2021 Sayner-Star Lake Chamber Visitor Guide by Maplewood Marketing

EVENTS. . . . 4-5 LODGING C HAR T. . . . 6 DINING. . . . 8-9 SUMMER FUN. . . . 10-11 Haunting calls of loons echo across still waters. Tall pines whisper and bow gracefully with the breeze. Nearby, children are laughing, and the whine of a fishing reel’s drag protesting the pull of a mighty muskie is just within earshot. And some say they can still hear the sound of a far-off train whistle blowing in the distance – ghostly remembrance of logging days gone by. It seems a bit like heaven, until suddenly, you realize that you have found yourself in Sayner-Star Lake. The two villages, linked by a lovely seven-mile drive along rustic Hwy N and Hwy K, comprise the Town of Plum Lake. Aside from the richness of the area’s natural wilderness, Sayner and Star Lake offer an abundance of fine restaurants, a challenging nine-hole golf course, housekeeping resorts, tennis courts, pristine lakes teeming with muskie, bass, and walleye, groomed snowmobile and cross-country ski trails, paved bike trails, marked hiking trails, a fully dressed library, historical museums, a full-service quilt shop, and unique retail shops offering everything from gifts and home furnishings to haute couture from Paris. Truly, finding yourself in Sayner-Star Lake will guarantee a vacation you’ll want to replicate over and over again!

SHOPPING. . . . 12-13 FISHING. . . . 14-15 WINTER AC TIVI TIE S. . . . 1 6 SN OWMOBILE MAP. . . . 17 HISTORY. . . . 18 LIBRARY. . . . 19 AREA MAP. . . . 20-21 DIRECTORY. . . . 22

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Events Calendar * The Chamber will not be responsible for the cancellation of an event, or change in time, date, location, or any other event details. Please check with the event organizer to confirm event specifics.

January

16 – Barnstormers Snowmobile Club Breakfast Fundraiser at Stillwaters Food & Spirits, Star Lake. 8 - 11am. Contact Anita Horan at (715) 542-2952. 30 – Jesse Roman Memorial Vintage Snowmobile Show. Sayner Pub. 9am - 4pm. Raffles, silent auction, and more. Proceeds benefit the Vilas County Historical Museum. Contact Kelly at (715) 536-9845.

February

6 – Barnstormers Snowmobile Club Chili Dump at Murmuring Waters Lodge. 2 - 5pm. Contact Anita Horan at (715) 542-2952. 13 - Plum Lake Ice Fishing Tournament. 6am – 3pm. Cash prizes, door prizes, raffles, food and refreshments. Proceeds benefit the Sayner–Star Lake Lions Club projects. Contact Will Maines at (715) 542-3501. 14 – Barnstormers Snowmobile Club Pizza Fundraiser at The Hillside Tavern & Grill. 4 – 8pm. Contact Anita Horan at (715) 542-2952.

June

16 – Sept. 4 – Plum Ski-ters Water Ski Shows. Amazing shows at Statehouse Point Boat Landing every Wed. and Sat., 7 - 8:30pm. Additional show on Sun., July 4! Shows in August start at 6:30pm. For more information visit www.facebook.com/PlumSkiters. 21 – July 30 – Plum Lake Library Summer Reading Program. The Plum Lake Library will host various summertime events the weeks of June 21 – July 30. For more information visit www.plumlakelibrary.org or contact (715) 542-2020.

J u ly

4 – Plum Lake Fire Department Annual Chicken BBQ. Noon. Enjoy the best BBQ Chicken with all the fix-ins and refreshments under the Sayner Community Pavilion. Contact Kevin at (715) 892-1877 or plfdchief63080@gmail.com. 4 – Fourth of July Celebration & Fireworks. 3pm – Community parade and fireworks at dusk. Sponsored by Sayner–Star Lake Lions Club. Contact Gary Kaphingst at (715) 542-2751 or garykaphingst@gmail.com. 18 – Star Lakers Club Annual Meeting & Picnic. All are welcome, membership not required. Bring a dish to pass. Noon–5pm at the Star Lake Centennial Old Mill Site Park, Star Lake. Contact Bob Munsen at (715) 891-1775.

25 – Vilas County Historical Museum Chicken Dinner. 5 – 8pm. Plum Lake Community Center. For more information, call (715) 542-3388 or email vilasmuseum@yahoo.com.

August

1 – Sayner-Star Lake Street Fair 5k Run/Walk. 8am. Bring your running shoes and get ready for a scenic morning run or walk from downtown Sayner, to the paved bike trail and onto one of the most beautiful wooded paths! For more information, visit www.sayner-starlake.org. 1 – 7th Annual Sayner-Star Lake Street Fair. 10am – 4pm on Sayner’s Main Street, in the Community Park, and under the Pavilion. Food and Craft vendors, live music and children’s activities! Craft Fair, 10am – 4pm. Touch–A–Truck, Noon – 2pm, sponsored by the Plum Lake Fire Department and Plum Lake EMS. Visit www.sayner-starlake.org for more information. 9 – Plum Lake Fire Department 33rd Annual Spaghetti Dinner. 5 – 8pm. Plum Lake Community Building in Sayner. Raffle prizes and homemade spaghetti with all the trimmings. For details and tickets, contact Kevin at (715) 892-1877 or plfdchief63080@gmail.com 14 – Ice Cream Ride. 2 – 8pm. This family friendly ride offers a 25-mile or 5-mile route that follows the Heart of Vilas County paved bike trail. Live music, ice cream and a summer evening of fun to help fund the nutritional support of area school-aged children! Contact Perry at (715) 410-8167 or register online at www.FeedOurRuralKids.org/ice-cream-ride.

