Sayner Star Lake Visitor Guide 2014

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www.sayner-starlake.org • (715) 542-3789

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www.sayner-starlake.org • (715) 542-3789

Welcome to

Sayner-Star Lake!

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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 -- a ghostly remembrance of logging days gone by.

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It seems a bit like heaven, until suddenly, you realize that you have found yourself in Sayner/Star Lake.

Table of Contents

A Day in the Life ................. Page D Shopper’s Paradise ............... Page F Feasts for the Senses ............Page K Area Map ............................. Page N Plum Lake Trails .................. Page P Snowmobile Info .................Page R More Than a Fish Story........Page T Business Directory...............Page V

The two villages, linked by a lovely seven-mile drive along rustic Highway N, 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 and supper clubs, a challenging ninehole golf course, housekeeping cottages, tennis courts, pristine lakes teeming with muskie and bass & walleye, groomed snowmobile and cross-country ski trails, paved bike trails, marked hiking trails, a fully-dressed library, an art gallery, several historical museums, and unique retail shops complete with haute couture from Paris.

Truly, finding yourself in Sayner/Star Lake will guarantee a vacation you’ll want to replicate over and over again.

Calendar of Events

February

July

Plum Lake Ice Fishing TournamentFebruary 8. Cash prizes, door prizes, raffles, food and refreshments. Proceeds benefit area lake improvement projects. Call 715-542-3501 for details.

WELCA Pie & Ice Cream Social July 13. 11am to 3pm, Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church. Brats, pulled pork, homemade pies and more.

Indoor and outdoor seating. Call 715542-3789.

President’s Day Sales - February 15, 16, & 17. Winter blow-out sales at Sayner retail stores, including GreenWeavers, Rustic River Cabin Outfitters and Traditions. Call 715-542-2884.

May

Plum Lake Community Garage Sale - May 24. 9am to 2pm. Plum Lake Community Building in Sayner.

20 Garage Sales at one location. Call Diane Briggs at 715-542-4334.

Star Lakers Club Annual Picnic July 21. Star Lake Pavilion in Star Lake’s Community Park. Call Bob Munsen at 715-542-2109.

August Sayner/Star Lake Street Fair - August 3. 10am to 10pm on Sayner’s Main Street and Community Park. Food and craft vendors, farmer’s market, bands in the park and on the street, sidewalk sales, children’s activities and games.

Chicken Dinner - August 9. Plum Lake Community Building in Sayner.

Sponsored by the Vilas County Historical Museum. Tickets go on sale in July, limited number of dinners available. Call 715-542-3388.

Spaghetti Dinner - August 11. 5pm – 8pm. Plum Lake Community Building in Sayner. Sponsored by the Plum Lake Fire Department. Call Kevin at 715-892-1877.

Star Lake Mayor’s Race - August 31.

4pm at Stillwaters Restaurant, 7914 Cty Hwy K, Star Lake. Festivities, which include great food and karaoke, culminate in the announcement of the 2014 Honorary Mayor’s Race winner.

Proceeds support the Plum Lake Volunteer Fire Department, the Plum Lake EMTs, and the Sayner-Star Lake Barnstormers. Call Vickie Haberle at 715-542-3559.

September Colorama Brunch and Indoor Craft Show - Sept. 28. 9am – 1pm, Plum Lake Community Building in Sayner.

Raffles, door prizes and great food. Sponsored by the Sayner/Star Lake Chamber of Commerce. Call 715-542-3261.

Colorama Sales - Sept. 26, 27 & 28.

Storewide discounts at Sayner retail stores, including GreenWeavers, Pastimes, Rustic River Cabin Outfitters and Traditions. Call 715-542-2884.

Plum Lake EMT Annual Benefit Dinner - Call Peggy Nimz 715-8910572

November Christmas Open House Sales - Nov. 28, 29 & 30. Discounts and Christmas refreshments at Sayner retail stores, including GreenWeavers, Pastimes, Rustic River Cabin Outfitters and Traditions. Call 715-542-2884.

Christmas Fest - Nov. 15. 10am – 2pm, sponsored by the Plum Lake Women’s Club. Call 715-542-2020.

EVENTS

Spring Stampede - May 2-4. Plum Lake Community Building in Sayner.

Features huge rubber stamp sale, rubber stamp demos and classes. Call 715-542-3789.

4th of July Celebration - BBQ Chicken, Corn, Hand-Scooped Ice Cream and other refreshments served in the park. Games and trout pond in the park. 11am to 3pm with parade at 3pm and fireworks at dusk. Call 715-542-3789.

Also included is a “Paddle and Portage” athletic competition. Call Jessica Drallmeier at 715-542-2101.

For a schedule of year-round events at the Plum Lake Library, call 715-542-2020

www.sayner-starlake.org • (715) 542-3789

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Muskie and Star Lak walleye are ple nti e, but so are pan ful in Saynerfish for the kids

A Day In the Life of

Sayner/Star Lake Wave-boarding on Plum Lake

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Two “sleepy” little Northwoods towns are buzzing with activity, and visitors and residents are loving it

t 7:30 a.m. on a typical summer day in Sayner and Star Lake, things are still quiet, but not for long.

At Sayner’s Mobil Express Station and Star Lake’s General Store, fishermen are topping off their boat tanks and filling their coolers with ice. While one group of fishermen receives sound fishing advice from the experts at the Star Lake Store, still another is stocking up on fishing supplies and tips from the guys at Sayner’s Up North Traders. All the while, a couple of local residents passing the time at the Mobil Express are giving some newcomers the “real” neighborhood lowdown. “I think I know everything I need to know now,” chuckles one fisherman as he heads for his truck.

