Hit the throttle and discover one of the Northwoods’ most scenic rides! This ultimate UTV loop through St. Germain, Arbor Vitae, and Woodruff brings you through winding forest trails, past crystal-clear lakes, and to can’t-miss local stops along the way. So what do you say? Let’s hit the trails and start exploring!
St. Germain
Kick off your ride in St. Germain, a true Northwoods hub that’s as UTV-friendly as it gets! If you’re in need of a machine, make your first stop at one of the local outfitters: Rock’s Rent-All or St. Germain Rentals & Service. The best part? You can gear up and ride right from their locations, with direct access to nearby trails, maintained by the St. Germain ATV Club.
With both town and county roads open to riders, it’s just as easy to trailer in, park, and hit the trails from one of three convenient trailheads: Birchwood, Fern Ridge, or Downtown St. Germain. From here, you’ll have access to more than 100 miles of local trails that connect to hundreds more across the state!
When it’s time for a break, stop by Pine Knot Tavern on Highway 70 for a classic Northwoods meal. If you’re up for a detour, check out the iconic St. Germain Flea Market, one of the largest in the Midwest, featuring more than 400 vendors every Monday from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
You can also plan your visit around local favorites like bingo nights (Mondays), classic car shows (Tuesdays), and the summer concert crawl (Wednesdays). Traveling with family? Elmer’s Fun Park is a must-stop any day of the week for mini golf, go-karts, and, of course, ice cream.
And with so much to see and do, why not turn your ride into a full Northwoods getaway?! While the trails wind through beautiful forests, St. Germain is also surrounded by pristine lakes filled with crappie, bluegill, bass, and musky. Not to mention, there are countless cabins, resorts, and vacation homes to choose from for the ultimate extended stay.
Arbor Vitae
Our next stop is Arbor Vitae, where amenities and adventure abound! Part of the greater Lakeland area, this community connects directly to St. Germain and Woodruff (our final stop), making it a seamless and scenic ride as you continue along the loop. If Arbor Vitae is your first leg, grab a rental from A&M Rentals and get rolling!
Arbor Vitae offers two convenient park-and-ride locations, including one right off Highway 70, so you can trailer in and hit the trails right away. From there, take the scenic route along Big Arbor Vitae Lake before diving into a mix of trails, including dirt routes right in town.
Thanks to the Lakeland ATV Club, a newer north-to-south trail through the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest adds nearly 20 miles of riding through one of the more remote parts of the Northwoods. Keep in mind there are no stops along the way, so be sure to fuel up and pack what you need before heading out.
When you’re ready to refuel, Arbor Vitae offers top-notch UTV-friendly bars, restaurants, and supper clubs. A few fan favorites are Slo’s Pub (especially for Friday night fish fry) and Bad Bones BBQ, where you’ll find smoked meat, including pork, chicken, ribs, and brisket, served fresh daily. And when you’re ready to call it a night, Arbor Vitae also offers an array of lodging options, from charming cabins and vacation rentals to family resorts!
Woodruff
We’ve made it to the final stop—Woodruff, Wisconsin! Swing by Lakeland Powersports, which offers all the UTV essentials. For a guided UTV adventure and rentals, check out nearby Minocqua’s Area 31, home to a private oval track, drag strip, jump course, and many more trails well worth exploring!
Back in Woodruff, it has everything you need to make it an unforgettable trip, including downtown shops, tasty eats, fuel stations, and unique attractions like the world’s largest penny. And you absolutely cannot miss the Lumberjack Show! Highlights include log rolling, pole climbing, and axe chopping. Trust us, it’s a true Northwoods treat!
Want to call Woodruff home for the weekend? This small town boasts stunning lakes and loads of stay options, from rustic resorts to remote cabins. So why not stay awhile?!
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This Northwoods UTV loop truly has it all! From St. Germain to Arbor Vitae to Woodruff, you’ll find endless trails, tasty stops, and unforgettable Northwoods charm along the way. Start planning your trip Up North, and we’ll see you on the trails!
Get a glimpse of the action by watching this Discover Wisconsin episode, “Northwoods UTV Loop — St. Germain, Arbor Vitae, & Woodruff” today:
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Hailey Marien: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.