September

5 – Stillwaters Star Lake Mayors Race, Star Lake. 3 – 7pm. For information, contact Stillwaters at (715) 542-3652 6 – Barnstormers Snowmobile Club Annual Meat Raffle at Weber’s. 2 – 5pm. Contact Anita Horan at (715) 542-2952. 20 – Plum Lake EMS Annual Pork Loin Benefit Dinner at the Whitetail Inn, St. Germain. 4 – 8pm. Contact Kevin at (715) 892-1877 or plems@outlook.com 24–26 – Colorama Weekend in Downtown Sayner. Special Retail sales. Visit www.sayner-starlake.org for more information. 26 – Annual Colorama Brunch & Craft Show, Plum Lake Community Center. 9am – noon. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library and Plum Lake Women’s Club. Visit www.sayner-starlake.org for more information.

Sayner-Star Lake Street Fair.

October

15-16 – 22nd Annual Sayner Stampede. Take part in one of the Midwest’s largest rubberstamping festivals. New and used stamps and supplies for sale. Seminars, Make and Takes, food, and beverages. Held at the Plum Lake Community Center and St. Germain Community Center. 9am - 3pm. For tickets and details, visit www.saynerstampede.com 30 – Trunk-N-Treat. Sponsored by the Plum Lake Library. 4 – 6pm. Tricks and treats from the Plum Lake Library parking lot. For Details call (715) 542-2020.

November

13 – Christmas Fest. 10am – 2pm. Crafts and community activities at the Plum Lake Community Center. Sponsored by the Plum Lake Women’s Club. For more information, visit www.sayner-starlake.org 26 – 28 – Christmas in Downtown SaynerStar Lake. Enjoy the shops, refreshments, and holiday spirit as the holidays officially commence at the shops and restaurants of Sayner. Visit www.sayner-starlake.org for more information.

December

3 – Santa visits Sayner. Sponsored by the Sayner–Star Lake Lions and Lionesses. 5 – 8pm. Presents for kids aged birth to 10, cookies, soup, cocoa, bonfire and sleigh rides. Visit www.sayner-starlake.org for more information.

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4 t h o f J u ly Pa r a d e Like a scene out of a Norman Rockwell painting, Sayner-Star Lake’s annual 4th of July Parade brings out the kid in all of us. Beginning at 3:00 pm on the 4th on downtown Sayner’s Main Street, the parade features an array of floats, as well as candy and stuffed animals for children. All are invited to attend and participate by entering a float in each year’s parade, sponsored by the Sayner-Star Lake Lions and Lionesses. First, second, and third-place trophies are awarded to the floats best adhering to the parade’s annual theme. The day’s festivities begin at noon in Sayner’s Community Park where the Plum Lake Fire Department offers a delicious Chicken and Sweet Corn Barbeque. At 7pm, the Plum Ski-ters perform a patriotic ski show on Plum Lake, and at dusk, a grand fireworks display begins behind the Plum Lake Library. For more information, contact Gary Kaphingst at 715-542-2751 or garykaphingst@gmail.com

Photo cour

tesy of Er

in Halley.

7 t h A n n ua l S ay n e r - S ta r L a k e S t r e e t Fa i r & 5 K Later in the summer, on the first Sunday of August, the Sayner-Star Lake Street Fair draws crowds from far and wide. Scheduled this year for August 1st on Sayner’s Main Street, the town of Sayner is prepared to dazzle Fair attendees with an abundance of entertainment, food, exhibits, art, and more. Activities begin with the newly added Street Fair 5K Run/Walk (for registration information, visit www.sayner-starlake.org), and will continue with a craft fair and festival at 10am, which will include craft vendors from all over the Midwest, live music and dancing in the street, games for kids, and beer and food vendors. Returning this year by popular demand will be the Touch-a-Truck hands-on truck show, sponsored by the Plum Lake Fire Department! The Fair will also feature special promotions in Sayner’s retail shops. Be sure to mark your calendar and plan to visit Sayner where the whole family can enjoy this grand event! For more information about the day’s happenings, visit www.sayner-starlake.org.

ner Store.

Bike Rentals at The Cor

2 2 n d A n n ua l S ay n e r S ta m p e d e This fall, the 22nd Annual Sayner Stampede is expected to draw hundreds of rubber stampers to participate in what promises to be the best Stampede in the event’s history. Scheduled for October 15th and 16th, this year’s Stampede will provide a fun and energizing atmosphere that will include an expansive Rubber Stamp Convention where artists can exchange cards, register to win cash prizes, and participate in Make & Take projects and Round Robbins. Classes offered will provide instruction, allowing participants to create art reflecting inspiring sentiments with beautiful imagery. “It’s wonderful to see the results when this group of creative people share their ideas and experience with one another,” says Jill Lemke, Stampede Coordinator. A popular feature of the Sayner Stampede is the New/Used Stamp Sale which is now a two-day event so that convention goers have plenty of time to do it all. The Stamp Sale provides an exciting marketplace where vendors and attendees alike can buy and sell new and used stamps, as well as countless other stamping supplies. Attendees wishing to bring their rubber stamps to sell can visit www.saynerstampede.com for participation instructions. For more information about this popular event, contact Jill Lemke at info@saynerstampede.com.

