and we plan next year to do a little fundraising for a couple of our regional veteran associations.”
— Frank Kovac, Activities Manager
Next year’s plans include transforming the tournament into a fundraiser for regional veteran associations. That shift from pure entertainment to community support reflects how Northwoods establishments weave charity into recreation.
Winter in the Northwoods isn’t just cold—it’s isolating. When temperatures plunge and daylight shrinks, finding reasons to leave the house becomes crucial for mental health and community bonds.
Events like turkey bowling fill that void. They give locals something to look forward to during the long stretch between snowmobile season kickoff and ice fishing tournaments.
The Blind Pig operates year-round as a bar, restaurant, and cabin resort. That commitment to staying open when many seasonal spots close helps sustain the local economy during tourism lulls.
Here’s what makes winter events essential for Northwoods communities:
The name “Blind Pig” carries history. During Prohibition in the 1920s and ’30s, Wisconsin establishments used the term for speakeasies disguising illegal alcohol sales—sometimes charging patrons to view a “blind pig” while serving drinks on the side.
That bootlegging legacy lives on in the casual, community-oriented spirit of taverns across the Northwoods. Places like Pat’s Tavern & Grill, serving Rhinelander since 1930, anchor the local dining scene with family traditions and seasonal specials.
These establishments aren’t just restaurants—they’re gathering spots where strangers become friends over Friday night fish fry and where turkey bowling tournaments become annual traditions.
The Blind Pig’s plans to incorporate veteran fundraising next year adds purpose to the fun. It’s a natural fit for a region where military service runs deep and community support matters.
As winter events go, turkey bowling might sound silly. And it is—that’s the point. When you’re surrounded by snow for months, sometimes the best medicine is gathering on a frozen lake to watch poultry slide across ice while your neighbors cheer.
If you missed this year’s tournament, mark your calendar for 2026. Based on this year’s turnout and the buzz it generated, turkey bowling on Boom Lake looks like it’s here to stay.
Just remember to dress warm, bring your sense of humor, and maybe practice your turkey-sliding technique before you show up. The competition’s getting fierce out there on the ice.
Written by
Mike has been coming up or living in the Northwoods since his childhood. He is also an avid outdoorsman, writer and supper club aficionado.
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