Up North Action Feb/Mar/Apr 2016 by 5 Star Marketing & Distribution

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Editor’s COLUMN Delayed winter kicks into gear

ell, Old Man Winter finally got on the right bus and made it to the Northwoods. As of this writing (second week of January), the temps have been flirting with the sub-zero range during the evenings and in single digits daytime. That means the lake ice is building to where it can handle fishermen, snowmobiles and even on-ice events, such as ice drag racing. I’m optimistic that most of the February and March outdoor events will go on as scheduled. A few of the January events were cancelled or rescheduled to February. Check the individual county calendars in this issue of Action or go to UpNorthAction.com for updated calendar events. The downhill ski resorts have been busy as they can make their own snow and do so even when the snowfall is average. That

Dean S. Acheson extra snowmaking capability means their seasons extend into late March or even later. This issue of Action magazine highlights many of the events occurring across the Northwoods. I’m a fan of snowmobile races, hillclimbs and hill cross. But watching a muskie or northern pike nudge the underwater camera during ice fishing contests trips my trigger as well. The bottom line is that all our winter activities – including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, skating and ice golf -- are all guaranteed to be entertaining for participant and spectator alike. There’s another indoor activity that occurs in late winter/early spring when outdoor enthusiasts throw river and forest maps, brochures (and Action magazine) on kitchen tables and begin planning vacations and short getaways to the land they call Up North.

Inside this Issue Editor’s Column..................................................................................................................................................................................................................Pg. 4 St. Croix Rods.......................................................................................................................................................................................... Inside Front Cover Ski Brule...................................................................................................................................................................................................... Inside Back Cover Runamuk Rides..................................................................................................................................................................................................... Back Cover Big Snow Country - Western U.P. Michigan.........................................................................................................................Pg. 5 Sayner-Star Lake Visitor Guide........................................................................................................................... Center Section

Region Communities Burnett/Douglas Counties..........Pg. 12 Forest/Langlade Counties...........Pg. 14 Iron County.......................................Pg. 15 Lincoln County................................Pg. 17

Published By: 5 Star Marketing & Distribution 409 Southpark Drive Tomahawk, WI 54487 800-353-4511 • 715-453-4511 E-mail: info@5starupnorth.com

Marathon County...........................Pg. 20 Oneida County................................Pg. 21 Polk County......................................Pg. 52 Price County.....................................Pg. 53

Owner/Publisher Al Hanley alh@5starupnorth.com Editor Dean Acheson DeanAcheson@yahoo.com Accounting Jackie Blodgett

Sawyer County............................... Pg. 56 Shawano............................................Pg. 58 Vilas County..................................... Pg. 61 Washburn County..........................Pg. 68 U.P. Michigan....................................Pg. 69

Marketing Associates Al Hanley Jody Peterson Janine Dutton-Slatinsky Distribution Brandee Benson Jeff Safranek Brian Wiedeman

Production Office Lori Morris Graphic Designers Danelle Pretasky Brittany Hazelquist

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Western U.P. Michigan

BIG snow country W

ESTERN U.P. – The Western U.P. of Michigan – “Michigan’s Trailhead” -- is renowned for its lake effect snow that blankets the ski resorts each winter season. The Western U.P. averages 17 feet of pristine snowfall each season, living up to its “Big Snow Country” reputation! However you want to mix it up – downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, nightlife – Big Snow Country offer visitors a multitude of recreational pursuits. In one incredible ski vacation you can visit these downhill ski areas: Indianhead Mountain Resort – Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort -- Blackjack Ski Resort. Glide down over 125 trails at the ski resorts. Ride thousands of miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Let adventure guide you out into the wilderness on cross-country skis and snowshoes. When the sun has set, the fireplace lit, sit back and relax in the knowledge that tomorrow brings another day of fun. Indianhead Mountain Resort – Vertical 638 ft / 30 Runs Indianhead Mountain Resort is a ski and snowboard resort offering 30 downhill skiing slopes. The village and resort facilities are located on top of the mountain overlooking the

Ottawa National Forest. Indianhead boasts award-winning dining, lodging, live entertainment and full-service conference/banquet facilities. Readers of OntheSnow.com voted it Best Family Resort. Indianhead was also recognized as the Best Terrain in the Midwest. In combination with Blackjack, Indianhead offers skiers two resorts with one ticket – access to 56 trails, 3 terrain parks, 410 skiable acres and 15 lifts! Events you don’t want to miss, include: Feb. 4-7 -- USSA Speedcamp; March 29-20 -Mountain Top Music Fest; March 19 -- Bikini Races; and April 9 -- Slush Cup Pond Skimming. Blackjack Ski Resort – Vertical 465 ft / 26 Runs Blackjack’s commitment to “excellence” begins with excellent service. Their trail grooming, snowmaking and day chalet upgrades offer you the best value in family skiing fun. Two unique terrain parks entertain skiers and riders of every level. Pick a weekend and they have packed it with fun indoors and out! Upcoming are, Feb. 6 -- Mardi Gras Bash; Feb. 13 -- German Fest; Feb. 20-21 -- Snowfest weekend; Feb. 27 -- Cardboard Race Series Race; March 5 -- The Big Top Circus; March 12 -Pirate Weekend; March 26 -- Flamingo Party and Slush Cup Pond Skimming, and April 2-3 -- Cor Powersports Snowmobile Race.

unforgettable winter getaway! There are more than 250 skiable acres, multiple terrain parks and 10 lifts to get you on the top of your game. Enjoy live entertainment on select weekends. The schedule of other events include, Feb. 20-21 -- “Hog Wild Weekend”; March 12-13 -- Hawaiian Splash Weekend; March 19 – “200+ Race” (ski with your 200cm or longer skis) and Radar Race -- Ski your fastest, timed with radar gun. Great snowmobiling Each Western U.P. snowmobiling adventure is unique and exciting, as there are over 2,000 miles of groomed trails, unplowed logging roads and secluded National Forest trails throughout the area. Share the experience of a Western U.P. snowmobiling vacation with your family and friends. Rated #1 snowmobile destination by readers of American Snowmobiler. It’s what snowmobiling is all about. Because when natural beauty, brilliant exhilaration and good times come together, the sensation is Pure Michigan. Big Snow Country is a snowmobiler’s paradise. This heavy snowfall gives riders the very best conditions and trails. Lodging

Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort- Vertical 622 ft / 33 Runs Combine 17 feet of average natural snowfall with incredible views of Upper Peninsula forests. Add a dash of renowned grooming, family friendly specials, and a down-home staff who treats you like family. Throw in a charming Bavarian style village with a complimentary shuttle and you have the makings for an

With lodging facilities offering more than 1,200 beds, you are sure to find accommodations to fit any taste and budget. Whether you prefer a hotel, motel, house rental, cozy cottage, a cabin or condo – or a resort with full amenities – look no further for your home away from home. For more information, contact Western U.P. Convention & Visitor Bureau, 405 N. Lake St., Ironwood, MI., or visit explorewesternup. com or call 906-932-4850.

Find 2X’s the adventure at Big Snow Resorts:

ESSEMER – Nestled in the land they call “Big Snow Country,” Indianhead Mountain Resort and Blackjack Mountain Resort are located between Bessemer and Wakefield, MI and within the expansive Ottawa National Forest. Big Snow Country is an apt description because the annual snowfall is over 17 feet! When needed, the big snow guns unload blankets of snow to create perfect skiing and snowboarding conditions. Owned and managed by Big Snow Resorts, Indianhead and Blackjack Mountain resorts offer a combined 56 trails, 3 terrain parks, 410 skiable acres and 15 lifts which is the biggest ski experience in the Midwest. One ticket allows you access to both resorts, an unbeatable value!

INDIANHEAD MOUNTAIN Indianhead Mountain stats are impressive: 638 vertical feet; 30 wide open runs on over 240 skiable acres; 9 lifts and tows including a Magic Carpet conveyor lift; 2 terrain parks – Big Chief and Timber Wolf Progression Park; 15 expert Black Runs (50%), 10 intermediate Blue Runs (33%) and 5 beginner Green Runs (17%). The lifts run 9am to 4pm daily. Indianhead has had a number of accolades bestowed upon it, including voted “Best Family Resort in the Midwest” and “Best Terrain in the Midwest” by the readers of Onthesnow.com. If you are new to the sport, or want to enhance your skills, the instructors at the Ski School will guide you to the next level with patience and encouragement. Ski School instruction includes learn to board, learn to ski, private lessons, and NASTAR Race/ Clinic. Kinder Country provides supervised fun for children as young as 2 ½ years old. Check out H.W. Rider, Indianhead’s ski shop located in the basement of the Summit Center at the top of Indianhead Mountain and their sister store, Hobby Wheel, located on US 2 in Ironwood. Visit HobbyWheel.com or for H.W. Rider, call 906-224-3332 Food and refreshments are never far away. Dining is available at the Lodge Restaurant (located in authentic swayback barn), Sky Bar and Grille, Smiley’s Café, and the Summit cafeteria. All your favorite drinks, including craft beers, can be found at Sky Bar

and Grille, Red Dog Saloon, and Dudley’s Saloon at Indianhead. Indianhead features live music most weekends. Early birds can enjoy great music in the Sky Bar and Grille. Late night entertainment is rocking at Dudley’s Saloon. Events you don’t want to miss, include: Feb. 4-7 -- USSA Speedcamp; March 29-20 -- Mountain Top Music Fest; March 19 -- Bikini Races; and April 9 -- Slush Cup Pond Skimming. Choose from an assortment of on mountain lodging that will suit your needs and budget located at Indianhead Mountain and Blackjack Mountain Resorts. Rustic mountain top hotel rooms, cozy village chalets or luxurious trailside condos means you are never far from the slopes.

Two resorts, one ticket, endless variety BLACKJACK MOUNTAIN Blackjack stands at 465 vertical feet with 26 runs laid out on 170 skiable acres. Blackjack’s 6 lifts and tows give access to some of the best powder runs in the Midwest. Blackjack is home to the famous Logger’s Lounge with an impressive view of the slopes. Known for cold beer, hot food and live music, the Logger’s Lounge is a great place to end a day on the slopes. Mission Board Shop located on the chalet’s main level offers an impressive selection of gear, equipment and apparel. Special events include, Feb. 6 -- Mardi Gras Bash; Feb. 13 -- German Fest; Feb. 20-21 -- Snowfest weekend; Feb. 27 -- Cardboard Race Series Race; March 5 -- The Big Top Circus; March 12 -Pirate Weekend; March 26 -- Flamingo Party and Slush Cup Pond Skimming, and April 2-3 -- Cor Powersports Snowmobile Race.

Need a place to stay on your trip up north? Your One-Stop website for everythin g happening in the Northwoods!

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Burnett/Douglas COUNTIES Calendar Feb. 20 Grantsburg – Crex Snowmobile Trail Rides: 10am to 12:30pm. Crex Meadows Wildlife Area. 715-463-2739. Feb. 20-21 Danbury – Indoor Rendevous Trade Fair: 10am to 3pm, Forts Folle Avoine. Open to the public and trader to purchase clothing and camping items at geat prices. March 5 Danbury – Booya & Raffle: Noon to 5pm. Hillside Inn. Food, door prizes and raffles. Sponsored by Cozy Corner Trails.

