St. Germain
St. Germain is a mid-sized town for the Northwoods that sits among thousands of acres of lakes, rivers, and forest in the heart of the region, roughly between Minocqua and Eagle River. It has a grocery store, a fair amount of spots to dine out or grab a drink, an ice cream shop, a hardware store—basically all the essentials. Lakeside resorts and cabins ring big waters like Big St. Germain and Little St. Germain, with some other nice lakes located not too far from town. Tall pines, dark skies, and easy access to trails make it feel like a true escape despite being an easy drive from larger towns. One of the best features of St. Germain is its location: it's about 15 minutes from Eagle River and 15-25 minutes from Minocqua (depending on where you are going in the Minocqua/Woodruff/Hazelhurst area). This central location opens up a lot of options when it comes to activities, dining, drinking, and just stuff to do in general. The community leans into both its summer lake life and its role as one of Wisconsin's premier snowmobile hubs, home to the Bo-Boen Snowmobile Club and a broad web of groomed routes. For cabin buyers, St. Germain offers a practical mix of water access, four-season trail infrastructure, and simple in-town services, with a slightly quieter feel than the biggest resort centers but plenty to keep repeat visitors busy. Below, you will find the most recent lakefront homes, lots and condos (with links to view all St. Germain listings) as well as some featured lakes around St. Germain (also with a link to all St. Germain lakes). Below that you will find information on events, attractions and places to eat in St. Germain.
Recent Homes for Sale:
Are you looking for your own little get away? Shall we say a cozy cabin facing the lake in the north woods, added with some rustic charm? Well you're just in luck! Check out our beautiful duplex tucked away on Little Saint Germain Lake, on West Bay. This charmi…
Escape to the Northwoods with this 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offering 100 feet of beautiful sand frontage on Found Lake in St. Germain. Situated on a peaceful .83-acre lot near the end of a quiet easement road, this property provides privacy, relaxation, and stunn…
Located in the heart of Northwoods recreation area this three bedroom two and a half bath home, with lots of natural lighting, brick fireplace, and master suite with walk in closet. Located on highly desirable Big St Germain Lake comes with almost two acres and…
View All St. Germain Homes >>
Recent Lots for Sale:
Beautiful vacant lot on Big St. Germain Lake! This 2.04-acre parcel offers 194 feet of level, sandy frontage on one of the area’s most sought-after lakes. The entire lot is level, providing easy access to the water and endless options for building your dream ho…
Lakefront living on Big St. Germain Lake! This 1.03-acre parcel offers 106 feet of level, sandy frontage on one of the Northwoods’ most desirable lakes. The lot is level throughout, making it easy to enjoy and ideal for building your dream home or vacation retr…
Perched on the shores of Little St Germain Lake, this vacant lot offers pristine sand frontage, a gentle slope to the water's edge, and breathtaking western sunset views. The building site is already cleared with steps in place, ready for your dream home or cab…
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Recent Condos for Sale:
This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath cabin in Pine Haven Condominiums sits on spectacular Little St. Germain Lake, a full recreation lake perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, and all your favorite water sports. The cabin features many new updates, a brand-new lak…
GREAT YEAR-ROUND INVESTMENT PROPERTY “WITH BENEFITS” OPPORTUNITY IN THE NORTHWOODS! $40k in gross income already booked for 2026 with on-site rental management & also available for your PERSONAL use. This fully furnished must-see townhome condo at Serenity Bay …
This cozy, year-round condo duplex features 2 beds/1 bath/649 sq.ft. on each side and sits just steps from the shores of Big St. Germain Lake. Enjoy the lovely water views and take advantage of the over 300± feet of shared, sandy, level frontage on this full-re…
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GoldBar Lakes in St. Germain:
| Lake Name | Access | Acres | Type | Distance | Avg Depth | Clarity | Chain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Nokomis Lake | Public | 470 | Spring | 13 min | 30 ft | 15.0 ft | -- |
| Paradise Lake | Public | 81 | Seepage | 11 min | 24 ft | 20.0 ft | -- |
| Plum Lake | Public | 1108 | Drainage | 10 min | 20 ft | 16.5 ft | -- |
| Razorback Lake | Public | 381 | Seepage | 23 min | 15 ft | 11.5 ft | -- |
| Star Lake | Public | 1206 | Drainage | 20 min | 23 ft | 22.0 ft | -- |
| Buffalo Lake | Public | 106 | Seepage | 11 min | 18 ft | 15.0 ft | -- |
| Lake Laura | Public | 628 | Seepage | 23 min | 20 ft | 16.0 ft | -- |
View All St. Germain Lakes >>
The St. Germain Experience:
On The Water
St. Germain is surrounded by big, versatile lakes like Big St. Germain and Little St. Germain, plus numerous smaller lakes and flowages that support boating, paddling, watersports, and multi‑species fishing. Larger lakes are ideal for cruising, tubing, and skiing, while smaller waters and quieter bays offer a more relaxed setting for paddling, loon‑watching, and early‑morning or evening fishing runs right out from many resorts and cabins. Since you can choose between busy multi‑use lakes with marinas and sandbars and calmer, more residential or resort‑clustered waters, buyers can dial in the balance of activity versus quiet they want, yet still share in St. Germain’s common landings, rental options, and guide services.
