Local Advice for the First-Time Visitor
We’re beyond pumped that you picked Sayner-Star Lake for your vacation spot! Since it’s your first time visiting, here’s a little local advice to put in your back pocket…
Advice from the Locals
“Visit the local establishments and ask for local advice specific to your likes. The locals are a mountain of information from the best hiking trails to the best restaurants! Locals are friendly and experienced.” – Karen Cropsey, Cropsey Vacation Rentals
“Try it all! There are so many hidden gems in the Sayner-Star Lake area alone, you never know what you’ll find. I’ve been coming up here my whole life, and there are still places I would like to go that I haven’t had the opportunity to do so yet. From cute little shops, adventurous trails, and breathtaking views, to cozy restaurants and bars off the beaten path, there is more to this little area than one might think. It’s all about spending the day with no agenda at all, seeing what adventures you will find around every curve.” – Achille Orlowski, Hillside Tavern & Grill
“The Trampers Trails around Star Lake and North of Ballard Lake are a must.” – Robert Marsh, Old Schoolhouse Gallery & Old Milltown Depot
"Bring your bikes... it is a must to explore the miles of paved bike trails connecting the towns extending out from Sayner. You will be in awe at the beauty of the lakes, streams, and forests that you'll ride through as well as the treats you'll find along the way!! If you can't bring your bikes, don’t sweat it! Bike rentals are available.” – Mary Debilzen, The Corner Store
“Come with a sense of adventure when it comes to all of our beautiful hiking and biking trails and beautiful scenery, but also enjoy a sense of a small-town atmosphere that is warm and welcoming.” – Jessica Drallmeier, Traditions
“If you love food and new flavors, then definitely let the locals do the cooking! You’ll stumble across the cutest, most nostalgic Northwoods eateries tucked away in the woods. Just jump in the car and pick a place. Everyone puts their own special spin the Friday night fish fry, so you must give that a try! And, one last insider tidbit – ask your server about their specialty cocktails. You won’t be disappointed!” – Carrie Schalinske, Maplewood Marketing
“Go to the end of Camp 2 road, turn off your car and look at the stars. Make sure to have your cell phone because once out of their car, it can get so dark it’s hard to see. Also, 40 minutes from here are Bonds Falls and the Paulding Light. Last, if you want to try fishing, there are great shore sitting areas that you can catch fish at, or find a boat to rent.” - Debbie Tennies, Errington’s Resort & Star Lake Store
“Have a "Wisconsin- up -north Old Fashioned" at a local supper club, or have several at different locations and compare to choose your favorite.” – Karen Cropsey, Cropsey Vacation Rentals
“So, if you are a beginner or expert when it comes to fishing, Sayner-Star Lake has a great selection of waters to choose from!”
Kate Reichl shares the stories behind some of her most stunning photographs of local attractions.
Every year on the first Sunday of August, vendors and visitors fill the street as Sayner-Star Lake welcomes people from near and far for a great time at the Sayner Street Fair. This year, the 7th Annual Sayner Street Fair is expected to draw thousands of attendees. Here’s…
The Sayner-Star Lake Chamber of Commerce announces they will be holding their inaugural Community-Wide Rummage Sale on Saturday, May 28, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m….
Recognized as a National Recreation Trail, Heart of Vilas winds through the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest. Along the way, bicyclists will pass along the shores of Plum Lake…
Four-legged friends are more than just pets; they’re family! And vacation isn’t complete without the whole family. To help you find pet-friendly accommodations, here’s a list of just a few rentals…
What says Northwoods more than a Friday fish fry? According to the locals, four of Sayner-Star Lake’s restaurants are a must-try on Friday night. Stillwater’s, The Hillside Tavern and Grill, Mar-Li’s, and the…
Every year at this time, anglers start to get a twitch in their casting arms and many begin organizing their fishing tackle for the annual spring opener! And we who live up north are so lucky to have numerous lakes and streams right in our back yards…
When is the perfect time to start planning your next family vacation? The answer is now, while the year is young! So, where’s it going to be? Let your journey take you to Sayner-Star Lake, where the air is fresh, the lakes are crystal clear and you'll be captivated by nature.
With 50 named lakes and 95 unnamed lakes in Sayner-Star Lake, you’ll have no problem discovering a new body of water to make waves on this summer! Here are three…
Sayner, the birthplace of the first modern-day snowmobile, in 1924 by Carl Eliason. So of course, it’s a major hub for snowmobile trails. If there’s one thing to be said about snowmobilers it’s that they like…
Sayner-Star Lake kicks off the holiday season with “Christmas in Downtown Sayner-Star Lake”! Friday, November 26th - Sunday, November 28th, all locals and visitors are invited to celebrate…
Have you ever stopped by a store, and from the moment you stepped in you knew it was going to be your “new favorite” shop? Try experiencing that in an entire town…
Just because the sun isn’t shining, doesn’t mean the day is a total bust! In the Sayner-Star Lake area, rainy days are also welcomed days. Here are a few ways to…
We’re beyond pumped that you picked Sayner-Star Lake for your vacation spot! Since it’s your first time visiting, here’s a little local advice to put in your back pocket…
After a day at the lake. Following a bike ride or hike. With your girlfriends after an afternoon of shopping. Or, after a golf outing. Maybe in the evening for dessert. Regardless, there’s never a bad time to enjoy a cold summertime treat at one of these two local ice cream stops…
If you're heading to Sayner-Star Lake for a summer getaway, it's likely that you have questions about the many outdoor recreation opportunities that are available in our neck of the woods! We want…
Yesterday's bright blue skies, warm and inviting sun, and gentle breeze had us craving fresh air and some time outdoors. This lead us to an exhilarating hike on the Star Lake Nature Trail. From the moment we stepped foot on the trail, we felt as if we were in another world…
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, especially for holiday shopping in Sayner-Star Lake! Our small-town charm is what appeals to shoppers and it’s the unique finds that keeps them coming back! Check out our area's wintertime retailers…
From the slower pace of the season to the colorful backdrop of the Northwoods, Sayner-Star Lake is the ideal place to go paddling this fall! While there are 50 named lakes and 95 unnamed lakes in Sayner-Star Lake, here are four places we recommend exploring…
The rush of day to day life has us running from sun up to sun down! When it comes to our vacation time, it’s important to find activities for the entire family to enjoy together. A getaway to Sayner-Star Lake is the perfect opportunity to unplug and reconnect with your family…
Sayner-Star Lake is loaded with activities to keep you entertained on your next winter getaway to the Northwoods. You can easily dedicate an entire week to the fun ahead! Here are four must-do activities…
This fall, shop in Sayner-Star Lake! In our shops, you’ll find high-end apparel, unique home decor items, quality sporting goods and more. Above all, you’ll find a relaxing shopping experience that’s…
One of the best ways to take in the breathtaking fall colors of Sayner-Star Lake is on two wheels. We’re surrounded by the wild Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, so we’re the…
Sayner-Star Lake has a rich heritage that’s alive in our local attractions. They share the stories of early residents and visitors to this area and they offer an experience that is as beautiful today as…
There’s something magical about this time of year in Sayner-Star Lake. The forests are silent and beautiful, shifting into a world of white. Ripples give way to ice on the lake—soon, ice fishermen…
Sayner-Star Lake is an ideal summer destination for those who love getting out on the trails. It’s home to forested trails that are perfect for a family bike ride, a morning nature walk, a challenging hike or…
Sayner-Star Lake is home to some of the best biking in the Northwoods. Two great trails are located in the heart of the community, close to lodging and restaurants. They provide very…