2020 VISITOR GUIDE | WWW.SAYNER-STARLAKE.ORG
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2019 Visitor Guide | www.sayner-starlake.org | 715-542-3789
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Welcome
aunting wails of loons echo across still waters. Tall pines whisper and bow gracefully with the breeze. Nearby, children are laughing, and the whine of a fishing reel’s drag protesting the pull of a mighty muskie is just within earshot. And some say they can still hear the sound of a far-off train whistle blowing in the distance – ghostly remembrance of logging days gone by. It seems a bit like heaven, until suddenly, you realize that you have found yourself in Sayner-Star Lake. The two villages, linked by a lovely seven-mile drive along rustic Hwy N and Hwy K, comprise the Town of Plum Lake. Aside from the richness of the area’s natural wilderness, Sayner and Star Lake offer an abundance of fine restaurants, a challenging nine-hole golf course, housekeeping resorts, tennis courts, pristine lakes teeming with muskie, bass, and walleye, groomed snowmobile and cross-country ski trails, paved bike trails, marked hiking trails, a fully dressed library, historical museums, a full-service quilt shop, and unique retail shops offering everything from gifts and home furnishings to haute couture from Paris. Truly, finding yourself in Sayner-Star Lake will guarantee a vacation you’ll want to replicate over and over again!
Table of Contents Calendar of Events..................................................................................4-5 Girls’ Day Out............................................................................................. 6 Summertime Family Fun........................................................................8-9 More than Just a Fish Story..................................................................... 10 Wintery World of Wonder...................................................................... 12 Sayner Snowmobile Map......................................................................... 13 Art & History Haven................................................................................ 14 Plum Lake Library.................................................................................... 15 Feasts and Famously Great Times.....................................................16-17 Lodging Chart........................................................................................... 18 Chamber Business Directory Map....................................................20-21 Business Directory................................................................................... 22
SAYNER-STAR LAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE P.O. BOX 191 SAYNER, WI 54560 LEARNMORE@SAYNER-STARLAKE.ORG 2020 VISITOR GUIDE | WWW.SAYNER-STARLAKE.ORG
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Calendar of Events JANUARY
18 – Barnstormers Snowmobile Club Breakfast Fundraiser at Stillwaters Food & Spirits, Star Lake. 8am to 11am. Contact Anita Horan at (715) 542-2952. 25 – Jesse Roman Memorial Vintage Snowmobile Show. Sayner Pub. 9am to 4pm. Raffles, silent auction, and more. Proceeds benefit the Vilas County Historical Museum. For details, contact Kelly at (715) 536-9845.
FEBRUARY
1 – Barnstormers Snowmobile Club Chili Dump at Patti’s Murmuring Waters. 2pm to 5pm. Contact Anita Horan at (715) 542-2952. 8 – Plum Lake Ice Fishing Tournament. 6am to 3pm. Cash prizes, door prizes, raffles, food, and refreshments. Proceeds benefit area lake improvement projects. Contact Will Maines at (715) 542-2046. 16 – Barnstormers Snowmobile Club Pizza fundraiser at The Hillside Tavern and Grill, 4pm to 8pm. Contact Anita Horan at (715) 542-2952.
MARCH 5 – Plum Lake Library Trivia Contest. Sayner
Community Building, 5pm to 8pm. Trivia fun. Proceeds benefit Plum Lake Library. For more information, call (715) 542-2020.
MAY
2-3 – Annual Spring Stampede. Take part in one of the Midwest’s largest rubber-stamping festivals. New and used stamps and supplies for sale. Seminars, Make and Takes, food, and drinks. Held at the Plum Lake Community Center and Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church. 9am to 3pm. For tickets and details, contact Jill Lemke at info@saynerstampede.com
JUNE
13 – Plum Ski-ters Water Ski shows June 13– Sept. 5. Amazing shows at Statehouse Point Boat Landing every Wed and Sat, 7pm to 8:30pm. Shows in Aug start at 6:30pm.
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15 – Star Lakers Club Annual Meeting. North Star Lodge at 7pm. Contact Bob Munsen at (715) 891-1775. 22 – July 27 Plum Lake Library Summer Reading Program. The Plum Lake Library will host various summertime events the weeks of June 22nd through July 27th. For more information, visit www.plumlakelibrary.org or contact (715) 542-2020.
JULY
4 – Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks. 12pm – Fireman’s chicken BBQ with all the fix-ins, and refreshments in the Sayner Community Park. 3pm – Community Area Parade and Fireworks at dusk. For details, contact Gary Kaphingst at (715) 542-2751 or garykaphingst@gmail.com. 19 – Star Lakers Club Annual Picnic. All are welcome – membership not required. Bring a dish to pass. Noon to 5pm at the Star Lake Centennial Old Mill Site Park, Star Lake. Contact Bob Munsen at (715) 891-1775. 26 – Vilas Historical Museum Chicken Dinner. 5pm to 8pm. Plum Lake Community Center. Contact (715) 542-2020.
AUGUST
2 – Sayner Street Fair 5K Run/Walk. Bring your running shoes and get ready for a scenic morning run or walk from downtown Sayner, to the paved bike trail and onto one of the most beautiful wooded paths! For more information, visit www.sayner-starlake.org/sayner-street-fair. 2 – Sayner Street Fair. 10am to 4pm on Sayner’s Main Street and in the Community Park and Pavilion. Food and Craft vendors, live music, and children’s activities. Craft Fair, 10am to 4pm. Contact Carrie at (715) 605-2534. 8 – Mid Summer’s Night Ride. 3pm-9pm. This family-friendly ride offers a 25-mile or 5-mile route that follows the Heart of Vilas County paved bike trail. Live music, ice cream, and a summer evening of fun to help fund the nutritional support of area school-aged children! Register online at www.FeedOurRuralKids.org or contact Perry at (715) 410-8167.