Meanwhile, a cluster of four women are power-walking down Sayner’s Main Street. Shop owners at Rustic River Cabin Outfitters, Traditions, Pastimes, and Red Door Relics are preparing for the day ahead. A woman rom catch f singing songs in French whizzes by on her bicycle, l a c i p A ty e k bound for the Sayner bike trail. She waves at a a L r a St friend who, while busy walking a loveable puppy named “Millie,” calls out a friendly morning greeting.

Sayner’s Plum Lake Library doesn’t open until 10:00 a.m., but there are eight cars parked in the lot with drivers hunched over their laptops, taking advantage of the li-

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brary’s free Wi-Fi.

In Star Lake, Bill Hintz of Hintz’s Star Lake Lodge is busy collecting fresh herbs from his gardens in preparation for the evening menu selections at the resort’s restaurant.

The food is already simmering at Sayner’s Junction Café, where the owners are frying eggs and flipping pancakes like crazy for the morning rush.

Down the street at GreenWeavers, the clothing boutique is opening early for customers shopping for dresses for an upcoming wedding.

Meanwhile, locals and vacationers stop for a cup of gourmet coffee at Sayner’s Corner Store before renting their bicycles for the day, which they can obtain at the Corner Store and Up North Traders for incredibly reasonable prices.

“I really enjoy being part of the Sayner/Star Lake community” says Lisa Amber, who along with partner Eric Powell opened Sayner’s Junction Café in 2012.

“From the day we started working on this Kathy Nelson, former building, people would stop by and intro- New York Rockette, graces the top of the Green duce themselves, and sometimes just pass Weavers float in the by and honk. annual Sayner/Star Lake

“It’s such a friendly place to be.”

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parade.

“I love camping and swimming at the Crystal Lake Campground because the lake’s water really is crystal clear” – A Sayner vacationer er e streets of Sayn rock ‘n roll fill th d an s ue bl e é. af th nction C The sounds of s outside The Ju as Cloud 10 jam

In full swing

Slightly off the main drag, Sayner’s Plum Lake Golf Club is in full swing with groups of golfers already navigating the nine-hole course, while a heated tennis match is underway at the courts in Sayner’s Plum Lake Town Park. Two of the tennis players have brought their children, who are happily amusing themselves on the park’s playground equipment.

And at Sayner’s Crystal Lake and Firefly campgrounds, campfires are already smoldering while the smell of fresh coffee, bacon and sausage mingles with the fresh scent of pine and morning dew.

“I love camping at Crystal Lake because the lake’s water really is crystal clear,” a vacationer tells a shop owner later in the day. “Last year, I dropped my diamond wedding ring in the water.

“I looked down, and I could see where my ring fell under the water. So I just picked it up.”

As the morning grows warmer and turns into midday, local guide Mike Errington is helping a group of fishermen wrestle live wells of freshly caught fish into vehicles. He directs the happy but hungry men to The Sayner Pub, which is packed with customers gobbling ½-pound cheeseburgers, sipping beer and Bloody Marys, and asking about the evening’s upcoming entertainment.

Tonight, Tuck Pence -- a local musician who belts out requests and tunes from a vast repertoire that includes the Marshall Tucker Band, the Eagles, Johnny Cash, John Prine, and his own songs --begins playing at The Pub at 8:00 p.m. ck Troubador Tu s ay pl

At The Junction Café, a daytime, rly Pense regula b Pu er yn outdoor band called Cloud 10 is filling the Sa at The

The Plum Lake Golf Club, voted the “Best Nine-Hole Golfcourse”

streets of Sayner with the sounds of the blues and rock ‘n roll.

Meanwhile, shoppers in downtown Sayner are bustling from store to store, stopping to drop bulging shopping bags in their cars before hurrying to the next shop. One woman is walking out of Traditions carrying a huge mirror while another is leaving Rustic River Cabin Outfitters with an easy chair securely strapped into her open trunk. Still another leaves Pastimes with a custom-framed painting.

Picnickers spread out in the park and the Crystal Lake picnic area The Vilas County M while the bike paths beuseum is home to a vast array of North woods memorabilia come filled with every imaginable type of cycle, including those built for two and sometimes three.

At Weber’s Wildlife in Sayner, families have gathered for an afternoon of fun at the bar and restaurant, while their children are allowed access to a unique petting zoo, complete with alpacas, llamas, deer and peacocks.

And at the Star Lake Store and Sayner Corner Store, hand-scooped ice cream in generous quantities is dripping everywhere, but mostly into the mouths of happy customers.

Sumptuous Sunset

Later, as shadows grow long and the sun begins its reluctant progression toward the West, the doors open at Vinchi’s Hillside Inn in Sayner and at Stillwaters in Star Lake. Dinner patrons eager for pizza, fresh walleye, home-cooked ribs and more fill the restaurants. Other hungry customers at Hintz’s North Star Lodge Restaurant, are enjoying jumbo shrimp and pan-seared Ahi Tuna while watching the sun set on gorgeous Star Lake.

Others have already moved on to watch the Plum Skiters perform an amazing, often daring, water ballet on skis on Plum Lake. Soon after, the setting sun turns the lake a perfect plum color, which is how Plum Lake got its name.

Then, when the moon is high and the stars shoot across the clear skies above, the sounds of classic and country rock begin to drift from Weber’s, The Sayner Pub and Danny’s Bar in Sayner.