March 12 Grantsburg – Crex Snowmobile Trail Rides: 10am to 12:30pm. Crex Meadows Wildlife Area. 715-463-2739. March 19 Webb Lake -- St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Webb Lake Fire Hall. Parade starts at 1pm. Feb. 25 Superior – Fairlawn Garden Talks: 6-8pm, Fairlawn Mansion. Fee. 715-394-5712 or superiorpublimuseums.org. Feb. 27 Brule – River View Loppett Race: After Hours Ski Trail. Race starts at 10am. 12 km and 27 km classic & skate; 5 km family tour. brulexcski.com 218-590-3051.

Afterhours offers 22 km of XC ski and snowshoe trails

RULE – Home to the River View Loppett XC Ski and Snowshoe Race, the Afterhours Ski Trail near Brule features 22.5 km of well-maintained trails for both classical and skate skiing. Trails are owned and groomed by the Wisconsin DNR, in cooperation with the Brule Valley XC Ski Club, and many dedicated volunteers.

The 21st annual River View Loppett races will be Saturday, Feb. 27. There will be a 5 km family fun tour, 12 km and 24 km classic and freestyle races and a 5 km snowshoe event. Register 7:30-9am at the Brule Town Hall; race starts at 10am. The Brule Valley Ski Club, the Brule River State Forest, and the Brule Lions Club jointly sponsor the race. For information and entry form, visit brulexcski.com or call 218-590-3051 or 218348-5200.

A state trail admission fee is required of all skiers 16 years or older. The annual fee is $20; daily is $4 (good for all state trails). Fees contribute to the cost of maintenance and grooming. Selfregistration is available at the trailhead. Donations can also be sent to the ski club; see brulexcski.com for details. Trail conditions are posted on skinnyski.com. The ski club also sponsors learn-to-ski lessons. From downtown Brule, go west one-half mile on Hwy. 2 to Afterhours Road, turn left. The parking lot is right there, as is the trailhead. For more information, call the State Forest at 715-3725678 or visit the above website of the ski club. Ski etiquette and rules • Purchase trail pass before skiing. • Snowmobiles, ATVs and dogs are prohibited on trails.

About the trails Located within the Brule River State Forest, the Afterhours trails enjoy a reputation for being well groomed and offering scenic view of the Bois Brule River. Skiers can select one or more of the nine trails within the system. The trails accommodate skiers with skills ranging from beginner to advance. The trails are mostly easy to moderate with a few challenging hills. Skiers will find plenty of parking, a heated shelter and restrooms at the trailhead compliments of the State Forest and the ski club.

• If you fall, fill in your sitzmark. • Do not walk or snowshoe on ski trails. • Ski according to your ability. Maintain adequate spacing and alert others when passing. • Be patient: Every effort is made to groom trails as soon as possible. Heavy trail use and weather can greatly affect trail conditions.

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ANBURY – Check out the Cozy Corner Trails’ annual Booya & Raffle on Saturday, March 5 at Hillside Inn, approximately 13 miles north of Danbury. Food will be served and door prizes drawn from noon to 5pm. The grand prize drawings will take place at 5pm. Raffle tickets are available in advance from any club member and at Hillside Inn and Moose Junction Bar, as well as at the event. All proceeds will be used to purchase and maintain equipment for trail maintenance in northern Burnett and southern Douglas counties, and to help sponsor community events. Club members maintain 18 miles of snowmobile and 22 miles of winter ATV trails in Burnett County, and 59 miles of snowmobile trails and 61.5 miles of winter ATV trails in Douglas County. In addition, they maintain several miles of “unfunded” trails in both counties. By the way, their first “booya” feed was held in 1975 – just three years after the club was officially formed. So that makes the 2016 event their 41st annual booya – to which we say, Hooya! Learn more about the club, or become a member, by visiting cozycornertrails.com or follow them on Facebook.

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DANB URY, G RANTS B UR G , SI REN

Booya & Raffle fundraiser set at Hillside Inn

Forest/Langlade COUNTIES Calendar

Feb. 6 Neva Corners – Classic Cruise Vintage & Antique Snowmobile Ride: Registration at 10am, ride at noon, from Quinn’s Bar. New sleds welcome too. Feb. 13 Antigo – Snow Ball Gala for the Arts: 7-11pm, Edison Club. 715-623-3980. March 12 Pickerel – St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Noon. Parade starts near Country Inn. Dance after the parade, until 5:30pm at Jerry’s Sportsmen Lodge. 715-484-8101.

Time to explore the XC ski trails

OUNTYWIDE – Cross-country skiers in Forest County can enjoy some 40 miles of groomed XC trails with variations suited just for beginners on up to technical trails to challenge the experts. Here’s a look at the more popular trails:

Ed’s Lake Trail, Nicolet National Forest: This groomed trail is located on Hwy. W between Wabeno and Crandon. There is a 2.3mile loop trail suitable for beginners, with the intermediate trail offering a 2.7-mile loop as well as a 3.5-mile loop. Nicolet North Trail, Nicolet National Forest: Nicolet North is located 10.5 miles east of Eagle River to Forest Road 2460, then south on FR 2460 for 2 miles to the trailhead. There are 13 miles of groomed trails with several loop opportunities. Anvil Trail, Nicolet National Forest: Anvil Trail is located 8.5 miles east of Eagle River on Hwy. 70. There are 12 miles of groomed loop trails ranging from gentle, rolling to hilly terrain.

Snowmobile ride announced

EVA CORNERS -- The 13th annual Classic Cruise Vintage & Antique Snowmobile Ride will be Saturday, Feb. 6. Fun for the entire family with registration at 10am and riding at noon at Quinn’s Bar, five miles north of Antigo on Cty. A, Neva Corners. New sleds welcome, too.

Otter Springs Trail, Forest County Forestry Dept.: This trail is located 4 miles east of Crandon off Hwy. 8 on Forest Road 2378. Located in a large area of hardwood forest, the trail offers a scenic view of Otter Springs and Bug Lake. The eight-mile trail comes complete with a parking area and a ski shelter between the two intermediate trails. The 0.75-mile loop is suitable for beginners. The intermediate trails consist of a 1.25-mile segment and the third is a 3-mile loop with more hills and curves than the others. Decades ago, a WCC crew built the shelter out of cedar logs from an adjacent cedar stand. It’s equipped with benches and an area for a small fire. Hemlock Lake Ski Trail, Forest County Forestry Dept.: Hemlock Lake Ski Trail is located 1 mile east and 4 miles south of Crandon off Hwy. W on Hemlock Lake Road. The first loop is 1.25 miles in length. It is the advanced trail and has more aggressive, hilly terrain. The second loop is more of a beginner/ intermediate trail with more gentle and rolling terrain. Parking area is available.

The $10 registration fee includes a commemorative lapel pin, soup and sandwich supper, and a chance to win $100. There will be raffles and karaoke after the ride. For more information contact Regina McDougal at 715-219-0457 or deerbrookbridgerunners.com

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Iron Pair of fishing contests await you in Mercer

Calendar

Feb. 13 Mercer – Breakfast Buffet Benefit: 7:30-11am, Gateway Lodge. Benefits SnoGoers Snowmobile Club. 715-476-7878/ Feb. 20 Mercer – Lions Fishing Jamboree: 11am to 5pm. Grand Portage (Tank) Lake. Carrow Park is headquarters. Cash prizes, raffles, food, refreshments, raffles.

ERCER – Come out for a day – or two – of ice fishing fun and competition at Mercer.

The Mercer Lions Fishing Jamboree will be Saturday, Feb. 20 on Grand Portage (Tank) Lake. Entry fee for the contest is a raffle ticket. Fishing hours are from 11am to 5pm with headquarters at Carow Park. Cash prizes for the first three places. There will be food, beer, pop, and coffee, hot chocolate available for purchase, in addition to raffles.

COUNTY

Feb. 27 Mercer – Claus Kraetke Memorial Ice Fishing Jamboree: Headquarters at Donner’s Bay Resort. 7am to 4pm. Cash prizes, raffles, food. 715-476-2555. March 26 Mercer – Lions Easter Egg Hunt: 1011am, Mercer School. April 10 Mercer – Pizza Party & Bingo: Noon, St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church.

Next up is the Claus Kraetke Memorial Ice Fishing Jamboree on Saturday, Feb. 27. This tournament will be headquartered out of Donner’s Bay Resort on the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage from 7am to 4pm. Cash prizes will be given for the largest fish caught in several categories. Hot food, warm and cold beverages and tickets for many raffles will be for sale inside the resort’s lodge. The resort is located just off County Hwy. FF between Mercer and Butternut at 2974 Hiawatha Road, Butternut, or on snowmobile trail #9 if you’re taking a sled.

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Three generations of family enjoy a snowshoe outing in the Northwoods. – Dean S. Acheson photo

HURLEY

Enjoy the outdoors with a snowshoe walk

URLEY – Looking for a low-stress way to get into snowshoeing, or perhaps to enjoy the great Northwoods while burning calories in a fun way? Consider going on a Superior Snowshoe Walk. The walks are free and open to all. Depending on the weather, the group will get anywhere from 40 to over 100 participants.

The walks begin at 6:30pm and the group selects a different location to spice up things a bit. They also select a restaurant for a meal afterwards, if desired. Bring a headlamp or flashlight to light your way. If you don’t have snowshoes, the Hobby Wheel will provide a loaner for the outing. Call Hobby Wheel at 932-3332. For more information, call Sam or Anne Davey at 932-2020 or 906-2853142. Here is the schedule for the rest of the season: Feb. 17 -- Peterson Falls walk starting at Hurley Animal Clinic, sponsored by Bell Chalet. Feb. 24 -- Mannys walk, sponsored by Mannys Restaurant. March 2 -- GCC walk at Mt. Zion, sponsored by Maplewood Restaurant. March 9 -- Stan & Sue Carr’s House Walk, sponsored by Powderhorn. March 16 -- Wolverine Ski Trails, sponsored by Wolverine Ski Club & Hobby Wheel, potluck cookout with bonfire. (Drinks, a dish to pass and chairs if you wish to sit outside.)

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Lincoln Calendar

The Need for Speed:

Drag races on ice are a blast to watch

ERRILL – The Merrill Ice Draggers club welcomes visitors to door-blowing ice drags – they boast the fastest 1/8mile drag auto racing on ice in the world -- they hold each winter on lake ice. Racing takes place on Lake Alexander on four consecutive Saturdays, including Feb. 6, 13 and 20 in 2016. The Feb. 20 date is the championship finals. Vehicle registration is 8:30-10:30am with racing beginning at noon.

COUNTY

Feb. 6 Tomahawk – Treehaven Tromp: 10am, Treehaven. 10K and 5K races. 715-453-4106 or uwsp.edu/treehaven.

March 19 Tomahawk – Taste of Tomahawk: 1-5pm at Inshalla Country Club. Beer and wine tasting, local cuisine, live music. Tickets at the door or at the chamber.

Feb. 13 & 14 Tomahawk – Wolf Ecology Program: Treehaven. Lodging available. 715-453-4106 or uwsp. edu/treehaven.

April 22-24 Merrill –Concertina Festival: Les & Jim’s Lincoln Lanes. Music, food, refreshments, dancing.

Enter through Council Grounds State Park (state park sticker or daily permit required if parking on state park grounds; parking on the ice is free). An ice road is plowed for easy access. You can also purchase a pit pass. Council Grounds is located just north of Merrill. Food and refreshments will be available. For more information about racing your vehicle call Bill at 715-409-9493. Check their website, merrillicedrags.com, for updates. The Merrill Ice Draggers have been racing on the 1/8-mile track on Lake Alexander (upper Wisconsin River) since 1965. Speeds reach 100 mph in less than seven seconds. The series features single elimination in 15 divisions, including 4-wheel drive classes and 2-wheel drive classes for cars, trucks and dragsters. You can race your own car in the rubber tire class or enter any of the 13 other “nailie” classes (tires have 5,000 to 6,000 screws in each tire). There are weekly cash prizes and trophies with yearly points, trophies and payouts. They run a five tenths, full tree, complete with time slip. Least you think racers can’t get traction on the course, the course record set by a bottle-fed supercharged dragster in the Outlaw class stands at 5.431 ET and 141.6 mph!

