Pinedale, Wyoming

Get Active with Outdoor Recreation in St. Germain, Wisconsin

By Kathleen Johnson

If you love to stay active outdoors, beautiful St. Germain has plenty to discover. With stunning lakes and the immense Northwoods, there’s no shortage of opportunities for outdoor recreation at any time of year, waiting for exploration, and new memories to be made.

1.Drop a Line

St. Germain offers world-class fishing to new and expert anglers alike. Ken Jackson is a skilled third-generation, highly knowledgeable fishing guide. Having fished throughout his life in Wisconsin, Jackson has also spent more than 30 years as a local guide, sharing his knowledge of the lakes, techniques, and different species found in the area. Whether you’re interested in fishing for a particular species in a specific lake, or just want to try fishing for the first time, Ken Jackson Fishing Guide offers expert-level guidance in a safe and friendly environment.

The Anglers Choice Guide Service is another longtime operator. Regardless of previous fishing experience, visitors can learn how to use up-to-date equipment and fishing techniques. With the time spent on proper fundamentals, The Anglers Choice customers have a great time and will find themselves catching fish before they know it.

2.Fun on the Water

St. Germain is known for its lakes and waterways, and there are plenty of opportunities to get on the water for aquatic adventures. Just six miles east of St. Germain, Hawks Nest Outfitters offers scenic excursions on the Wisconsin River. Tubing, kayaking, and canoeing are all available, with paddles and life jackets provided. Open between Memorial Day and Labor Day, this is a fun way for the whole family to enjoy gentle currents and explore the area.

St. Germain Sport Marine, located in downtown St. Germain, is a go-to for watercraft rentals. Rent your choice of fishing boats, ski boats, pontoons, personal watercraft, or outboards during the summer months and explore the lakes at your own speed. Return in the winter for snowmobile rentals and see the area in a whole new way.

1.Take a Hike

Enjoying the great outdoors on foot is one of the best ways to take your time and see everything at your own pace. St. Germain offers plenty of exciting hiking trails for all ability levels. The Awassa Nature Preserve and Hiking Trail is geared for beginners, with level trails suitable for beginners, wheelchair users, and those who want a less strenuous hike. The trails are open to hikers in the spring, summer, and fall, and welcome skiers and snowshoers and even fat tire biking, on some portions of the trails, during the winter. Surrounded by pine, oak, maple, and balsam fir trees, there are three trails of different lengths for a new experience each time.

Fern Ridge Trail offers intermediate level hiking with two loops, totaling 1.4 miles. Full of beautiful wildflowers, trees, and wildlife, this is a great way to spend a few hours enjoying the abundance of local nature. Park benches are placed conveniently along the trails to allow for rest and full appreciation of the lush scenery.

To get a mix of beginning and intermediate trails in one location, don’t miss Shannon Lake Trail. Loops of 1.9, 2.1, 4.7, and 6.5 miles provides a great variety for the whole group. Dogs are welcome if they’re leashed, so bring Fido along! Shannon Lake is non-motorized, so these are especially serene trails to soak in the peaceful lake views and the quiet sounds of nature.

2.Biking the Trails

St. Germain is deeply proud of the 52-mile Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail System. Recognized as a National Recreation Trail in 2020, the trail system winds through scenic Northern Highland American Legion State Forest, connecting the communities of St. Germain, Sayner, Boulder Junction, and Manitowish Waters with four spectacular trails. The trails are all paved, making them ideal for riders of any experience level. Want to take a break during your ride? The trail system has rest areas with picnic spots, perfect for a meal or snack break. There are also swimming areas and campgrounds for a little extra time off the trail, and with 20 parking areas, you can easily start anywhere you like. There are no required fees or trail passes, so anyone can hop on the trail. Strap on your helmet and see St. Germain on two wheels.

1.Take a Hike

The beloved, family-owned Cedaroma Lodge offers rental cabins and houses for rejuvenating lakeside getaways. The owners also run Yoga Paddler, a separate business specializing in rentals of stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes. Through Yoga Paddler, they offer beach yoga, SUP Yoga, SUP Core, and beginners, basics and balance classes so visitors can maximize their fun on the water. Trying your favorite yoga positions on the water is an entirely new way to challenge yourself!

For more waterplay on St. Germain waterways, visit Estrold Resort. With 17 vacation cottages tucked into 7.5 acres of birch and pine trees, you’ll get a true Northwoods experience right on the shore of Little St. Germain Lake. To give the kids a special treat, don't miss the fishing derby for those 12 and under. The young anglers compete to catch the most fish off the resort piers, using worms supplied by the resort. Held weekly on Mondays during June, July, and August, the much-loved fishing derby offers a chance to share a beloved sport with the young people in your group.

St. Germain welcomes visitors to explore its natural beauty in all forms. Whether you prefer heart-pumping, adrenaline-filled activities or easygoing excursions into nature, the Northwoods have just the right options. Get some fresh air and make fresh memories outdoors in St. Germain.