Invariably, the music blends with the sounds of lively talk, laughter, and an occasional whoop.

Finally, after the last drink is downed, the last car door is slammed and the last whoop is whooped, Sayner and Star Lake -nestled among some of the richest woodlands and beneath some of the most breathtaking, starry skies in America -- rest quietly.

For five or six hours, that is.

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Shopper’s

Paradise

This fashion-forward outfit, from Paris-based Beate Heymann, is just one of the ensembles found at GreenWeavers

Everyone’s talking about Sayner’s unique retail stores

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RETAIL

ayner’s retail shop owners don’t like to brag, but they can’t resist being pleased about the feedback they’re getting from their customers. “I can’t believe this little town!” says one Sayner newcomer after shopping at Sayner’s gift, home décor and apparel boutiques. “You all have such great merchandise …. things you never see in the malls or even in the city.

I’m just amazed.”

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Carrie Schalinske, owner of Sayner’s Rustic River Cabin Outfitters, laughs and replies, “Thank you, but you don’t have to sound so surprised!” The customer’s comment is just one of a thousand similar reactions Sayner shop owners hear all year. At GreenWeavers, patrons continually exclaim in delight about the boutique’s fashion-forward, internationally-focused women’s apparel. “Going to GreenWeavers is like going to a boutique in Paris,” says Debra Bahrkey, a shopper from Florida.

Next door at Traditions, a little boy asks if he should take his shoes off. “I thought this was somebody’s house,” he says. Jessica Drallmeier, Traditions owner, is beaming when she replies, “That’s the best compliment I could ever receive! The store is designed to look just like someone’s home.”

Traditions, specializing in contemporary home décor, is designed to look like someone’s home

ters offers patrons a Rustic River Cabin Outfit contemporary lodge look

continues. “We bring fabric books to customers’ homes and measure, consult, and supply estimates. Next, we order the treatments and come back to do the installations. “If any issues arise after the installation, we’re here to help. It’s all about taking care of the client for the long-term.” Rustic River also offers unique selection of gifts, gourmet foods, and is one of few local suppliers offering Minnetonka moccasins, shoes and boots.

At Pastimes , a Sayner institution for more than 70 years, patrons return annually to shop for unique home décor, men’s and women’s casual apparel, and gift items. The boutique’s inventory also includes handmade jewelry, dips and packaged food items, and an impressive selection of framed art works. Furthermore, thanks to the expertise of new owners Denise and Ron Masters, Pastimes offers custom-framing services paralleled by few. “We’ve owned and operated U Frame-It, Inc. in Madison since 1975, so yes, we know a thing or two about framing,” says Denise.

Pastimes also offers another service -- loving attention from the Masters’ three Shih tzus, who are eager to shower patrons with affection.

Meanwhile, at Red Door Relics, shoppers benefit from the vigorous efforts of owners Sam and Jeannie Patterson, who comb the countryside searching for antiques, memorabilia, and other treasures to sell at reasonable prices in their eclectic, colorful storefront.

Custom Services Abound

Traditions is a full-service gift and home furnishings boutique offering a wide selection of items that depart from the traditional “Northwoods” flavor. Drallmeier and her staff assist patrons in decorating their homes in style, and Drallmeier is available for offsite decorating consulting. Patrons are also supplied with decorating ideas from Traditions’ tastefully displayed rooms and can order furniture directly from Drallmeier’s vast selection of suppliers. Gift items include candles, holiday items, jewelry, handbags, wall décor, serving ware and more.

“At Traditions, our focus on classic, contemporary home décor sets us apart,” Drallmeier says.

At Rustic River Cabin Outfitters, owner Carrie Schalinske prides herself on the wide array of upscale window treatments Rustic River provides, as well as the store’s tasteful mix of home décor offering a contemporary lodge look. “Our window treatment packages are designed to provide our customers with a plethora of fabric and style choices, as well as a wide range of prices,” Schalinske says. “We also provide the complete package from start to finish,” she Pastimes shop pers look forw ard to being greeted by th ree friendly Sh ih tzus

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Red Door Rel ic

s offers an ar

ray of interest ing antiques

“Nostalgia and vintage flavor is what we’re hoping achieve with every treasure we bring to our customers, “ says Jeannie.

Parisian haute couture

RETAIL

At GreenWeavers, on the center of Sayner’s Main Street, owner Wendy Kimbrell and her staff ensure that customers can select the latest in upscale haute couture from Paris, Italy, Montreal, and the U.S.

“We love assisting our customers in finding just the right apparel to suit their body type and palette, whether it’s for a special occasion, or everyday wear,” Kimbrell says.

With more than 3,000 sq. ft. of retail space, GreenWeavers offers a huge inventory of women’s apparel not found at department stores. That advantage transfers to the boutique’s wedding apparel, targeted to mother-of-the-bride and motherof-the-groom shoppers, and other wedding guests looking for a special ensemble.

GreenWeavers also offers apparel for professional settings.

Chicago resident Loretta Pierson, for instance, travels to GreenWeavers twice annually to update her business-oriented work wardrobe.

“I’ve been shopping for my clothes at GreenWeavers for 12 years now, and I simply won’t buy clothes anyplace else,” Pierson says. “Why would I?”

Now that’s good feedback.

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www.sayner-starlake.org • (715) 542-3789

The good old days, alive and well

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very summer, a group of Southern Wisconsin fishermen travel to Star Lake, and not just for the fishing. They make it a point to stop each year at the Star Lake Store, where they load up on their annual supply of candy cigarettes.