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from local restaurants and treats from the cheese shop.

TO MAHAWK

Taste of Tomahawk (TOT) will be Saturday, March 19, from 1-5pm, at Inshalla Country Club. Sponsored by the Tomahawk Area Chamber of Commerce, they are encouraging participants to wear their favorite beach attire. The TOT Committee will award Chamber Bucks to the wearer of the best beach theme outfit. There will be two rooms of fun with live music in both: HandPicked Bluegrass will perform in the large banquet room and classical guitarist Jeff Calhoun will delight listeners in the wine cellar. Beer and wine will be featured from local and state breweries and wineries. Save a few bucks and get your advance tickets at the chamber office; tickets also available at the door. Of course, this is a 21 and older event so you may need to find a babysitter.

On tap: Taste of Tomahawk

OMAHAWK – Break out the beachwear and head to the 13th annual Taste of Tomahawk, an afternoon-long microbrew and wine tasting festival that also features cuisine

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Marathon COUNTY Calendar

Feb. 6 Mosinee – Ice Fishing Jamboree: 7am to 3pm Half Moon Lake Mosineeareaactionclub.org. Feb. 21 Wausau – Stomp the Swamp Snowshoe Event: 10am, County Forest. 6 km or 12 km snowshoe race or 6 km walk. 715348-6230 or Revelsports.com. Feb. 27 Wausau – Polar Plunge: Noon start. Sunny Vale Park. 715-848-0550 polarplungewi.org. March 4-6 Rothschild – WI Musky Expo: Product displays, guides, seminars, food, drawings. March 28 to April 10 Wausau – Avalanche Days: Granite Peak; 715-845-2846 skigranitepeak.com.

Wausau area rules: From watery depths to high on the mountain

AUSAU & MOSINEE—The greater Wausau area abounds with plenty of recreational opportunities, fun things to do and of course all the great nightlife that these two cities offer. This is still winter (even if you’re reading this in late March), so we’ll offer up three wintery event for you to consider.

Bring the kids and show them the hot fishing action on the ice at the 35th annual Mosinee Area Action Club’s Ice Fishing Jamboree on Half Moon Lake in Mosinee. The Jamboree fishing hours are 7am to 3pm on Saturday, Feb. 6. Register at the boat landing of the Half Moon Resort located on Hwy. KK near Pinewood Supper Cub. Over $3,000 in fishing (6 categories) and door prizes await registered anglers. Visit mosineeareactionclub.org for updated information. If you want to see fish in their natural habitat, check out the Polar Plunge on Saturday, Feb. 27, sponsored by Wisconsin Special Olympics – North Central Region 2. The Polar Plunge at Sunny Vale Park is a unique opportunity for individuals, organizations and businesses to support local Special Olympics athletes by jumping, splashing or even crawling into the sparkling, frigid lake. On-site registration is from 10am to noon with plunging from noon to 1:30pm, or until the last plunger emerges. Music and concessions will be available. Call 715-848-0550 or visit polarplungewi.org for more details. Now that you’ve seen the bottom of the lake, it’s time to take you to the top of the mountain – Granite Peak that is. This popular ski facility will host Avalanche Days from March 28 to April 10. Join Granite Peak Ski Area for a two-week spring festival, falling during many spring breaks with some of the season’s best skiing and an avalanche of fun! Free child ski and snowboard rentals with family combo ticket. Free group ski and snowboard lessons Monday through Friday. Live music on both weekends. Call 715-845-2846 or visit skigranitepeak.com for more details.

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Oneida Calendar

Feb. 13 Three Lakes – Lions Club Ice Fishing Derby: 715-546-3457. Feb. 13-14 Rhinelander – Fisheree & Winter Carnival: Hodag Park. Ice fishing both days, 7am to 3pm. Prizes, food paddle wheel. Feb. 14 Rhinelander – Hodag Snow Dash: 10:30am, Hodag Park. 5 km snowshoe race, fun snowshoe race. 715-362-9622. Feb. 20 Lake Tomahawk – Vintage Sled Show & Ride: 9:30am, Lake Tomahawk. Antique and vintage sleds on display, short ride planned in afternoon. New-tomsnofleas.com.

Picture yourself (winning)

INOCQUA – The Northwoods Wildlife Center in Minocqua reminds everyone that the deadline for entering the center’s annual photography contest is Friday, Feb. 12. The top four entries in the North American Wildlife category will be eligible for the Artist of the Year designation as determined by a panel of judges. Other categories include, Naturescapes, Bugs & Blooms, Trail Camera, Pets, and those taken by Youth (ages 17 and under). The North American Wildlife first place winner will receive $100; other category first place winners will receive $50. There is no limit to the number of entries, or where they are taken. However, photographers cannot make more than 25 percent of their annual income through photography.

Feb. 20 Minocqua – Northwoods Wildlife Center’s Photo Gala: 6-8pm, Campanile Center for the Arts. Voting for favorite photo in several categories, food, raffles. Feb. 27 Minocqua -- Squirrel Hill Skiathlon & Kids Race: Minocqua Winter Park.10 km and 24 km continuous; kids 2 km. First race at 9am followed by others. 715-356-3309 minocquawinterpark.org. Feb. 27 Woodruff – Ice Fishing Tournament:

COUNTY

7am to 3pm, Carrol Lake. Prizes for largest fish, raffles. 715-356-6961 or customcaretakingandlandscaping.com. Feb. 27 Pelican Lake – Ice Fishing Derby: 7am to 4:30pm. Dockside Pub & Eatery is the headquarters. 715-487-5222. Feb. 27 Rhinelander -- HoDrags on Ice: Noon to 4pm, Boom Lake. 715-365-7464. Feb. 28 Minocqua – Winter Park Bark Skijor Race: Minocqua Winter Park. 715-3563309 minocquawinterpark.org. March 5 Minocqua -- Best Ball Ice Golf Tournament: On Lake Minocqua. Thirsty Whale and Albee’s Yacht Club are the sponsors. March 12 Rhinelander – St. Patrick’s Day Parade April 9 Minocqua – Only Fools run at Midnight: Lakeland Union High School. Midnight start for 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run. Food, awards. June 11 Rhinelander – Car Show July 7-10 Rhinelander – Hodag Country Music Festival Aug. 4-7 Rhinelander – Oneida County Fair

Entry fee is $10 per photograph. For more details about the contest, call 715-356-7400 or visit online at northwoodswildlifecenter.org. The public is invited to the photography gala on Saturday, Feb. 20, from 6-8pm, at the Campanile Center for the Arts in Minocqua. Visitors can vote on their favorites in each of the categories. There will be food and drinks, raffle items and a wildlife visitor or two! The Northwoods Wildlife Center cares for injured and orphaned wild animals and strives to get them back into the wild. The center offers winter tours at the facility located at 8683 S. Blumenstein Road, across from the Trig’s shopping complex.

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H AZEL H U RST, minocq ua, woodruff

Winter Park welcomes weekend races

INOCQUA – Minocqua Winter Park & Nordic Center, west of Minocqua, will host two back-to-back races that will appeal to the entire family, including Fido. The Squirrel Hill Skiathlon on Saturday, Feb. 27 is a day of races for the entire family or ski team -- costumed or not. Scheduled closer to the end of the snow season, the Squirrel Hill Skiathlon includes the right mix of challenge and fun to put the best capstone on your ski season. Rollie & Helen’s

MUSKY SHOP World’s Largest Musky Shop

7542 Hwy 51 South • Minocqua Request your FREE catalog today!

800-453-5224

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A skiathlon is a continuous, dual-technique race. Starting in waves, racers depart the stadium on a classic lap. When they return to the stadium, skiers record a split time, enter a transition zone, swap classic equipment for skate equipment, and immediately record another split time and begin a skate lap -- beginning with an ascent of Wisconsin’s sixth highest point: Squirrel Hill.

The event features three distances of skiathlon races. The 24 km race includes a 9.4 km classic and 15 km skate, the 10 km race includes a 3.9 km classic and 6.1 km skate, and the 4.5 km youth skiathlon includes a 2.2 km classic and 2.3 km skate. The festivities end with the ever-popular 2 km “Beat the Bunny” kids race. Mass start of the 24 km individual skiathlon at 9am with other races following, including the “Bunny” at 1pm. Then the following day, Sunday, Feb. 28 is the Winter Park Bark Skijor Race with 5 km and 10 km distances. The course consists of one or two laps of Winter Park’s regular skijor 6 km loop, with a slight relocation of the start/finish line. There are four race divisions for 5 km and 10 km distances and 1-dog and 2-dog teams. Morning start, but exact time was not available when this went to print. For updates, go to minocquawinterpark.org or call 715-356-3309. To reach the Nordic center from Minocqua: from Hwy. 51 turn onto Hwy. 70 West and travel 6.8 miles. Then turn left onto Squirrel Lake Road and go 4.5 miles to Scotchman Lake Road and follow the signs into the park via Squirrel Hill Road.

6829 Hwy. 51 | Hazelhurst, WI 54531 715-358-5349 | rydencats@frontier.com

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OODRUFF –The third annual Carrol Lake Ice Fishing Tournament will be Saturday, Feb. 27, with fishing hours from 7am to 3pm. For many years, it was held on Brandy Lake in Arbor Vitae and known by that name. Custom Caretaking & Landscaping, of Arbor Vitae, is the tournament sponsor. Tournament headquarters will be at the boat landing of the 352-acre Carrol Lake, located off Hwy. J. Entry fee is $30 adults, $25 children 17 and under. You can register the week before during business hours at the company office off Hwy. 70 East or at the boat landing that Saturday. Prizes will be awarded for first through fifth places for the top catches of walleye, northern pike and panfish. There will be numerous door prizes and raffle prizes, including ice augers, portable ice shacks, fishing electronics, cash, and much more, all to be awarded at the conclusion of the tournament. Proceeds will benefit the Angel on My Shoulder charity located in St. Germain. For more tournament information, call 715-356-6961 or visit customcaretakingandlandscaping.com.

A happy recipient of a prize awarded at the Carrol Lake Fishing Contest. – Dean S. Acheson photo

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minocq ua, woodruff

Carrol Lake fishing tournament enters third year

Arbor Vitae , EAU C L AIRE, Minocq ua, STEV ENS PO I NT

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Find Yourself In...

Sayner Star Lake Experiences for 2016 www.sayner-starlake.org

Welcome Haunting 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 reelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 & 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 youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll want to replicate over and over again.

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

Calendar Of

Events

JANUARY

16 – Barnstormers Snowmobile Club fundraiser at Stillwaters Bar and Grill, Star Lake. For tickets and details contact Anita Horan at 715-542-2952. 23 – Jesse Roman Memorial Vintage Snowmobile Show. Sayner Pub, 9 am to Noon. Raﬄes, silent auction, vintage clothing contest. Proceeds beneﬁt the Vilas County Historical Museum. For details, contact Kelly at 715-536-9845. 30 - Barnstormers Snowmobile Club Chili Dump at Patti’s Murmuring Waters, Manitowish Waters. For tickets and details contact Anita Horan at 715-542-2952.

