siren, wisconsin

Siren,Wisconsin

A Place for All Seasons ...

familytimememories

friends

nature

fun

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Siren, Wisconsin, is called a place for all seasons for manygood reasons.

Surrounded by lakes, this small, yet vital and vibrant,community offers something for everyone, young and

old, each day of the year. Located in northernWisconsin near the Minnesota boarder, visitorsenjoy a host of outdoor recreation favorites fromgolfing, boating, skiing, fishing, hiking and bik-ing to hunting, snowmobiling and ice fishing.Long-weekend getaways for shopping, antiquingand enjoying nature can rejuvenate the spiritand reunite families and friends.

Festivals are a mainstay throughout eachseason of the year. Don’t miss the spring LilacFestival, and certainly mark your calendar forthe Fourth of July parade and festivities.

Visitors remark time and again that the people in Siren are friendlier than most anywhere. Each

business owner takes great pride in offering only the highest customer service and quality products –

always with a smile – and have trust that their fellowmerchants do the same. It’s that small-town, warm-heart

experience that has become rare in today’s hectic world.

The Burnett County Airport, located in Siren, is accessible tosmall aircraft and recently added two new taxiways to handleincreasing air traffic to the area.

Siren truly has it all. Please visit soon and experience for yourselfthis unique place for all seasons.

Have you heard...

Siren means lilac. The city was named bySwedish founder Charles P. Segerstrom in1895 (originally spelled Syren) after clumpsof lilacs near his home, which also servedas the first post office.

t o S i r e nwelcome

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a place for all seasons...

nature

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Within just a few square miles, visitors canenjoy a host of activities, attractions andnatural beauty making Siren one of the hottestvacation destinations in the region.

With the seemingly endless schedule of events,festivals and attractions, Siren gives the feelingof big-town excitement wrapped in a small-town package. From far and wide, visitorscome for the annual spring Lilac Festival, theannual Fourth of July festivities andparade, fall art exhibits and holiday boutiqueshopping.

Always in touch with what’s hot…and cool,Siren’s civic leaders have invested significantlyin a new state-of-the-art skateboard park foryouth to push their athletic abilities to the maxwhile engaging in fun, wholesome activities.

Each year Siren plays host to several regionalyouth hockey and baseball tournaments at the local baseball fields and new indoor icearena. After a hard day of play, there is somuch to see and do in the area making it afun family vacation break in addition to sportscompetition.

Thousands of visitors each year test theirendurance by biking and hiking the GandyDancer Regional Trail that cuts through thewestern edge of Siren. Gandy Dancer is anickname given to the 1800s railroad trackworkers who used tools from Chicago’s GandyTool Company. Their rhythmic songs andchants gave the appearance of an unusualdance routine as their hammers and shovelsflew while laying tracks in the rail bed whichnow serves as the trail.

good fun.

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communityo u r

Recreational activities abound,but it’s the people who make

the difference.

Stop, Stay and Play...

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Long-time residents, many who left to see theworld in their youth only to return to thebeautiful, small-town community that is Siren,are now the shopkeepers and merchants whogive this peaceful burgh its charm andwelcoming atmosphere. They love their townand want to share its special qualities withtourists and visitors from near and far.

On June 18, 2001, an F3 tornado devastatedparts of Siren. However, the resiliency, deter-mination, community spirit and support of itshardy citizenry have resulted in a remarkablerestoration and rebirth in just a few short years.A memorial to the community is locatedat Crooked Lake Park in theheart of Siren. When youvisit Siren, you canactually feel thestrength and unitythat has made thisplace what it istoday.

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Have you heard...

Thousands of trees were lost during the 2001 tornado, but many were used in the rebuildingof local businesses and attractions, giving thevillage a charming, north woods character.

friends.

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Lilac Festival

Lilac Festival is the first celebration of springwhen all the lilacs (after which the city isnamed) are in bloom. Breathe in the rich floral scent wafting through the air on light,warm breezes. Special food items withScandinavian influence are available at localfood purveyors all around town, including aSwedish pancake breakfast and bake sale.Take in the Art Show at the Siren Ice Arena,along with the perennial plant show and salesponsored by the Siren Area Garden Club.Cap off the weekend with the “Swing intoSpring” Big Cup golf tournament at SirenNational Golf Course.