“Candy cigarettes are banned in most southern Wisconsin counties, but not in Vilas County,” says Star Lake Store owner Debbie Tennies. “So we stock them by the case.”

Star Lake Store, which has been in business at the same location for more 110 years, is reminiscent of a typical General Store in America’s yesteryear. The store’s vast inventory includes gifts, groceries, bait, fishing and camping supplies, clothing, boat rentals, and deer registration services. The store, which serves as an official post office, also provides hand-scooped ice cream, beer, wine, and liquor. Star Lake Store is a fun stop for kids, because they can load up on candy four-for-a-dollar while moms shop for camping supplies and apparel like slip-on shoes and sweatshirts.

“Every summer brings us more cherished memories of good times with new and old customers, who are really our friends,” Tennies says.

The same sentiment applies at The Corner Store in Sayner, which offers generous portions of hand-scooped ice cream, sandwiches and snacks to summer visitors, as well as a wide selection of groceries, beer, liquor, and camping supplies.

Bike rentals, picnic tables and a game arcade are also available at the all-around family fun stop. The Corner Store, an 86-year-old Sayner institution, is open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Strong feelings of small-town nostalgia also abound at Sayner’s Up North Traders, where owner Paul Lofy and staffer Will Maines are generous with solid fishing tips. “When people come in and ask where the fish are biting, we can usually give them up-to-date information, so they can make the most of their fishing experience,” says Maines, who has lived and fished in Sayner/Star Lake for 64 years.

Open all year, Up North Traders sells live bait, fishing tackle, fishing and hunting licenses, sporting goods, camping supplies, wild rice, ice, fireworks, and clothing. In addition, the store rents boat motors, canoes, kayaks, and bicycles.

Up North Traders also serves as the location for Earth

Sense Energy Systems, which has specialized in the sales, service, and installation of pellet stoves since 1991.

“Pellet heat is a safe and environmentally smart way to warm your cottage or home,” says Up North owner Paul Lofy.

“Pellet stoves are clean, efficient and convenient. Pellets combine the warmth and savings that wood heat offers, without the cutting, splitting, dirt or bugs associated with wood burning.

“And, installation can be within two inches of a wall and requires no chimney.” Earth Sense always has abundant supplies of pellets at the lowest prices.

www.sayner-starlake.org • (715) 542-3789

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Feasts for the

Senses Sayner/Star Lake restaurants offer mouth-watering food and drinks amidst tranquility, beauty and good times

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At The Junction, breakfast begins at 6:00 a.m., when Amber and co-owner Eric Powell begin flipping pancakes, frying eggs, and brewing coffee for the earlymorning crowd. Other breakfast menu items include hash browns, breakfast meats, omelets, French toast, breakfast sandwiches and healthy options like oatmeal, yogurt and homemade granola.

The café recently opened an additional dining room, doubling its seating space. Complete with a gas fireplace, the addition offers plenty of room for hungry This is just one of the snowmobilers wearing bulky gear. mouth-watering breakfasts

Open Tuesday – Saturday from served at The Junction Café 6:00 to 2:00, The Junction’s lunch menu offers healthy offerings like chicken salad and wraps, as well as heavier fare like hand-carved sandwiches, Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago hot dogs, gyros, and hamburgers. The café also has a Daily Specials board, and special orders are welcome. This winter, Powell’s homemade chili will be added to the menu.

Other seasonal specials – such as squash and apple soup in the fall – are also available.

“It’s important to keep trying new things and diversifying the menu,” says Amber, who plans to add more healthoriented, fitness-focused items to summer patrons. Located on the Sayner snowmobile and bicycle trails, The Junction offers packaged meals for boaters, anglers and cyclists.

Good Times

Meanwhile, at The Sayner Pub, things get going a little later in the day -- around 11:00 a.m. -- because the Pub often stays open until 2:00 a.m., particularly during the summer months.

“We have a great time in here,” says Eric Liebenstein,

www.sayner-starlake.org • (715) 542-3789

DINING

hen hungry patrons drive into the parking area at Hintz’s North Star Lodge Restaurant, they are greeted with a feast for the eyes. The well-tended gardens surrounding the restaurant and leading to the historic lodge are rich with color and boast more than 100 varieties of flowers, shrubbery and herbs.

“This is how I relax,” says owner Bill Hintz, who tends the gardens with loving care and expertise. At Hintz’s, quality standards are high, particularly when it comes to the food, drink and ambience of the lodge’s historic restaurant.

Boasting gleaming hardwood floors, a hollowed-out canoe that serves as a salad bar and a long antique bar offering a full drink menu, the dinner restaurant overlooks Star Lake and offers some of the most breathtaking sunset views in the Northwoods.

Furthermore, Hintz is an expert chef and offers delectable menu items such as Seared Ahi Tuna, Jumbo Broiled Shrimp, daily specials, signature desserts and fresh walleye prepared in several different ways. All items are made from scratch with the freshest possible ingredients.

“Everything we serve is made-to-order,” says Hintz, who has been preparing the Lodge’s culinary delights for 35 years. “Nothing is pre-prepared … everything is homemade.”

Lisa Amber of Sayner’s The Junction Café is of the same mind-set.

“Everything we Hintz’s North make is made-to-order,” Star Lodge Restaurant she says. “Our soups are offers dinner all made from scratch, as specalities with well as our biscuits and only the freshgravy. We do our own est ingredients baking, and nothing comes out of a pouch.”