Dates and times of events are subject to change without notice.

MAY

6-7 Spring Stampede. Sayner Star Lake Lionesses host one of the Midwest’s largest stamping festivals. New and used stamps and supplies for sale. Seminars, food and drink. Held at the Plum Lake Community Center and Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church. For tickets and details contact 715-542-3789.

JUNE

Friends of the Library Taste of Tradition Event. Community food-oriented event that beneﬁts the Plum Lake Library and its upcoming projects. Date To Be Determined. Contact 715-542-2020 for details. 12 – Barnstormers Snowmobile Club Pancake Breakfast, 7 am to 11 am. For details, contact Anita Horan at 715-542-2952.

JULY FEBRUARY

12-15 - President’s Day Weekend, Downtown Sayner, sales and activities all weekend long including retailers and restaurants. Contact Wendy Kimbrell at 715-542-2884 for details. 13 – Plum Lake Ice Fishing Tournament. Cash prizes, door prizes, raﬄes, food and refreshments. Proceeds beneﬁt area lake improvement projects. For tickets and registration contact Will Maines at 715-542-2046. 14 - Barnstormers Snowmobile Club fundraiser at Vinchi’s Hillside Inn, Sayner. For tickets and details contact Anita Horan at 715-542-2952. 20 – Friends of the Library Hobo Dinner. For tickets and details contact the Plum Lake Library at 715-542-2020.

4 - Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks - chicken bar-bque with all the ﬁxin’s, ice cream and refreshments at noon in the Sayner Community Park. Area parade at 2 pm, and ﬁreworks at dusk. Sponsored by the Plum Lake Fire Department, Sayner/Star Lake Lions and Lionesses, and the Sayner/Star Lake Chamber of Commerce. For details contact 715-542-3789. 24 - Star Lakers Club Annual Picnic. Come join the community of Star Lake for an afternoon of food and fun in the park and at the beautiful swimming beach. Membership in the Star Lakers Club is not required. Bring a dish to pass. Centennial/Old Mill Site Park, Star Lake, noon until the beer is gone. Contact Bob Munsen at 715-542-2109.

AUGUST

7 – Sayner Street Fair - 10 am to 10 pm on Sayner’s Main Street and in the Community Park and Pavilion. Food and craft vendors, live music, Craft Fair (10 am -4 pm), beer tent under the Pavilion, and children’s activities at the park. Contact Jessica for details and craft show enrollment 715-542-2101. 9 -Vilas Historical Museum Night at the Museum. 6 pm 8pm. Proceeds beneﬁt the Vilas Historical Museum and future projects. Contact 715-542-2020. 15 - Plum Lake Fire Department Annual Spaghetti Dinner. 5 pm - 8 pm. Plum Lake Community Building in Sayner. Raﬄe prizes and homemade spaghetti with all the trimmings. For details and tickets contact 715-892-1877.

SEPTEMBER

Vilas Historical Museum Chicken Dinner. Plum Lake Community Center in Sayner. Date To Be Determined. Tickets go on sale in July. Limited Tickets Available. Proceeds benefit the Vilas Historical Museum and future projects. Contact 715-542-2020 for details. 5 – Barnstormers Snowmobile Club Meat Raffle at Weber’s Wildlife. Time to be determined. For details contact Anita Horan at 715-542-2952. 19 - Plum Lake EMS Annual Benefit Dinner. Whitetail Inn, St. Germain. For tickets and details contact Kevin at 715-892-1877. 23-26 – Colorama Weekend in Downtown Sayner. Fall festivities and sales galore including the Annual Colorama Brunch and Raffle sponsored by Friends of the Library and Plum Lake Women’s Club. Contact 715-542-2020 for details.

25 - Annual Colorama Brunch and Craft Show, Plum Lake Community Center. 9 am to Noon. Craft Fair, raﬄes, incredible food. Sponsored by Friends of the Library and Plum Lake Women’s Club. Contact 715-542-2020 for details.

OCTOBER

30 - Sayner/Star Lake Lions and Lionesses Halloween Bash. Trick or treat in Sayner, pizza and soda at the Sayner Pub, 5-7 pm. Contact 715-542-3789 for details.

NOVEMBER

Sayner/Star Lake Lioness Harvest Dinner, MarLi’s Restaurant, Highway 155, Sayner. 5-8 pm, Dinner, raﬄe, Pie Auction. Date To Be Determined. Contact 715542-3789 for advance tickets and details. 12 - Christmas Fest, 10 am - 2 pm. Crafts and community activities at the Plum Lake Community Center. Sponsored by the Plum Lake Women’s Club. For details contact 715-542-2020. 25-28 - Christmas in Downtown Sayner. Enjoy the shops, refreshments and holiday spirit as the holidays oﬃcially commence at the shops and restaurants of Sayner. Contact Wendy Kimbrell at 715-542-2884 for details.

DECEMBER

9 - Santa visits Sayner. Sponsored by the Sayner/Star Lake Lions and Lionesses. 5 pm -8 pm. Presents for kids ages 1-10, cookies, soup, cocoa, bonﬁre and sleigh rides. Contact 715-542-3789 for details.

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

Experiences For

A Girls Day Out

“We all need a day to unwind with the girls.” ~Anonymous

tart your day with breakfast at the Junction Café, where you’ll ﬁnd high-quality, fresh and healthy alternative food options at reasonable prices in a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. Let’s start shopping!

After hitting the downtown shops, travel east out of Sayner on County Road N to Star Lake. There, you’ll ﬁnd the Star Lake Store, which is reminiscent of a typical General Store in America’s yesteryear, and oﬀers a wide and eclectic range of vacation necessities.

Next, head to Traditions, and find a wide selection of items that depart from the traditional “Northwoods flavor.” Traditions is a full-service gift and home furnishings boutique offering a wide selection.

Across the street, you’ll ﬁnd the The Old Milltown Depot & Gallery. Located in a restored 90-year-old one-room schoolhouse, Old Milltown houses a gallery/gift shop and museum where people can come and view historic pictures of Star Lake.

After looking for things for your home, head next door to GreenWeavers to find a wonderful outfit for your next special occasion. GreenWeavers is a women’s clothing boutique designed to make you look and feel gorgeous. Staff is available every day to help you mix and match your work wardrobe, find packable pieces for travel and cruises, and turn heads at your son’s or daughter’s wedding.

Now that you have worked up an appetite, give the guys a call and have them meet you at Vinchi’s Hillside Inn, famous for its thin crust pizza. Vinchi’s also has a complete dinner menu, featuring a special every night!

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

Experiences For

The Hiker

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” ~ Albert Einstein

tart the day in Star Lake by enjoying the various options on the Tramper’s Trails. Then head to the Star Lake Interpretive Trail, which requires a State Trail Pass. The trail has interpretive signs along the way, and part of the trail is on a peninsula that juts out into Star Lake. After an energetic morning on the trail, head to the Star Lake Store and get items for a picnic lunch. Don’t forget to get yourself a Keurig coﬀee to go. Continue to enjoy the view of Star Lake by eating your lunch at Old Mill Site Park. Just ask for directions at the store. Rested and ready? Head to Sayner and drive through town. Just on the outskirts of town, you’ll ﬁnd two great hiking areas to explore. Razorback Ridges consists of 12 miles worth of scenic

trails featuring different terrains. Just a little further down the road is the Fallison Lake Trail, which is a beautiful, hilly trail with a spectacular view of Fallison Lake. Booklets on wildlife, flora and trail history are available from the DNR Trout Lake Office and at the trailhead. Loops of .5, 1.0, 2.0 and 2.5 miles are available. After all the fresh air you have enjoyed, return to Sayner to The Sayner Pub, a full-service sports bar offering a complete menu of sandwiches, salads, signature pizza, and great burgers. The “Pub” also offers a full-service bar, and the best Bloody Marys in the Northwoods.

Experiences For

The Cyclist

If you own a bicycle, you don’t need a therapist.” ~Anonymous

he day awaits you with boundless miles of biking trails. The Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail offers 45 miles of paved trails that are simply lovely. Only six feet wide in most places, the pavement is ensconced by trees and shrubs, with flat-to-manageably-hilly terrain. As a result, bikers can go out for an hour or all day and have plenty to do and explore. But beware: On a trail this enjoyable, you may not want to turn back. Don’t have a bike? Not a problem; Up North Traders, located on Main Street in Sayner, has bikes to rent. Morning ride Start your day purchasing your bike trail map at Sayner Mobil Express. Get someone to drive you to Boulder Junction and drop you off in the parking lot by the Chamber of Commerce. Begin your bike ride heading south out of town. When you reach

the North Trout Lake Campground be sure to take the .6 mile loop ride where you’ll find drinking water and restrooms. Continue on your journey and find yourself in downtown Sayner in time for lunch. Choose between Sayner Pub or The Junction Café, a full service breakfast and lunch café featuring all-natural ingredients. Afternoon ride Head back out of town the way you just came and head to Razorback Ridges. Here you will experience a different type of ride on the 30 miles worth of mountain bike trails. Be sure to choose a Wednesday or a Saturday to enjoy your bike ride because you can end your day enjoying the Plum Ski-ters water ski show at 7 PM located at Statehouse Point–a short 2.5 miles down Razorback Road.

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

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

Experiences For

A Summer Outing

“Summertime is always the best of what might be.” ~ Charles Bowden

wonderful lakes in the area to paddle on. Refer to the map in this booklet.

Next, have a late breakfast or early lunch at the Junction Café, where you’ll ﬁnd high-quality, fresh and healthy alternative food options at reasonable prices in a cozy and comfortable atmosphere.

If a canoe or kayak is not your cup of tea, head over to The Star Lake Store where you can rent a boat and motor on a trailer. Errington’s Resort also has boats available for rent on eight lakes in the Star Lake area.

Before you head out onto the water, check out the canoes and kayaks available for rent at Up North Traders, located on Main Street in Sayner. Next, you’ll need to choose from the

Are you hungry yet? What better way to end the day outdoors than with some great pizza? You’ll ﬁnd some of the best pizza in the Northwoods at both Vinchi’s Hillside Inn and The Sayner Pub.

egin your day with a round of golf at Plum Lake Golf Course, located on the south shore of Plum Lake. Founded in 1912, it is the oldest nine-hole golf course in Wisconsin, featuring a turn-of-the-century clubhouse, wrap-around porch, and a beautiful view of the lake.

More than just a

Fish Story

muskie. Several smaller streams are managed for trout, with Sayner’s Plum Creek receiving the most attention from trout anglers.

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. “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,

Teeming with fish Partly due to the 18-inch minimum required to keep a small-mouth 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 small-mouth 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 great place for a family-fishing getaway,” says Errington. Now that’s one fish story you can count on.

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

Experiences For

A Family Outing

“Family is not an important thing, it’s everything.” ~Michael J. Fox Full Day Option

ack a picnic lunch and head to Bond Falls. Bond Falls is one of those “best kept secret” spots on the Western Upper Peninsula that you don’t want to miss. The Bond Falls waterfall is located on the middle branch of the Ontonagon River near Paulding. Although it does not get the “press” of more famous U.P. waterfalls, Bond Falls has a large following of admirers and has even been part of a calendar listing the most scenic natural places in the world! After viewing the falls, enjoy your picnic lunch in the picnic area. Be sure to enjoy an ice cream cone at the Bond Falls Outpost. After lunch, it’s time to head back to Sayner and enjoy an afternoon of swimming. Located next to one of the cleanest, clearest, safest swimming beaches in the Midwest, Crystal Lake lives up to its name. The lake is just ﬁve miles west of Sayner. The entire lake and surrounding beaches, picnic areas and campgrounds are State-owned public property. At just under 90 acres in size and a maximum depth of 67 feet, the water is clear and deep. A favorite for scuba divers as well as recreational swimmers, Crystal Lake beach is perfect for families of all ages. Come and play all day.