Fourth of July Celebration

Fourth of July Celebration is an all-timefavorite for young and old. Following theearly morning completion of the Freedom 5Race, the annual Grand Parade processesdown the center of town bringing out youngand not-so-young alike to be part of this classicsmall-town activity. Coronation of local royaltyalso takes place. And who can resist thefun and wackiness of the annual Bed Race?Contestant teams decorate their beds andthemselves. Prizes for the fastest and most out-rageous decorations are awarded. Youngstersof all ages can’t wait to ‘catch air’ and showtheir stuff during the annual “Three-on-three”basketball tournament.

Have you heard...

Each year costumed andvery competitive contestantsenter the Fourth of July bedrace through the middle of town.

eventsl o c a l

It’s a rare occasion that something exciting isn’t

happening in Siren.

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... a little something for everyone ...

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SummerFest

SummerFest in Siren usually falls during thefirst week in August each year. The event features sidewalk sales and special deals fromarea shopkeepers and merchants. In addition,Crooked Lake Park is the lovely venue for anarts and crafts show. Visitors can also watchthe thrills, chills and spills of the annualWaterskiing Show on Crooked Lake. Autoenthusiasts will marvel at the style and beautyof vehicles from eras gone by at the ClassicCar and Truck Show. At the end of a long, funday hungry guests can enjoy a delicious mealat the Siren Lions Bar-B-Q Dinner.

HarvestFest

HarvestFest each September celebrates thebounties of a harvest, marks the beginning ofa new school year, and harkens memories ofdays gone by. Just a few of the festivities toenjoy include Homecoming royalty coronation,pumpkin carving and decorating contests, anart show, a mini golf tournament and a mouth-burnin’, eyes-waterin’ chili cook-off. At thelocal farmers market, an array of fruits,vegetables and flowers can be purchased atvery reasonable prices, and beautiful hand-made quilts are displayed courtesy of theMixed Sampler Quilt Guild.

Holiday Season

Holiday Season in Siren is like nowhere else.The shops and boutiques are filled to the brimwith gift ideas, sweets and rich smells, decora-tions and smiles. Local lodges and restaurantsare ablaze in holiday lights, and nothingbeats a fresh blanket of white, fluffy snow tomark the season.

Throughout the rest of theyear other fun events aresprinkled just to keep thingsinteresting and vital in thisgreat community. Checkwww.visitsiren.com for up-to-the minute details of all thereis to do in Siren.

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experience.

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area mapstop, stay and play

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ClearLake

KapesLake Long

Lake

Big Doctor Lake

Doctor Lake Main Street

to Spooner

to Madison/Chicago(5/7 hours)

to Crex Meadows and Amsterdam Sloughs Wildlife

Areas

70

35

70to Grantsburg

Fish Lake

Gand

yDan

cerTr

ail

to Siren NationalGolf Course

to Duluth/Superior(1.5 hours)

to Webster and Forts Folle Avoine

Airport

Hockey Arena

Burnett Dairy Cheese Factory

Golf Course

Ball Park

Skate Park

Shopping

Lodgingadventures.

County Road B

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to Twin Cities(1.5 hours)

Crooked Lake

Larson Lake

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Wisconsin state highways35 and 70 run through theheart of town. Within just afew miles in any direction,visitors can experience anumber of fun, memorableactivities.

Spend a day hiking the Gandy DancerRecreational Trail. Learn about the area’s inter-esting past during a visit to historic sites likeForts Folle Avoine. Catch a glimpse of elusivebirds and wildlife at the Crex Meadows NaturePreserve. Enjoy 18 leisurely holes at SirenNational Golf Course. Rent a boat at one ofnumerous bait and boat rental shops to catch“the big one” that will keep you in fish tales foryears, or float the day away on a pontoonwhile watching beautiful scenery pass you by.Tell ghost tales and roast marshmallows over afire at one of several area campgrounds.

Get refreshed at several local taverns, restaurantsand fine dining establishments. Movie buffscan see the latest first-run films at the four-screenmovie theater or take the family for a fun roundof mini golf. Hotel and lodging accommodationsare conveniently located throughout the city andare reasonably priced. For those traveling fromgreater distances, the Burnett County Airport islocated just outside of town.

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It’s all here in Siren!