2020 VISITOR GUIDE | WWW.SAYNER-STARLAKE.ORG
10 – Plum Lake Fire Department 32nd Annual Spaghetti Dinner. 5pm to 8pm. Plum Lake Community Building in Sayner. Raffle prizes and homemade spaghetti with all the trimmings. For details and tickets, contact Kevin at (715) 892-1877.
SEPTEMBER
6 – Stillwaters Star Lake Mayors Race, Star Lake. 4pm to 7pm. 7 – Barnstormers Snowmobile Club Annual Meat Raffle at Weber’s, 2pm to 5pm. Contact Anita Horan at (715) 542-2952. 14 – Plum Lake EMS Annual Benefit Dinner. Whitetail Inn, St. Germain. 4pm to 8pm. Contact Kevin at (715) 892-1877. 25-27 – Colorama Weekend in Downtown Sayner. Fall festivities and special retail sales. Contact (715) 542-2884. 27 – Annual Colorama Brunch and Craft Show, Plum Lake Community Center, 9am to noon. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library and Plum Lake Women’s Club. Visit www.sayner-starlake.org for more info.
OCTOBER
30 – Sayner Star Lake Lionesses Halloween Bash. Trick-or-Treat in Sayner, pizza and soda at the Sayner Pub, 5pm to 7pm. Contact (715) 542-3789. 30 – Trunk-N-Treat. 4pm to 6pm. Tricks and treats from the Plum Lake Library parking lot. Contact (715) 542-2020.
NOVEMBER
14 – Christmas Fest, 10am to 2pm. Crafts and community activities at the Plum Lake Community Center. Sponsored by the Plum Lake Women’s Club. For details, contact (715) 542-3789. 27-29 – Christmas in Downtown Sayner. Enjoy the shops, refreshments, and holiday spirit as the holidays officially commence at the shops and restaurants of Sayner. Visit www.sayner-starlake.org for more info.
DECEMBER
4 – Santa visits Sayner. Sponsored by the Sayner-Star Lake Lions and Lionesses. 5pm to 8pm. Presents for kids aged one to 10, cookies, soup, cocoa, bonfire, and hayrides. Contact (715) 542-3789.
Annual Events Draw Visitors to Sayner-Star Lake
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he 22nd Annual Sayner Spring Stampede, held every first weekend in May, is expected to draw hundreds of rubber stampers to participate in what promises to be the best Stampede in the event’s history.
Scheduled for May 1st and 2nd, this year’s Stampede will provide a fun and energizing atmosphere that will include an expansive Rubber Stamp Convention where artists can exchange cards, register to win cash prizes, and participate in Make & Take projects and Round Robins. Classes offered will provide instruction, allowing participants to create art reflecting inspiring sentiments with beautiful imagery. “It’s wonderful to see the results when this group of creative people share their ideas and experience with one another,” says Jill Lemke, Stampede Coordinator. A popular feature of the Sayner Stampede is the New/Used Stamp Sale, which is now a two-day event so that convention goers have plenty of time to do it all. The Stamp Sale provides an exciting marketplace where vendors and attendees alike can buy and sell new and used stamps, as well as countless other stamping supplies. Attendees wishing to bring their rubber stamps to sell can visit www.saynerstampede.com for participation instructions. For more information about this popular event, contact Jill Lemke at info@saynerstampede.com.
4th of July Parade Like a scene out of a Norman Rockwell painting, Sayner-Star Lake’s annual 4th of July Parade brings out the kid in all of us. Beginning at 3pm on the 4th on downtown Sayner’s Main Street, the parade features an array of floats, as well as candy and stuffed animals for children. All are invited to attend and participate by entering a float in each year’s parade, sponsored by the Sayner-Star Lake Lions and Lionesses. First-, second-, and third-place trophies are awarded to the floats best adhering to the parade’s annual theme. The day’s festivities begin at noon in Sayner’s
Community Park, where the Sayner-Star Lake Firemen offer a delicious Chicken & Sweet Corn Barbeque. At 7pm, the Plum Ski-ters perform a patriotic ski show on Plum Lake, and at dusk, a grand fireworks display begins behind the Plum Lake Library. For more information, contact Gary Kaphignst at (715) 542-2751 or garykaphingst@gmail.com.
7th Annual Sayner Street Fair & 5K Later in the summer, on the first Sunday of August, the Sayner Street Fair draws crowds from far and wide. Scheduled this year for August 2nd on Sayner’s Main Street, the town of Sayner is prepared to dazzle Fair attendees with an abundance of entertainment, food, exhibits, art, and more. Activities begin with the newly added Street Fair 5K (for registration information, visit www. sayner-starlake.org) and will continue with a craft fair and festival at 9am, which will include craft vendors from all over the Midwest, live music and dancing in the street, games for kids, and beer and food vendors. Returning this year by popular demand will be the Touch-a-Truck hands-on truck show! The Fair will also feature special promotions in Sayner’s retail shops. Be sure to mark your calendar and plan to visit Sayner, where the whole family can enjoy this grand event! For more information, contact Carrie Schalinske at (715) 605-2534.
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Girls’ Day Out
othing draws women together better than a day out shopping or crafting together. In Sayner, first head to Traditions, and find a wide selection of items that depart from the average “Northwoods flavor.” Traditions is a full-service gift and home furnishings boutique offering a wide selection frequently updated with new, fashionable lines from suppliers on the cutting edge. Women’s accessories are also available in abundance. Next, walk next door to GreenWeavers to find an array of women’s apparel, ranging from casual wear to dressy, knockout ensembles for special occasions. Staff is available every day to help you mix and match your wardrobe, find packable pieces for travel, and turn heads everywhere you go! If hands-on crafting is more your style, visit Plum Lake Quilts, a fullservice quilt shop offering classes, longarm quilting services, fabrics galore, and an array of patterns and kits. Owner Pat Anderson has over 30 years of quilting experience and a passion for her “Open Sew” every Wednesday, where women can socialize, compare ideas, and sew together. After hitting the shops in Sayner, travel east out of town on County Road N to Star Lake. There, you’ll find The Old Milltown Depot & The Old School House Gallery. Located in a restored 90-year-old, one-room schoolhouse, The Gallery offers gifts and art items. The Depot is a museum where the staff can provide a plethora of interesting tales of the history of Star Lake.
