Vilas County in the heart of Wisconsin’s Northwoods is a great place to find charming shops, boutiques, and specialty stores, as well as restaurants that serve everything from a classic Friday fish fry to homemade pizzas.
Here’s just a small sample of shopping and dining options in Vilas County.
Arbor Vitae
Coontail, which also has a location in Boulder Junction, is the perfect place to stop before your next outdoor adventure. You’ll find bikes and watersports equipment, clothing, and rentals.
Boulder Junction
One of the Northwoods’ newest breweries, Boulder Jct. Brewing Co. recently opened on Main Street in downtown Boulder Junction and offers half a dozen beers on tap.
Art lovers: Don’t miss Moondeer & Friends Gallery, which highlights the work of local and regional artists. You’ll also find gift items, books, and more.
Conover
Motorists along U.S. Highway 45 in Conover can stop at the Boathouse Grill and Upper Deck Coffee Bar for made-to-order breakfasts, authentic wood-smoked brisket, supper club dinners, and more.
The Fisherman’s Outpost is a go-to spot for anglers of all ages—you’ll find great gear, tackle, and live bait.
Eagle River
Pitlik’s Sand Beach Resort is a resort and restaurant on the shores of Sand Lake southwest of Eagle River that’s been in business since 1928 and offers burgers, a Friday fish fry, and delicious menu of ice cream drinks and desserts.
The Hiker Box offers outdoor adventurers everything they might need for a Vilas County adventure, including clothing, footwear, gear, accessories, food, and more.
Lac du Flambeau
Find fresh produce, quality meats, and a wide selection of groceries for your Vilas County vacation at Ojibwe Market.
Land O’ Lakes
The restaurant at the historic Gateway Lodge in Land O’ Lakes is open from 5 to 9pm Tuesday through Saturday and features salads, broasted chicken, ribs, seafood, sandwiches and more.
Artistree Gallery showcases work from a cooperative of more than 30 artists, including painters, photographers, jewelers, fiber artists, and potters.
Manitowish Waters
Manny’s Parkside on County Highway W in Manitowish Waters offers American cuisine with a touch of regional flair, including items like walleye bites, wild rice & chicken soup, smoked meatloaf, and a Friday fish fry and Saturday prime rib special
Iron Horse Antiques & Art has been buying and selling antiques in the Northwoods for nearly 50 years and has a collection of antiques, fine art, coins, and more in their downtown store.
Phelps
The menu at Northern Exposure Bar & Restaurant on the eastern edge of North Twin Lake includes breakfast and dinner buffets, homemade pizza, and daily specials.
Stop at Big Twin Vintage on State Highway 17—it’s a cute renovated 1938 service station that’s filled with antiques, vintage camp décor and Northwoods-inspired gifts.
Presque Isle
Lynx Lake Resort & Bar in north-central Vilas County is a year-round resort that’s home to a lakeside bar where you can order a variety of pizzas.
Sayner-Star Lake-Cloverland
Hillside Tavern & Grill on County Road N in Sayner in central Vilas County is known for its thin-crust tavern-style pizzas, sandwiches, and a varied selection of dinner entrees.
The Corner Store in Sayner is a Northwoods institution that’s located along the Heart of Vilas County bike trail and offers camping supplies, bike and kayak rentals, and ice cream.
St. Germain
Murmuring Waters Lodge, located on Lost Lake in St. Germain, is a family-friendly bar and grill that serves soups, burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas, as well as daily specials.
