Meet the reason behind the name—the sugar maple tree we call “The Matriarch.” This drone video was taken at peak fall color in the Autumn of 2024, and she looks marvelous! The video also shows just how “Wisconsin Northwoods” Sugar … Read More
Author Archives: dpknudten
9.23.2024 Status Report | Sugar Maple at Hansen Lake
Sweater weather is on the way—at least the trees think so. And here’s a preview of the color palette they’re recommending for autumn.
Vengeance will be Tilly’s!
The epitome of evil—right at Tilly’s bird feeder! That’s Rufus, the red steward of chaos and tumult, and Tilly’s arch-nemesis. Just look at that rodent’s amazing arrogance, rubbing it in Tilly’s snout like that. Pure malevolence that one day will … Read More
Ditch Lilies?!
To call them “Ditch Lilies” is just plain rude. Unfortunately, Wisconsin’s casual name for this gorgeous species is more geographic in description than appropriate. A much better name for them is their common name: Day Lilies. Yes, you’ll see them … Read More
Pretty in purple.
Clustered Bellflower. Good name. Just one of the wildflower species you can find at Sugar Maple at Hansen Lake.
Sugar Maple’s Bird of the Week: the Purple Finch
This royally crowned beauty brings a gorgeous flash of color to the lush greens surrounding Sugar Maple at Hansen Lake. Not to be confused with the similarly purpled House Finch, this species’ colorful head is more completely helmeted with the … Read More
Sugar Maple’s Bird of the Week: the Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
Sugar Maple at Hansen Lake’s Bird of the Week is the aptly named Rose-Breasted Grosbeak. This pretty birdy is one of the 50+ avian species who call Sugar Maple home. I hope you can come up and see them in … Read More
1930s Log Cabin? Here’s proof.
When the Hansen family moved north from Chicago sometime in the 1930s, they built a log cabin structure on point of land facing east and with unparalleled access to what is now known as Hansen Lake. You’d never know it … Read More
Iris? Or Blue Flag?
One of the really cool things about taking a photo with an iPhone is that iOS, while processing the photo from the sensor, will actually look up what the object is in the photo. Especially plants. Unfortunately, it’s not always … Read More
She’s still here.
Eliz and I believe our stumbling upon what is now Sugar Maple at Hansen Lake is something a little more than just accidental. After a rough year that saw the passing of both of our mothers, we decided that our … Read More
Take a load off, and let’s talk about “the one that got away.”
It’s the perfect venue for tall tales about “the one that got away,” and your favorite beverage while winding down an active, yet relaxing day at Sugar Maple at Hansen Lake. And don’t worry about picking up some wood in … Read More
What’s so great about big, flat, grassy land? EVERYTHING!
Coming Up North, you probably expect a lake, plenty of trees, birds, and even the occasional herd of whitetail deer. And you certainly get that at Sugar Maple at Hansen Lake. But what really makes this place stand out is … Read More
All Hail the Pollinators!
All hail the Pollinators! Was out doing a little yardwork when I came on this guy who is doing the same thing in a different way. All hail to the Pollinators! Just goes to show never know what you’ll find … Read More
It’s changed a lot—and yet it hasn’t at all.
It’s changed a lot since then, but here’s what is now Sugar Maple at Hansen Lake back some time in the 1930s. Howard “Bucky” Hansen turned this old log cabin into the incredibly comfortable and special place it is today. … Read More
The sign that you’ve made it.
It’s a bit of a trek getting to Sugar Maple at Hansen Lake—but it’s definitely worth it. Just a little bit off the beaten “we’re heading Up North!” path, you’ll know you’re here when you see this sign welcoming you … Read More
Come on baby, light my fire.
Not that you’d really need a fireplace with this weather, but come fall into winter, you’ll be glad to know we have one. Every stay at Sugar Maple at Hansen Lake includes one critical amenity: FREE WOOD. Just to the … Read More
The very first cast? Are you kidding me?
The first cast off the dock?! Yes, the very first cast of the dock @ Sugar Maple at Hansen Lake caught this little beauty. And then again on the third cast. The fifth cast. The sixth cast. And so on. … Read More
Sugar Maple at Hansen Lake is LIVE.
It’s taking a lot of time, and work, but Sugar Maple at Hansen Lake is finally ready for families like yours. Elizabeth and I are thrilled to be able to invite you to this incredible place, now bookable on Airbnb, … Read More
Let the games begin!
After months of work, and jumping through a lot of state and county hoops, Sugar Maple at Hansen Lake is ready for guests via Northwoods Realty’s Up North Vacation Lodging, Airbnb, and VRBO. Click on any of these links to … Read More
Picture yourself here—today.
Picture yourself here, with partly sunny 68° weather and your favorite person & beverage. That’s Sugar Maple at Hansen Lake, now available via Airbnb, VRBO, or upnorthvacationlodging dot com Hope to see you here, soon. —David
May 11, 2024 @ 9:47PM
When the weatherman said we might be able to see the Aurora Borealis phenomenon in action in May, I was a little skeptical. The only time I’ve ever seen the Northern Lights in Wisconsin was some time about 1982, as … Read More
Meet our Deer Friends.
We are not the only residents of Sugar Maple at Hansen Lake by a long shot. And some of our favorite neighbors like to perambulate on four legs rather than two. We call them our “Deer Friends” because they are … Read More
1.10.2024 Wallpaper Removal continued
Try telling the Project Manager that removing wallpaper in a multi-day job. It is, but she’s not exactly sure I’m not dragging my feet a little. And maybe I am, just a tad.
1.8.2024 Spindle Removal
These little woodworking details date the kitchen, so guess what? The Project Manager demands they go.
1.7.2024 Wallpaper Removal | Part II
Wallpaper elimination continues ’cause The Project Manager demands it.
1.6.2024 Wallpaper Removal | Part I
According to The Project Manager, that wallpaper just had to go. And so it shall, starting today.
1.5.2023 New Lighting
A little bit of work can make a big difference when it comes to giving an older home design a modern facelift.
12.21.2023 Remembering Olive
What a hard day. Our beloved black Lab Olive left us just before the family could gather at Sugar Maple. 😢
10.3.2023 Pre-Closing Inspection
We found this place, and got incredibly excited. Does it live up to the first-look hype?