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GreenWeavers
Dedicated to the Art of Fashion GreenWeavers Gift & Apparel offers women’s apparel from across the globe while providing personal fashion consulting
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hopping for women’s apparel can be daunting, but at GreenWeavers, women find their quest for style can be fun, focused, and inspiring.
“Most women have a vision of how they want to look, but finding the right clothing to define one’s own, unique style takes time, energy and patience,” says Wendy Kimbrell, GreenWeavers owner. “Because we’re all so uber-busy, many women simply don’t have time to explore the possibilities of their wardrobes. “At GreenWeavers, we do the work for them.”
Custom Garments Not Online
“Good clothing is all about the fabric.” – Wendy Kimbrell,, GreenWeavers Owner
‘The work’ begins with GreenWeavers personnel negotiating with vendors across the globe to create unique apparel not offered in mainstream retail outlets or online. Often, staffers offer creative input to designers who make apparel specifically for GreenWeavers. In addition, GreenWeavers is much larger than the average urban boutique. “Most city boutiques are forced to pay astronomical rents for teeny spaces,” Kimbrell says. “Because of our location, GreenWeavers can offer a huge volume of designer clothing at rural, not urban, prices.” Located in the center of town on Sayner’s Main Street, GreenWeavers has been providing fashion advice and apparel for 19 years. Boasting more than 3,000 sq. ft. of retail space, there is plenty of room for patrons to relax and spend time finding just the right outfits.
Relaxing and Fun “Some women literally spend the entire day here,” Kimbrell laughs. “Even the men are happy about that, because we’re right across the street from The Sayner Pub, where husbands often pass the time watching a game, or shooting the breeze with the locals.” Everyday wear abounds at GreenWeavers, which provides pants, shirts, tunics, dresses, skirts and coats for women wishing to spruce up their work and play wardrobes. Special occasion apparel for reunions, parties, conventions and cruises is vast and varied. And artsy accessories like shoes, jewelry, scarves, shawls, handbags and hats abound. But a special occasion is not the only time a woman wants to look good, Kimbrell says. “Women should look fantastic wherever they go,” she says. “Because when you look good, you feel good, and you’re just happier.” Jeanne Schmidt, GreenWeavers assistant manager, agrees. “It’s rewarding when we achieve a particular style, or look, that a customer has long been searching for,” she says. “When that happens, women literally light up, and walk out of the store feeling satisfied and empowered. Women should feel like that every day, wherever they go.”
Fashion Consulting Schmidt adds that GreenWeavers sales associates always offer honest advice and never try to sell patrons clothing that does not look terrific on them. “It’s so important to find garments that accent the finer attributes of your body type,” she says. “It’s difficult to achieve that by shopping online, which is why GreenWeavers is committed to providing its customers with solid, one-onone fashion consulting, as well as solutions to sizing, color and fabric issues.” Furthermore, all of the boutique’s garments are made of high-quality fabrics that last. Says Kimbrell, “Good clothing is all about the fabric. Instead of wasting money on items that don’t fit well and deteriorate in a year or two, it’s smarter to spend more on a garment that’s going to gracefully lay across your body, last ten years, and require minimal care.” Sizes at GreenWeavers range from XS to XXL so that women of all shapes and sizes can make the most out of what the boutique has to offer. And they do make the most of them. Chicago resident Loretta Pierson, for instance, travels from Chicago to GreenWeavers twice annually. “I’ve been shopping for my clothes at GreenWeavers for 16 years now, and I simply won’t buy clothes anyplace else,” Pierson says. “Why would I?” 2965 State Highway 155 | Sayner, WI 54560 | (715) 542-2884
Advertorial
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Summertime Family Fun
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Explore pristine trails and crystal clear waters
ayner-Star Lake is a year-round sporting paradise. In the fragrant woodland summer, warm-weather sports abound, whether you’re a hiker, cyclist, golfer, or water sport enthu-
Your summer day can begin in Star Lake by enjoying Tramper’s Trails. Then head to the Star Lake Interpretive Trail, featuring scenic boardwalks and interpretive signs along its lovely landscape, part of which is on a Star Lake peninsula. There are many photo ops along the way, so don’t forget your camera!
The Hiker
In Sayner, just on the outskirts of town, Razorback Ridges trails offer 16 miles of exhilarating terrain and breathless views. Trail maps are available at The Corner Store on Highway N, GreenWeavers on Main Street, and other local businesses. Further down the road is the Fallison Lake Trail, a breathtaking trail with spectacular views of Fallison Lake. Booklets on wildlife, flora, and trail
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history are available from the DNR at the Crystal Lake Campground and at the trailhead. Loops of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 2.5 miles are available.
The Cyclist Also in Sayner, the paved Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail System links smoothly northward to the Boulder Junction bike paths and westward to the St. Germain Trails. The Vilas County Bike Trail offers over 50 miles of paved forest trails exhuming scents of evergreen, wildflower, and loam. Six-feet wide with hills just challenging enough – you won’t have to walk your bike uphill! Bike trail maps are available at Sayner Mobil Express on Main Street, as well as several other Sayner businesses. For a more rugged experience, head to Razorback Ridges. Here you will experience a different type of ride on 30 miles worth of mountain bike trails. Don’t have a bike? Not a problem. The Corner Store, located on Highway N in Sayner, has bikes to rent, and a full supply of Vilas County Bike Trail maps on hand. Says Corner Store owner Mary Debilzen, “We are your one-stop-shop for creating the perfect Northwoods Wisconsin experience.” The Corner Store has served residents, campers, and visitors in the surrounding area for more than 80 years. Centrally located within the
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest and the SaynerStar Lake area, The Corner Store is directly adjacent to over 50 miles of paved bike trails and 16 miles of mountain bike and cross-country ski trails, and it is near many lakes and campgrounds. The Corner Store is also right on the way to the Plum Ski-ters waterski show.