Trails
St. Germain is a key node on the Heart of Vilas County paved trail network, with the St. Germain Bike & Hike Trail running through town and connecting riders and walkers to roughly 50 miles of paved paths. Local trailheads like the Bike & Hike Park, nearby Awassa Trails, and forest routes make it easy to grab quick walks, birding strolls, or longer rides that weave between lakes, wetlands, and stands of tall pines. The paved trail passes right through the community and links to neighboring towns, so cabin owners can park the car and rely on bikes and feet for much of their stay, turning rides into low‑stress outings with built‑in stops for beaches, ice cream, and photo ops.
Winter
Winter is a defining season in St. Germain, with the Bo‑Boen Snowmobile Club maintaining over 100 miles of groomed trails that connect into thousands of miles of regional routes, plus opportunities for snowshoeing, fat‑tire biking, and skiing on local trails. Consistently groomed, well‑signed routes and easy access to fuel, restaurants, rentals, and lakeside lodging make it a natural hub for snowmobile‑focused cabin trips. Snowshoe and fat‑tire options on trails like Awassa and other nearby loops give non‑snowmobilers and younger kids plenty to do, so winter visits can mix big trail days with shorter, slower outings and warm‑up stops in town.
Family Fun
Families in St. Germain can combine classic lake days—swimming, paddling, fishing off the dock—with simple kid‑pleasers like mini‑golf, go‑karts, ice cream stops, and easy rides on the paved bike trail. Nearby nature trails with story walks, local parks, and beginner‑friendly winter options like short snowshoe loops and rental sleds help keep visits fun even when the weather is cooler or kids are younger. As kids grow, the same base of lakes and trails supports a progression from dock fishing to serious angling, from trailer‑pulled bike rides to independent trail adventures, and from simple sledding to full snowmobile days, which helps a St. Germain cabin stay relevant for many years of family use.
Towns Near St. Germain:
Eagle River
Driving 15 minutes east on Hwy 70 will take you to Eagle River. Eagle River is the original vacation destination of the northwoods. It is most famous for it's 28 lake chain of lakes which is the biggest freshwater chain in the world. The town has all the modern conveniences but retains a small town mom and pop feel.
Minocqua
Driving 15 minutes west on Hwy 70 will take you into Minocqua. The "island city" is probably the most "modern" of the towns in Northern Wisconsin. There are still plenty of the older mom and pop type of businesses, but they are sprinkled in with fast food restaurants and other national box store outlets. There is a wide variety of things to do and places to visit around Minocqua and the chain of lakes that surround the town is one of the most popular ones around. Being popular, it is also the busiest chain around. The town is considered a tourist hot spot and many summer weekends you will feel like you're back in the city with all the people.
Trails around St. Germain:
Awassa Nature Preserve & Trails
The Awassa Nature Preserve in St. Germain protects about 230 acres of forest and wetlands and offers around 4 miles of beginner-friendly hiking loops, including an accessible half-mile nature trail through mature pines and hardwoods. In winter, some of the loops are groomed for cross-country skiing and fat biking and occasionally lit for candlelight events, making Awassa a go-to spot for low-key, family-friendly outings in all seasons.
