For me, the Northwoods of Wisconsin is paradise. It just feels different. Surrounded by nature, endless lakes, and history, it just all adds up to create a very unique and special place. There is also an undeniable family vibe up here. So many of us have been vacationing here for decades with our families. And while times change and our world is as chaotic as ever, there is still a timeless feel up here.
My original plan in life was to retire up here, chasing muskies until I couldn’t anymore. But I’m not close to retirement age and I couldn’t wait any longer. Sometimes you have to make a move and when the opportunity to purchase an incredible cabin on 9 acres in a prime location was presented to me, I knew it was time. Whether I had to beg, steal or borrow, I was going to make this happen….well, maybe not the steal part. Who needs a 401k anyway?
So, what’s my plan? I want people to come vacation at Green Sky Cabin and enjoy the absolute best of what the Northwoods has to offer. There is so much to do here and the cabin is a perfect home base to access it all.
My family has rented cabins for years, and finding a cabin that checks all the boxes is no easy task. But Green Sky Cabin is a pretty unique property. Normally you’d have to head way off the beaten path to find any kind of seclusion, but this cabin has a completely private feel, yet you are still close to the center of it all. Plus, we have a private trail that leads to our own 50’ of frontage on incredible Big St. Germain Lake (we share the 50’ with a very nice retired couple). So, while you don’t have a lake view, you have privacy and space to stretch out. Play music, bring your guitar, let the kids get loud, dogs can be dogs, and you aren’t going to bother a soul. Privacy is not always possible on popular destination lakes like Big St. Germain, so this place is pretty cool!
If outdoor recreation is your thing, I’m not sure you can find a better place to land. World class fishing, beautiful lakes, incredible biking trails, hiking, golfing, hunting, ATV/UTV riding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, ice fishing….you get it. If you are considering a Northwoods vacation I’m guessing you like nature. But one of the great things about Green Sky Cabin is our location, you are still close to modern conveniences.
The town of St. Germain is minutes from the cabin. The St. Germain Golf Club is across the street from the cabin. Walk to dinner at the Whitetail Inn or the legendary McGregor’s Blink Bonnie Supper Club (better get there early). The town of St. Germain is 3 miles away and provides just about everything you might need, including plenty of activities for kids.
And did I mention fishing? Vilas County, Wisconsin has more musky lakes than any other place in the world. How about walleyes, smallies, and panfish? Check. We’ve got ‘em all. Big St. Germain Lake is classified as a A1 musky lake in Wisconsin. That means the chance for a giant is there. As a licensed and insured Wisconsin fishing guide I am available to help you get on some fish. I’ve spent years learning technique, finding spots, and integrating technology and boat control to give us a good chance at success. Whether it be a casual half day multi-species trip or a full day sunup to sundown musky hunt, I focus on making sure you have a positive experience.
Come stay with us. I want you to come stay at Green Sky Cabin. Book me for some guided fishing if you want. Or, rent my fishing boat and go at it on your own. We have a pontoon in the works for the 2024 season as well. My goal is to make your vacation as smooth as possible. You’ll have the entire cabin, 9+ acres of woods, and a little piece of Big St. Germain Lake frontage all to yourself. And, if you need me, I’ll be in Vilas County most of the 2024 season, mainly staying in the Star Lake area. Reach out to me as needed before, during, and after your stay. I am here to help.
A little about me: I grew up in the Chicago area, graduated with a business marketing degree from UW Madison, married my college sweetheart, moved around a bit, and have spent the last 16 years back in Madison, working and raising our two kids (ages 18 and 16 currently).
We lived in Bozeman, Montana for 4 years. Incredible mountain town. We had both our kids out there. That’s also where my fishing addiction began, chasing rainbows and brown trout on the fly. Although Bozeman is pretty awesome, the Midwest was calling us back. Once back in Madison, I started chasing trout in the Driftless Region of SW Wisconsin. But with the Madison chain of lakes right in town I transitioned most of my energy to fishing lakes. Walleyes were my first lake passion – something about fish with teeth! I spent years working on various techniques in pursuit of the walleye. Somewhere along the line, the musky got in my brain. That’s where I really lost myself to fishing. The hunt for musky is as good as it gets for me. And Vilas County, Wisconsin is a musky hunter’s paradise.
So, my fishing addiction has brought me to this point in time. I simply wanted to be closer to the waters that bring me so much happiness. I want to share my love of fishing and the Northwoods with others. I want your family to stay at Green Sky Cabin and create memories that will last a lifetime. I want you to come back, year after year, and keep making memories. This is the place to do it.
Lastly, if you made it this far, maybe you are somewhat curious about the name, Green Sky Cabin and Guide Service. The name came together from a few different inspirations. The forest canopy around the cabin can really shine bright and green when the sun is out, the Wisconsin musky has a green element, a green and stormy summer sky triggers the muskies, and last but not least, it’s a nod to my favorite bluegrass band. Plus I just liked how it sounded!
Thanks for checking out my first blog. More to come as I pursue my passion in the Northwoods.
Fred Van Riet
Green Sky Cabin and Guide Service