When you’re ready for dinner, head back into Sayner and enjoy. The Sayner Pub, a full-service sports bar, offers a complete menu of sandwiches, salads, signature pizza, and great burgers. The “Pub” also offers a full-service bar. Half Day Option Visit Funny Farm Fisheries to see how good of a fisherman you are. No license is required to fish for rainbow trout in crystal clear ponds for the catch of a lifetime. You keep what you catch and Funny Farm will clean them and pack them on ice for you to take home for a small fee. Fishing gear and bait are provided free of charge. Next, head to the ball park for an afternoon of family fun in Sayner. Tennis courts, ball diamond and a playground are available for your sporting pleasure. To end your fun-filled day, head to Statehouse Point–a short 2.5 miles down Razorback Road off Hwy. N to enjoy the Plum Ski-ters water ski show at 7 PM (Wednesdays and Saturdays).

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

Experiences For

A Snowy Day

“The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of world and wake up in another quite different ... if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found?” ~J. B. (John Boynton) Priestley

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.

• 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. 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.

• If speed is more your style, then you will be glad to hear that Sayner is the birthplace of the snowmobile. Don’t forget to check out the miles of wonderfully groomed trails in the area. The Sayner-Star Lake Barnstormers, our local snowmobile club, offers its website–saynerbarnstormers.com/ for more snowmobile information. And if you get hungry along the way, no worries! The trail system has great signage that will lead you to many wonderful eating establishments. • Don’t forget about the spectacular ice ﬁshing in Sayner and Star Lake. Check with White Birch Village for ice ﬁshing packages and beautiful accommodations.

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

Sayner Snowmobile Map

Experiences For

A Rainy Day

“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” ~ Anthony J. D’Angelo

on’t let the rain keep you from exploring the Northwoods; there are still many things to do. • The Plum Lake Library oﬀers everyone–young and old–something to pique their interest. • Enjoy the pleasant adult reading room area with comfortable chairs and tables for reading, studying or reference work. The Library oﬀers state-of-the-art computers and high speed Internet access to help with research. The children’s room provides a wonderful array of stimulating toys and activities for children to enjoy in the library as well as a wonderful selection of books, videos or toy kits to check out. • Be sure to stop by on Wednesday mornings as 10 AM is Preschool story hour for stories and crafts.

• Check out the movie schedule at Lakeland Cinema in Woodruﬀ or Vilas Cinema in Eagle River: www.conwaytheatres.com/.

Experiences For

The History Buff

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 of 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, as Jana loves to share Sayner’s history and stories.

• In nearby Eagle River, you can visit the Northwoods Children’s Museum & Discovery Toy Store. Check out its website to see all that it has to oﬀer: www.northwoodschildrensmuseum. com/. • Don’t miss the chance to enjoy all the shops in Sayner!

• The Library’s Thursday summer reading program oﬀers an assortment of activities for children, from magicians to live animals and performers. Times vary, so be sure to check the facility’s website at sayner.wislib.org/.

“If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday.” ~Pearl Buck

• Visit the Vilas Historical Museum, which was founded in August of 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.

Next, it’s time to hit the road and head to Star Lake, where you can explore the rich logging history at The Old Milltown Depot & Gallery. Learn about the logging companies that came to the Star Lake area in the late 1880s. The Star Lake Mill alone took over 400 million board feet of logs out of the Star Lake area! Just down the road is the picturesque Fredrickson Bait Shop, made of an old boxcar, which rests on the shores of Star Lake–just as it has for 75+ years. 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. End your journey through history by having a memorable dinner at Hintz’s North Star Lodge. Hintz’s North Star Lodge on Star Lake was built in 1894-95 as a home and retreat for railroad and lumber company oﬃcials and guests. The Waldheim Room, where dinner is served, is one of the two remaining original buildings still standing on the property.

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

Bowman’s Pine Hollow Cottage 847-275-4744 bowmanspinehollow.com Lake-Plum Lake

Cropsey Vacation Rentals 800-450-7200 cropseyvacationrentals.com Lake-Various

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Errington’s Resort

715-542-3646 erringtonsresort.com Lake-Across from Little Star Lake

Hintz’s North Star Lodge 715-542-3600 hintznorthstar.com Lake-Star Lake

Plum Gate Resort 715-542-2224 plumgateresort.com Lake-Plum Lake

Star Lake Home 262-245-9400 starlakehome.net Lake-Star Lake

Star Lake Properties 920-279-1769 starlakewi.com Lake-Star Lake

White Birch Village Resort

715-385-2182 whitebirchvillage.com Lake-White Birch Lake

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

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 – Junction Café 8 – Earth Sense/Up North Traders 9 – Funny Farm Fisheries 10 – Library 11 – Sayner Mobil 12 – White Birch Village Resort 13 – Errington’s Resort and Guide Service 14 – Star Lake Properties 15 – Hintz’s North Star Lodge 16 – Star Lake Home 17 – Star Lake Store 18 – Old Mill Depot 19 – Vinchi’s Hillside Inn 20 – Golf Course 21 – The Corner Store 22 – Nortech Marine 23 – Plum Lake Dressage

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Camper’s Paradise

Northern Highland State Forest Crystal Muskie - 9 miles to Sayner. 183 Units. Excellent Beach Plum lake - 1 mile to Sayner. 18 units. Beach available. Fireﬂy - 5 miles to Sayner. 69 units. Excellent Beach. Trout Lake S. - 9 miles to Sayner. 24 units. Beach available. 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 available at Crystal, Muskie and Fireﬂy Lakes. Reservation forms and rates are available by calling Reserve America at 888-947-2757. Forms are also available on www.reserveamerica.com. Reservation should be made 60 days in advance.

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

Step Out of the Box at GreenWeavers Nestled in the little town of Sayner, WI, GreenWeavers is as “in vogue” as any urban boutique

t GreenWeavers, women shopping for the latest in fashion trends will ﬁnd the latest in 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 just comfortable, everyday wear,” says Wendy Kimbrell, GreenWeavers owner. Located in the center of town on Sayner’s Main Street, GreenWeavers Gift & Apparel boasts more than 3,000 sq. ft. of retail space, and a huge inventory of women’s apparel not found at department stores. “We travel worldwide to ensure that our styles are not the average styles you ﬁnd in the malls,” Kimbrell says.

GreenWeavers customer Susie Oberlander m of the boutiqu odels one e’s latest jack ets from Paris

with elegant, stylish fashions from around the globe. Apparel for reunions, parties, conventions and cruises is vast and varied, and when it comes to weddings, GreenWeavers is ready to oblige.

Sizes at GreenWeavers range from Extra Small to Double Extra Large

Every day wear abounds at GreenWeavers, which provides pants, jackets, sun dresses, coats and business attire for women wishing to spruce up their work and play wardrobes

The boutique’s wedding apparel, targeted to mother-of-the-bride and motherof-the-groom shoppers, is designed to make every attending female shine.

“We want to make sure that the matriarchs of the family look stylish and contemporary at their childrens’ weddings,” Kimbrell says. “We’re all about stepping out of the box, and looking gorgeous everywhere you step. ” GreenWeavers also offers shoes, jewelry, hats, belts, purses, and gifts, as well as sound fashion advice for shoppers wanting to make the most out of their wardrobes. Says Kathy Nelson, GreenWeavers sales associate, “While we encourage you to push your fashion boundary to become a better, more stylish version of yourself, we always offer honest advice and never try to sell you clothing that does not look fabulous on you. “Further, we assist you in finding garments that accent the finer attributes of your body type, and offer fashionable couture in all sizes.” Sizes at GreenWeavers range from Extra Small to Double Extra Large, 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 to GreenWeavers twice annually to update her business-oriented work wardrobe.

GreenWeavers customers

have fun shopping

“I’ve been shopping for my clothes at GreenWeavers for 13 years now, and I simply won’t buy clothes anyplace else,” Pierson says. “Why would I?”

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Experiences For

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Business Directory 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 23

ATTRACTIONS Funny Farm Fisheries 2916 Plum Lake Drive Sayner, WI 54560 715-499-7135 www.funnyfarmﬁsheries.com Plum Lake Golf Club 3160 Clubhouse Rd. • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2598 www.plumlakegolf.com See Page 20 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 20

DINING Hintz’s North Star Lodge 715-542-3600 www.hintznorthstar.com See Page 24 Sayner Pub 2962 Main St. • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3647 www.saynerpub.com See Page 16 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 18

FRIENDS OF THE CHAMBER Northwoods Association of Realtors

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 20

Hintz’s North Star Resort 7933 Waldheim Road Star Lake, WI 54561 (715) 542-3600 www.hintznorthstar.com See Page 24 Plum Gate Resort 3047 Plum Lake Dr. Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2224 E-mail: pnm@nnex.net www.plumgateresort.com See Page 17

Plum Lake Dressage 8191 Plum Lake Station Rd. Sayner, WI 54560 (800) 445-5370 plumlakedressage@gmail.com www.plumlakedressage.com

RETAIL Earth Sense Energy Systems 2977 Main Street • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2788 www.upnorthtraders.com See Page 17

Star Lake Properties (920) 279-1769 info@starlakewi.com

Eliason Lumber & Hardware 2954 Main St. • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3233 • Fax: (715) 542-3534 www.eliasonhardware.com See Page 16

Star Lake Lakefront Rental (262) 245-9400 E-mail: markfbrower@charter.net www.starlakehome.net See Page 18

GreenWeavers 2965 Main Street • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2884 www.green-weavers.com See Page 19

White Birch Village Resort Boulder Junction, WI (715) 385-2182 www.whitebirchvillage.com E-mail:oﬃce@whitebirchvillage.com See Page 2

Knitt’s Hardware Hank Boulder Junction: (715) 385-2300 St. Germain: (715) 479-5930 See Page 20

REAL ESTATE 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 18 Jim Tait Real Estate Minocqua: (800) 677-8248 Boulder Junction: (877) 385-2077 www.jimtaitrealestate.com See Page 18

RECREATIONAL SALES, SERVICE & RENTALS Barnstormers Snowmobile Club www.saynerbarnstormers.com See Page 16

Star Lake Store 7697 Cty Hwy. K Star Lake, WI 54561 (715) 542-2548 • (715) 542-3464 See Page 21

Old Milltown Depot 7820 Cty Rd K • Star Lake, WI 54561 (715) 542-3998 www.friendsofstarlake.org The Corner Store 3109 Razorback Rd. • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-4250 thecornerstoresayner@gmail.com www.thecornerstoresayner.com See Page 21 Traditions 2959 Main Street • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2101 See Page 16 Up North Traders 2977 Main St. • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2046 www.upnorthtraders.com See Page 17

