Frequently Asked Questions

Q: ARE THERE ANY CAMERAS MONITORING THE INTERIOR OF THE HOMESTEAD?

A: No. We adhere to Airbnb’s recent requirements regarding the use of security cameras, recording devices, noise decibel monitors, and smart home devices. You can read more about those restrictions here:

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/3061

We do have security cameras focused on the exterior of the property, but none of them are directed toward any place where guests have a “greater expectation of privacy.”

Q: DO WE NEED TO BRING PERSONAL AND BEACH TOWELS TO SUGAR MAPLE?

A: The quick answer is yes, but we recognize that in the hussle and bustle of getting a car full of kids packed for a vacation up north, sometimes towels get left at home. That’s why we have some available as a backup.

RE: BATHROOMS

Sugar Maple has two modern full bathrooms each with a shower/tub, sink, and toilet. We haven’t taken images of them as they are difficult to photograph, but they are all up to date and matching the fit and finish of the rest of the home. 

CEILING AND PORTABLE FANS

The Homestead is not air-conditioned, but its many windows have screens, and there are two portable fans available for the upstairs bedrooms. There are also for ceiling fans, in the kitchen, library, the Lakeview Bedroom upstairs, and the Main Floor Bedroom. 

WIFI AND INTERNET

Sugar Maple has good wi-fi access via Starlink with an approximate minimum 25mbps upload / 10mbps download speed. The system may drop signal from time to time, but if so, wait a new seconds and it will take care of itself. Please do not touch the router or cabling.

Q: HOW IS THE SWIMMING AT HANSEN LAKE?

A: In a word, wonderful. Hansen Lake is incredibly pristine and clean, rating 5 out of 5 points for clarity. Swimming is generally done from the right side of the dock where there is a step into the lake and a ladder on the right side of the dock for easy access in and out the lake.. While diving from the dock is not recommended, the depth at the end is somewhere around 6 feet. The bottom is mostly glacial gravel, and we regularly remove excess leaves and other gunk from the swimming area. One nice thing about the size of the lake is it warms up far faster than bigger, deeper lakes in the area.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Hansen Lake’s bottom is 0% sand, 85% gravel, 0% rock, 15% muck. Read more about it at https://apps.dnr.wi.gov/lakes/lakepages/LakeDetail.aspx?wbic=2256600

Q: CAN I BRING A MOTORIZED BOAT AND USE IT ON HANSEN LAKE?

A: Yes, but no. You can certainly bring up your motorized, trailered boat to Sugar Maple as we have plenty of room for trailers—but no, you may not use it in Hansen Lake which the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has designated a private, no-wake lake.

There are a number lakes nearby with free public access and trailered boat landings. The nearest one is Blockhouse Lake, a 241-acre lake big enough for water-skiing, wake-boarding, fishing, etc. It’s just a 10-minute drive east of Sugar Maple, so it’s easy to get to, and maximize your time on the water. You can read more about it here. https://apps.dnr.wi.gov/lakes/lakepages/LakeDetail.aspx?wbic=2256800

Another notable lake that is just 18 minutes away is Butternut Lake https://apps.dnr.wi.gov/lakes/lakepages/LakeDetail.aspx?wbic=692400. With 1246-acres of “very clear” fresh water and rated a Class-A lake for musky, it’s perfect for serious anglers who want quality access to Panfish, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye. Just an 18-minute drive from Sugar Maple, and with two free public boat landings, it’s a great place for a day trip. And if you’re hungry or thirsty during or after a long day on the lake, we recommend you moor your boat at Bobber’s on the Lake for lunch, dinner, drinks and more. Check out their full menu here. https://bobbersonthelake.com

Q: CAN I BRING MY OWN PADDLEBOARD / KAYAK / CANOE TO SUGAR MAPLE?

A: Absolutely—but with one important caveat. The arrival of invasive species of aquatic life has run rampant throughout the State of Wisconsin. Hansen Lake has been spared that due to its visitors’ diligence in keeping their personal watercraft clean and clear of weeds, organic material, etc.

Our rule of thumb is that if one person can lift and carry the watercraft down to the lake, and it is human-powered by paddles, it’s welcome here. But seriously, please make sure it’s completely free of any potentially invasive organic material.

To play it safe, we include exclusive access to two adult-sized paddleboards and a canoe (with paddles) with your stay. Why not save the hassle of bringing yours when you can have super-easy access to ours?

Please note: according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources—

“All vessels (including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards) must have at least one USCG-approved wearable life jacket for each person on board. “ https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/Topic/Boat/LifeJackets

We have a limited number of life jackets available (you know, the big orange, around-the-neck kind). If you have a personal life jacket you prefer, we recommend you bring it along.

Q: I LIKE TO HANG OUT AT THE LAKE, LISTENING TO MUSIC. CAN I USE MY PORTABLE SPEAKER / BOOMBOX?

A: Please, no. We work really hard to steward the natural beauty, peace and calm of Hansen Lake, and “sharing” your music with the entire lake is not something we allow.