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The Sayner Pub is a hub for great food

and good times

Savory Specialties

Just down Highway N lies Vinchi’s

DINING

Sayner Pub owner.

Liebenstein brings in the area’s best bands for entertainment and Sayner Pub patrons aren’t shy about dancing to the beat. The Pub also features 12 high-definition televisions.

“Sports is No. 1 here, and we never miss a game,” says Liebenstein, who from 1983 to 1987 was a Badgers baseball star.

Sayner Pub’s dinner and lunch menu includes a generous selection of salads, sandwiches, pizza, broasted chicken, Friday Night Fish Fry and daily specials. The Pub is also famed for its “amazing,” 22-oz. Bloody Marys. Take-out orders are also welcome, and many groups often rent the Pub’s extra dining

room for special meetings, events and parties.

Another favorite Sayner watering hole is Danny’s Bar, where the juke box often rocks until the wee hours of the morning. Patrons have room at Danny’s to stretch out in the bar’s game room and enjoy a good game of pool, ping pong or darts.

And in the summertime, the establishment’s outdoor deck beckons patrons to sit, sip, and be merry.

Down the street at Weber’s Farm, families can bring the kids to see and pet alpacas and other tame farm animals while their parents can relax at picnic tables, in gazebos, or in the bar.

Often, children are delighted to find newly born animals to pet and cuddle before heading to Weber’s game room for some afternoon fun.

Meanwhile, at The Corner Store, huge scoops of ice cream, shakes and sundaes delight parents and children alike. The Corner Store also offers other hot snacks such as hot dogs, brats and 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 necessities, customers can stay close to home and purchase groceries at The Corner Store.

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www.sayner-starlake.org • (715) 542-3789

A typical cone from the Corner Store

Hillside Inn, where patrons can watch a good game in the bar before drifting to the dining room, which offers a full dinner menu.

“We offer a special every night,” says Vinchi’s owner Jim Meka. “Monday night is lasagna night, and other special dinners include baked cod, ribs, buffalo wings or shrimp. Our Friday Fishermans’ platter includes walleye and beer-battered shrimp, and that is super popular.”

A fully-dressed soup and salad bar comes with all dinner orders. Meanwhile, the restaurant’s sandwiches are hugely popular.

“More and more of our customers are ordering our Italian Sausage Patty sandwich -- the meat alone weighs in at 8 ozs,” Meka says. Vinchi‘s Philly Steak Sandwich and Vinchi Burger are also 8 ozs., as are the restaurant’s other sandwiches.

Star Lake visitors and residents can find a delectable, full dinner menu at Stillwaters Restaurant and Tavern, where homemade specialties include Sicilian Walleye, pasta and meatballs, steaks, prawn shrimp and all-you-can-eat fish fry on Fridays, and in the summertime -- due to the fish fry’s popularity -- on Mondays as well. Thursday is Mexican night at the establishment, when patrons are offered buy one, get one free margaritas. Fresh pizza is available every night at Stillwaters. And, to add to the local entertainment, Stillwaters offers a list of 4,000 karaoke songs on Thursday and Saturday nights.

Sayner/Star Lake Eateries Sayner The Corner Store Razorback Road & Hwy N 715-542-4250 The Junction Café Kurtzweil Road & Hwy 155 Sayner Lodge Bar and Grill 3135 Historic Lodge Road 715-542-3261 Danny’s Bar 2486 Lollycoogan Lane 715-542-2100 The Sayner Pub 2962 Main Street 715-542-3647 Vinchi’s Hillside Inn 8065 Cty Hwy N East 715-542-2240 Weber’s Farm & Bar 2649 County Hwy C 715-542-3781 Star Lake Hintz’s North Star Lodge Waldheim Rd & Hwy K 715-542-3600 Stillwaters Restaurant & Tavern 7914 Highway K 715-542-3652

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AREA MAP N

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AREA MAP

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Razorback Ridges Excellent XC Ski & Mountain Bike Trails

TRAIL INFORMATION

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he Razorback Ridges is an exciting and scenic trail complex that invites mountain bike riders, hikers and crosscountry skiers to experience the beauty of au naturel trails within the lush Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest.

Razorback Ridges can be found on Razorback Road, two miles west of Sayner and just off Hwy. N. Developed and maintained by the Sayner-Star Lake Lions Club, the complex offers more than 16 miles of cross-country skiing and three miles of snowshoeing for trampers in the winter, and nearly 20 miles of trails for mountain biking and hiking in the warmer months. Half of the ski trails are groomed for classic stride only, while the other half are groomed for skating only. The bike trails are a blend of double-track and single-track loops suitable for everyone from beginner to expert. “Corkscrew,” “Hair Raiser,” and “Suicide Hill” may play with your mind, but rest assured, other, more sedate trail segments are perfect for the entire family!

Major Loop Routes Ridge Trail – 1.8 miles, Doug’s Folly – 4.0 miles, Hair Raiser – 4.7 miles, Lion’s Pride – 6.4 miles, Wild Thing – about 1.0 mile and very challenging.

A spur trail to the west leads to the Crystal Lake Campground where you can catch the Boulder Area Trails System (B.A.T.S.),

which leads to Boulder Junction. There are three major campgrounds near Razorback Ridges. Trail users will love the amenities, including a heated chalet with inside bathrooms at the trailhead. Trail maps are also available at the chalet. The chalet may be used for birthday parties, skating parties, etc. Just a few yards away is the Bernie Van Acker Skating Rink, named in honor of the late Lions member who helped develop skating as another recreational opportunity at Razorback Ridges.