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 Chances R Satellite Sales & Service 2616 St. • Hwy 55 • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3367 E-mail: chancesr@hughes.net Errington’s Guide Service P.O. Box 1054 • Star Lake, WI 54561 Resort: (715) 542-3646 Cell: (815) 298-1358 See Page 21 First National Bank of Eagle River 240 Hwy. 70 • St. Germain, WI (888) 479-5201 www.fnb-eagleriver See Page 16 Meyer & Associates Insurance PO Box 267 St. Germain, WI 54558 (715) 479-3949 See Page 20 Nortech Marine 2913 Froelich Dr. • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3389 nortechmarine14@gmail.com www.nortechmarine-wi.com Sayner Mobil Express Downtown Sayner, WI (715) 542-2024 See Page 18 Squirrel Away Storage 8855 Glenbrook Ln. Sayner, WI 54560 • (715) 617-3885 St. Germain Pharmacy 252 Hwy. 70 • P.O. Box 280 St. Germain, WI 54558 (715) 479-7608 • Fax: (715) 479-2763 See Page 18

CHURCHES Shepherd of The Lakes Lutheran Church (ELCA) 2903 Main Street • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 614-3701 St. Mary’s Catholic Church (715) 385-2390

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

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

Find Yourself In

Sayner â&#x20AC;˘ Star Lake

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RHI NELAND ER

Lots of ice action on Boom Lake

HINELANDER -- Boom Lake in Rhinelander will be ‘booming” with fun and excitement on back-to-back weekends in February. The Rhinelander Lions Club invites families and die-hard fishermen to their 40th annual Fisheree & Winter Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 13 & 14 on Boom Lake. Fishing hours will be from 7am to 3pm both days. There will be lots of great prizes, including large cash prize each day for the longest northern registered, kids prizes, raffles, food and the famous paddle wheel. Headquarters will be Hodag Park on Rhinelander’s north side. Visit explorerhinelander.com for more information. The fifth annual Hodag Snow Dash snowshoe race, put on by the YMCA of the Northwoods, will be Sunday, Feb. 14, 10:30am, at the Hodag Park boat launch. There is a 5 km timed Open Division, which will recognize the top three overall male and female finishers, and a non-timed Family Tromp. Entry fee for either event is $25. Call 715-362-9622 for more details if needed. Then on Saturday, Feb. 27 return to Boom Lake for Ho-Drags on Ice. The fast-paced action on ice will include classes for cars, trucks and outlaw vehicles from noon to 4pm. Trophies will be awarded. Altered and outlaw classes are money classes. For more information call the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce at 715-365-7464.

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AKE TOMAHAWK – The community of Lake Tomahawk will be buzzn’ with the sounds of old iron during the sixth annual Vintage Sled Show & Ride on Saturday, Feb. 20. Sponsored by the New-Tom Sno Fleas Snowmobile Club, the event begins at 9:30am with vintage sled registration in the parking area across from Smiley’s Pub and Shamrock Pub & Eatery, downtown Lake Tomahawk (just off trail #17). Registration fee is $5 with a maximum of $15 for any number of sleds you bring. There will be trophies and awards presented for Best of Show, Best Original, Best Restored, Unique and a few others. Groomer rides will also be available.

After the 1pm awards presentation, participants will go for a short ride on local club trails. Riders will stop at a scenic overlook to enjoy the warmth of a fire, hot dogs, more socializing and a spirited game of a bogie wheel toss. That Saturday is also the club’s equipment raffle fundraiser at Shamrock Pub & Eatery. Stop in and take a chance on the many raffle prizes available. Visit new-tomsnofleas.com for event information, trail conditions and reports throughout the season.

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Relive the past at Vintage Sled Show & Ride

Polk COUNTY

Calendar

Feb. 21 Clayton -- Lake Magnor Ice Fishing Contest

Feb. 5- 7 Balsam Lake -Winterest: Most events on Saturday including snowshoe race, kids games, pond hockey, live music and more; ice fishing contest and lawn mower races on Sunday.

March 12 Dresser -- Troll Cup Ski Race: Trollhaugen

Feb. 12-14 Luck -- Luck Winter Carnival

April 9 Turtle Lake -American Legion Smelt Fry

Feb. 13 Clam Falls -- Winter Carnival/Ice Fishing Contest

April 16 Cushing -- Spring Bash: Community Center 4pm. Lasagna Supper, bingo and more.

Feb. 13 Centuria -- Ice Fishing Contest: Long Lake Feb. 13 St Croix Falls -Candlelight Ski: Interstate Park Feb. 20 Osceola -- Ice Fishing Contest: Big Lake

April 1-2 Dresser -Trollhaugen Gun Show April 9 Luck -- Luck Ambulance Smelt Fry: 3:30-7pm.

April 16 Balsam Lake -- Rod & Gun Club Smelt Fry April 19-25 Turtle Lake -Earth Week: Townwide April 23 Osceola -- Healthy Heart 5k Walk/Run

C SEEKING SALES ASSOCIATE 5 Star Marketing is seeking a sales associate with print sales experience to handle accounts in northern Wisconsin. • • •

A dependable vehicle and a desire to succeed required. Base pay plus commissions. Gas card available. Send resume to: Al Hanley 5 Star Marketing & Distribution 409 South Park Drive Tomahawk, WI 54487

Snowmobile adventures include Cattail Trail

OUNTYWIDE -- Polk County is home to over 360 miles of state-funded snowmobile trails that are nicely groomed and well marked. Major routes such as the Gandy Dancer State Trail will take you quickly to your destination. Or, ease off the throttle and explore remote trails as they meander through breathtaking scenery. The well-marked trails pass through farmland and forests of Polk County. Enjoy the hospitality of the communities and businesses along the way. You can find sled repairs, fuel, dining, lodging and other necessities for your snowmobiling adventure. Snowmobile trail maps are available at many businesses. Snowmobilers put their sleds to good use when in Polk County, and not just for trail riding. Once lakes freeze solid snowmobiles transport anglers and their shelters to their favorite fishing spots. Polk County trails connect to those in neighboring counties for extended trips. The Cattail State Trail travels nearly 18 miles on a former rail corridor from Amery to Almena in neighboring Barron County. All-terrain vehicles are allowed on the trail yearround. There is one tunnel and six bridges along the way. Polk County’s 15 snowmobile clubs lead the way in brushing, signing and grooming the trails. The clubs are also excellent sources of information for trail rides. They invite out-of-area riders to join them for a club ride. The public can also enjoy the fun at their fundraisers, such as poker runs and meals. Check the calendar at UpNorthAction.com They welcome new members anytime.

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Price Calendar

Snowshoers: Set tracks for Timm’s Hill Trudge

GEMA – The annual Timm’s Hill Trudge snowshoe race/walk will take place Saturday, March 5 at Timm’s Hill, Wisconsin’s highest geographical point at 1,952 feet above sea level. Headquarters will be at High Point Village in Ogema. Registration is 8-9:45am. The 7-mile race begins at 10am and the 3-mile race begins at 10:10am. The registration fee includes a long-sleeve t-shirt and a chili lunch after the races. Medals will be awarded to all finishers. For more information, call High Point Village owners Kathy or Lyle Blomberg at 715-767-5287 or visit highpointvillage.com. Set in the serene countryside of natural beauty, Timm’s Hill is a destination year round for nature lovers. Nearby is Timm’s Hill National Trail, which winds 10 miles to the south. At the Hill of Beans restaurant at the Blombergs’ lodge, you can savor freshground specialty coffee and espresso drinks, delicious food such as their Panini sandwiches, and drinks, including beer and wine. From Ogema, take State Hwy. 86 east to County Road C. Follow CR-C south until you reach County Road RR. There’s a posted

Feb. 13 Phillips –Valentine’s Day Dance: 6-10pm, Big Elk Bar & Grill. Sponsored by Northwoods Hi-Riders Snowmobile Club. Paddle wheel games, raffles, prizes. Feb. 13 Ogema -- Ice Fishing Jamboree: 6am to 3pm, Little Spirit Lake boat landing, 10 miles SE of Ogema. Cash prizes, food, heated shelter, raffles. Feb. 20 Phillips – Poker Run & Picnic: Starts at 11am at Birch Island Resort, Bar & Grill. Sponsored by Elk River Pioneers Snowmobile Club. March 5 Ogema – Timm’s Hill Trudge: High Point Village is the headquarters. 7-mile snowshoe race starts at 10am, the 3-mile

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snowshoe race starts at 10:10am. 715-767-5287 or highpointvillage.com. March 5 Phillips – Ice Fishing Rumble: 7am to 5pm, Solberg Lake. RollIn Point Bar & Grill is the headquarters. Door prizes, raffles, prize money for longest fish. March 19 Brantwood – St. Urho/St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: 4:30pm, Knox Creek Heritage Center. Food, music, program. March 19 Phillips – Wild Game Feed: 2-7pm, Birch Island Resort, Bar & Grill. Raffles. 715-339-3151. April 30 Phillips – Walleyes for Tomorrow Banquet: 4:30pm doors open. Municipal Building. Dinner at 6:30pm, raffles, door prizes. 715-339-6373.

sign at the junction of the two roads that reads, “Road to Timm’s Hill County Park 1 mile.” Turn left onto CR-RR. Follow CR-RR about 1 mile.

Legendary figures celebrate Brantwood’s heritage

RANTWOOD -- St. Patrick and St. Urho will link arms and enjoy cardamom braids and other delights at the 25th annual St. Urho/St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on Saturday, March 19 at the Knox Creek Heritage Center in Brantwood. This Finnish-American holiday is based on the legend of St. Urho casting the frogs and grasshoppers out of Finland. St. Patrick’s legendary powers are better known, but perhaps St. Urho is gaining ground? At least around Brantwood. The celebration will include a soup buffet, plus ham, homemade breads, and all the trimmings, including dessert served from 4:306:30pm with music and a program to follow. Homemade multi-grain bread and cardamom braids will be avail-

able for purchase. There will be a touch of Irish humor and Finlander stoics. The Knox Creek Heritage Center sponsors the event. The Heritage Center sits on the corner of Knox Road and Central Avenue. There are eight buildings, most filled with artifacts and reminders of the cultural diversity of this area from the 1890s through the early 1900s. You can follow the historical society on Facebook.

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B utterNut, ParkFalls

New size limits OK’d for UTVs on Flambeau Trail An ATV rider enjoys a fall ride on the newly upgraded Flambeau Motorized Tra il near Pike Lake in Price County. – Contributed photo

RICE COUNTY – Owners of the larger ATVs and UTVs are anxiously waiting spring when the Flambeau Motorized Trail (FMT) will welcome those machines up to 65 inches in width. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is wrapping up work to safely allow ATVs and UTVs 65 inches or less on the FMT after spring breakup, around May 1. Currently, there is a 50-inch maximum restriction on the FMT. The trail system will meet the larger width UTV Trail Standards with the exception of one small segment (118-125, north of Forest Road 182), which will only remain open to motorized vehicles less than 50 inches due to terrain prohibiting factors. The larger

width UTVs will have to detour along Forest Road 511 to avoid this short segment. The FMT is open from May 1 to March 14 each year. Weather and trail conditions may cause closures during this time period in order to protect the resource and maintain the integrity of the trail. There are many people looking for the trails that will accommodate the 65-inch UTVs. These machines typically can fit a family of four, or a group of friends, plus gear. The FMT system offers more than 70 miles of year round riding opportunities including ATVs, UTVs and snowmobiles during the winter months in Price County. The interconnecting network of trails varies in length from less than one mile to over 23 miles. Many lakes, streams and the South Fork of the Flambeau River are accessible from the Flambeau Trails. Along the trail there are several points of interest including the Smith Rapids Covered Bridge crossing the South Fork of the Flambeau River, Round Lake Logging Dam, and Camp Nine Springs. Routes from the trail system allows for access to the city of Park Falls.