REGARDING PETS

We love dogs. We’ve had three grace our lives over the past couple of decades, and our current rescue pup Tilly is still with us, and my regular companion at Sugar Maple. As long-time dog parents ourselves, we recognize there are no bad dogs—but there can be bad dog parents.

Because of that, we are happy to host you at Sugar Maple—with the following stipulations (and a pet deposit):

1. Please, no dogs on the beds or sofas. We host a lot of people who have pet allergies, and really go out of our way to make sure they can enjoy the home. As I’m sure you know, it’s a lot easier to get dog hair and dander off the rugs and floors than it is from sofas and beds. We encourage you to bring your dog’s favorite bed and dog toys so they can enjoy the home just as much as you will.
2. Potty area. Behind the house is our septic tank leech field. Since it is the least used part of the property, we’ve designated that as our dog’s potty area. In order to not have “landmines” throughout the property, please have your puppy do all of their business there.
3. If your dog is a water dog, please towel them off outside the house before letting them inside. As longtime Labrador retriever parents ourselves, we know just how much mess and damage a wet dog can do inside the house, and would appreciate your help in minimizing any of that after every swimming session.
4. Feeding area. Upon entering The Homestead, you will notice, immediately to the right, a clothes washing area. This is where we place our dog’s food and water bowls. This is a slightly more controlled feeding area, and helps keep all associated food mess tightly in one small, easy-to-clean spot. We ask that you would do the same for your buddy.  Be sure to bring your own dog bowls and food. 
5. Wildlife. We love the fact that Sugar Maple is not only home to us, but also over 50 species of birds, is a regular stop for a herd of Whitetail deer, and populated with a fair amount of red and gray squirrels, and the occasional chipmunk. We would like to keep it that way, and would rely on you to maintain control of your dog during your stay. That doesn’t mean they have to be leashed at all times, or tied out on a chain. It just means we’d like you to please be respectful of all the wildlife that share this wonderful place.
6. Roads and traffic. Sugar Maple does not see much traffic, but locals can drive a little bit fast down Singer Road to our west and other nearby rural roads. Just be aware of that, and if your dog is a bolter or not easily controlled while walking, we recommend a leash.

Q. I HAVE A PET CAT/FERRET/BEARDED LIZARD/TARANTULA ETC. MAY I BRING IT TO SUGAR MAPLE? 

A. We’re sorry, but no. 

Q: WE ARE PLANNING A HUNTING TRIP AND HAVE A BOX TRAILER FOR OUR DOGS. IS THERE ROOM FOR PARKING THAT?

A: Yes. As we say above, we love dogs, and guests may bring well behaved pups when paying an additional cleaning deposit. For hunters with serious working dogs and large box trailers, Sugar Maple has ample designated parking for up to four vehicles, and alternate areas capable of parking just about any-sized toy (or dog) hauler you may have.

Q: I ASSUME FROM THE PHOTOS THAT THERE IS NO TV IN THE HOMESTEAD?

A: That’s right. We want to preserve the home’s comfy, calm and peaceful quality, so we purposely do not have a TV. However, even we get need our Netflix every now and then. That’s why we’ve installed free Starlink wifi that has plenty of bandwidth to handle your streaming/working/browsing needs. Bring your tablet or laptop, logon and stream away.

Q: WHAT SPEED INTERNET DO YOU HAVE?

A: I regularly ‘SpeedTest’ the system, and it is generally >25mbps up, and >10mbps down. Weather conditions rarely affect the speed and connection, but drops can occur. In such cases, just wait a few seconds, and things generally take care of themselves.

Q: I SEE A COUPLE OF OTHER STRUCTURES ON THE PROPERTY. WHAT ARE THEY?

A: Good eyes. They are two of the original outbuildings associated with the farm that was pioneered by the Hansens in the 1930s.

The smaller one is a tool shed, and the larger one that borders the north end of the property is the original barn, with upstairs a three-season apartment where I frequently live during “non-winter” seasons of the year. That allows me to address any concerns, fix stuff when needed, and maintain the property to ensure you have a great time at Sugar Maple.

PLEASE NOTE: Both outbuilding structures are out of bounds to guests.

Q: DO I NEED A WISCONSIN FISHING LICENSE TO FISH ON HANSEN LAKE?

A: According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources:

“In Wisconsin, kids 15 and under fish without a license every day and anglers born before 1927. For everybody else, various license options can get you out on the water quickly and easily. Get your license to relax and enjoy what Wisconsin has to offer!”

For more information: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/outreach/FishingLicenses

To get a license online: https://gowild.wi.gov

Q: IS HUNTING AVAILABLE ON THE PROPERTY?

A: No. But the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is just a 10-minute drive from Sugar Maple—and they don’t call the Park Falls area the World’s Ruffed Grouse Capital for nuthin’. You can get all the details and more information at the Medford-Park Falls District office.

Address: 1170 4th Avenue So. in Park Falls.

Phone: 715-762-2461

Hours: Monday – Friday – 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.