Nearby Activities
Most of these Activities are generally within 30 minutes of Hygee Gard
Parks, Trails, Wildlife Areas and Ski Areas
Straight Lake Park
5 miles
Lake views and glacial features provide great vistas on the trails within this 2,000-acre park. Ten walk-in campsites, carry-in boat launches, and a picnic area with reservable shelter are found on the south side of the park's two wild lakes. A premier segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail meanders through the park. Visit Straight Lake and enjoy “the kind of nobody-else-is-here quiet you don’t usually find at a state park” (Star Tribune). Enjoy miles of hiking trails or bring a canoe and paddle the lake. Make sure to pack a lunch because it will take all day to explore this glacier-carved treasure.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
5 miles
More than 12,000 years ago, an immense flow of glacial ice sculpted a landscape of remarkable beauty across Wisconsin. As the glacier retreated, it left behind a variety of unique landscape features. These glacial remnants are now considered among the world’s finest examples of how continental glaciation sculpts our planet.
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a thousand-mile footpath that highlights these landscape features as it travels through some of the state’s most beautiful natural areas. The Trail is entirely within Wisconsin and is one of only eleven National Scenic Trails.
But the Ice Age Trail is more than a path through the woods. It is a place for mental and physical rejuvenation, a place to unwind after a hard day and enjoy the landscape of Wisconsin. More than 2.3 million people use the Ice Age Trail each year to hike and snowshoe, to backpack, to disconnect and reconnect.
Behind the scenes, a vibrant community of volunteers across the state work to build and maintain the Trail, making it one of the country’s best hiking experiences.
Gandy Dancer State Trail
4 miles
The 98-mile recreation trail follows the railroad grade from St. Croix Falls north to Superior. Recreational use on the Trail is divided by geographic location: south half and north half. The 66-mile Wisconsin segment crosses portions of Polk, Burnett and Douglas counties.
The northern segment of the Gandy Dancer State Trail begins on the Minnesota side of the St. Croix River. The trail runs for 31 miles in Minnesota and then crosses back into Douglas County for 15 miles. A highlight is the 520-foot bridge over the scenic St. Croix River near Danbury.
The trail may bring a number of different users to the trail at the same time. It is important to use good trail etiquette to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all trail users. Trail use for horseback riding, biking and hiking as well as ATV's and snowmobiles.
The southern segment of the Gandy Dancer State Trail travels for 47 miles in Wisconsin through the communities of Centuria, Milltown, Luck, Frederic, Siren and Webster, ending in the town of Danbury at the Minnesota border. Here a 520-foot trestle crosses the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway into Minnesota. Built on a former railroad corridor, the trail is named for the work crews who laid the railroad tracks. The crews used tools made by the Gandy Tool Company of Chicago and were known to work by keeping their voices, feet and tools in harmony, leading them to be called "Gandy Dancers."
McKenzie Creek Wildlife Area
7 miles
McKenzie Creek Wildlife Area is a 5,497-acre property in Polk County. It consists of rolling upland aspen, oak, and maple forest, lowland forest, trout streams, lakes, tamarack/black spruce bog and spruce plantation.
McKenzie Creek Wildlife Area is 1/2 mile south of Clam Falls. There are access points on 60th and 68th streets, off of Highway I. From Frederic, take Highway W east for 8 miles. The property is north and south of Highway W. From Luck, take Highway 48 east for 8 miles to Highway O. Head north for 2 miles and the property is on the north side of Highway O. There are small gravel parking areas at various locations throughout the property.
Somers Lake Park and Trails
5 miles
This 130-acre park has two miles of hiking trails with access to Somers Lake.
Crex Meadows Wildlife Area
20 miles
Crex Meadows Wildlife Area is a 30,000-acre property of wetlands, brush prairies and forests scattered across a gently rolling landscape. It is located in western Burnett County. Find it from Highway 70 in Grantsburg. Directional signs will guide you through Grantsburg to the Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center, which is located on County Road D. The center contains a sales area, information center, library, auditorium, exhibits and classrooms.
Crex Meadows is open year-round, with something to do and see during every season. Crex receives more than 100,000 visitors each year. Most of the visitors come to view wildlife. The popularity of Crex is attributed to its large size, spectacular vistas and great diversity of plants and wildlife. A system of well-maintained roads, observation areas and a rest area provide excellent access and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Some of the visitors come to hunt or trap. With the exception of the 2,400-acre refuge, the entire area is open to hunting and trapping. Crex provides abundant hunting opportunities for deer, bear, waterfowl and a variety of small game. Trappers have opportunities for nearly every furbearer found in Wisconsin.