Bo-Boen Snowmobile Trails
The Bo-Boen Snowmobile Club maintains more than 100 miles of groomed, well-marked snowmobile trails around St. Germain, forming one of the most respected local systems in Wisconsin. Riders can leave directly from town to explore forest corridors, lake crossings, and connectors to neighboring communities, with frequent access to gas, dining, and lodging along the way.
Fern Ridge Trail
Fern Ridge is a compact trail system just outside St. Germain with around 4 miles of singletrack loops for mountain biking and winter fat biking, plus separate hike/snowshoe loops that weave through hilly Northwoods terrain. Short climbs, flowing descents, and benches at scenic spots make it a fun choice for riders and hikers who want a quick workout or family outing without a long drive.
St. Germain ATV Club Trails
The St. Germain ATV Club trails form a network of about 80 miles of ATV/UTV routes that combine paved town roads, gravel connectors, and nearby forest segments to tie St. Germain into the broader Lakeland riding area. Well-marked routes, park-and-ride lots, and trail-friendly businesses make it easy to park a trailer once and spend the day exploring loops toward Arbor Vitae, Woodruff, and beyond.
St. Germain Attractions & Viewpoints:
Frank B. Koller Memorial Library & Lakeside Green (Attraction)
The Frank B. Koller Memorial Library is described by visitors as a hidden gem, with friendly staff, kids’ games, local history information, and a quiet greenspace just off the water. It’s a useful stop for longer-stay visitors who want Wi‑Fi, reading material, or kids’ activities, and it sits close enough to downtown to fold into a short walking loop.
Snowmobile Hall of Fame & Museum (nearby St. Germain) (Attraction)
Just outside St. Germain on Highway 70, the Snowmobile Hall of Fame & Museum showcases vintage sleds, racing history, and Hall of Fame inductees from the early days of the sport to modern champions. Exhibits, memorabilia, and the annual Ride With The Champs weekend make it a must-stop for snowmobile fans staying anywhere in the St. Germain–Eagle River corridor.
Walk in the Woods Art Fair (Town Park) (Attraction)
The Walk in the Woods Art Fair brings regional artists to a small wooded park in St. Germain, creating rows of booths with paintings, pottery, fiber art, and more beneath the trees. Live music, occasional wine tastings, and a relaxed setting make it a pleasant way to spend part of a summer or early-fall day browsing art close to cabins and resorts.
Downtown St. Germain Streetscape & Vintage Signs (Viewpoint)
Downtown St. Germain has a short strip of businesses with classic supper club neon, vintage motel signs, and low-slung storefronts that feel very “old Northwoods.” Visitors often park once and walk a loose loop past shops, taverns, and ice cream, snapping photos of the signs and small-town streetscape in between errands or meals.
Rustic Lake Road Chain Drive (Viewpoint)
A cluster of town and county roads around Little St. Germain, Big St. Germain, and nearby lakes offers a low-traffic scenic drive with small boat landings and roadside pullouts for views. It’s a simple way to look for loon, eagle, and sunset shots on different lakes without committing to a full paddle or big hike.
St. Germain Bike & Hike Trail Wayside (Viewpoint)
The 12-mile St. Germain Bike & Hike Trail includes several small waysides and benches where the path crosses wetlands and skirts lakes, giving riders and walkers quiet spots to stop for photos. These viewpoints often have long boardwalk-like stretches or open marsh vistas where you can watch for herons, loons, and evening light without leaving the paved route.
St. Germain Golf Club Viewpoints (Viewpoint)
The 18-hole St. Germain Golf Club winds through mature pines and hardwoods, with several tee boxes and fairways that open up views across rolling forested terrain. Even non-golfers who ride along in carts or stop at the clubhouse get a feel for the area’s quieter interior woods, especially in early morning or evening light.
St. Germain Town Park & Little St. Germain Lake View (Viewpoint)
St. Germain’s Town Park sits on the north shore of Little St. Germain Lake with a swim beach, playground, ball fields, and open lawn looking out over the water. It’s an easy place to watch sunsets, snap “we’re at the cabin” photos, or let kids play before heading into town for ice cream or a fish fry.