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Park Falls

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Sawyer COUNTY Calendar

Feb. 6 Hayward – Hayward Lions Pre-Birkie: 9:30am start of classic. 26 km and 42 km XC races. 715-634-6456 or Haywardlions.com. Feb. 13 Hayward – Family Ice Fishing Event: 715-699-2921 or wfnw.ent.

Feb. 18-21 Hayward & Cable – Birkie Week. Various ski races, food, expo, ski demo. Feb. 20 Hayward & Cable – American Birkebeiner: Start at Cable, finish downtown Hayward. March 12 Hayward – Polar Plunge: 715-699-4007. April 8 Hayward – Figure Skating Show: 715-634-4791.

Snowmobile trails in the Chequamegon Nat’l Forest

LAM LAKE -- Clam Lake offers some of the best snowmobile and ATV trails in the Midwest. Riding through the unspoiled Chequamegon National Forest is a special experience for riders seeking beautiful natural scenery and trails suitable to riders of all ages. Several local clubs work hard to promote and maintain the ATV and snowmobile trails in the Clam Lake area. Snowmobile Trails #8 and #9A

County and Price County snowmobile trails and the Tri-County system, increasing the options and miles available for the avid snowmobiler!

The Chequamegon National Forest has hundreds of miles of trails that are groomed on a weekly basis. These trail systems interconnect with Bayfield County, Ashland County, Sawyer

These well-groomed trails connect Clam Lake with Hayward, Hurley, Cable and Ashland making Clam Lake the ideal base camp for a Northern Wisconsin snowmobile vacation.

American Birkebeiner the star of Birkie Week

But other events also shine

AYWARD & CABLE – North America’s largest crosscountry ski event – the American Birkebeiner – is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 20 with racers starting in Cable, traversing the famed Birkie trail for 51/54 km race and finishing on Main Street in downtown Hayward. The event typically draws 9,500 skiers from all over the U.S. and nearly two dozen other countries. Hayward’s Main Street will be filled with spectators, many with cowbells, urging on the thousands of professional and amateur skiers as they dash to the finish line. Two other major races, the Korteloppe and Prince Haakon, also take place that Saturday. There are plenty of other skiing and fun activities for skiers starting on Thursday of that week.

Thursday, Feb. 18 – The American Birkebeiner Expo opens at 1pm, as does the start of the Barkie Birkie Skijor on Hayward’s Main Street. Then at 4:30pm, the best-of-the-best go head-tohead in Elite Sprints competition on Main Street. Coordination rules at 5:35pm when the “Giant Ski” competition gets underway, also on Main Street. Friday, Feb. 19 – The day is filled with family fun, starting with the Junior Birkie freestyle at 8:30am, the Junior Birkie team sprint relay races at 11am, the Barnebirkie Youth Ski tour at 12:30pm, Birkie Adaptive Ski races at 1:15pm, the Nikkerbeiner 5K vintage ski tour at 2pm and the family fun ski 5K at 2:15pm, all in Hayward. Saturday, Feb. 20 – The Birkie, Korteloppe and Prince Haakon races all take place that morning. The top racers begin first, followed by waves of skiers based on past times. Sunday, Feb. 21 – There is a ski demo at the Hwy. OO trailhead.

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Cable , Hayward

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Shawano COUNTRY Calendar

Feb. 13 Shiocton -- Frozen Fun Navarino Nature Center Winter Open House, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Snow games, frozen arts and crafts, frozen face painting, frozen costume contest, games, skiing and sledding. chili luncheon, naturalist guided snowshoe hike (9am and 11am, guided hike is free). Fees for rentals, lunch, and possible sleigh rides. Navarino Nature Center, W5646 Lindsten Road, Shiocton. RSVP, 715-758-6999 .navarino.org Feb. 14 Shawano -- Numb Nutzz Jamboree: Fishing Derby, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m, register at Cecil Bay boat landing; Fire & Ice LugNutzz Ice Racing, races at noon; Screamin’ Headbuzz 9-Pin Bowl-a-Rama, Lakeshore Lanes, 11 a.m., live music, 3 p.m., heated tent, food, drinks and prizes, Cecil Cove, 715-851-2180.

Feb. 20 Shawano -- Fishing Tournament: Prizes awarded every hour, food & refreshments, meat raffle to follow tournament, Register by 7 a.m. day of tournament at bar, Sparky’s Sunset Bar & Grill, W5884 Cedar Ct., Shawano, South Shore of Shawano Lake, 715-524-0470. Feb. 26-27 Shiocton -- Candlelight Snowshoe Hike: Navarino Nature Center: 5:30-7:30 p.m., snowshoe or ski the one mile loop, RSVP 715-758-6999, navarino.org. Feb. 27 Shiocton -- Porcupine Snowshoe Tour: Navarino Nature Center: Snowshoe hike to a porcupine den, RSVP 715-7586999, navarino.org. Feb. 27 Marion -- Marion Lion’s Fishing Derby: register 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., lunch, music, refreshments, Lions Point, 327 W. Garfield Ave., Marion. Feb. 27 Shawano – Ice Fishing Derby: 9am to 3pm, Shawano Lake. Cash prizes for largest fish; raffle, food.

Fishin’ for a Mission: Ice fishing derby set

HAWANO – Get in a nice day of fishing while supporting our military veterans when you enter the fourth annual Ice fishing Derby on Shawano Lake out of Cecil Bay on Saturday, Feb. 27.

The event organizers are also selling tickets for a number of raffle prizes, including the grand prize of a Honda 500 ATV. Other prizes include an Apple Creek Whitetail Hunt, $500 Visa gift card, Vexilar FL-12, Aqua Vu Cameras, binoculars and many more.

All proceeds will benefit the 4th HOOAH WI, which is sponsoring the ice fishing derby. HOOAH, Inc’s mission is to lend support to forward deployed servicemen and women, their stateside families and returning veterans.

Raffle tickets are $5 per ticket, or 5 tickets for $20. Tickets may be purchased at American Marine, Kuhn’s Bait and Tackle, Wake Zone Pub & Grill, Nelson Tactical, or call Scott at 920-819-8170 or Steve at 920-740-2823 as well as being available at the tent. Raffle drawings will be held at the Wake Zone Pub and Grill starting at 5pm. You need not be present to win the raffle prizes. Raffle proceeds will benefit both 4th HOOAH WI and Desert Veterans of Wisconsin.

Derby fishing hours 9am to 3pm. Target species are northern pike, bass, walleye, perch, crappie and bluegill. The top three fish in each category will win cash and prizes. First place is $100, 2nd is $50 and 3rd is $25. Fish will be measured by length, with all ties being determined by weight. Entry fee is $20 online prior to the event, and $25 at the Solar Sportsman tent the day of the event. The entry fee includes one raffle ticket. You won’t go hungry, as they will be serving brats, burgers and beverages inside the tent.

There’s also a free ice fishing seminar at Wake Zone Pub and Grill from 6-8pm on Friday, Feb. 26.

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ILLEDA – If you need a shot of racing action to tide you over until summer, head over to Tilleda where they feature “Thunder on Ice” ice racing on Tilleda Pond (aka “Lake Speed”) on Embarrass River every Saturday, January through February. This is Tilleda Thunder’s 11th year of hosting ice racing. All Terrain Vehicles and ice racing car divisions (studded and non-studded classes) featured along with food and refreshments on the ice. Vehicle and quad registration starts at 10am, hot laps at noon and races at 1pm. Spectator admission fee with children under 12 and adults over 65 admitted free. Visit tilledathunderonice. com for more information. 409 South Park Drive Tomahawk, WI 54487 1-800-353-4511 info@5starupnorth.com

When traveling look for our 600+ racks filled with brochures, rack cards, maps, visitor guides & other travel information.

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Menominee , Tilleda

‘Thunder on Ice races featured on ‘Lake Speed’

Vilas Calendar

Feb. 5-7 Eagle River – LaBatt Blue USA Adult Pond Hockey Championships: Dollar Lake. Feb. 13 St. Germain – Ride with the Champs: Various snowmobile tours, visit of snowmobile museum, evening Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Whitetail Inn. 715-542-4463 or snowmobilehalloffame.com. Feb. 12-13 St. Germain – St. Germain Radar Run: Snowmobile radar runs, food, music, tethered hot air balloon rides, Bikini run on Saturday.

‘Winterfest Rendezvous’ makes nice with the ice

ANITOWISH WATERS -- The Manitowish Waters Sno Skeeters Snowmobile Club’s 13th annual Winterfest Rendezvous, Saturday, Feb.13, will offer family activities, lots of cash prize drawings, a snowmobile raffle and an ice fishing contest. This event is held on Rest Lake just off the boat landing at Rest Lake Park on Hwy. W, 1/4 mile north of Manitowish Waters. This is the area’s largest ice-fishing contest with prizes awarded in eight categories. The contest runs from 10:30am until 5:30pm. There are more chances to win raffle prizes if you pre-register at Townline Sports or True Value Hardware. Raffle items include an ice auger, ice shack, generator and many more items.

Feb. 13 Conover – Northwoods Blizzard Blast: Community Park. Recliner- on-ski race, snowsculpturing entries, artisan bazaar, horse-drawn rides, sledding, snowboard demo, snowshoe baseball, and more. Blizzardblast.com. Feb. 13 Manitowish Waters – Winterfest Rendezvous: 10:30am to 5:30pm ice fishing contest, food, hole-in-one contest and hockey accuracy contest from 2-3pm, groomer rides, raffles. Feb. 13 Sayner – Plum Lake Fishing Tournament: 6am to

COUNTY

3pm. Fishing on Plum Lake. South shore public pier access. 715-542-2046. Feb. 14 Winchester – WinMan Windigo Snowshoe Stomp: 1pm, WinMan Trails. Awards. WinManTrails.com. Feb. 20 Boulder Junction – Frozen Tozen Ice Fishing Tournament: 10am to 4pm, Allequash Lake. 715-385-2400 boulderjct.org. Feb. 20 Conover – Lions Winter Frolic: Conover Town park. Sledding and snowboarding, food and beverages. Feb. 27 Presque Isle – Winter Party: 11am to 3pm, Pipke Park. Sledding, skating, bonfire, groomer rides, snowshoe treks food. April 2 Phelps – Maple Syrup Fest: 8am to 4pm, Phelps School. Sugar bush tours, tree-tapping demos, children’s activities, maple treats., raffle. 715-545-3800 or phelpswi.us. May 13-14 Manitowish Waters – Northwoods Birding Festival: 715-543-2085 discoverycenter.net. May 14 Boulder Jct. to Eagle River – Journey’s Marathon: 715-479-6400 eagleriver.org.

The large heated tent will open at 9:30am for those who need to register for ice fishing. The National Anthem and opening ceremony giveaway is at 10am (must be present to win this raffle). Food and refreshments will be served in the tent. There will be a hole-in-one contest and a hockey accuracy contest from 2-3pm, along with free rides in the club’s 2015 Tucker Groomer. All five of the “Famous Klements Racing Sausages” will be racing and available for photo opportunities. Justin Russell will be playing from 3-6pm inside the tent. Ice fishing awards and drawing for the 2016 Ski-Doo Renegade 600 raffle sled will start at 6pm inside the tent. The drawing for the cash prizes, $10,000 in all, and sponsored by the Manitowish Waters Fire Co. and the Manitowish Waters Lion will also take place starting at 6pm. Tickets for the cash raffles are $100 each, with 200 maximum available. The finale will be a spectacular fireworks show on the ice. This event is held on the ice so dress accordingly. Parking is available in the Rest Lake parking lot.