Photo c

ourtesy

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of Jenn

ifer Bau

er Roch

Lodging

Bowman’s Pine Hollow Cottage (847) 275-4744 bowmanspinehollow.com Lake: Plum Lake # of Units: 1 Open Year-Round: NO Pets OK: NO A/C: no Fireplaces: YES Wi-Fi: YES Television: YES Handicap Accessible: NO Lake Swim Area: YES Pool or Hot Tub: YES Boat: YES

Camp Edna (715) 891-2877 vrbo.com/2137181 Lake Name: Star Lake # of Units: 1 (with Bear Cottage as an add-on. Bear does not rent separately) Open Year-Round? Yes Pets allowed? Select A/C available? Yes Fireplace? Yes Wi-Fi? Yes Television? Yes Handicap Accessible? No Beach/Swim Area? Yes Pool or Hot Tub? No Boat? Yes

H i n t z ’ s Nor t h I n n i s f r e e Cabin S ta r L od g e (715) 542-3600 hintznorthstar.com Lake: Star Lake # of Units: 16 Open Year-Round: YES Pets OK: NO A/C: no Fireplaces: YES Wi-Fi: NO Television: NO Handicap Accessible: YES Lake Swim Area: YES Pool or Hot Tub: NO Boat: YES

(715) 513-6565 innisfreeplumlake.com Lake: Plum Lake # of Units: 1 Open Year-Round: NO Pets OK: NO A/C: no Fireplaces: YES Wi-Fi: YES Television: YES Handicap Accessible: NO Lake Swim Area: YES Pool or Hot Tub: YES Boat: YES

Cropsey Errington’s Vacation Rentals R e s o r t

Four Seasons Cabin

(715) 542-2172 cropseyvacationrentals.com Lake: Various # of Units: 7 Open Year-Round: YES Pets OK: SELECT UNITS A/C: SELECT UNITS Fireplaces: YES Wi-Fi: YES Television: YES Handicap Accessible: NO Lake Swim Area: YES Pool or Hot Tub: NO Boat: YES

(847) 309-5277 plumlakecabin.com Lake: Plum Lake # of Units: 1 Open Year-Round: YES Pets OK: YES A/C: no Fireplaces: NO Wi-Fi: YES Television: YES Handicap Accessible: NO Lake Swim Area: YES Pool or Hot Tub: no Boat: YES

P lu m G at e Resort (715) 542-2224 plumgateresort.com Lake: Plum Lake # of Units: 6 Open Year-Round: YES Pets OK: YES A/C: NO Fireplaces: YES Wi-Fi: YES Television: YES Handicap Accessible: NO Lake Swim Area: YES Pool or Hot Tub: NO Boat: YES

(715) 542-3646 erringtonsresort.com Lake: Across from Little Star Lake # of Units: 10 Open Year-Round: YES Pets OK: YES A/C: no Fireplaces: NO Wi-Fi: YES Television: YES Handicap Accessible: YES Lake Swim Area: NO Pool or Hot Tub: NO Boat: YES

P lu m L a k e S ta r L a k e S tat i o n Home R e n ta l H o m e (262) 245-9400 (414) 531-5532 plumlakestation.com Lake: Plum Lake # of Units: 1 Open Year-Round: YES Pets OK: YES A/C: YES Fireplaces: YES Wi-Fi: YES Television: YES Handicap Accessible: NO Lake Swim Area: YES Pool or Hot Tub: NO Boat: YES

starlakehome.net Lake: Star Lake # of Units: 1 Open Year-Round: YES Pets OK: NO A/C: YES Fireplaces: YES Wi-Fi: YES Television: YES Handicap Accessible: NO Lake Swim Area: YES Pool or Hot Tub: NO Boat: YES

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White Birch Village Resort (715) 385-2182 whitebirchvillage.com Lake: White Birch Lake # of Units: 20 Open Year-Round: NO Pets OK: YES A/C: SELECT UNITS Fireplaces: YES Wi-Fi: YES Television: SELECT UNITS Handicap Accessible: YES Lake Swim Area: YES Pool or Hot Tub: YES Boat: YES

A Place to Relax Whether you’re visiting in the spring, summer, fall, or winter, as the perfect day away comes to an end, find yourself relaxing at one of Sayner-Star Lake’s accommodations. Our year-round vacation destination offers resort cabins nestled in the woods, luxury lakeside vacation homes, and everything in between.

Where Time Slows Down

Plum Gate Resort.

No matter where you stay, time up north is anything but hectic. With nowhere to go and all day to do it, you’ll find that the clock almost slows down. And, simply finding yourself in the Northwoods, breathing the fresh air, seeing ripples across the water, and hearing all of the sounds of nature will put you at ease.

U n b e l i e va b l e Sunsets The sun seems warmer and brighter when you’re on vacation, and the sunsets are truly magical. Grab a seat and find the perfect spot for some of the best of the best, right here in Sayner-Star Lake. Nothing beats the sun setting over calm waters. If you find the right spot, you won’t know where the water and the sky starts and stops - the reflections are almost tranquilizing.

Photo courtesy of Scott Brisk.

Visit www.sayner-starlake.org/resorts for more area lodging information and start planning your relaxing getaway!

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Dining

“People who love to eat are always the best people.” – Julia Child

fa m o u s ly g r e at T i m e s The good times roll year-round in downtown Sayner at the Sayner Pub, a full-service sports bar offering a complete menu of sandwiches, salads, pizzas and burgers. Established in 1945, the Sayner Pub also offers a full-service bar known for its specialty drinks, including fantastic 22-ounce Bloody Marys that don’t skimp on the garnish. And according to Eric Liebenstein, Sayner Pub owner, the Pub’s pizza put Sayner on the map. “People who come back to the Northwoods every year for vacation say The Pub is the first place they go when they arrive, because they want to order the same pizza they ate here when they were kids,” Liebenstein says. “We haven’t changed the recipe.” Liebenstein brings in bands every Wednesday night in the summer, and provides several flat-screen televisions to keep sports fans up to date on their favorite teams. And patrons regularly throng the bar and dining rooms during football season. “Sports is No. 1 here, and we never miss a game,” says Liebenstein, who from 1983 to 1987 was a Badgers baseball star. “We have a great time in here,” he adds. “We provide a place where friends can get together, have a good dinner, and then stay around to play a few games of pool or enjoy the entertainment.” Just around the corner, The Hillside Tavern & Grill is another place where patrons can watch a good game in the bar before drifting into the dining room. Proudly serving Vinchi’s famous recipes for thin-crust pizza and ribs, The Hillside Tavern & Grill also offers a complete dinner menu, featuring specials every night. A soup and salad bar come with all dinner orders. Menu items also include specialty sandwiches, such as the 8-ounce Italian Sausage Patty Sandwich, the Philly Steak Sandwich and a huge Meatball Sandwich. Try the Grizzly if you dare!

