It finally dawned on me that I live in one of the most beautiful places in our country but I hadn't done a feature on my own backyard yet!
I live on a chain of three lakes in Wisconsin's Northwoods, amid 1.5 million acres of forest teeming with wildlife.
They call it "God's Country" up here - although I think whoever originally came up with that name arrived here in July and left by August. (Our winters are brutal with temps sometimes dropping to -70 degrees F and shoveling snow off our roofs is our winter pastime)
Did you think I was kidding about BBQing in February?
But we're a hardy breed up here and our winters last 8 to 9 months so you'll see us BBQing on our decks in February and wearing shorts the minute temperatures hit 40 degrees F. Even if we are still having blizzards in June.
(Don't laugh, that happens!)
Life is laid back and slow up here, the nearest city of any size being 2 hours away. We don't rush to do anything except get our fishing gear ready for opening day.
Depending on the weather that may be ice fishing gear...but that's still the only thing we rush to get ready for.
I live In a tiny town called Boulder Junction, that doesn't even have a traffic light and where deer stroll down Main Street.
Bpulder Junction
We're known as the "Musky Capitol of the World" due to the trophy-sized fish that come out of our 200 lakes.
Those are just the 200 lakes in and around Boulder. My county alone has 1300 lakes in it.
My niece with one of the musky she caught
Our little towns sprung into existence as the result of the 1800's lumbering camps and rough and tumble lumberjacks.
We've done our best to keep that history alive by preserving and restoring lumber camps served by a steam train and attractions like Scheer's Lumberjack Shows.
The lumberjacks in these shows are real lumberjacks, including some world champions. They're not merely actors.
I apologize for the poor quality of the video below but it was the only one that contained actual footage of the real lumberjacks that lived up here, at work.
The Wisconsin Northwoods or "Up North" as it's called, draws thousands of tourists each year. That includedc some celebrities like more than one U.S. President, Elizabeth Taylor, Kevin Costner, Dolly Parton, Nicole Kidman, Harrison Ford and Jason Momoa. We have year round activities suited to everyone and some really fine dining options as well.
Northwoods Accommodations
The Northwoods is an interesting mix of old time Northwoods and modern. We have luxury hotels, budget motels, modernized old time resorts that made the Northwoods famous, B&B's, and some beautiful campgrounds.
We're near Minocqua but in reality, Minocqua, Woodruff and Arbor Vitae run together and look like one town.
Nearby towns include Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, Eagle River, the Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe reservation, St. Germain, Sayner - all of which offer nice accommodations for any budget. There are far too many to list so I'll give you my recommendations.
ACORN LODGE - BOULDER JUNCTION
Acorn Lodge is where I stay when our power goes out for days at a time during the winter. It's a really nice family run motel right on the main drag of Boulder Junction, with reasonable prices.
BEST WESTERN PLUS CONCORD INN - MINOCQUA
Situated in downtown Minocqua on Highway 51 and across from Torpy Park, the Best Western Plus Concord Inn makes it easy to experience all that the area has to offer. Modern amenities, upgraded rooms, pool, hot tub, game room, free breakfast, free parking, Revere Lounge and dining options. Within walking distance of downtown. Pet friendly. Children 12 And under are Free In Room with one paying adult in existing bedding.
Be sure to check out their special offers!
POINTE HOTEL & SUITES
Pointe Hotel & Suites is located right on beautiful Lake Minocqua.
Spacious rooms, private decks, kitchens, pool, hot tub, sauna, and snowmobile friendly amenities.
Every room has a view of the lake.Very well maintained and clean with a helpful staff. Free breakfast and plenty of parking.
LAKE OF THE TORCHES RESORT & CASINO - LAC DU FLAMBEAU
Lake of the Torches Resort & Casino is rated at 3 stars and I'm completely bewildered as to why. I used to work Security there and we chose LOTC as the site of our national Vietnam veterans convention and everyone attending raved about the place. ???
if you want to get away from the tourist craziness in Minocqua, you might want to consider LOTC on the Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe reservation, about a 15 minute drive from Minocqua. Casino aside, the resort itself is very nice and is set back from the casino so you don't get any of the casino noise.
The rooms and suites are spacious, clean and comfortable. Some have Jaquizzi's and handicap rooms are available.
There are 2 restaurants within the resort itself, both of which I've eaten at - the Eagle's Nest features a changing fare buffet and off the menu items.
Woody's Bar & Grill is like a
a sports bar and offers pub-type fare. There's also a cocktail lounge called Dancing Waters Lounge.
Woodlands Oasis Pool Area
The resort has one of the nicest indoor pool areas I've ever seen, called Woodlands Oasis.
There's a large swimming pool, kiddie pool, fitness center, sauna, hot tub, showers and lockers.
The entire pool area is landscaped to look like you're outdoors. There's even a bear going after a bee's nest!
Between the resort and the casino is a concert venue so you might be able to catch a
concert without ever leaving the resort. While I was working there I was a bodyguard to Randy Travis, the Chippendale Dancers and Eddie Money to give you an idea of who performs at these concerts. During the summer, powwows are held which usually draw a crowd.
LOTC is located right on a lake so the scenery is great. There's the Ojibwe Market right across the street if you need to pick up some groceries or liquor or fill your car with gas.
Sadly, Northwoods resorts are taking a beating trying to compete with luxury hotels and the like, which is a shame - and why I sold my own fishing resort. And many have gone condo. But there are a couple of nice one's I'd recommend if you want an authentic Northwoods experience.
