Nestled between the popular northwoods communities of Spooner and Hayward is a quaint town that is truly a hidden gem. The community of Stone Lake is located on State Highway 70 and is surrounded by some of the most popular lakes in Northwest Wisconsin. We asked our locals and visitors what some of their favorite hidden gems were in the Stone Lake area and here’s what they shared. 

Small Town Shopping
A springtime greenhouse tour isn’t complete without a stop at Rollingwood Nursery where you’ll find a great selection of plants, shrubs and vegetables. Looking to stock up on all things Wisconsin? Head over to Farmboyz Mercantile where you’ll find a great selection of Louie’s brats, Wisconsin brews, and a wide variety of gifts. Another great stop is the Stone Wreath Boutique, with incredible finds for your home and even a great clothing selection. This quaint boutique gives you all sorts of cozy feels from the moment you step in the door. 

hidden gem stone lake shopping

The Essentials: Coffee, Food & Wine
Your version of “the essentials” may differ a little bit, but I think most of us can agree that at least one of these three things is in fact essential. For coffee your first stop should be The Whistle Punk where you’ll not only find excellent coffee, but you’ll also find unique pastries and even craft beer. Yes, this great coffee shop is also a beer bar. Next up, head over to Stone Lake Pub where you’ll find some mouthwatering homemade pizza. For those of you that consider wine essential, don’t worry! Stone Lake has you covered. You’ll want to check out Red Schoolhouse Wines where you’ll find an incredible selection of wines and a great patio to enjoy the weather and grab a bite to eat. If you’re looking for some toe-tapping tunes, be sure to check their event calendar for their live music lineup. 

 hidden gem stone lake dine

Recreation & Attractions
Downtown Stone Lake is worth a wander, but if you’re looking to get into nature a bit, be sure to take the trail down to Stone Lake Wetland Park. You’ll find a charming boardwalk that leads you down a trail with great views of not only the wetland, but also of the beautiful north woods. Be sure to spend some time in the pavilion taking in the sounds of nature. Another “can’t miss” stop when visiting the area is the Stone Lake Historical Museum where you’ll find years upon years of history and treasures representing the area. The museum complex includes Stone Lake’s original Soo Line depot, a 1913 Soo Line Caboose and the original 1926 Stone Lake Town Hall. One of Stone Lake’s greatest hidden gems is their top notch lakes. Whether you’re spending the day on the pontoon or catching some bluegill, water recreation is one of the main attractions of this area. Be sure to check out the Area Lakes graph for information on the area lakes and what types of fish you’ll find. 

hidden gem stone lake recreation

The Stone Lake area offers many great shops, restaurants, and recreational opportunities. Since we can’t cover them all in this series, be sure to take some time to check out our Stone Lake page where you’ll find tons of great information on the area.