Minocqua: Northwoods Retreat

Unplug and unwind in the beautiful Northwoods of Minocqua, Wisconsin. Discover hiking and biking trails amongst the sparkling lakes and towering pines. Get out on the open water for a true escape and enjoy some of the best fishing in the Midwest.

Explore an array of shops sprinkled with authentic pubs to satisfy your cravings and thirst along the way. Mark your calendars for a full line-up of festivals that are finally making a comeback.

Feeling nostalgic? Take a step back in time at one of the many local supper clubs. We'll recommend our favorites, serving up Friday fish fry with scenic lake views. Your brandy old fashioned is waiting!

Our summer travel guide is perfect for the whole family, a romantic getaway, or girls weekend! Are you ready to dive in?

Eat & Drink

Norwood Pines-Classic up north supper club serving Friday fish fry with stunning views of Lake Patricia. Choose from a variety of other menu items to please your palate, from steaks to Canadian Lobster Tail. How do you take your old fashioned? Brandy or bourbon? Sweet or sour? The bartender’s got you covered either way at the Pines.

Otto’s Beer & Brat Garden-European style pub serving authentic German food, and of course a wide selection of fresh tap beers including Spaten and. Guinness. Live music and shuffleboard.

Sayner Pub-Best bloody Mary’s, pizza and cold beer. Nothing better on a Saturday morning, except maybe the pancakes at Wolf Pack Cafe. (It’s a tie between the two.) Come as you are. Serving up free jokes daily. Did I mention pull tabs?

Sisters Saloon-Serving up world class cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. Be prepared to be amazed when you sample the chef’s menu. One of St. Germain’s oldest establishments, dating back to 1922 hasn’t lost its charm. We devoured every morsel of our fresh lake perch and savory soups the day we dined there.

The Vine Wine Beer & Cocktail Lounge-Enjoy the ambience of the picturesque patio with gourmet appetizers and wine pairings. Indulge in one of their signature cocktails inside the cozy bar. It’s easy to see why this spot has been voted one of the top ten wine bars in Wisconsin.

Thirsty Whale-Family friendly restaurant by day, lively bar by night. Known for juicy burgers, cold beer and Friday fish fry. Directly across from The Beacon’s on Lake Minocqua. Arrive early to secure a seat and catch a free water ski show on the dock before dinner.

Thunderbird Bar & Grill-Order the best broasted chicken to go or eat in and play your favorite oldies on the juke box. First come first serve. Lively atmosphere in this quaint hideaway just off of State Road 70 in St. Germain.

Wolf Pack Cafe-Start your Northwoods morning off with the world’s best pancakes at our favorite breakfast spot in St. Germain. We also love the pan fried perch and eggs special on the weekends. Save room for Kathy’s homemade pie, or take one to go!

Play

Boating & Swimming-You haven’t discovered true lake life if you haven’t gone boating or swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Northwoods. Boat rentals available through Paul’s Rent-All in St. Germain or R&R Rentals in Minocqua.

Festivals-Finally, making a comeback! Enjoy everything from Art Fairs to Beef-a-Rama. Find a complete listing on Travel Wisconsin.

Fishing-Cast your chance at reeling in the BIG one in some of the best fishing lakes. Discover all your bait and tackle needs at Ray’s Landing. Serving expert anglers and beginners. Did you know that your first fishing license is free in Wisconsin? Find the new owner Pete and his friendly staff on Highway 155 in St. Germain or on Facebook.

Hiking & Biking-Bearskin State Trail is just one of many scenic trails in and around Minocqua. During the summer, it’s mainly used for bicyclists, but is also open to joggers and walkers. Fern Ridge Trail is one of my favorite paths in St. Germain. Biking enthusiasts also love Sayner Star Lake Trail, which hosts an ice cream crawl in August! Map out your route at wisconsinbikefed.org or All Trails. Fortunately, I have my own personal Northwoods guide, Cheri, to lead the way and remind me to look up, so I don’t miss anything on our nature hikes. Thank you for introducing me to your slice of heaven in Wisconsin!

Shopping

Explore downtown Minocqua’s four city blocks of shops and pubs to quench your thirst in between all the hard work. Our favorites to hit include; J Christy’s Boutique, Ross Sportswear and the Gaslight Square Shoppes, which has something for everyone, including an entire upper level of antiques. Find them all on Facebook.

Green Weavers Gift & Apparel-A hidden gem for the latest fashion in the Northwoods. Stocking trends from leading Canadian designers in the tiny town of Sayner. Who knew you could find an evening gown across the street from a pub after playing pull tabs? Only in Wisconsin! Find them on Facebook.

Traditions-Home decor and gift shop with everything you did’t know you needed but suddenly can’t live without. Also located in Sayner, next to Green Weavers. Happy shopping!

Stay

Red Pine Lodge- Spacious log cabin with breathtaking views from both sides of Pickerel Lake, located between St. Germain and Minocqua. Private pier fishing boat, canoe and kayaks included. Roast s’mores around the fire pit outdoors, or snuggle up indoors around the cozy fireplace in this rustic, yet roomy cottage. Perfect for family reunions, a romantic getaway or a girlfriends weekend! I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy two out of three such outings at this Northwoods retreat.

Beacon’s of Minocqua-Cozy cabins on the wooded waterfront property with indoor pool, sauna, marina and boat rental available. Nearby Bearskin Trail and many of our favorite supper clubs, including The Thirsty Whale directly across Lake Minocqua. We stayed here years ago as a family and made great memories. Even though our rental boat died in the middle of the lake on our way to the Thirsty Whale. They stayed open late enough for us to have dinner, once Beacon’s towed us in. Always an adventure with our crew!