The Golfer Plum Lake Golf Course, located on the south shore of Plum Lake, offers a challenging nine-hole course rich with history and the sounds and fragrance of the best of the Northwoods. Founded in 1912, it is the oldest nine-hole golf course in Wisconsin, featuring a turn-ofthe-century clubhouse, wraparound porch, and a spectacular view of the lake.
On the Water Swimming, boating, and water sports opportunities abound in Sayner-Star Lake. For instance, Sayner’s Crystal Lake is located next to one of the cleanest, clearest, safest swimming beaches in the Midwest. At just under 90 acres in size and a maximum depth of 67 feet, the water is clear and deep. It’s a favorite for scuba divers as well as recreational swimmers. Crystal Lake beach is perfect for families of all ages. Come and picnic at the lovely picnic area next to the beach, or camp at several well-equipped campsites on the state-owned property. Before you head onto the water, check out the canoes and kayaks available for rent at Up North Traders, located on Main Street in Sayner. Kayaks and paddleboards are also available to rent at The Corner Store on Highway N. Next, you’ll need to choose from the wonderful lakes in the area to paddle on. Just refer to the map in this booklet. If a canoe or kayak is not your cup of tea, Errington’s Resort has boats available for rent. At the end of your day, enjoy the Plum Ski-ters water ski show in Sayner on select days at 7pm located at Statehouse Point – a short 2.5 miles down Razorback Road. Finally, fishing opportunities in the Sayner-Star Lake area abound. See page 10 for fishing information.
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More than Just a Fish Story
nglers who cast their lines across the rich waters of SaynerStar Lake’s fishing lakes are likely to return to shore either with fish-filled live wells or a trophy muskie large enough to mount. And when those anglers tell Sayner-Star Lake fish stories, they’re probably true.
“The combination of Plum Lake, Star Lake and Razorback Lake gives this community the best smallmouth fishing in America,” says Mike Errington, a licensed guide based in Star Lake. “And if you’re looking to catch a muskie, the population in the Irving, Ballard, and White Birch lake chain is just incredible.” Encompassing 7,554 acres of water, Sayner and Star Lake are located in the headwaters of two drainage basins – the Manitowish River basin flowing to the west and the Wisconsin River basin flowing to the south. The two communities, which comprise the Town of Plum Lake, offer 31 boat landings, as well as 50 named and 95 unnamed lakes. Beneath the surface lies an abundance of smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill, perch, northern pike, and, of course, muskie. Several smaller streams are managed for trout, while Sayner’s Plum Creek receives the most attention from trout anglers.
Teeming with Fish
Partly due to the 18-inch minimum required to keep a smallmouth bass or walleye (a regulation imposed by the Wisconsin
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Department of Natural Resources to control crayfish populations in the Town of Plum Lake) and partly due to the simple fact that smallmouth bass and walleye thrive in the cold-water temperatures of Wisconsin’s Northwoods, the fisheries in the Town of Plum Lake are teeming with fish, and the smallmouths are getting “huge,” Errington says. “This summer, I caught 16 smallmouths over six pounds and two of those were over seven pounds,” he says. Aside from trophy muskies and smallmouths, which often appeal to more experienced anglers, Plum Lake’s fisheries also offer an abundance of panfish that most children and beginners can catch easily.
Bait and Gear Aplenty In Sayner, anglers can stock up on bait and gear at Up North Traders, which rents boat motors, canoes, and kayaks. It also sells live bait, fishing tackle, and fishing licenses. Sayner’s The Corner Store also offers bait and fishing supplies, as well as kayak and paddleboard rentals. If you’re in Star Lake, the Star Lake Store is your destination for live bait and fishing licenses. “Sayner-Star Lake is a great place for a family fishing getaway,” says Errington. Now that’s one fish story you can count on.
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If simply keeping warm is your priority, check out Sayner’s Earth Sense Energy Systems, which specializes in the sales, service, and installation of pellet stoves. And at Earth Sense, pellets are always in stock.
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Wintery World of Wonder
here’s nothing like a snowfall in the Northwoods ... the snow gently dropping to the ground and resting on the pine trees, and silent, lazy flakes dropping on your tongue.
On the Trails
Set your wintery journey in motion by taking advantage of the area’s boundless cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. Head over to Razorback Ridges, which offers scenic trails, featuring varied terrains for beginner-to-expert skiers, as well as an outdoor warming shelter. The trail system is maintained by the Sayner-Star Lake Lions Club. After that, enjoy the Star Lake Nature Trail, where you can find interpretive signs along the way with part of the trail on a peninsula that juts out into Star Lake. Visit www.vilaswi.com/outdoor-fun/cross-country-skiing-snowshoeing/ for printable maps of all area trails.
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Lake is home to nearly 80 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, maintained by the Sayner-Star Lake Barnstormers, the local snowmobile club, who was recently inducted into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame and named the 2019 ASCA Club of the Year. Take in the scenery as you ride through the wooded landscape of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, over lakes, and past wildlife – providing some of the best riding in the region! If you get hungry along the way, no worries! The trail system has great signage that will lead you to many excellent eating establishments, including The Sayner Pub, Stillwaters, The Hillside Tavern & Grill, and Mar-li’s. Visit www.saynerbarnstormers.com for trail reports and more information about snowmobiling. No snowmobile? No problem. There are plenty of places nearby offering snowmobile rentals all winter long.
