Vilas County Visitor Guide - 2020

ADVENTURE: SUMMER
Long, warm days are meant to be spent in Vilas County’s
lakes and forests. From boating and fishing to hiking and
biking, active travelers will have no problem finding new
adventures. It’s also the season of lakeside sunsets, naps
in the hammock and cookouts by the beach. Set your day in
motion or enjoy the freedom of having nothing to do but relax.
Here are some options for summer adventure.
•Head to a beach—you have a lot of beautiful choices in
Vilas County communities. One relaxing spot: Crystal
Lake 7 near Sayner-Star lake.
•Go paddling—a wild and scenic route is the Guido Rahr
Sr. Tenderfoot Forest Preserve Trail between Land O’
Lakes and Presque Isle. Feeling competitive? Race your
canoe at the Lac du Flambeau Lakes Fest in June.
•Find fresh food—there are farmers’ markets in St.
Germain, Boulder Junction, Eagle River, Land O’ Lakes,
Minocqua, Manitowish Waters and Presque Isle.
•Join a powwow! Everyone is welcome (and sometimes
even welcome to dance) at the Waaswaaganing Indian
Bowl 8 powwows in Lac du Flambeau.
•Explore Vilas County’s growing system of ATV/UTV
trails and dual sport routes like the Tamarack
Off-Highway Motorcycle Trail 9 .
Lakeshore hikes in Vilas County
Some of the most unforgettable hikes take place where
land meets water—with more than 1,300 lakes in Vilas
County, there are numerous forest trails that trace the
water’s edge. There’s perhaps no better way to enjoy
summer than to walk along a Northwoods lake. Here are a
few of our favorite lakeside hikes.
STAR LAKE NATURE TRAIL – SAYNER-STAR LAKE
This beautiful trail will take you onto a peninsula that juts
out into Star Lake. The trail crosses some picturesque
stretches of boardwalk, but you’ll find some of the most
scenic views at the water’s edge.
SPECTACLE LAKE-KENTUCK LAKE TRAIL – PHELPS
This scenic trail travels through a colorful deciduous forest
between two campgrounds. In the warmer months, enjoy the
swimming beach area at Spectacle Lake. If the water is a little
cool for swimming, it’s still worth a visit—the view is beautiful.
LUMBERJACK TRAIL – BOULDER JUNCTION
This 12-mile trail skirts the edge of White Sand Lake, and
two loops will take you into the wilderness. Stretches of
the trail also follow sides of the Manitowish River and
White Sand Creek.
SHANNON LAKE TRAIL – ST. GERMAIN
This trail system will take you through a variety of beautiful
stands of northern hardwoods, but one of the most scenic
stretches is a loop around Shannon Lake.
CATHERINE WOLTER WILDERNESS AREA –
PRESQUE ISLE
This pristine wilderness area is laced with trails that will
take you past undeveloped waters like Knife Lake, Canteen
Lake and John Lake. Loops of various lengths are possible,
so you can find a hike that’s perfect for you.
715.479.3649 ADVENTURES 17