From jumbo shrimp to heaping ice cream cones to huge, garnishfilled Bloody Marys, Sayner-Star Lake restaurants quench every hunger and thirst. And, Hillside’s Friday Night Fish Fry special also offers baked cod. Located at Snowmobile Pit Stop #38, Hillside is opened year-round, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Down the road is Mar-Li’s Bar, which was recommended by Travel Wisconsin in 2017 as one of 10 Northwoods hot spots for a fish fry dinner. Also recognized by local Channel 12, Mar-Li’s Fish Fry offers German and American potato salad with haddock on Friday, as well as a Fisherman’s Platter -- a mix of deep-fried and baked, lemonpepper fish. Meanwhile, daily dinner specials also draw the crowds, and the biggest crowd-pleasers are the restaurant’s Broasted Chicken, Bourbon Burger, and Loaded Bomber, a slow-roasted beef sandwich. Drink specials from Mar-Li’s full-service bar, such as a fully-dressed, 24oz Bloody Mary, are also popular favorites at this newly remodeled historic restaurant. Another favorite establishment for foodies is The Corner Store in Sayner, where huge scoops of ice cream, shakes and sundaes delight parents and children alike. The Corner Store also offers other hot snacks, such as pizza. While the kids are testing their skills in The Corner Store’s Arcade Room, parents can relax around picnic tables outside. And, instead of having to run out of town for milk, bread, and other necessities such as firewood or other camping supplies, customers can stay close to home and purchase groceries and camping and fishing supplies at The Corner Store.

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Gourmet Brews You don’t have to visit a worldwide chain to get delicious coffee in Sayner-Star Lake. The Star Lake Store is proud to host CatchA-Cup, a gourmet coffee service offering espresso, mocha and iced coffee, smoothies, and other creative drinks. Open all summer from 7am - 2pm daily, stop in and indulge in a cup of deliciousness while watching the hummingbirds from the feeders outside! Enjoy free internet and browsing through the Star Lake Store.

Stocking Up Photo courtes

y of JJ Johnso

S av o r y S p e c i a lt i e s Further down the road in Star Lake, homemade is the name of the game at Stillwaters. Chuck and Karen Altamore, owners of Stillwaters, pride themselves on offering traditional Italian family recipes to patrons who travel from miles around to dine at this unique establishment. “One of our regular couples travels all the way from Antigo every other week just to have our Sicilian Walleye,” says Chuck. ”That old family Sicilian recipe is so well loved, I guarantee that when you google Sicilian Walleye, our name will pop up. Even people who don’t like fish love it.” Other Stillwaters dinner specialties include a 14 oz. Aged Black Angus Ribeye Steak, Friday All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry, Baked Cold Water Alaska Cod, Homemade Meatloaf, and Chuck’s Homemade Pasta and Meatballs. Stillwaters, located on Star Lake’s Highway K at Snowmobile Pit Stop #35, is open year-round, offers carry-out orders, and features outdoor dining in the summer.

If dining and imbibing at home is your pleasure, stock up on supplies from the Mobil Station and The Corner Store in Sayner, and The Star Lake Store in Star Lake. At the Mobil, patrons can fill their tanks and shop for grocery essentials. Open daily all year, The Mobil carries wine and alcohol and a broad selection of craft beers. At The Corner Store, summer patrons also will find an ample selection of grocery staples. Open daily from May through September, the Corner Store offers beer, wine and liquor, as well as dairy, frozen foods, and camping and fishing supplies. Bike, kayak, and paddleboard rentals are also available. In Star Lake, the Star Lake Store sells a wide and eclectic range of vacation necessities – its vast inventory includes gifts, groceries, bait, fishing and camping supplies, clothing, souvenirs, and more. Never been to the area? The Star Lake Store is your go-to for area maps and visitor information! Open May thru September.

The Corner Store Hwy. N & Razorback Road, Sayner, WI 2 miles west of Sayner — On the Bike Trail

Snacks ~ Groceries ~ Coffee Beer ~ Liquor ~ Wine ~ Ice ~ Firewood Fishing & Camping Supplies and Much More!

Ice Cream Bike/Kayak/Paddleboard Rentals

Where community and recreation meet!

theCornerStoreSayner.com

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715-542-4250 9

Summer

family fun

Sayner-Star Lake is a year-round sporting paradise. In the fragrant woodland summer, warm-weather sports abound, whether you’re a hiker, cyclist, golfer, or water sport enthusiast.

The Hiker

Your summer day can begin in Star Lake by enjoying Tramper’s Trails. Then head to the Star Lake Interpretive Trail, featuring scenic boardwalks and interpretive signs along its lovely landscape, part of which is on a Star Lake peninsula. In Sayner, just on the outskirts of town, Razorback Ridges trails offer 16 miles of exhilarating terrain and breathless views. Trail maps are available at The Corner Store on Highway N, GreenWeavers on Main Street, and other local businesses. Further down the road is the Fallison Lake Trail, a breath-taking trail with spectacular views 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.

