At Birchwood Retreat, a lake day can turn into a whole vacation without much effort. Our two-bedroom, two-bath home sleeps four beside Finley Lake near St. Germain, with a wooded shoreline and a deck that keeps the water in view. Bring the family or a few favorite fishing companions; this is a place to settle into a small-group rhythm, from the first trip down to the dock to supper back at the house.
Summer gives everyone a reason to linger outdoors. Swim from the shallow, sandy-bottom shoreline, paddle out in the provided rowboat or arrange the optional pontoon for time together on the lake. Back on land, the horseshoe pit can settle a friendly rivalry before you light the charcoal grill. A picnic table and firepit make it easy to stretch dinner into an evening outdoors. Fish stories may get longer after dark; the walk back to the cabin stays the same.
Birchwood welcomes winter trips, too. Snowmobilers can reach the Bo-Boen trail system from the property when trails are open, then return to the wood-burning fireplace. Air conditioning, a furnished kitchen and laundry help with the practical side of a stay in any season. Pets aren't permitted. Contact our StepAway Vacation Rentals team directly to talk through your dates, boat plans and questions about the home.
Finley Lake has no public boat access, and Birchwood provides its own starting point: a private dock, a 14-foot aluminum rowboat, life jackets and a swim raft with a ladder. The dock also has a ladder for getting out of the water. An 18-foot, 50-hp Palm Beach pontoon and a motor for the rowboat are available to rent separately through the manager. Arrange those extras in advance and confirm availability and current charges.
The house pairs wood-paneled rooms and a brick fireplace with two bathrooms, a washer and dryer, and guest use of the two-car garage. The deck opens toward the lake, while a stairway leads down the wooded slope to the shore; keep that change in elevation in mind when planning for your group. Linens and bath towels are included, and cable TV plus a DVD/VCR offer an indoors option after a full day outside.
Start with the water at Birchwood: fish from the dock, take the rowboat out or make an afternoon of swimming and yard games. A pontoon outing is another option if you've reserved the separate boat rental. In winter, plan snowmobile rides around the Bo-Boen club's current trail report and openings; being beside the trail doesn't mean it is ready to ride every snowy day.
For a family walk in St. Germain, try the Story Walk at Awassa Trails. The Plum Lake Public Library directs visitors to the trailhead behind St. Germain Elementary School and the 1.4-mile green loop, where pages of a story give younger walkers a reason to keep exploring. It is an easy outing to build around lunch in town. The Awassa system also has winter ski, snowshoe and fat-bike routes; use the current trail map to choose the right route for your activity.
Choose Fern Ridge when your group wants more hills. Its hiking and snowshoe network totals 1.4 miles across two loops, with intermediate terrain and a bog boardwalk. The separate four-mile mountain-bike system offers single-track riding. Reach the parking area at the end of Forest Lane via Juve Road, and pack lunch for the trailhead picnic tables. Hiking distance and bike mileage describe different routes here.
For a change of pace, visit the Snowmobile Hall of Fame Museum in St. Germain to see championship sleds, prototypes and racing memorabilia. The collection changes as loaned machines come and go. Regular hours are Thursday and Friday 10–5 and Saturday 10–3; check the museum's current schedule before heading over. It's a useful rainy-day stop, whether or not your own vacation involves a snowmobile.
BOOK DIRECT
Contact StepAway Vacation Rentals for a current lodging quote for your dates, minimum stay and complete total including taxes and required fees. Seasonal terms vary; confirm the arrival day and cancellation policy before reserving. The pontoon is a separate optional rental, advertised by the manager at $500 per week; confirm availability and current pricing. A rowboat motor can also be rented separately. No pets. No smoking or vaping.
1190 Wilke Trail
St. Germain, WI 54558
See this location on Google Maps
715-891-7286
715-614-2727
If you call, mention "Rent Wisconsin Cabins". Visit website (if
listed) then return and send your inquiry.
This owner/manager offers online booking
We are StepAway Vacation Rentals, a Northwoods vacation rental and property management company based in St. Germain. We manage Birchwood Retreat and take reservations online or by phone. Ask us about the shoreline steps, the boat rental options and the season you have in mind so you can choose a stay that fits your group. Booking directly with our team gives you a place to get property-specific answers before you reserve.