Timberland Hills Ski Trails
30 miles
If you are looking for a XC Ski Trail that offers everything…. Look no further than Timberland Hills and Timberland West!
Timberland Hills is located about 9 miles Northwest of Cumberland, WI on County Highway H. This 30 KM trail system situated on 2400 wooded acres of Burnett County Forest land is ideally suited for XC skiing. From gentle rolling terrain to the screaming hills of “The Ridge Run” and the “Outer Loop”, Timberland Hills offers fun and excitement for the beginning skier to the expert. Trails are groomed for both classic and skating techniques, and also offer groomed options for snowshoeing, skijoring, and fat biking.
Timberland West is a 2.5 Km lighted ski trail. Located just 1 1/2 miles south of Timberland Hills on County Highway H. The Timberland West Lighted Trail meanders through 500 acres of Barron County Forest land. This is a beginner-type trail with gently rolling terrain and no large hills. During the ski season, the lights come on at dusk and stay on until 11:00 PM.
Trade River Ski Trails
6 miles
Located just south of Frederic, Trade River Trail Area has 8km of groomed Nordic ski trails.
Trollhaugen Outdoor Recreation Area
29 miles
Trollhaugen is a ski resort located in Dresser, Wisconsin. The ski area consists of 24 trails, including 3 terrain parks. In addition to offering ski and snowboard opportunities, Trollhaugen offers 10 lanes of snow tubing during the winter, as well as zip lining and a 120-element aerial challenge course in the summer. Trollhaugen offers NASTAR (National Standard Race) events throughout the season. Trollhaugen is notable for their terrain park, rated the 3rd best in the Midwest Region by Transworld Snowboarding Magazine. Trollhaugen is also known for being open until 3am on Friday nights in the winter for late night skiing and snowboarding.
Trollhaugen was opened in 1950. It is one of the longest running snow sports areas in the Midwest. The tubing hill and chalet were added in 2004. Trollhaugen's Adventure Park, consisting of a 6-line zip line tour and 120 element aerial challenge course, was installed in the fall of 2012.
Towns
Luck
4 miles
Beautiful town located on the shores of Butternut Lake. It is the nearest town for groceries, food and other provisions. There is a large grocery store in Luck as well as an excellent organic grocery store on the main street. Be sure and visit the Luck Museum and Library.
luckwisconsin.com
Frederic
6 miles
Nice town on the shores of Coon Lake. It has pickle ball courts and an Ace Hardware store.
fredericwi.com
Milltown
6 miles
Great place to get a morning cup of coffee at Julia’s Java.
Balsam Lake
10 miles
Balsam Lake is the county seat for Polk County. It is the smallest county seat in the state of Wisconsin. However, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in northwestern Wisconsin because of its beautiful lake and many popular bars and restaurants.
balsamlakevillage.com
Siren
20 miles
Regional tourist hub for northwestern Wisconsin. Located on Clear Lake and Crooked Lake.
visitsiren.com
Saint Croix Falls
25 miles
Located on the St. Croix River and home to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, the Dancing Dragonfly Winery, Interstate Park, Dalles of the Saint Croix River State Natural Area, Fawn-Doe-Rosa Wildlife Educational Park, Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours and the Western Terminus of the Ice Age Trail.
stcroixfalls.com
Amery
30 miles
Amery is called the city of lakes. Amery was featured as one of The 100 Best Small Arts Towns in America.
amerywisconsin.org
Webster
30 miles
Visit the Northwest Passage in A New Light Gallery and the Pottery at Best Gallery.
Danbury
40 miles
Danbury is a unique little town with a large gambling casino – the St. Croix Casino. A wonderful historic park called Forts Folle Avoine is nearby. This park will teach you about the fur trade. Be sure and visit Tommy’s Too High Winery. Rent canoes from Pardun’s Canoe Rental and float down the Namekagon River and America’s first wild and scenic river – the St. Croix River.
