Moon Lake + St. Germain, WI

Alexina Gosh is a dear friend that grew up just moments away from me in Hartland, WI. We attended the same grade school (go Hawks!) and high school (go Warhawks!), and we reconnected when we both moved back to the area after college after work had taken us elsewhere for our early twenties. We’ve shared a lot by growing up in the Lake Country area (including my childhood swing-set that later went to her family to be enjoyed by Al and her younger siblings), but we’ve also connected about both our love of lake adventure and seeking quiet by the water to contrast the busy and stress of our daily lives. Thanks for taking the time to share your lake love, Al!

Favorite lake? My favorite lake and the place I think of when I think “Up North” is Moon Lake in St. Germain, Wisconsin. It’s next to Eagle River and a short jaunt from Minocqua. I grew up spending holidays at Moon Lake with my grandparents, parents, 3 siblings, 10 aunts and uncles, and 10 cousins – and we’ve only continued to add to the party with cousin’s spouses, boyfriends, girlfriends, and puppies. You’re guaranteed to have a good time at Moon Lake – if you can find a spot on the dock or a seat at the dinner table!

Closest major city & airport:

• If you can fly your own sea plane (like my grandpa and uncle) – land right on the lake! Who needs a major city ☺
• If you want to fly domestic – Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport is about 30 miles away.
• If you want to fly international – Green Bay’s Austin Straubel International Airport is about 150 miles away.

Distance to nearest grocery store? There is a Sentry just down the road in St. Germain for the essentials, otherwise I recommend heading to Trig’s in Eagle River – they have the BEST brats!

Reasons the lake is important to you and your family? Moon Lake means family to me. How can it not when you have to fit 30+ people and 6 dogs onto one pier or in one kitchen?! But since I know Moon Lake is just as important to my cousins, I asked them and their responses were: “puppies!”, “dock”, “summertime!”, “memories”, “fishing”, and “cousins!”.

Favorite lake activities/foods/traditions? You really can’t beat a hot summer day on the lake with cold drinks on the dock, stand-up paddle boarding / swimming / skiing / fishing, followed by a home-cooked meal on the deck while you watch the sunset. Finish off the day with some go-karting and ice cream or some beers and bloodies if you’ve still got the energy to party past 10pm.

What do you do when it rains? When you can’t be or don’t want to be on the lake, go shopping! We always visit Glik’s in Eagle River and then head across the street to the candy store for some sweet treats. The Woodruff movie theater is also nearby, if you can get everyone to agree on the same movie!

Local joints to check out?

• Glik’s – has the most “fashionable” clothes you’ll find up north.
• The Eagle River candy store – I highly recommend the saltwater taffy.
• Cathy’s – the local ice cream shop.
• The Twilight – the towny bar in walking distance (or a gator ride away)  from my grandparent’s house.

Where to get a fish fry OR favorite/local foods/drinks?

• The Honey Bear – enjoy your favorite fish fry inside or outside.
• The White Tail – great if you prefer a little fancier atmosphere.
• The Friendship House – my grandparent’s daily brunch spot (I think they have a nameplate permanently reserving their booth).

Fish prominent in the lake? Okay, I had to consult my cousin Jack on this one, because I must admit I have never picked up a fishing pole in my life. For those of you who do like to cast a line, Moon Lake has lots of largemouth bass, and is also known to have lots of musky and northern pike.

Lessons learned at the lake?

• No running on the pier
• Wear sunscreen
• Your family = your best friends
• Don’t take life too seriously – relax and enjoy it!