The Cyclist Also in Sayner, the nationally recognized paved Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail system links smoothly northward to the Boulder Junction bike paths and westward to the St. Germain Trails. The Vilas County Bike Trail offers over 50 miles of paved forest trails exhuming scents of evergreen, wildflower, and loam. Six-feet wide with hills just challenging enough – you won’t have to walk your bike uphill! Bike Trail maps are available at Sayner Mobil Express on Main Street, as well as several other Sayner businesses. For a more rugged experience, head to Razorback Ridges. Here you will experience a different type of ride on 30 miles worth of mountain bike trails. Don’t have a bike? Not a problem. The Corner Store, located on Highway N in Sayner, has bikes to rent, and a full supply of Vilas County Bike Trail maps on hand. Says Corner Store owner Mary Debilzen, “We are your one-stop-shop for creating the perfect Northwoods Wisconsin experience.”

Photo courtes

y of Erin Halley

The Corner Store has served residents, campers, and visitors in the surrounding area for more than 80 years. Centrally located within the Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest and the Sayner-Star Lake area, The Corner Store is directly adjacent to over 50 miles of paved bike trails, 16 miles of mountain bike and cross-country ski trails, and is near many lakes and campgrounds. The Corner Store is also right on the way to the Plum Ski-ters water ski show.

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The Golfer Plum Lake Golf Course, located on the south shore of Plum Lake, offers a challenging nine-hole course rich with history and the sounds and fragrance of the best of the Northwoods. Founded in 1912, it is the oldest nine-hole golf course in Wisconsin, featuring a turn-of-thecentury clubhouse, wraparound porch, and a spectacular view of the lake.

O n t h e Wat e r Swimming, boating and water sports opportunities abound in SaynerStar Lake. For instance, Sayner’s Crystal Lake is located next to one of the cleanest, clearest, safest swimming beaches in the Midwest. At just under 90 acres in size and a maximum depth of 67 feet, the water is clear and deep. It’s a favorite for scuba divers as well as recreational swimmers. Crystal Lake beach is perfect for families of all ages. Come and picnic at the lovely picnic area next to the beach, or camp at several well-equipped campsites on the state-owned property. Before you head onto the water, check out the canoes and kayaks available for rent at Up North Traders, located on Main Street in Sayner. Kayaks and paddleboards are also available to rent at The Corner Store on Highway N. Next, you’ll need to choose from the wonderful lakes in the area to paddle on. Just refer to the map in this booklet. If a canoe or kayak is not your cup of tea, Errington’s Resort has boats available for rent. At the end of your day, enjoy the Plum Ski-ters water ski show in Sayner on select days at 7pm located at Statehouse Point–a short 2.5 miles down Razorback Road. Finally, fishing opportunities in the Sayner-Star Lake area abound. See page 14-15 for fishing information.

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Shopping

G i r l s ’ D ay O u t Nothing draws women together better than a day out shopping or crafting together. In Sayner, first head to Traditions, and find a wide selection of items that depart from the average “Northwoods flavor.” Traditions is a full-service gift and home furnishings boutique offering a wide selection, frequently updated with new, fashionable lines from suppliers on the cutting edge. “Traditions is my creative outlet, and quite frankly, every new season is a reason to bring in new merchandise and recreate the store with exciting new displays,” says Jessica Drallmeier, owner of Traditions. “It’s exactly what my customers like and why they keep coming back.” Next, walk next door to GreenWeavers to find an array of women’s apparel, ranging from casual wear to dressy, knockout ensembles for special occasions. Staff is available every day to help you mix and match your wardrobe, find packable pieces for travel, and turn heads everywhere you go! “It’s so important to find garments that accent the finer attributes of your body type,” says Wendy Kimbrell, GreenWeavers owner.

“It’s difficult to achieve that by shopping online, which is why GreenWeavers is committed to providing its customers with solid, one-on-one fashion consulting, as well as solutions to sizing, color and fabric issues.” If hands-on crafting is more your style, visit Plum Lake Quilts, a fullservice quilt shop offering classes, longarm quilting services, fabrics galore, and an array of patterns and kits. Owner Pat Anderson has over 30 years of quilting experience. “My business is not a whim. It’s a passion of mine that I’ve had for a long time,” states Anderson. Customers not only enjoy shopping at Plum Lake Quilts, but they love the “Open Sew” every Wednesday, where women can socialize, compare ideas, and sew together. After hitting the shops in Sayner, travel east out of town on County Road N to Star Lake. There, you’ll find The Old Milltown Depot & The Old School House Gallery. Located in a restored 90-year-old, oneroom schoolhouse, The Gallery offers gifts and art items. The Depot is a museum where the staff can provide a plethora of interesting tales of the history of Star Lake.

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more than just a

Fishing Story

Photo courtesy of JJ Johnson.

Anglers who cast their lines 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, muskie. Several smaller streams are managed for trout, while Sayner’s Plum Creek receives the most attention from trout anglers.

Photo courtes

y of Duane Luete

Teeming with fish Partly due to the 18-inch minimum required to keep a small-mouth bass or walleye (a regulation imposed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to control crayfish populations in the Town of Plum Lake) and partly due to the simple fact that smallmouth bass and walleye thrive in the cold-water temperatures of Wisconsin’s Northwoods, the fisheries in the Town of Plum Lake are teeming with fish, and the smallmouths are getting “huge,” Errington says. “This summer, I caught 16 smallmouths over six pounds and two of those were over seven pounds,” he says. Aside from trophy muskies and smallmouths, which often appeal to more experienced anglers, Plum Lake’s fisheries also offer an abundance of panfish that most children and beginners can catch easily.

Bait and gear aplenty In Sayner, anglers can stock up on bait and gear at Up North Traders, which rents boat motors, canoes, and kayaks. It also sells live bait, fishing tackle, and fishing licenses. Sayner’s The Corner Store also offers bait and fishing supplies, as well as kayak and paddle-board rentals. If you’re in Star Lake, the Star Lake Store is your destination for live bait and fishing licenses. “Sayner-Star Lake is a great place for a family fishing getaway,” says Errington. Now that’s one fish story you can count on.