OLD STONEY'S RESORT - ARBOR VITAE
Old Stoney's is located on Big Arbor Vitae Drive on Big Arbor Vitae Lake and was/is just down the road from where my resort was. Owners, Dave and Carolyn are super friendly and accommodating. They rent out 4 different cabins that are fully equipped and furnished, including kitchens and maintain a beautiful lakefront.
There's also a children's play area and a fish cleaning house. "Big Arb" as we call it is a Class A Musky and Walleye lake. There are also northern pike, bass, crappie, perch, bluegill and sunfish.
You can also see the nesting eagles and loons that populate the lake.
There's a great bar/restaurant right up the road called Slo's Pub, owned by Greg and Sue Slominski and in the other direction a superb supper club, Four Seasons. And you're only a very short drive from town.
DILLMAN'S BAY RESORT
Another very popular resort up here is Dillman's Bay Resort at 13277 Dillman's Way, Lac du Flambeau. Dillman's was named one of the top 15 resorts in all of Wisconsin.
As you can see, it's a very large place with lots of amenities. The grounds are beautiful and always well kept as are the accommodations. Many events like weddings are held at Dillman's.
Dining
We really have some exceptional dining options up here given the size of our small towns, and something for every palate. And we're really noted for our traditional Friday Fish Frys.
I'll start with my all time favorite restaurant that's right here in Boulder Junction - GUIDE'S INN.
Sadly, my friend Chef Jimmy, owner of Guide's Inn passed away last year but his son has now taken over.
Guide's Inn draws customers from all over the world. You won't get anywhere near a table without a reservation and it's best to get there early.
It's probably the most popular supper club up here, noted for Jimmy's stuffed walleye. Thankfully the process of making that pan fried walleye didn't die with him!
Baby Rack of Lamb
I have so many favorites at Guide's Inn: Stuffed Walleye, Baby Rack of Lamb, Veal Oscar, Shrimp St. James...and their French Onion soup is to die for - as is their homemade ice cream.
Even the relish tray that comes out before your meal is over the top with various crackers, onions, broccoli, carrots, celery, radishes, olives, pepperoncini and both a delicious cheese spread and liver pate.
Guide's Inn is located on the left hand side of the road on Hwy. M as you come into Boulder from Hwy. 51 North.
There's a big sign out front and Guide's Inn is right next to the garden nursery.
NORWOOD PINES SUPPER CLUB - MINOCQUA
Norwood Pines Supper Club is my brother's and my go-to for an all-you-can-eat Friday fish fry. You have your choice of:
Deep Fried Cod, Cajun Baked Cod, or Broiled Cod. Can Mix and match varieties.
The fish comes with french fries, hush puppies, homemade hot bread, coleslaw, tartar sauce and lemon wedges. $19, all you can eat.
For a slightly higher price you can also get deep fried lake perch. $26-$30
Everything else on their menu is delicious as
Friday fish fry
well: Steaks, Prime Rib, BBQ Ribs, other seafood, poultry and pastas.
Norwood Pines is located at 10171 Hwy, 70 West, Minocqua $$
ERA PANCAKES & CAFE - ARBOR VITAE
ERA is a relatively new restaurant that went in where the old Perkins used to be.
It has FANTASTIC food and service and they're known for their mouthwaterring breakfasts, although they also serve lunch and dinner.
The service is every bit as good as the food is. They have an extensive menu.
There's plenty of parking and ERA is easy to spot. It sits on the left side of Hwy 51 North. If you get to the BP gas station, you've gone just a tad too far. ERA sits next door to BP.
AQUELAND ALE HOUSE - BOULDER JUNCTION
Aqualand Ale House is another restaurant in Boulder Junction, right on the main drag on the edge of town.
Aqualand Ale is a contemporary brew pub featuring its own brews and has a huge selection of rotating beers.
They also serve brick oven pizzas, wraps, sandwiches and salads.
My sister's and my favorite is their prime rib sandwich, served with homemade chips and a dill pickle. It's served regular or Chicago style and the portions are large.
Indoor and outdoor dining is available.
HOGGIE DOGGIE'S - WOODRUFF
Hoggie Doggie's is a seasonal ice cream joint that also serves food.
I'm addicted to their Chicago Style hot dogs. They don't have any indoor dining, they have a nice outdoor picnic area. You go up to the window to place your order or place one through their drive thru. Their ice cream is all homemade and the flavors change every week.
Hoggie's is very pet friendly so bring your pooch and he/she will get a free doggie ice cream cone.
Hoggie Doggie's is located at 8803 Hwy 47, Woodruff at the intersection of Hwy 47 and Hwy J.
OTTO'S BEER & BRAT GARDEN - MINOCQUA
Otto's has a fantastic large beer garden behind the restaurant, that often features live music.
Otto's is located right in downtown Minocqua on the main drag.
When I'm in the mood for German fare I'll head to Otto's Beer & Brat Garden.
NACHO'S MEXICAN GRILL - WOODRUFF
For authentic Mexican food, try Nacho's Mexican Grill in the Trig's shopping mall on Hwy 70 West, Woodruff.
I love their loaded nachos and their menu is very extensive. The service I've gotten has always been good.
BAD BONES BBQ - ARBOR VITAE
If you like BBQ then you definitely have to give Bad Bones BBQ a try. Since 2010, Bad Bones has been smokin' low and slow, serving up brisket, ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and house-made sausages — all paired with scratch-made sides and a lineup of signature sauces. The food is fantastic and the portions huge.
Bad Bones BBQ is at 1421 Hwy 51 North. If you're heading north it's on the left side of the road and sits atop a hill.
There are many more great restaurants up here. On your way into town on Hwy, 51 stop at the Minocqua Visitor's Center and pick up a Dining Guide.
On to part 2 where I'll go over the area attractions...