On Frozen Waters
The Snowmobiler
Don’t forget about the spectacular ice fishing in Sayner and Star Lake. Sayner-Star Lake is a prime fishing destination in northern Wisconsin, where you can catch panfish, crappie, walleye, and more. It’s hard to beat a day of sunshine and fresh air while fishing on frozen waters! Check with area accommodations for ice fishing packages that might be available. And live bait, tackle, and ice fishing supplies are available from Up North Traders in Sayner.
If speed is more your style, then you’ve come to the right place! Sayner-Star Lake is known as a snowmobiling hot spot. After all, Sayner is the birthplace of the snowmobile! Sayner-Star
If simply keeping warm is your priority, check out Sayner’s Earth Sense Energy Systems, which specializes in the sales, service, and installation of pellet stoves. And at Earth Sense, pellets are always in stock.
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Sayner Snowmobile Map
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Art & History Haven
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Sayner-Star Lake is rich with history
pend a day experiencing the rich history of the Sayner-Star Lake area. Begin your day at the Vilas Historical Museum, which was founded in August 1959 by Mabel Sayner Dewitt (daughter of Orrin Sayner, for whom the town was named). The museum contains more than 40,000 items portraying the history of Vilas County and the surrounding area, as well as an extraordinary collection of snowmobiles, including the original machine built by Carl Eliason in 1924. A small gift shop features books by local authors and old-fashioned toys. Down the road, you’ll find Eliason Lumber and Hardware, the birthplace of the modern snowmobile and the location of one of the oldest and most unique stores in northern Wisconsin. Check out Eliason’s storefront window display, where you’ll find many antique collectables, including a player piano and snowmobile. Be sure to stop inside to learn more about Sayner’s history.
Art & History Lovers Flock to Star Lake
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serves as a gift store and historical museum. The Gallery itself is steeped in history. In 2005, Bill Hintz, a longtime Star Lake resident and owner of Hintz’s North Star Lodge, restored Star Lake’s original 90-year-old, one-room schoolhouse, converting it into to a gallery/gift shop and museum. Meanwhile, Friends of Star Lake replicated the town’s Old Milltown Depot, which is directly adjacent to the Old Schoolhouse Gallery. The group recently relocated the Frederickson House – the Star Lake home of two beloved sisters for nearly 100 years and an original logger’s home – to become part of the historic community park. The Fredrickson house will serve as a museum illustrating Star Lake’s history and will be full of artifacts dating from 1895. The Depot serves as a museum dedicated to Star Lake’s historical logging and railroad days.
Anchoring Star Lake as a base for Northwoods artisans is The Old Schoolhouse Art Gallery, open June through October, Thursday-Saturday, 11am to 4pm.
Just down the road is the picturesque Fredrickson Bait Shop, made from an old boxcar, which rests on the shores of Star Lake, just as it has since the area’s logging days. The bait shop has been an integral part of the Star Lake community and has been painted and photographed by many people over the years.
The Friends of Star Lake – a group dedicated to preserving and restoring historic Star Lake sites – offers its members’ fine art, photography, and other artifacts for sale at the Gallery, which also
End your journey through history at Hintz’s North Star Lodge. The Lodge on Star Lake was built in 1894-95 as a home and retreat for railroad and lumber company officials and guests.
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Plum Lake Library
he Plum Lake Public Library in Sayner offers everyone – young and old – something to pique their interest. Enjoy pleasant reading areas and browse its library shelves for items to satisfy your reading, studying, or research work. The library offers access to computers, a printer, a copier, a scanner, a fax machine, and 24/7 free Wi-Fi. The recently remodeled youth area provides a wonderful array of stimulating toys and activities for children and teens to enjoy in the library as well as a wonderful selection of books, videos, audiobooks, graphic novels, puzzles, and games to check out. The library’s summer reading program offers an assortment of activities for children, from science and craft projects to live animals and guest performers. Times vary, so please be sure to check the library’s website at plumlakelibrary. org or visit its Facebook page. Be sure to stop by on Wednesdays at 10am for the weekly preschool story hour for stories and crafts.
Eagle River St. Germain Three Lakes Each with a 24-hour ATM
bankmbank.com mBank NMLS#465939
Winter Dining Hour s Open through mid March Thurs, Fri, Sat On Snowmobile Trail #19
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Feasts and Famously Great Times “People who love to eat are always the best people.” – Julia Child
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rom jumbo shrimp to heaping ice cream cones to huge, garnish-filled Bloody Marys, Sayner-Star Lake restaurants quench every hunger and thirst.
Good Times
The good times roll year-round in downtown Sayner at the Sayner Pub, a full-service sports bar offering a complete menu of sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and burgers. Established in 1945, the Sayner Pub also offers a full-service bar known for its specialty drinks, including fantastic 22-ounce Bloody Marys that don’t skimp on the garnish. And according to Eric Liebenstein, Sayner Pub owner, the Pub’s pizza put Sayner on the map. “People who come back to the Northwoods every year for vacation say The Pub is the first place they go when they arrive, because they want to order the same pizza they ate here when they were kids,” Liebenstein says. “We haven’t changed the recipe.”
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Liebenstein brings in bands every Wednesday night in the summer, and provides several flat-screen televisions to keep sports fans up to date on their favorite teams. And patrons regularly throng the bar and dining rooms during football season. “Sports is No. 1 here, and we never miss a game,” says Liebenstein, who from 1983 to 1987 was a Badgers baseball star. “We have a great time in here,” he adds. “We provide a place where friends can get together, have a good dinner, and then stay around to play a few games of pool or enjoy the entertainment.” Just around the corner, The Hillside Tavern & Grill is another place where patrons can watch a good game in the bar before drifting into the dining room. Proudly serving Vinchi’s famous recipes for thin-crust pizza and ribs, The Hillside Tavern & Grill also offers a complete dinner menu, featuring specials every night. A soup and salad bar come with all dinner orders. Menu items also include specialty sandwiches, such as the 8-ounce Italian Sausage
Gourmet Brews
You don’t have to visit a worldwide chain to get delicious coffee in Sayner-Star Lake.