Events in St. Germain:
Bo‑Boen Chili Fest
Bo‑Boen Chili Fest is a winter fundraiser at the groomer barn behind the fire station, offering all‑you‑can‑eat chili, hot chocolate, popcorn, kids’ crafts, and photos with Santa, plus a groomer and rescue display. Cabin owners can mix a trail ride or day in the snow with a warm indoor gathering that directly supports the grooming that keeps St. Germain’s snowmobile system in top shape.
Bo‑Boen Snowmobile Club Scavenger Hunt & Family Fun Day
The Bo‑Boen Snowmobile Club Scavenger Hunt & Family Fun Day sends riders and families around the St. Germain trail system and gathers everyone at Community Park for games, food, and prizes. It’s a low‑pressure way for cabin owners and guests to explore the trails, support the club, and give kids a winter day out that mixes riding with on‑site activities.
St. Germain Radar Run
The St. Germain Radar Run brings high‑speed snowmobile racing back to the frozen West Bay of Little St. Germain Lake, with the Snow Outlaws Shoot‑Out, amateur fun runs, and the famous bikini run fundraiser. Heated tents, food and drinks, music, and fireworks give cabin owners a full winter festival weekend built around watching or joining the action on the ice.
Awassa by Candlelight
Awassa by Candlelight turns the Awassa Trails into a glowing winter route lined with candles, where visitors can snowshoe or ski at their own pace before warming up with refreshments at the trailhead. For cabin owners, it’s a quiet, family‑friendly winter experience that balances the area’s high‑energy snowmobile events with a slower, silent‑sport night in the woods.
Independence Day Celebration & Freedom 5K
St. Germain’s Independence Day Celebration typically starts with the Freedom 5K and 1K runs, followed by an all‑day craft show and community picnic at the park, an afternoon parade, and fireworks at dusk. Cabin owners can build a full holiday around the event—run in the morning, browse vendors, watch the parade, then head to the lake or airport area in the evening for fireworks.
Walk in the Woods Art Fair
Walk in the Woods Art Fair brings artists and fine crafters to a wooded setting, with booths tucked under tall pines at the Community Park. Visitors and cabin owners stroll shaded paths, shop for Northwoods‑style art and décor, and enjoy food and music, making it an easy summer or early‑fall reason to spend a Saturday in town.
Monday Flea & Farmers Market
The Monday Flea & Farmers Market is a long‑running weekly market where vendors sell antiques, crafts, produce, baked goods, and more at the Community Park. Cabin owners treat it as a standing Monday outing—stocking up on fresh items, hunting for treasures, and grabbing snacks before heading back to the lake or trails.
Lighting Up St. Germain
Lighting Up St. Germain is a community holiday event featuring a tree lighting, festive displays, kids’ activities, and time to visit local businesses decked out for the season. Second‑home owners who visit in late November or early December can use it as a cozy start to winter, pairing the event with early snowmobile or trail outings as conditions allow.
St. Germain Food Scene:
19th Hole Sports Bar & Grill
19th Hole Sports Bar & Grill sits near the St. Germain golf course along Hwy 70 West, serving burgers, sandwiches, and fried baskets in a sports‑bar setting with multiple big‑screen TVs. The property also offers mini‑golf and family‑friendly activities, making it a convenient stop after a round or as a casual evening out with kids.
3 C's Coffee Cup Cafe
3 C’s Coffee Cup Cafe is a cozy breakfast‑and‑lunch cafe known for eggs, omelets, pancakes, and homemade baked goods in a friendly, small‑town atmosphere. Reviews highlight generous portions, good coffee, and personable service, making it a popular morning stop for anglers and cabin groups.
Clearview Supper Club
Clearview Supper Club is a long‑time Northwoods landmark on Big St. Germain Lake, with a log‑interior bar and dining room overlooking the water. It is known for strong Old Fashioneds and martinis, a popular Friday fish fry, Saturday prime rib, and classic supper‑club dinners that start with a drink at the big U‑shaped bar.