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Wonderland wintery

Photo courtesy of Jean Vandewalker.

There’s nothing like a snowfall in the Northwoods… the snow gently dropping to the ground and resting on the pine trees, and silent, lazy flakes dropping on your tongue.

On the Trails Set your wintery journey in motion by taking advantage of the area’s boundless cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. Head over to Razorback Ridges, which offers scenic trails, featuring varied terrains for beginner-to-expert skiers, as well as a warming shelter. The trail system is maintained by the Sayner-Star Lake Lions Club. After that, strap on your snowshoes and 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 to download the Map-It Vilas County trails app for all of the area trail maps.

The Snowmobiler

O n F r o z e n Wat e r s Don’t forget about the spectacular ice fishing in Sayner and Star Lake. Sayner-Star Lake is known If simply keeping warm is your as a prime fishing destination priority, check out Sayner’s in northern Wisconsin, where Earth Sense Energy Systems, you can catch panfish, crappie, walleye, and more. It’s hard to which specializes in the sales, beat a day of sunshine and fresh service and installation of pellet air while fishing on frozen waters! stoves. And, at Earth Sense, Before you head to the lake, stock pellets are always in stock. up on live bait, tackle and ice fishing supplies at Up North Traders in Sayner. Check with area accommodations for ice fishing packages that might be available.

If speed is more your style, then you’ve come to the right place! Sayner-Star Lake is known as a snowmobiling hot-spot. After all, Sayner is the birthplace of the snowmobile! Sayner-Star Lake is home to nearly 80 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, maintained by the Sayner-Star Lake Barnstormers, the local snowmobile club, who was recently inducted into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame and named the 2019 ASCA Club of the Year. Take in the scenery as you ride through the wooded landscape of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, over lakes, and past wildlife – providing some of the best riding in the region! If you get hungry along the way, no worries! The trail system has great signage that will lead you to many excellent eating establishments, including The Sayner Pub, Stillwaters, The Hillside Tavern & Grill and Mar-li’s. Visit www.saynerbarnstormers.com for trail reports and more information about snowmobiling. No snowmobile? No problem! Technautic Powersports, in downtown Sayner, offers snowmobile rentals to get you out on the trail.

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S ay n e r S n o w m o b i l e M a p

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Haven

history

Photo courtesy of John Meyer

S ay n e r - S ta r L a k e i s rich with history

Art & History Lovers F l o c k t o S ta r L a k e

Spend 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 oldfashioned toys. Down the road, you’ll find Eliason Lumber and Hardware, the birthplace of the modern snowmobile and the location of one of the oldest and most unique stores in northern Wisconsin. Check out Eliason’s storefront window display, where you’ll find many antique collectables, including a player piano and snowmobile. Be sure to stop inside to learn more about Sayner’s history.

Anchoring Star Lake as a base for Northwoods artisans is The Old Schoolhouse Art Gallery, open June through October, Thursday – Saturday, 11am - 4pm The Friends of Star Lake – a non-profit group dedicated to preserving and restoring historic Star Lake sites – offers its members’ fine art, photography, and other artifacts for sale at the Gallery, which also serves as a gift store and historical museum. The Gallery itself is steeped in history. In 2005, Bill Hintz, a long-time Star Lake resident and owner of Hintz’s North Star Lodge, restored Star Lake’s original 90-year-old, one-room schoolhouse, converting it into a gallery/gift shop and museum. Meanwhile, Friends of Star Lake replicated the town’s Old Milltown Depot, which is directly adjacent to the Old Schoolhouse Gallery. The group recently relocated the Frederickson House - the Star Lake home of two beloved sisters for nearly 100 years and an original logger’s home - to become part of the historic community park. The Fredrickson house will serve as a museum illustrating Star Lake’s history and will be full of artifacts dating from 1895. The Depot serves as a museum dedicated to Star Lake’s historical logging and railroad days. Just down the road is the picturesque Fredrickson Bait Shop, made from an old boxcar, which rests on the shores of Star Lake, just as it has since the area’s logging days. The bait shop has been an integral part of the Star Lake community and has been painted and photographed by many people over the years. End your journey through history at Hintz’s North Star Lodge. The Lodge on Star Lake was built in 1894-95 as a home and retreat for railroad and lumber company officials and guests.

ller y.

Old Schoolhouse Ga

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Plum Lake Library The Plum Lake Public Library in Sayner offers everyone – young and old – something to pique their interest. Enjoy pleasant reading areas and browse its library shelves for items to satisfy your reading, studying, or research work. The library offers access to computers, a printer, a copier, a scanner, a fax machine, and 24/7 free Wi-Fi. The recently remodeled youth area provides a wonderful array of stimulating toys and activities for children and teens to enjoy in the library as well as a wonderful selection of books, videos, audiobooks, graphic novels, puzzles, and games to check out. The library’s summer reading program offers an assortment of activities for children, from science and craft projects to live animals and guest performers. Be sure to stop by on Wednesdays at 10:00 am for the weekly preschool story hour for stories and crafts. Business hours and program times vary, and are subject to change - please be sure to check the library’s website at plumlakelibrary.org or visit its Facebook page for current schedules.