The Star Lake Store is proud to host Catch-A-Cup, a gourmet coffee service offering espresso, mocha and iced coffee, smoothies, and other creative drinks. Open all summer from 7am-2pm daily, stop in and indulge in a cup of deliciousness while watching the hummingbirds from the feeders outside! Enjoy free internet and browsing through the Star Lake Store.
Patty Sandwich, the Philly Steak Sandwich, and a huge Meatball Sandwich. Try the Grizzly if you dare! And Hillside’s Friday Night Fish Fry special also offers baked cod. Located at Snowmobile Pit Stop #38, Hillside is open year-round, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Down the road is Mar-Li’s Bar, which was recommended by Travel Wisconsin in 2017 as one of 10 Northwoods hot spots for fish fry dinner. Also recognized by local Channel 12, Mar-Li’s Fish Fry offers German and American potato salad with haddock on Friday, as well as a Fisherman’s Platter – a mix of deep-fried and baked, lemon-pepper fish. Meanwhile, daily dinner specials also draw the crowds, and the biggest crowd-pleasers are the restaurant’s Broasted Chicken, Bourbon Burger, and Loaded Bomber, a slow-roasted beef sandwich. Drink specials from Mar-Li’s full-service bar, such as a fully dressed, 24-oz Bloody Mary, are also popular favorites at this newly remodeled historic restaurant. Another favorite establishment for foodies is The Corner Store in Sayner, where huge scoops of ice cream, shakes, and sundaes delight parents and children alike. The Corner Store also offers other hot snacks, such as pizza. While the kids are testing their skills in The Corner Store’s Arcade Room, parents can relax around picnic tables outside. And, instead of having to run out of town for milk, bread, and other necessities such as firewood or other camping supplies, customers can stay close to home and purchase groceries and camping and fishing supplies at The Corner Store.
Savory Specialties
Further down the road in Star Lake, homemade is the name of the game at Stillwaters. Chuck and Karen Altamore, owners of Stillwaters, pride themselves on offering traditional Italian family recipes to patrons who travel from miles around to dine at this unique establishment. “One of our regular couples travels all the way from Antigo every other week just to have our Sicilian Walleye,” says Chuck. ”That old family Sicilian recipe is so well-loved, I guarantee that when you google Sicilian Walleye, our name will pop up. Even people who don’t like fish love it.” Other Stillwaters dinner specialties include a 14 oz. Aged Black Angus Ribeye Steak, Friday All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry, Baked Cold Water Alaska Cod, Homemade Meatloaf, and Chuck’s Homemade Pasta and Meatballs. Stillwaters, located on Star Lake’s Highway K at Snowmobile Pit Stop #35, is open year-round, offers carry-out orders, and features outdoor dining in the summer.
Stocking Up If dining and imbibing at home is your pleasure, stock up on supplies from the Mobil Station and The Corner Store in Sayner, and The Star Lake Store in Star Lake. At the Mobil, patrons can fill their tanks and shop for grocery essentials. Open daily all year, The Mobil carries wine and alcohol and a broad selection of craft beers. At The Corner Store, summer patrons also will find an ample selection of grocery staples. Open daily from May through September, the Corner Store offers beer, wine and liquor, as well as dairy, frozen foods, camping and fishing supplies. Bike, kayak, and paddleboard rentals are also available. In Star Lake, the Star Lake Store sells a wide and eclectic range of vacation necessities – its vast inventory includes gifts, groceries, bait, fishing and camping supplies, clothing, souvenirs, and more. Never been to the area? The Star Lake Store is your go-to for area maps and visitor information! Open May thru September.
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Bowman’s Pine Hollow Cottage (847) 275-4744 bowmanspinehollow.com Lake: Plum Lake
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Cropsey Vacation Rentals (715) 542-2172 cropseyvacationrentals.com Lake: Various
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Errington’s Resort
(715) 542-3646 erringtonsresort.com Lake: Across from Little Star Lake
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Four Seasons Cabin (847)309-5277 plumlakecabin.com Lake: Plum Lake
Hintz’s North Star Lodge (715) 542-3600 hintznorthstar.com Lake: Star Lake
Innisfree Cabin (262) 3274382 Lake: Plum Lake
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Plum Gate Resort (715) 542-2224 plumgateresort.com Lake: Plum Lake
Plum Lake Station Rental Home (414) 531-5532 plumlakestation.com Lake: Plum Lake
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Star Lake Home (262) 245-9400 starlakehome.net Lake: Star Lake
White Birch Village Resort
(715) 385-2182 whitebirchvillage.com Lake: White Birch Lake
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Burgers & Sandwiches
Homemade Thin Crust Pizza
Homemade Breaded Pork .......... $8.99 Homemade Italian Beef ............. $9.99 Homemade Pizza Burger ............ $8.99 Homemade BBQ Pork ................. $8.99 Homemade Meatball Sandwich . $8.99 Black Angus Ribeye Sandwich .. $11.99 Star Laker ................................... $8.99 Little Star Laker .......................... $7.99 Mushroom & Swiss..................... $9.99 Bleu Cheese................................ $9.99 Grilled Chicken Breast ................ $8.99 B.L.T. .......................................... $6.99 Gyro ........................................... $8.99 Veggie Burger ............................ $6.99 Canadian Walleye Sandwich..... $11.99