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Pres q ue I sle

Presque Isle throws a winter party

RESQUE ISLE – The Northwoods is known for its family-oriented events, and the Winter Party in Presque Isle on Saturday, Feb. 27, is one you shouldn’t miss. The Presque Isle Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the event, with hours 11am to 3pm with all activities centered in Pipke Park, 11662 County Road W. There’s a heated building and restrooms at the park. There will be sledding, skating, a bonfire to keep you cozy warm and to toast s’mores, groomer rides, guided snowshoe treks, trails to explore and in addition to those s’mores, more food and refreshments. Contact the chamber at 715-686-2910 if you need more information.

A reminder The snowmobile trails in the Presque Isle and Winchester area are great scenic routes, but how about winning a new ride for those outings? The Sno-Bunnies Snowmobile Club is selling tickets (2,500 maximum) for a raffle, with the top prize a 2015 Ski-Doo MXZ 900 Ace. There

will be at least 20 additional raffle prizes. The drawing will be Feb. 14, noon, at the Skyview Supper Club, Hwy. W. For more information, including how to join the club, visit sno-bunnies.com.

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Manitowish Waters

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Eagle River , S t. Germain, Manitowish Waters

St. Germain Radar Run back on track

T. GERMAIN – Old Man Winter got turned around this season, arriving late and causing great consternation for event organizers in the Northwoods, some of whom saw their events cancelled or postponed due to thin lake ice. One of those affected was the St. Germain Snowmobile Radar Run, originally scheduled for late January but now set for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 12 & 13. The Snowmobile Radar Run, hosted by the St. Germain Radar Racers, as of this writing, is scheduled for the West Bay of Little St. Germain Lake, downtown St. Germain. Hours are 11am to 8pm Friday and 10am to 4pm Saturday. While West Bay is the primary location; the event’s first backup location is South Bay in front of Estrold Resort near Black Bear Lodge. Another backup location is the north shore of Lost Lake near Vandevort Park. Visit UpNorthAction.com or radarracers. com for current information.

The event The sponsors will have two tracks for sled heads to race against the gun: the 1,000-foot shaved ice track (“Fastest Ice Track in Wisconsin”) and the 660-foot groomed snowpack track. There’s also a 1,000-foot practice track. The venue now has four members of the 170 MPH Club: Mike Martin, OSP Racing, 173.26 (set at the 2015 event), Jack Hendricks, 173.1 mph; Frozen Assets, 170.36 mph and Aaron Fivak,

Tara Pulec racing her sled during the Bikini Runs. – Dean S. Acheson photo 170.06 mph. The top speed driver will receive the “Snow King” trophy, which will then be placed on display at the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame in St. Germain. Friday’s schedule of events includes fun runs, speed runs from 1-4pm, trail ride at 3pm, Snow Outlaw Top 10 shoot-out and ice drags from 5-8pm under the lights. Also scheduled is a hot air balloon show from 5-8pm. Hot air balloon rides (tethered) will be offered all day and evening. Saturday continues the fun with fun runs, speed runs, Yamaha sled display, demo rides, vendor’s row, bikini run on the 660-foot snow track at 1pm, Snow Outlaw Top 10 racing finale at 2pm followed by the trophy presentation and prizes. Each bikini participant is raising money for charities and will try to clock the fastest speed on the 660-foot track. Hot air balloon rides will be offered from noon to 4pm, with balloon lift off at 4pm. Parking is available on the lake or park nearby and walk down. Shuttle service will be provided. Enjoy food and beverages along with music in the heated tent.

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Town Name

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Conover, M anitowish Waters, Pres q ue I sle , Win chester

A flurry of winter fun at Northwoods Blizzard Blast

ONOVER – Sit back in your favorite recliner and compete for a $100 prize at the 2016 Northwoods Blizzard Blast on Saturday, Feb. 13 at the Community Park in Conover. The recliner-on-skis race is just one of several fun events for families to enjoy that day. By the way, they provide the recliners so no need to bring yours.

The serious fun gets underway Thursday when the teams can begin work on their snow-sculpturing entries. The contest concludes Saturday at 2pm when the winning team entry is awarded a $100 prize. Saturday’s other events all begin at 10am, with an artisan bazaar, horse-drawn scenic rides through the woods, ice bowling, youth archery demo, sledding, (some loaner sleds available) face painting, snowboard demo and instruction, snowshoe baseball and kid’s Dogsled Dash. There’s also a 5 km cross-country ski along the Pioneer Creek Trail. This is a non-sanctioned fun run. The recliner race finals on the oval track are set for 3pm. Stick around because at dusk, about 5:30-6pm in this neck of the woods, there will be a fireworks finale. Food, refreshments and DJ music will available all day; toasty bonfires and heated restrooms are located throughout the park. Some of the events carry a small fee; snow sculpturing contest and recliner finals in the $20-$25 range. Proceeds benefit the local fire and EMS departments. For more information, visit blizzard-blast.com.

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T. GERMAIN – Each February the Snowmobile Hall of Fame (HOF) in St. Germain affords everyday people an opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the notables in the snowmobile industry and racing fraternity, while soaking in the beauty of Northwoods trails.

The 33rd annual Ride with the Champs, sponsored by Modine HotDawg Garage Heaters, will take place Saturday, Feb. 13. There will be four vintage groups, two late model groups and a bus ride. One of the vintage groups will be the “vintage challenge,” which runs to Lake Gogebic in the UP for lunch and the other is the “swamp challenge,” which runs south to the Tomahawk area. New this year is the Yamaha Vintage 100. This is a 100-mile ride for all of those old Yamaha sleds. Interested riders are invited to come on Friday, Feb. 12 to “test and “tune” your sled on a poker run or other local rides that day. One late model group will go to Lake Gogebic for lunch at Fish Tales. There is a short ride to Minocqua and a longer ride in the area for both the vintage and late models. The bus trip will go to Three Lakes for those who want to enjoy a day sampling wine and shopping. The schedule includes breakfast at the Whitetail Inn in St. Germain, a stop at the Snowmobile HOF, trail riding, lunch and more trail riding, followed by evening cocktails, autograph session, dinner and HOF induction ceremony, all at the Whitetail Inn. To register or for more information, call 715-542-4463 or visit snowmobilehalloffame.com.

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pres q ue isle, St. G ermain

Pres q ue I sle ,

It’s time to ‘Ride with the Champs’

Washburn COUNTY Calendar

March 18 Sarona – Owl Hike: Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary.

Feb. 6 Spooner -- Ice Fishing Contest: Spooner Lake. Feb. 20 Springbrook – Ice Fishing Contest: Gull Lake. Feb. 22 Sarona – Full Moon Snowshoe Hike: Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary.

March 26 Spooner -- Spooner-Trego Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt March 26 Shell Lake: Easter Egg Hunt & Bunny Breakfast April 1-2 Spooner – IRPC Gun Show

Washburn County boasts excellent XC trails

OUNTYWIDE – You don’t have to go far to find nice crosscountry ski trails once you arrive in Washburn County, referred to by many as a “Mecca of cross-country skiing.” NORDIC WOODS TRAIL-- Considered by many to be the best in the county. This Washburn County Forest trail meanders through a kettle moraine area that is both scenic and diverse. The trail is groomed and tracked periodically and can accommodate both the diagonal and skating skier. It is also the location for the Wilderness Loppet Race held the first weekend of January. There are two Adirondack shelters along the trail. There is a onemile novice trail at the south entry. Difficulty: beginner to advanced. Glide & Stride Ski Club maintains the trail. COLLEGE STREET PARK TRAIL -- Lighted trail located at the north end of College Street in Spooner. A delightful trail close in to town, featuring rolling hills, hardwoods and scenic variety.

BEAVER BROOK TRAIL -- This scenic hiking trail is located south of Spooner off Cranberry Marsh Road. The trail runs along a stream, through thick hardwoods and is generally gently rolling except where it enters the ridge land off loop C. Three loops.

TREGO LAKE TRAIL -- This trail is small, but quiet as it runs along the Trego lake shoreline. The outside loop is a perfect spot for a short afternoon outing or for beginners. The inside loop is for the advanced skier. It is well marked, as the Park Service maintains it as part of the National Scenic Riverway. TOTOGATIC SKI TRAIL -- Located 1.5 miles north of Minong. It is a county forest trail that was developed by the WWC crews in 1987. It is gently rolling and wooded with black spruce in lower bog areas. Beginner to advanced. SAWYER BROOK SPRINGS TRAIL -- Located behind the Indianhead Arts Center in Shell Lake, it is the newest trail in the area. This trail system has some very challenging hills, some flat areas and a variety of scenic beauty. Glide & Stride Ski Club maintains the trail. RED BARN TRAIL -- This trail is located behind the Red Barn Campground in Shell Lake, and although it is private property it is open to the public. The trail may or may not be groomed. LEISURE LAKE TRAIL -- Located west of Trego by Leisure Lake.

Ice fishing contest set for Gull Lake

PRINGBROOK – Gather up the ice fishing equipment, the family and head out to Gull Lake in Springbrook for the annual ice fishing contest from 10am to 4pm Saturday, Feb. 20. The contest headquarters is Wolf Point Bar & Grill located on the shores of beautiful Gull Lake. Cash prizes will be awarded for the largest northern, bass, and panfish. There will be raffle and door prizes and a ping-pong ball drop for kids 12 and under during the contest. For more information call 715-466-4582.

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U.P. Calendar

Feb. 6-7 Iron River, MI – Super Bowl Bash: Ski Brule Feb. 13 Bessemer – German Fest Weekend: Blackjack Mnt. Resort Feb. 20-21 Bessemer – Hog Wild Weekend: Big Powderhorn Mnt. Resort Feb. 20-21 Bessemer – Snowfest Weekend: Blackjack Mtn. Resort Feb. 27 Bessemer – Cardboard Box Races: Blackjack Mountain Resort March 5-6 Iron River, MI – Anniversary Weekend: Ski Brule

Stay a while longer in Iron County, MI

o matter the season, there’s always a reason to stay longer in Iron County, MI. With opportunities for great downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, or simply relaxing in a hot tub, you’ll be tempted to book another night’s stay.

The beauty of the Northwoods has to be experienced in person: incredible panoramic views, clear night skies, magnificent

March 12 Bessemer – Hawaiian Splash Weekend: Big Powderhorn Mtn. Resort March 12 Bessemer – Pirate Weekend: Blackjack Mtn. Resort

MICHIGAN

March 12-13 Iron River WI – Brule Bash: Ski Brule March 19-20 Iron River, WI – Brule Finale Race: Ski Brule March 19 Bessemer – 200+ Ski Race: Big Powderhorn Mtn. Resort March 19 Bessemer – Famous Bikini Races: Indianhead Mtn. Resort April 2-3 Iron River, MI – Carnival Weekend: Ski Brule April 9-10 Iron River, MI Snowmobile Freestyle: Ski Brule April 9 Iron River, MI – “Dinner & A Movie”: 5:30pm, Windsor Center. Fundraiser for Windsor Center. April 16 Iron River, MI – Home, Business & Outdoor Rec Expo: 9am to 2pm, West Iron Co High School. April 16-17 Iron River, MI – Life’s a Mountain Beach Party: Ski Brule

red and white pines that tower over the landscape, streams and brooks gurgling as the pristine water winds its way through the woods, and waterfalls straight out of a storybook. Iron County has places for the whole family to stay in Iron River, Crystal Falls and Amasa. Accommodations range from Iron River hotels, lakefront motels, lodging and resorts like Ski Brule Village.

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