Golf Courses
Luck Municipal
5 miles
Nestled on the south shore of Big Butternut Lake, Luck Golf Course features a variety of tees and terrain to challenge and satisfy players of all abilities. Our beautiful lakeside facility offers eighteen holes of unforgettable golf: ten holes weave through a pristine pine and hardwood forest featuring several elevation changes, while the remaining eight holes play through a rolling countryside dotted with majestic oak and maple trees. Big Butternut Lake is visible from numerous areas on the golf course and the fall colors are absolutely beautiful.
playluckgolf.com
Frederic Municipal
6 miles
Today Frederic Golf Course is a beautifully manicured 18-hole course with mature trees, lush greens and challenging fairways. It is truly one of the more enjoyable courses in Northwestern Wisconsin for all levels of golfers. The Club is still a privately owned course open to the public. Although the stockholders no longer own the Frederic Golf Course, many remain members. Excellent customer service keeps loyal customers returning time after time.
Outside play and tournaments are always welcomed and anyone can become a member. At Frederic Golf Course, we strive to make each golfer’s experience a pleasant one and believe once a golfer plays here, we will have a customer for life.
fredericgolfcourse.com
Siren National
20 miles
Siren National Golf Club is a beautifully manicured 19-hole (yes, we have an extra one) championship golf course located in Northwestern Wisconsin. Built in 2001, Siren National has established itself as a Northwest Wisconsin Destination Course. Mature Pine and Hardwood forests line Bent grass Fairways and greens offer a rewarding outing to the veteran and beginner golfer alike. You'll enjoy the challenge of over 100 feet of elevation changes along with our strategically placed bunkers and ponds. Other features include a driving range, practice green, a well-stocked pro shop and bar. Sandwich and snack shop as well as on course beverage cart service.
sirennational.com
St. Croix Vallely Golf Course
23 miles
Located on 133 pristine acres adjacent to Interstate Park in the beautiful St. Croix River Valley, this very scenic, challenging course features wooded, rolling terrain.
Play 9 holes on our par 36 golf course or double up for 18 holes for a par 72 course.
Opened in 1925, the course was designed by Andy Lindquist, the course measures 3060 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 122, and a 69.4 USGA rating.
stcroixvalleygolfcourse.com
Lakes and Streams
Northwestern Wisconsin is blessed with many lakes and streams.
There are over 15 lakes within a 10-mile radius of our farm.
Several of these lakes are designated as Wilderness Lakes.
Balsam Lake has splendid bass fishing and Bone Lake is considered one of the top Muskie lakes in Wisconsin.
Most of the lakes have panfish, walleyes, bass and northern pike.
There are three trout streams within two-four miles of the farm:
North Branch of the Trade River
South Branch of the Trade River
Trade River
Be sure and bring your fishing equipment as you will have ample opportunities to wet you line in our streams and lakes.
Restaurants
Luck
Café Wren
Great restaurant on the edge of Luck. Wonderful soups, sandwiches and desserts.
The Main Dish
Best breakfasts in the area. Lunches are also very good.
Red Maple Eatery
Very good pancakes with local maple syrup.
Bon Ton Tavern
Decent local bar with outside seating.
Wilkins Bar and Resort
Wonderful restaurant on the shores of Bone Lake with a great view of the lake.
The Pizza and Hamburgers are excellent.
Balsam Lake
Indianhead Supper club
Wonderful old fashion supper club. Be sure and make Walleye Wednesday dinner reservations.
Balsam Lake Lodge
Beautiful setting on Balsam Lake. Fish dinners are excellent.
Thirsty Otter Taven & Resort
Very festive restaurant and bar.
Frederic
Tin Shed Café
A must stop for breakfast. Don’t miss the Swedish pancakes.
Milltown
Milltown Drive In
Old fashion drive in restaurant. Be sure and try the bacon cheeseburger.
Lumberjack
Hardy breakfast and delicious fish frys.
St Croix Falls
The Vegetarian
Great restaurant for vegetarian food.
Juneberry Café
Unique restaurant with a fun atmosphere
Poco Loco
Surprisingly good Mexican food.
Dancing Dragonfly Winery
Very festive place. Eat your food and wine in the vineyard. Almost feels like you are in Napa Valley.
Siren
Adventures Restaurant & Pub
Fun restaurant by the lake. Try the hamburgers and pizza.
Little Mexico
Very good Mexican food served by Clear Lake.
Amery
Farm to Table
Unique restaurant that serves farm to table food.
Amery Ale Works
Great stop for beer and pizza.
Ellie’s Ice Cream and Coffee
Great variety of ice cream and coffee.
Webster
Yellow Lake Lodge
Eat by the lake and enjoy boasted chicken.
Yellow River Saloon & Eatery
Best fried fish is the area.
Danbury
Amelia’s Homestead Café and Bakery
Perfect place for loading up on pancakes.