By Sandra Scott
If you want to catch a prize-winning muskellunge, then Vilas County, Wisconsin, is the place for you. Muskies are highly sought after by fishermen because of their explosive strikes and rugged fights. The largest muskie on record was 53 inches long and weighed 51.2 pounds — a catch-and-release biggie. Vilas County has more than 1,300 lakes as well as 73 rivers and streams that you can check out on a flight-seeing plane ride. With so much water, even if you don't catch a prize-winner you are sure to catch something. The county has some of the best smallmouth bass, walleye, trout and pike fishing. If you and your companions are not dedicated fishermen, not to worry. Vilas County has several charming small towns that offer a wonderful diversity of activities — indoors and outdoors.
The Discovery Center in Manitowish is the place to learn about Wisconsin's north woods. There are 12 miles of trails for hiking, skiing and snowshoeing, including a 16-station interpretive trail, a state-of-the-art bog boardwalk, geocaching and a 22-station Breeding Bird Interpretive Trail. The center has many unusual activities and special events, such as Lantern-lit Snowshoeing, a bat walk and bird-banding demonstrations. Visitors can be part of their citizen-based monitoring programs by tagging monarch butterflies and going on a wolf howl. For a more sublime activity take one of the canoes out on the lake — for free. Or hit the trails throughout Vilas County for biking, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Visitors can go boating, stand-up paddle-boarding, zip-lining, four-wheeling and hunting. Nature is all around. While driving along the beautiful forest-lined roads you'll need to watch out for the wildlife, especially the deer.
Before the fur trappers, pioneers, woodsmen and vacationers arrived, Vilas County was home to the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, also known as the Ojibwe. For more than 300 years they have gathered wild rice, fished and hunted. The French named them Lac du Flambeau, which means "Lake of the Torches," because the Chippewa used torches to attract the fish for easier spearing. The George W. Brown Jr. Ojibwe Museum and Cultural Center has dioramas depicting traditional seasonal activities along with displays that highlight their rich history. Not to miss is the Mikwendaagoziwag ("they will be remembered") Heritage Center located in a building that was once the Bureau of Indian Affairs Government-sponsored boarding school boys' dormitory. School-aged children were taken against the wishes of their family and immersed in European-American culture, thus losing their own. There are other spots of interest on the reservation with signs and storyboards. Try your luck at Lake of the Torches Casino.
Vilas County is dotted with several small towns, each with its own personality. Boulder Junction, the Muskie Capital of the World, is home to talented craftsmen and artists. Penny Mykytka is a master leatherworker; Moondeer and Friends Gallery offers European, Asian and contemporary fine art as well as one-of-a-kind antiques. Firemouth Pottery features owner Bill Karafa's exquisite handmade pottery along with other art pieces. Wiley Miller's Wildlife Images have been featured in many magazines. His wildlife carvings are so lifelike that people stare at the owls waiting for them to blink. His son, Jeff, is a chainsaw artist. His Sasquatch (aka "Big Foot") is probably the only one you will see on your visit. Nearby are Vagabond Antiques and the Cranberry Gift Shop.
Eagle River has a wonderful Northwoods Children's Museum (and children's museums are not just for children). Before entering you can test yourself on the sidewalk Hundreds Board. There are 24 permanent hands-on exhibits plus changing ones. Check out the Talking Tree and the giant Lite-Brite wall board. Let the fun continue with a ride on a pirate ship departing from Pirate's Hideaway. Then head to Soda Pops, a vintage soda fountain decorated with period signs. Need something for your sweet tooth? Across the street is Tremblay's Sweet Shop, where they make fudge daily. Yearning for a refreshing adult libation? Tribute Brewery Co. is the place to go.
Each small town is worth exploring. In St. Germain learn about tea at the Green Rich Tea's Tea Academy. One of the owners offers massages, yoga and stand-up paddle-boarding. You have never appreciated hammocks until you try out one of Shawn's handmade hammocks. Keep in mind that he opens "at the crack of noon." St. Germain is also home to the Snowmobile Hall of Fame. You will be amazed at your hidden artistic talent after an art class at Land 'O Lakes Area Artisans Center. Besides the classroom there is a great gallery of work by local artists.
You will have a new appreciation for your cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving dinner after visiting Vilas Cranberry Co. in Manitowish. On Fridays at 10 a.m. from July to late September they offer a tour. Wisconsin is the world's leading grower of cranberries, producing 5 million pounds in 2015. Contrary to popular belief, cranberries don't grow in water. The fields are flooded to make it easier to harvest them because they float. The tour explains the entire cranberry-producing process — and you get a drink of healthy cranberry juice.
Check out the county's more nefarious visitors. During prohibition the secluded nature of the north woods attracted some colorful gangsters and G-men. John Dillinger, "Baby Face" Nelson and their cronies thought they could hide from the law in the woods, but it didn't work. In April 1934 Special Agent Melvin Purvis of the FBI led a botched raid on Little Bohemia Lodge. Dillinger and his gang members escaped, but even today there are hundreds of bullet holes as a reminder of the event. The Dillinger Pontoon History Tour details the event.
WHEN YOU GO
For more information: www.travelwisconsin.com and www.vilasco.com or call 800-236-3649. The county has a wonderful selection of accommodations from motels such as Boulder Junction Motor Lodge and Acorn Lodge to wonderful resorts such as White Birch Village Resort, Wild Eagle Lodge and Eagle Waters Resort. The restaurants are also exceptional, many located right on the water. Check out Headwaters Restaurant and Inn, the Outdoorsman Restaurant and Inn, Blue Bayou Inn and Riverstone Restaurant and Tavern.
Sandra Scott is a freelance travel writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
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