The trailhead area is named the Mel and Emma Long Memorial Park in honor of the early Sayner settlers whose family donated the land for the park.

The Lions Club welcomes trail and chalet donations, which help maintain this outstanding trail system.

BICYCLE BONANZA!!! Plum Lake Bike Trail

A growing network of paved bicycling trails in Vilas County is attracting more and more people eager to experience the beauty of the Northwoods and charming small towns that dot the vast Northern Highland/American Legion State Forest. The trails serve a dual purpose, as many people walk them too. The bicycle trail in the Sayner area connects to a larger network of trails, known as “The Heart of the Vilas County Bike & Hike Trail.”

Donations to help maintain the trail are welcomed and should include the benefactor’s name, address and telephone number.

Send contributions to: Plum Lake Bicycle Trail Project, P.O. Box 191, Sayner, WI 54560-0191.

For more information regarding the Plum Lake Bicycle project, please call Diane Briggs at 715-542-4334.

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By mid- to late morning, the 23 miles of the “Heart of the Vilas County” trail system begin to flash as sunlight hits the spokes of bicycles cruising the trails. The trail network includes the Plum Lake Bicycle Trail, a six-mile, paved trail that runs along County Hwy. N between Sayner and Crystal Lake Campground. The trail connects with both the St. Germain Bike Trail (to the south) and with the Crystal Lake Trail (to the west). Parking is available at the intersection of Froelich Drive and County Hwy. N (behind the log building).

The entire area is an ideal place for serious cyclers as well as for families with young riders, as many quiet town roads connect with forest roads in the Northern HighlandAmerican Legion State Forest in addition to the paved hike/bike trails.

The Sayner-Star Lake Chamber of Commerce and Sayner-Star Lake Lions Club maintain the Plum Lake trail.

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LODGING

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Barnstormers make Sayner/Star Lake a

snowmobile hub SNOWMOBILING

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f Sayner invented the wheel of snowmobiling by inventing the first machine, then the Sayner Barnstormers ensure that Sayner and Star Lake remain a snowmobiler’s paradise.

“We groom our trails constantly, and make sure that snowmobilers get the best riding conditions, no matter what the weather,” says Dennis Horan, president of the Barnstormers, a group of volunteers who have graced the trails of Sayner and Star Lake since 1967.

“During the summer, our members meet with state and county representatives, plan and build new trails, sign and brush existing trails, and launch fund-raisers.”

The Sayner Barnstormers are proud of their expertise, and for good reason. Sayner’s Carl Eliason, touted as the inventor of the snowmobile, built his first snowmobile in 1924.

“He was a trapper, and there was a lot of competition for wild game in the area,” says Barnstormers Secretary Susie Keller. “He had a club foot, and had a hard time getting out to his traps in deep snow. So he invented a machine -“a motor-tobbogan”- to get him to his traps faster.”

Four decades later, as Eliason’s invention grew into a popular sport, a small group of dedicated volunteers created the Barnstormers, and began meeting in the hayloft of Henry Sayner’s barn.

In 1971, the group built a clubhouse just south of town on the snowmobile trail. The Clubhouse is now undergoing a

major renovation, thanks to the generous donations from club members. In addition, the Barnstormers maintain three groomer barns housing three New Holland tractors, two Sno-Boss drags and an Arrowhead drag.

Pristine trails galore

Barnstormers is contracted to groom and maintain the 120-mile trail system connecting Star Lake, St. Germain, Boulder Junction, Eagle River, Land O’Lakes, Conover, and Arbor Vitae.

The trail system, which includes the first snowmobile trail in Vilas County, runs through the heart of the Northern HighlandAmerican Legion State Forest.

Fourteen regular volunteer groomer operators work to smooth the Barnstormer trail system day and night. The longest grooming run takes nine hours.

The result is a network of beautifully maintained trails that snowmobilers love so much, they actually get off their machines to cheer the groomer on as it passes by.

“I love when they get on their knees as if they’re praying to the groomer,” laughs one grooming volunteer.

Now that’s some hub.

For information about the trail system and fund-raising events, contact Anita Horan at 715-542-2952 or www.barnstormersclub.com

www.sayner-starlake.org • (715) 542-3789

This painting of the Fredrickson Sisters’ former bait shop is just one of the many pieces of art hanging in Star Lake’s Old Schoolhouse Gallery

Art & History Lovers Flock to Star Lake, Wisconsin

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hanks to a group of devoted locals dedicated to preserving Star Lake’s Northwoods heritage, Star Lake, Wisconsin, is becoming an art community.

The town’s Old Schoolhouse Art Gallery, which is part of the Northwoods Art Tour – offers a collection of more than 30 Northwoods artists with varying artistic works.

The Gallery itself is steeped in history.

In 2005, Bill Hintz, a long-time Star Lake resident and owner of Hintz’s North Star Lodge, purchased and restored Star Lake’s original 90-year-old one-room schoolhouse and converted it into a gallery/gift shop and museum where people could come and view historic pictures of Star Lake. Today, the gallery is run by volunteers and is open Wednesday – Saturday, Memorial Day through Labor Day. After Labor Day, the gallery will be open on weekends through Columbus Day.

Meanwhile, Friends of Star Lake, along with Hintz, replicated the town’s Old Milltown Depot which is directly adjacent to the Old Schoolhouse Gallery. The group is working to relocate the Frederickson House -- the Star Lake home of two beloved sisters for nearly 100 years -- to become part of the historic community park. The home is the last original residence dating back to the Northwoods’ logging era, Hintz says.