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Chamber

business directory 1 Bowman’s Pine Hollow Cottage

2 Plum Gate Resort 3 Carl Eliason Lumber Co

7 6

4 Sayner Pub 5 Traditions

6 GreenWeavers Gift & Apparel 7 Earth Sense/Up North Traders

9 6 27

8 Plum Lake Quilts 9 Plum Lake Library

10 Sayner Mobil Express 11 White Birch Village Resort

12 Errington’s Resort and Guide Service

13 Hintz’s North Star Lodge

14 Stillwaters 15 Star Lake Home 16 Star Lake Store & Catch-A-Cup 17 Old Mill Depot & Old Schoolhouse Art Gallery 18 The Hillside Tavern & Grill 19 Plum Lake Golf Course 20 The Corner Store

21 Plum Lake Station Rental Home 22 Mar-Li’s Bar 23 Plum Ski-ters Water Ski Show Team 24 Milton Propane 25 Squirrel Away Storage 26 Four Seasons at Plum Lake 27 Northern Lakes Storage 28 Technautic Powersports 29 Innisfree Cabin 30 Plum Lake Laundry

Camping

northern highland state forest • Crystal Lake Campground – 9 miles to Sayner. 183 Units. Excellent Beach • Plum Lake Campground – 1 mile to Sayner. 18 units. Beach available. • Firefly Lake Campground – 5 miles to Sayner. 69 units. Excellent Beach. • Razorback Lake Campground • Starrett Lake Campground • Star Lake Campground East/West • North/South Trout Lake Campground • Clear Lake Campground • Indian Mounds Campground • North Muskie Lake Group Camp Allequash Lake Wilderness Camp Day Lake Wilderness Sites Nebish Lake Wilderness Sites Jag Lake Group Camp

Reserved sites are available at various area Campgrounds. Reservations can be made online at https://wisconsin.goingtocamp.com or by calling (888) 947-2757. Reservations should be made 60 days in advance.

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1 25

5 11

15 13

17 16

Trails

1 Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail – 50+ miles; Biking, Hiking 2 Razorback Ridges – 16 miles; Biking, Hiking, Cross-Country Skiing,

Snowshoeing 3 Fallison Lake Trail - .6, 1.3, 2.0, and 2.3-mile loops; Hiking,

Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, Birdwatching

4 Escanaba-Pallette Lake Trails – 2.3, 4.4, 6.6, and 8.5-mile loops;

Birdwatching, Hiking, Cross-Country Skiing

5 Trampers Trails – 2.5 miles; Hiking, Cross-Country Skiing 6 Star Lake Nature Trail – 1 and 2-mile loops; Hiking, Snowshoeing

1 18

7 Decker Lake Trail – 4.5 miles; Birdwatching, Hiking, Hunting,

Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing 8 Langley Lake Trails – 15.7 miles; Birdwatching, Hiking, Hunting 9 White Squaw Lake Trail – 7.4 miles; Birdwatching, Hiking, Hunting,

Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing

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business Directory ATTRACTIONS

Old Milltown Depot & Old Schoolhouse Art Gallery 7820 County Rd K • Star Lake, WI 54561 (715) 542-3998 • www.friendsofstarlake.org Plum Lake Golf Club, page 11 3160 Clubhouse Rd. • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2598 • www.plumlakegolf.com Plum Lake Public Library, page 19 8789 Peterson St. • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2020 ebraunel@sayner.wislib.org • www.plumlakelibrary.org Vilas County Historical Museum 2889 State Hwy 155 • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3388 • www.vilasmuseum.com Plum Ski-ters Water Ski Show Team 3230 State House Point Rd. • Sayner, WI 54560 (262) 423-PLUM hello@plumskiters.org • www.plumskiters.org

DINING

Catch-A-Cup 7697 County Road K • Star Lake, WI 54561 715-542-3464 • debbie@erringtonsresort.com www.erringtonsresort.com Mar-Li’s Bar 2530 State Hwy 155 • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-4255 marlisbar@yahoo.com • www.marlisbar.com Sayner Pub 2962 State Hwy 155 • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3647 pub@liebofamily.com • www.saynerpub.com Stillwaters Food & Spirits 7914 County Road K • Star Lake, WI 54561 (715) 542-3652 chuck@stillwatersstarlake.com www.stillwatersstarlake.com The Corner Store 3109 Razorback Rd. • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-4250 thecornerstoresayner@gmail.com www.thecornerstoresayner.com The Hillside Tavern & Grill, page 9 8065 County Hwy N East • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2240 info@hillsidetaverngrill.com www.hillsidetaverngrill.com

F RIENDS O F THE CHAMBER

Barnstormers Snowmobile Club, page 16 P.O. Box 5 • Sayner, WI 54560 saynerbarnstormers@gmail.com www.saynerbarnstormers.com Feed Our Rural Kids (FORK) 4887 Echo Ridge Dr. • Eagle River Wi 54521 (715) 410-8167 Perry.pokrandt@feedourruralkids.org www.feedourrualkids.org Friends of the Plum Lake Library P.O. Box 114 • Sayner, WI 54560 pllfriends@yahoo.com www.sayner.wislib.org/index.php/librarysupport/friends-of-the-library Friends of Star Lake P.O. Box 1169 • Star Lake, WI 54561 www.friendsofstarlake.org Sayner Star Lake Lioness Club Mitzi Pockat - 715-542-3996 • pockat@frontier.com Sayner Star Lake Lions Club garykaphingst@gmail.com www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/saynerstarlake/

LODGING

Bowman’s Pine Hollow Cottage On Plum Lake • (847) 275-4744 tom.bowman6@sbcglobal.net www.bowmanspinehollow.com Camp Edna On Star Lake • (715) 891-2877 upnorthadventures715@gmail.com www.vrbo.com/2137181 Cropsey Vacation Rentals P.O. Box 356 • St. Germain, WI 54558 (715) 542-2172 info@cropseyvacationrentals.com www.cropseyvacationrentals.com