Served until 9pm Cheese 12”.............................. $13.00 14”.............................. $15.00 Cheese & Sausage or Pepperoni 12” .............................. $15.00 14”.............................. $17.00 Special 12”.............................. $20.00 14”.............................. $22.00 ••Toppings•• Sausage or Pepperoni................. $3.00 Mushrooms, onions, green peppers, black olives ................................ $2.00 Extra Cheese............................... $3.00
Soup & Salad
Served from 4:30 to 9:00pm Honey Crusted Chicken ............. $14.99 Tempura Butterfly Shrimp........ $17.99 Canadian Walleye Fillets........... $19.99 Sicilian Walleye ........................ $25.99 Sicilian Prawn Shrimp .............. $26.99 Homemade Meatloaf (Sunday Only) .......................... $14.99 14oz Dry Aged Ribeye Steak ..... $27.99 Chuck’s Homemade Pasta & Meatballs .................... $14.99
Side Salad .................................. $3.99 Soup of the Day Cup .......................................... $2.99 Bowl ........................................ $3.99 Homemade Chili Cup .......................................... $3.99 Bowl ........................................ $4.99 *Consuming Raw or Under Cooked Meat, Seafood, Shellfish, Eggs or Poultry May Increase the Risk of Food Borne Illness
House Specialties
Friday Dinner Menu
Also Monday during Summer All You Care to Eat Fish Fry ........ $15.99 Canadian Walleye Fillets........... $19.99 Tempura Butterfly Shrimp........ $17.99 Perch ........................................ $15.99 Bluegill..................................... $15.99 Alaskan Cold Water Baked Cod . $14.99 Star Laker ................................... $8.99 Little Star Laker .......................... $7.99 Veggie Burger ............................ $6.99 Grilled Chicken ........................... $8.99 Homemade BBQ Pork ................. $8.99
Children’s Menu ................ $7.99 Corn Dog Chicken Fingers with French Fries Kids’ Portion Pasta & Meatballs 7914 Highway K Star Lake, WI 54561 Pit Stop #35 on the Snowmobile Trail
www.stillwatersstarlake.com
Children’s Menu Available • Watch for weekly specials
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Chamber Business DIRECTORY
1 – Bowman’s Pine Hollow Cottage 2 – Plum Gate Resort 3 – Carl Eliason Lumber Co 4 – Sayner Pub 5 – Traditions 6 – GreenWeavers Gift & Apparel 7 – Earth Sense/Up North Traders 8 – Plum Lake Quilts 9 – Plum Lake Library 10 – Sayner Mobil Express 11 – White Birch Village Resort 12 – Errington’s Resort and Guide Service 13 – Hintz’s North Star Lodge 14 - Stillwaters 15 – Star Lake Home 16 – Star Lake Store & Catch-A-Cup 17 – Old Mill Depot & Old Schoolhouse Art Gallery 18 – The Hillside Tavern & Grill 19 – Plum Lake Golf Course 20 – The Corner Store 21 – Plum Lake Station Rental Home 22 – Mar-Li’s Bar 23 – Plum Ski-ters Water Ski Show Team 24 – Milton Propane 25 – Squirrel Away Storage 26 – Four Seasons at Plum Lake 27 – Northern Lakes Storage 28 – Innisfree Cabin 29 – Plum Lake Laundry
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CAMPERS PARADISE Northern Highland State Forest
• Crystal Lake Campground – 9 miles to Sayner. 183 Units. Excellent Beach • Plum Lake Campground – 1 mile to Sayner. 18 units. Beach available. • Firefly Lake Campground – 5 miles to Sayner. 69 units. Excellent Beach. • Razorback Lake Campground • Starrett Lake Campground • Star Lake Campground East/West • North/South Trout Lake Campground • Clear Lake Campground • Indian Mounds Campground • North Muskie Lake Group Camp Allequash Lake Wilderness Camp Day Lake Wilderness Sites Nebish Lake Wilderness Sites Jag Lake Group Camp Reserved sites are available at various area Campgrounds. Reservations can be made online at https://wisconsin.goingtocamp.com or by calling (888) 947-2757. Reservations should be made 60 days in advance.
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Business Directory ATTRACTIONS
Old Milltown Depot & Old Schoolhouse Art Gallery 7820 County Rd K Star Lake, WI 54561 (715) 542-3998 www.friendsofstarlake.org Plum Lake Golf Club 3160 Clubhouse Rd. Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2598 www.plumlakegolf.com Plum Lake Public Library 8789 Peterson St. Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2020 ebraunel@sayner.wislib.org www.plumlakelibrary.org Vilas County Historical Museum 2889 State Hwy 155 Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3388 www.vilasmuseum.com
FRIENDS OF THE CHAMBER Barnstormers Snowmobile Club P.O. Box 5 • Sayner, WI 54560 www.saynerbarnstormers.com Friends of the Plum Lake Library P.O. Box 114 Sayner, WI 54560 pllfriends@yahoo.com www.plumlakelibrary.org/friendsof-the-library Friends of Star Lake P.O. Box 1169 Star Lake, WI 54561 www.friendsofstarlake.org Sayner Star Lake Lioness Club Mitzi Pockat – (715) 542-3996 pockat@frontier.com
Plum Ski-ters Water Ski Show Team 3230 State House Point Rd. Sayner, WI 54560 (262) 423-PLUM hello@plumskiters.org www.plumskiter.org
Sayner Star Lake Lions Club garykaphingst@gmail.com www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/ saynerstarlake/
DINING
Bowman’s Pine Hollow Cottage On Plum Lake • (847) 275-4744 tom.bowman6@sbcglobal.net www.bowmanspinehollow.com
Catch-A-Cup 7697 County Road K Star Lake, WI 54561 (715) 542-3464 debbie@erringtonsresort.com www.erringtonsresort.com Mar-Li’s Bar 2530 State Hwy 155 Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-4255 marlisbar@yahoo.com www.marlisbar.com Sayner Pub 2962 State Hwy 155 Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3647 pub@liebofamily.com www.saynerpub.com Stillwaters Food & Spirits 7914 County Road K Star Lake, WI 54561 (715) 542-3652 chuck@stillwatersstarlake.com www.stillwatersstarlake.com The Corner Store 3109 Razorback Rd. Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-4250 thecornerstoresayner@gmail.com www.thecornerstoresayner.com