DJ's North Woods Family Restaurant
DJ’s North Woods Family Restaurant is a roomy, family‑friendly spot offering big breakfasts, burgers, sandwiches, and homestyle dinners in a straightforward dining‑room setting. Travelers praise the friendly service, solid food, and good value, making it a dependable stop for families staying around St. Germain’s lakes.
Elmer's Ice Cream & Mini Golf
Elmer’s Ice Cream & Mini Golf pairs a walk‑up ice‑cream stand with an 18‑hole mini‑golf course and nearby go‑karts and kids’ attractions on Highway 70. Families talk about playing a round of mini golf, riding go‑karts at Elmer’s Fun Park, and then grabbing cones or sundaes, making it a staple summer stop in St. Germain.
Fibber's Bar & Restaurant
Fibber’s Bar & Restaurant at St. Germain Lodge offers casual Northwoods dining on Big St. Germain Lake, serving burgers, sandwiches, ribs, broasted chicken, and a well‑known Friday fish fry and Saturday prime rib. Guests highlight scenic lake views, a friendly bar area, and a relaxed, family‑friendly dining room that works for everything from date nights to big groups.
Hillside Tavern & Grill
Hillside Tavern & Grill is described as an “up north cozy” tavern with burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, and drinks served in a warm, wood‑paneled bar and dining area. Local guides emphasize friendly service, good bar food, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels like a true neighborhood hangout.
Knockers Bar & Deli
Knockers Bar & Deli on Highway 70 West offers bar‑style pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, and a well‑liked fish fry in a lively tavern setting. Reviews highlight excellent pizza, solid bar food, and a fun, casual environment that works for both locals and visiting cabin groups.
McGregor's Blink Bonnie Supper Club
McGregor’s Blink Bonnie Supper Club on County Road C is a small, always‑busy Northwoods supper club famous for its sizzling steaks, prime rib, and strong Old Fashioneds. Reviews describe a cozy, old‑school dining room, a lively bar, and friendly, slightly salty servers who keep things moving even when there is a long wait.
Pine Knot Tavern
Pine Knot Tavern is described as a small, woodsy tavern serving burgers, sandwiches, and classic bar‑food baskets in a relaxed, locals‑heavy atmosphere. Locals mention good bar snacks, friendly bartenders, and a “hole‑in‑the‑wall” charm that feels very up‑north.
Pub N' Prime
Pub N’ Prime on Highway 70 is a supper‑club‑style restaurant known for thick‑cut prime rib, steaks, and classic Wisconsin cocktails in a lodge‑like dining room and bar. Regional writeups and locals call out the prime rib sandwich and full dinners as standouts, making it a frequent recommendation for visitors asking about “good bar food” and supper clubs.
Spang's Pizza & Pasta
Spang’s Pizza & Pasta on Highway 70 East serves thin‑crust pizzas, pastas, salads, and Italian specialties like lasagna and Alfredo in a casual, family‑friendly dining room. Reviews mention consistently good pizza, solid Italian comfort food, and friendly service, with many cabin groups ordering takeout after long days on the lake.
The Timbers Bar & Grill
The Timbers Bar & Grill is a classic Northwoods bar and grill offering burgers, wings, tacos, Chicago dogs, and a well‑liked Friday fish fry in a lively, small‑town atmosphere. Their daily specials—like Taco Monday, Wing Wednesday, and fish‑fry Fridays—plus friendly staff make it a favorite hangout for both locals and visitors.
Thunderbird Bar & Grill
Thunderbird Bar & Grill is a family‑friendly, historic bar and grill in St. Germain serving burgers, hot sandwiches, and bar‑food staples with a full bar. Guests describe lots of character, a big beer selection, and a locals’ crowd, plus the convenience of being right on the snowmobile trail and near the ATV route.
Wolf Pack Cafe
Wolf Pack Cafe on Highway 70 is a small, always‑busy cafe serving generous breakfasts—especially its much‑praised pancakes—plus burgers and sandwiches for lunch. Reviews rave about the crispy‑edged pancakes, friendly and efficient staff, and a throwback diner feel with a counter and tight but cozy seating.