Errington’s Resort, page 15 8028 County Road K • P.O. Box 1152 Star Lake, WI 54561 • (715) 542-3646 debbie@erringtonsresort.com www.erringtonsresort.com Four Seasons Cabin 8714 Schneider Rd. • Sayner, WI 54560 (847) 309-5277 fourseasonssayner@gmail.com www.plumlakecabin.com Hintz’s North Star Lodge, page 19 7933 Waldheim Rd. • P.O. Box 1169 Star Lake, WI 54561 (715) 542-3600 • www.hintznorthstar.com Innisfree Cabin 3158 Historic Lodge Rd. #15 • Sayner, WI 54560 (262) 327-4382 innisfreeplumlake@gmail.com www.innisfreeplumlake.com Plum Gate Resort, page 23 3085 Plum Lake Drive • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2224 stay@plumgateresort.com • www.plumgateresort.com Plum Lake Station Rental Home 8188 Plum Lake Station Rd. • Sayner, WI 54560 (414) 531-5532 plumlakestation@gmail.com www.plumlakestation.com Star Lakefront Home, page 11 3974 Murphy Rd. • Star Lake, WI 54561 (262) 245-9400 markfbrower@gmail.com • www.starlakehome.net White Birch Village Resort 8695 Village Ln. • Star Lake, WI 54561 (715) 385-2182 office@whitebirchvillage.com www.whitebirchvillage.com

REAL ESTATE

Eliason Realty of the North, page 11 Eagle River, WI (715) 479-4431 • (800) 472-5222 eagleriver@eliasonrealty.com St. Germain, WI (715) 542-3223 • (800) 472-3140 stgermain@eliasonrealty.com • www.eliasonrealty.com Jim Tait Real Estate Minocqua: (800) 677-8248 Boulder Junction: (877) 385-2077 more2you@jimtaitrealestate.com www.jimtaitrealestate.com

RECREATIONAL RENTALS

Star Lake Store 7697 County Road K • Star Lake, WI 54561 (715) 542-2548 • (715) 542-3464 debbie@erringtonsresort.com www.erringtonsresort.com Technautic Powersports/Nortech Marine 2913 Froelich Dr. • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3389 technauticpower@gmail.com www.nortechmarine-wi.com The Corner Store 3109 Razorback Rd. • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-4250 thecornerstoresayner@gmail.com www.thecornerstoresayner.com Up North Traders 2977 State Hwy 155 • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2046 pnm@nnex.net • www.upnorthtraders.com

RETAIL

Earth Sense Energy Systems, page 23 2977 State Hwy 155 • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2788 • www.upnorthtraders.com Eliason Lumber & Hardware, page 7 2954 State Hwy 155 • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3233 • Fax: (715) 542-3534 www.eliasonhardware.com GreenWeavers Gift & Apparel, page 13 2965 State Hwy 155 • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2884 writer923@gmail.com www.green-weavers.com

Knitt’s Hardware Hank, page 11 246 State Hwy 70 • St. Germain, WI 54558 (715) 479-5930 10359 Main St. • Boulder Junction, WI 54512 (715) 385-2300 kwknitt@frontier.com • www.knittshardware.com Plum Lake Quilts LLC, page 13 3019 State Hwy 155 • Sayner, WI 54560 (715)542-4888 plumlakequilts@gmail.com • www.plumlakequilts.com Star Lake Store, page 15 7697 County Road K • Star Lake, WI 54561 (715) 542-2548 • (715) 542-3464 debbie@erringtonsresort.com • www.erringtonsresort.com Technautic Powersports/Nortech Marine 2913 Froelich Dr. • Sayner, WI 54560 • (715) 542-3389 technauticpower@gmail.com www.nortechmarine-wi.com The Corner Store, page 9 3109 Razorback Rd. • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-4250 thecornerstoresayner@gmail.com www.thecornerstoresayner.com Traditions, page 13 2959 State Hwy 155 • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2101 • info@traditionsinsayner.com Up North Traders, page 23 2977 State Hwy 155 • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-2046 pnm@nnex.net • www.upnorthtraders.com

SERVICES

Chances R Satellite Sales & Service 2616 State Hwy 155 • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3367 chancesrlw@frontier.com • www.chancesrsatellite.com Errington’s Guide Service, page 15 P.O. Box 1054 • Star Lake, WI 54561 Resort: (715) 542-3646 • Cell: (815) 298-1358 mike@erringtonsresort.com Maplewood Marketing, page 13 6387 Timbering Haven Dr. • Eagle River, WI 54521 (715) 605-2534 • carrie@maplewood-marketing.com www.maplewood-marketing.com mBank, page 19 • bankmbank.com McGrath Printing | Custom Apparel 740 Duffy Dr. • Crystal Lake, IL 60014 (815) 356-5246 info@mcgrathprint.com • www.mcgrathprint.com Meyer & Associates Insurance Agency, LLC, page 7 PO Box 267 • St. Germain, WI 54558 (715) 479-3949 meyer@meyer-ins.com • www.meyer-ins.com Milton Propane 2835 Plum Lake Dr. • Sayner, WI 54560 715-542-3292 say@miltonpropane.com • www.miltonpropane.com Northern Lakes Storage 2927 Froelich Dr. • Sayner, WI 54560 • (414) 333-6580 eric.schoessow@gmail.com www.northernlakes-storage.com Plum Lake Laundry 8737 Smith St. • Sayner, WI 54560 • (715) 575-6565 plumlakelaundry@gmail.com Sayner Mobil Express 277 State Hwy 155 • Sayner, WI 54560 • (715) 542-2024 ricklovdal@yahoo.com • www.exxonmobilstations.com Squirrel Away Storage 8855 Glenbrook Ln. • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 617-3885 St. Germain Hometown Pharmacy 252 State Hwy 70 • P.O. Box 280 St Germain, WI 54558 • (715) 479-7608 Technautic Powersports/Nortech Marine 2913 Froelich Dr. • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 542-3389 technauticpower@gmail.com www.nortechmarine-wi.com

CHURCHES

Shepherd of The Lakes Lutheran Church 2903 State Hwy 155 • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 614-3701 St. Mary Catholic Church 2820 County Road N • Sayner, WI 54560 (715) 385-2390

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