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The Hillside Tavern & Grill 8065 County Hwy N East Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2240 www.vinchishillside.com
LODGING
Cropsey Vacation Rentals P.O. Box 356 • St. Germain, WI 54558 (715) 542-2172 info@cropseyvacationrentals.com www.cropseyvacationrentals.com Errington’s Resort 8028 County Road K • P.O. Box 1152 Star Lake, WI 54561 (715) 542-3646 debbie@erringtonsresort.com www.erringtonsresort.com Four Seasons Cabin 8714 Schneider Rd. Sayner, WI 54560 (847) 309-5277 fourseasonssayner@gmail.com www.plumlakecabin.com Hintz’s North Star Lodge 7933 Waldheim Rd. • P.O. Box 1169 Star Lake, WI 54561 (715) 542-3600 www.hintznorthstar.com Innisfree Cabin 3158 Historic Lodge Rd. #15 Sayner, WI 54560 (262) 327-4382 mborst1@wi.rr.com
Plum Gate Resort 3085 Plum Lake Drive Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2224 stay@plumgateresort.com www.plumgateresort.com
Eliason Lumber & Hardware 2954 State Hwy 155 Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3233 Fax: (715) 542-3534 www.eliason-snowmobile.com
Plum Lake Station Rental Home 8188 Plum Lake Station Rd. Sayner, WI 54560 (414) 531-5532 plumlakestation@gmail.com www.plumlakestation.com
GreenWeavers Gift & Apparel 2965 State Hwy 155 Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2884 writer923@gmail.com www.green-weavers.com
Star Lake Home 3974 Murphy Rd. Star Lake, WI 54561 (262) 245-9400 markfbrower@gmail.com www.starlakehome.net
Knitt’s Hardware Hank 246 State Hwy 70 St. Germain, WI 54558 (715) 479-5930 10359 Main St. Boulder Junction, WI 54512 (715) 385-2300 kwknitt@frontier.com www.knittshardware.com
White Birch Village Resort 8695 Village Ln. Star Lake, WI 54561 (715) 385-2182 office@whitebirchvillage.com www.whitebirchvillage.com
REAL ESTATE Eliason Realty of the North Eagle River, WI (715) 479-4431 • (800) 472-5222 eagleriver@eliasonrealty.com St. Germain, WI (715) 542-3223 – (800) 472-3140 stgermain@eliasonrealty.com www.eliasonrealty.com Jim Tait Real Estate Minocqua: (800) 677-8248 Boulder Junction: (877) 385-2077 more2you@jimtaitrealestate.com www.jimtaitrealestate.com
RECREATIONAL RENTALS Star Lake Store 7697 County Road K Star Lake, WI 54561 (715) 542-2548 • (715) 542-3464 debbie@erringtonsresort.com www.erringtonsresort.com The Corner Store 3109 Razorback Rd. Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-4250 thecornerstoresayner@gmail.com www.thecornerstoresayner.com Up North Traders 2977 State Hwy 155 Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2046 pnm@nnex.net www.upnorthtraders.com
RETAIL Earth Sense Energy Systems 2977 State Hwy 155 Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2788 www.upnorthtraders.com
2020 VISITOR GUIDE | WWW.SAYNER-STARLAKE.ORG
Plum Lake Quilts LLC 3019 State Hwy 155 Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-4888 plumlakequilts@gmail.com www.plumlakequilts.com Star Lake Store 7697 County Road K Star Lake, WI 54561 (715) 542-2548 • (715) 542-3464 debbie@erringtonsresort.com www.erringtonsresort.com The Corner Store 3109 Razorback Rd. Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-4250 thecornerstoresayner@gmail.com www.thecornerstoresayner.com Traditions 2959 State Hwy 155 Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2101 info@traditionssayner.com www.traditionsinsayner.com Up North Traders 2977 State Hwy 155 Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2046 pnm@nnex.net www.upnorthtraders.com
SERVICES 5 Star Marketing & Distribution 409 South Park Dr. • Tomahawk, WI (715) 453-4511 info@5starupnorth.com www.5starupnorth.com Chances R Satellite Sales & Service 2616 State Hwy 155 Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3367 chancesrlw@frontier.com www.chancesrsatellite.com
Errington’s Guide Service P.O. Box 1054 • Star Lake, WI 54561 Resort: (715) 542-3646 Cell: (815) 298-1358 mike@erringtonsresort.com Maplewood Marketing 6387 Timbering Haven Dr. Eagle River, WI 54521 (715) 605-2534 carrie@maplewood-marketing.com www.maplewood-marketing.com McGrath Printing | Custom Apparel 740 Duffy Dr. • Crystal Lake, IL 60014 (815) 356-5246 info@mcgrathprint.com www.mcgrathprint.com Meyer & Associates Insurance P.O. Box 267 • St. Germain, WI 54558 (715) 479-3949 meyer@meyer-ins.com www.meyer-ins.com Milton Propane 2835 Plum Lake Dr. Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3292 say@miltonpropane.com www.miltonpropane.com Northern Lakes Storage 2927 Froelich Dr. • Sayner, WI 54560 (414) 333-6580 eric.schoessow@gmail.com www.northernlakes-storage.com Plum Lake Laundry 8737 Smith St. • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 575-6565 plumlakelaundry@gmail.com Sayner Mobil Express 277 State Hwy 155 Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2024 ricklovdal@yahoo.com www.exxonmobilstations.com Squirrel Away Storage 8855 Glenbrook Ln. Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 617-3885 St. Germain Hometown Pharmacy 252 State Hwy 70 • P.O. Box 280 St Germain, WI 54558 (715) 479-7608
CHURCHES Shepherd of The Lakes Lutheran Church 2903 State Hwy 155 Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 614-3701 St. Mary Catholic Church 2820 County Road N Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 385-2390
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