Also included in the park will be a restored version of the town’s old “Bait Shop,” where the Frederickson sisters worked and spread their love of the community and its residents to patrons for years.

Plans are to create two museums -- one with the Fredrickson company house and the other with a replica of the Star Lake depot. The Fredrickson house will serve as a museum illustrating Star Lake’s history and will be full of artifacts dating from 1895. The depot will serve as a museum dedicated to Star Lake’s railroad days.

www.sayner-starlake.org • (715) 542-3789

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More than just a

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nglers who cast their baits across the rich waters of Sayner/Star 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, Wisconsin. “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 and walleye, crappie, bluegill, perch, northern pike, and of course, muskie. Several smaller streams are managed for trout, with Sayner’s Plum Creek receiving the most attention from trout anglers.

fish story

Teeming with fish

Partly due to the 18-inch minimum required to keep a smallmouthed bass or walleye (a regulation imposed by the 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.

“Sayner/Star Lake is a just great place for a family-fishing getaway,” says Errington.

Now that’s one fish story you can count on.

Providing for your outdoor recreational needs...

FISHING

...in Wisconsin’s Northwoods!

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Pontoon Boat Rentals • PWC Rentals • Ski Boat Rentals Fish-N-Ski Boat Rentals • Outboard Motor Rentals Snowmobile Rentals • Piers, Docks, Lifts • Sporting Goods Live Bait & Tackle • Boat Storage • BP Fuel • Gift Shop Sweatshirts & T-Shirts • Marine & Snowmobile Accessories WI Fishing & Hunting Licenses WI Boat, ATV & Snowmobile Registrations Mechanical Repairs - Boat, ATVs, I/Os, Outboards & Snowmobiles

And Much More!

Kim & Tom Christensen Owners 430 Hwy 70 East • PO Box 399 • St. Germain, WI 54558-0399 Phone: (715) 479-4930 • Fax: (715) 479-9519 Email: stgsport@frontier.com

www.stgermainsportmarine.com

www.sayner-starlake.org • (715) 542-3789

Plum Lake Ice Fishing Tournament Held the second Saturday every February on the ice of Plum Lake with $700 in cash prizes and $4,000 in door and raffle prizes awarded to an annual field of about 300 anglers.

Tournament fishing hours are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the awards ceremony begins at 4 p.m.

Highlights include the election of a new Ice Shack Queen, chosen from a slate of three women who each get one vote for each donated dollar they generate.

Past door and raffle prizes include power augers, underwater cameras, pop-up shelters, Otter sleds, hand augers, Strikemaster Glide-Lite sleds, Jiffy Mille Lacs ice chisels and more. Cash prizes are awarded for largest fish based on length. Categories include northern pike, walleye, perch, bluegill and crappie.

For additional information call (715) 542-3501 or (715) 542-3789.

FISHING

www.sayner-starlake.org • (715) 542-3789

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

ATTRACTIONS Eagle Falls Adventure Golf Hwy. 45/70 • Eagle River, WI 54521 (715) 477-0808 www.eaglefallsadventuregolf.com Plum Lake Golf Club 3160 Clubhouse Rd. • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2598 www.plumlakegolf.com See Page U Plum Lake Public Library 8789 Peterson St. • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2020 E-mail: ida@plumlib.nwls.lib.wi.us www.sayner.wislib.org See Page J Plum Ski-ters PO Box 404 • St. Germain, WI 54558 (715) 612-3027 See Page I Vilas Historical Museum 2889 Main Street • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3388 Weber’s Wildlife 2649 Cty. C • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3781

DINING Sayner Pub 2962 Main St. • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3647 www.saynerpub.com See Page L Stillwaters Restaurant & Tavern 7914 Hwy. K • Star Lake, WI 54561 (715) 542-3652 The Junction Café 2879 State Hwy. 155 St. Germain, WI 54558 (715) 542-2228 Vinchi’s Hillside Inn 8065 Cty Hwy N East • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2240 See Page M

LODGING Bowman’s Pine Hollow Cottage On Plum Lake • (847) 275-4744 Cropsey Vacation Rentals P.O. Box 356 • St. Germain, WI 54558 (715) 542-2172 • (800) 450-7200 www.cropseyvacationrentals.com See Page Q Errington’s Resort 8028 Hwy. K • P.O. Box 1152 Star Lake, WI 54561 (715) 542-3646 E-mail: debbie@erringtonsresort.com www.erringtonsresort.com See Page W Hintz’s North Star Resort 7933 Waldheim Road Star Lake, WI 54561 (715) 542-3600 www.hintznorthstar.com See Page S Harv’s Vacation Rentals 8066 Mohawk Trail, St. Germain, WI 54558 (715) 542-3022 • (715) 891-2783 (cell) www.harvsvacationrentals.com See Page U

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Idle Hours Resort 1692 Idle Hours Ct. St. Germain, WI 54558 (715) 542-3765 • (800) 221-7699 E-mail: info@idlehours.com www.idlehours.com See Page J Plum Gate Resort 3047 Plum Lake Dr. Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2224 E-mail: pnm@nnex.net www.plumgateresort.com See Page B Star Lake Properties (920) 279-1769 info@starlakewi.com Plum Lake Rentals 9272 Hwy N • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3250 Star Lake Lakefront Rental (262) 245-9400 E-mail: markfbrower@charter.net www.starlakehome.net See Back Cover Plum Lake Station Resort Homes (800) 445-5370 www.PlumLakeDressage.com White Birch Village Boulder Junction, WI (715) 385-2182 www.whitebirchvillage.com See Page Q

