Vilas County Visitor Guide - 2019

TRACK TIME
Mallory B. | St. Germain
We raced the go karts and won!
WHAT’S A-RAMA?
There are a lot of places in the world that have festivals, but in
Vilas County, our festivals are as unique as their quirky names. New
to the “rama” scene? Here are five in September to check out. Find
more events at vilas.org/events.
Colorama Arts & Crafts Fair—Boulder Junction
Colorama—St. Germain
Summer Finale Colorama—Land O’ Lakes
Cran-A-Rama—Manitowish Waters
Beef-A-Rama—Minocqua
ADVENTURE: FALL
Every autumn, the show returns. As the air cools, the ferns
begin to turn a beautiful golden brown and then trees burst
into color—ash and birch trees take on beautiful shades of
gold; maple trees light up in hues of orange and red. Vilas
County has more than 240,000 acres of public land, and it’s
one of the best places in Wisconsin for taking in fall colors.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable hike, there’s no better
time to get on the trails. If you’re seeking relaxation, there’s
nothing like warming near the first fire of the season. If you
feel like shopping, this is the perfect time to explore quaint
stores across Vilas County.
Vilas County has nine spectacular golf courses, including
the challenging 2 Eagle River Golf Course and the 8 Plum
Lake Golf Club, which first opened in 1912.
A great place for a fall paddle is NHAL Canoe Trip #3,
a route from Boulder Junction to Manitowish Waters—
it includes several lakes and some wild river stretches.
While in Manitowish Waters get an up-close look at some
cranberry farms—along with Eagle River, this area helps
Wisconsin lead the nation in cranberry production. Tours
of cranberry farms are available from July to early October.
Afterwards, take a fall cruise on the 1 Eagle River Chain
of Lakes. This 9-lake chain covers nearly 3,600 acres, and,
when combined with the adjoining Three Lakes Chain, is the
largest chain of freshwater lakes in the world! Learn more
about exploring Vilas County’s Lake chains on page 25.
Fall colors provide a beautiful backdrop for fishing. Catch
a view and perhaps a trophy on Big St. Germain Lake,
a 1,600-acre lake that’s highly rated by local anglers.
Take in miles of scenery by car or bike. West of Star Lake,
the twisting 10 Rustic Road #60 provides a dramatic fall
drive. In the southeast corner of the county, you can explore
the scenic roads of the Nicolet-Wolf River Scenic Byway.
A pleasant fall road biking route: County Highway S in Land
O’ Lakes and Conover. Or, ride the Vista Lake Bike Route
in Phelps—the route includes three beautiful loops in the
9 Nicolet National Forest.
Keep an eye on the sky. Migratory birds wing their way
through Vilas County every fall. A good birding spot is
the Powell Marsh Trail, an area between Manitowish
Waters and Lac du Flambeau.
Caramel apple lovers: celebrate autumn at a fall festival.
There are community celebrations taking place virtually
every weekend in the fall. These events are filled with
beautiful crafts, delicious food and lively music.
One of the best ways to end a fall day in Vilas County is
in a supper club. Enjoy a brandy old fashioned or perhaps
a local microbrew and decide: walleye, prime rib or aged
steak? Savor your meal, and the moment, in Vilas County.
715.479.3649 ITINERARIES 17