FAQ
Q: Are there any cameras monitoring the inside 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:
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 I need to bring personal and beach towels to Sugar Maple?
A: The quick answer is yes, but we recognize that in the hustle 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.
Q: Do we get the entire Homestead to ourselves?
A: Yes, you do. Occasionally, I may be onsite performing caretaker duties and staying in the Barn Loft apartment located at the north end of the property, but The Homestead and its three bedrooms, two full baths, full kitchen, woodburning fireplace and more is exclusively yours during your stay at Sugar Maple.
Q: What are the bathrooms like? Do you have photos?
A: 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.
Q: Is Sugar Maple air-conditioned?
A: While its super-close proximity to the lake acts as a natural air conditioner on hot days, The Homestead itself is not artificially air-conditioned. It does have many windows with screens, and three ceiling fans (Kitchen, Library, Lakeview Bedroom). There is also a box fan available for the Southview Bedroom upstairs.
Q: I assume from the photos there is no TV in the cabin?
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 plenlty of bandwidth to handle your streaming/working/browsing needs. Bring your tablet or laptop, logon and stream away.
Q: Do you have free wi-fi / Internet available?
A: Yes, via Starlink.
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: Can we bring our pet(s)?
One of the very best experiences you can have at an ‘Up North’ Wisconsin vacation is playing with your pup in the water. And we love dogs, especially Labrador retrievers. We’ve had two 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 partners ourselves, we recognize there are no bad dogs—but in our long experience, there are such things as bad dog partners.
We initially put a blanket “no dogs allowed” restriction on our booking listing because of that. But the fact that so many great pup parents have asked about bringing their beloved (and well regulated) pet with them for their Sugar Maple getaway, we’ve decided to allow it—with the following provisos:
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 Homestead. 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, blankets, and dog toys so they can enjoy the home just as much as we know you will.
2. Designated Pet Relief 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. Towel off wet dogs.
If your dog is a water dog, please towel them off outside the house before letting them inside. We’ve provided a basket of “dog-ready” towels by the front door for that very puprose. 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 food associated mess tightly controlled in one small, easy-to-clean spot. We ask that you would do the same for your buddy.
5. Respect 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 at all, but locals can drive a little bit fast down Singer Road to our west and on 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.
Other than that, we are so excited that you are considering Sugar Maple at Hansen Lake for your family getaway. We love this place, and are sure you will too. Elizabeth and I are delighted to welcome you—and your puppy—to this incredible place. —David
Q: We were planning a hunting trip to the area was wondering about bird dogs that stay out in a box trailer.
A: We love dogs—but not in pack within the Homestead which we work hard to keep clean for our allergy-prone guests. That said, our property 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. If you promise that the dogs will not enter the house and that you’ll clean up after them as necessary outside, you are welcome to make Sugar Maple a basecamp for your area hunting adventures.
Q. What about cats or other pets?
I’m sorry, but we again, allergies (both personal and those of our guests) prevent us from hosting any other species of pet.
Q: How is the swimming in this lake?
A: 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 ladder for easy access in and out the lake. While diving from the dock is not recommended, the depth at the end of the dock is somewhere around 5 feet.
WARNING: All swimming is at your own risk.
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 here.
Q: Does Sugar Maple have any water toys we can use?
A: Yes, a canoe (with paddles) and two adult-sized standup paddle boards (with paddles). We also have a limited number of USCG-approved personal floatation devices (life jackets) available for use. All are included in the cost of your stay at Sugar Maple.
Q: Can I bring up my 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 boats on 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 of larger 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, wakeboarding, fishing, etc. It’s just a 10-minute drive east of Sugar Maple, so it’s fast and easy to get to. You can read more about it here.
Another notable lake that is just 18 minutes away is Butternut Lake. 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.
Q: I have my own kayak/canoe/paddleboard. May I bring it 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.”
We have a limited number of USCG-approved 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 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.
Q: I see a couple of other structures on the satellite view of 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 a second-floor 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: What kind of fish call Hansen Lake home?
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the lake hosts an abundance of panfish (e.g., bluegill, crappie, sunfish, etc.), and a whole bunch of largemouth bass. I can personally attest to this, and to their apparent lack of concern about getting caught. The very first cast I made on the very first day I tried fishing in the lake caught me a bluegill as big as my hand. And then again on the third cast, the fourth cast, the sixth cast, etc. When I say these Hansen Lake fish are “dumb and hungry,” I mean it!
Q: Do I need a Wisconsin fishing license to fish in 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!”
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 Ruffed Grouse Capital of the World 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.