REAL ESTATE

Eliason Lumber & Hardware 2954 Main St. • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3233 • Fax: (715) 542-3534 www.eliasonhardware.com See Page M GreenWeavers 2965 Main Street • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2884 www.green-weavers.com See Pages G & E Knitt’s Hardware Hank Boulder Junction: (715) 385-2300 St. Germain: (715) 479-5930 See Page J Old School House Gallery 7688 Cty. Rd. K • Star Lake, WI 54561 (715) 542-3998 www.starlakeschool.com Pastimes 3005 Main St • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3500 See Page I Red Door Relics 2940 Main Street • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2814 Rustic River Cabin Outfitters 3019 Main Street • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3031 E-mail: rusticriver@frontier.com www.rusticriverdecor.com See Page H The Corner Store 9350 Razorback Rd. • Sayner, WI 54560 • (715) 542-4250 See Page M

Eliason Realty of the North Eagle River (715) 479-4431 • (800) 472-5222 eagleriver@eliasonrealty.com St. Germain (715) 542-3223 • (800) 472-3140 stgermain@eliasonrealty.com www.eliasonrealty.com See Page M

Three Lakes Winery Downtown Three Lakes (800) 944-5434 www.tlwinery.com

Jim Tait Real Estate Minocqua: (800) 677-8248 Boulder Junction: (877) 385-2077 www.jimtaitrealestate.com See Back Cover

Up North Traders 2977 Main St. • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2046 www.upnorthtraders.com See Page B

RECREATIONAL SALES, SERVICE & RENTALS

Wild Eagle Corner Store 1970 N US Hwy 45 • Eagle River, WI (715) 479-4688

Star Lake Store 7697 Cty Hwy. K Star Lake, WI 54561 (715) 542-2548 • (715) 542-3464 See Page W St. Germain Sport Marine 430 Hwy. 70 • P.O. Box 399 St. Germain, WI 54558 (715) 479-4930 • Fax: (715) 479-9519 E-mail: stgsport@frontier.com www.stgermainsportmarine.com See Page T

RETAIL Country Ceramics 9272 Hwy. N West • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3250 • Fax: (715) 542-4112 E-mail: ceramics@newnorth.net www.godscountryceramics.com Earth Sense Energy Systems 2977 Main Street • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2788 www.upnorthtraders.com See Page B

Traditions 2959 Main Street • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2101 See Page H

GENERAL SERVICES 5 Star Marketing & Distribution 409 South Park Drive • Tomahawk WI (715) 453-4511 www.5starmandd.com Business Connection 1418 Hwy. 155 • Sayner, WI 54558 (715) 542-2881 email: businessconnection155@gmail.com

Chuck McGee Painting 8181 Aspen Road • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3831 • (715) 617-3831 Cell E-mail: chuckangee@swave.com Errington’s Guide Service P.O. Box 1054 • Star Lake, WI 54561 Resort: (715) 542-3646 Cell: (815) 298-1358 See Page W First National Bank of Eagle River 240 Hwy. 70 • St. Germain, WI (888) 479-5201 www.fnb-eagleriver See Page M Headwaters State Bank Land O’Lakes 4175 Cty Rd. B • P.O. Box 149 Land O’Lakes, WI 54540 (715) 547-3383 Presque Isle 8319 Main St. • P.O. Box 116 Presque Isle, WI 54557 (715) 686-2200 www.headwatersstatebank.com See Page U Meyer & Associates Insurance PO Box 267 St. Germain, WI 54558 (715) 479-3949 Milton Propane 2835 Plum Lake Drive Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3292 Peak Property Management 3115 Warwick Rd. Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3215 • (715) 614-7325 ppmnet.com Sayner Mobil Express Downtown Sayner, WI (715) 542-2024 See Page J Squirrel Away Storage 8855 Glenbrook Ln. Sayner, WI 54560 • (715) 617-3885 See Page J St. Germain Pharmacy 252 Hwy. 70 • P.O. Box 280 St. Germain, WI 54558 (715) 479-7608 • Fax: (715) 479-2763 See Page E Todd Siebrecht Guide Service P.O. Box 815 • Eagle River, WI 54521 (715) 477-0900 See Page T US Bank PO Box 62 • St. Germain, WI 54558 (715) 542-3251 Vandenberg Media Arts & Marketing W5614 Thomas Rd • Tomahawk WI (715) 218-0565 email: vandenbergmediaarts.com www.vandenbergmediaarts.com

Camp Highlands Northwoods Boys Camp 8450 Camp Highlands Rd. Sayner, WI 54560 (800) 868-3398 www.camphighlands.com

CHURCHES

Chances R Satellite Sales & Service 2616 St. • Hwy 55 • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3367 E-mail: chancesr@hughes.net

St. Mary’s Catholic Church (715) 385-2390

Shepherd of The Lakes Lutheran Church (ELCA) 2903 Main Street • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 614-3701

Camps Northwoods Supervalu 474 Hwy. 70 • P.O. Box 99 St. Germain, WI 54558 (715) 479-9150 • Fax: (715) 479-9823

www.sayner-starlake.org • (715) 542-3789

www.sayner-starlake.org • (715) 542-3789

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Sayner-Star Lake Chamber of Commerce PO Box 191 Sayner, WI 54560-0191

Find Yourself In

Sayner • Star Lake