Gandy Dancer Recreational TrailSt. Croix River National WaterwayForts Folle Avoine History CenterCrex Meadows Wildlife AreaAmsterdam Sloughs Wildlife AreaSiren National Golf CourseFour-screen Movie TheaterMini GolfCrooked Lake Park and Tornado MemorialThe Lodge at Crooked Lake Hotel and

Conference CenterBest Western Northwoods LodgeLilac Village Bed & BreakfastPinewood MotelBurnett Youth Sports Facility & ArenaSiren Skate and Ball ParksBurnett Dairy Cheese FactoryBoat Rental and Bait ShopsHorseback Trail Riding AreasRestaurants, Pubs, Cafes and EateriesShops, Boutiques and Antique StoresGame Preserve Hunting and Sporting ClaysSeven Pines Lodge Summer Retreat of

President Calvin Coolidge

Siren is easy to findand a cinch to navigate.

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Cross-country skiing and

snowshoeing fans will enjoy the quiet, pris-tine beauty of a fresh snowfall in the woods.Numerous trails are located in and aroundSiren.

Ice fishing houses dot the frozen land-scape on lakes all around Siren, keepinganglers in a year-round supply of fish tales.Test your skill by participating in the annualLions ice fishing contest.

Snowmobilers delight at the first sign ofpowder. Hundreds of miles of groomed trailsare found in and around Siren. The annualKitty Kat race on Crooked Lake is a familyfavorite, along with the Snow-Cross competitionheld each year. And, of course, the GandyDancer Recreational Trail is the perfect placeto spend a warm sledding day. Afterwards,sledders can prop their feet up by a warm,cozy fire at one of the area’s lodges.

Scrap-booking and quilting

retreats have become increasingly popularamong women who enjoy creating familymemories and heirloom keepsakes. Local merchants specializing in materials andtechniques offer packages and programs tomake these hobbies even more interesting.

Siren residents love to show off their new,modern Ice Arena and play host to severalregional hockey tournaments each year. It’s agreat family get-away.

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Have you heard...

Women’s 2006 Olympic hockeystar Molly Engstrom is a nativeSiren resident!

b u d s . b l o o m s . d e w.

The annual Lilac Festival in May hasbecome a regional tradition for many. Withso many activities from which to choose, manystop and stay for the entire weekend of fun.

Fishing is a universal favorite pastime,from the first drop of the hook during annualspring opener events to the very last day ofthe season. Siren area lakes are renownedfor some of the best fishing in the country.

Siren National Golf Course is a true delight offering 7,000 yards ofchallenge (par 72) on one of the most beautifulcourses in the Upper Midwest. This champion-ship course has 18 unique and secludedholes, in addition to a driving range, practicegreens and bunker.

Hidden treasures and great finds are plentiful for those who enjoy the hunt ofantiquing. Several local antique shops arewithin close, easy driving distance, makingSiren the perfect central spot to plan yourexcursions.

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Have you heard...

More than 270 species of birdshave been observed at CrexMeadows Wildlife Area.

...morning dew...all is fresh and new...

bloom.

s p l a s h . s u n . s w i m .

Baseball and softball tournaments

are a weekly pastime throughout the summeras Siren plays host to regional teams. Playersand their families will have no problem findinga place to stay. Following a long day of slug-ging and base running, athletes can take acool dip in the hotel or lodge pool or in one of the four lakes located right in town.

Participate in the numerous festivals and eventsscheduled frequently throughout the summermonths such as the annual Fourth of JulyCelebration and SummerFest in August.

Fishing…, fishing and

more fishing. Wake upbefore the sun and head out to your favorite lake and bringhome a walleye dinner beforenoon.

Spend endless summer

days… boating, water skiingand tubing on area lakes. You

won’t want to miss the annual WaterCrossCompetitions where snowmobilers actuallytake their passion to the open water. For some-thing peaceful, wind your way in a canoe orkayak down one of several rivers that meanderaround Siren.

After setting up camp… in one of thearea’s fine campgrounds, set out hiking onthe 98-mile Gandy Dancer Trail that runsright through Siren, or explore the nearbyAmsterdam Slough Wildlife Area or CrexMeadow Wildlife Area. Many people packtheir bikes and ride the trails, as well.

Step back into time… to learn aboutone of the first industries in the area -- fur trading.Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park is managedby the Burnett County Historical Society andhas an array of educational exhibits offeringinsights into the fur trade lifestyle, as well asproviding extensive information on the NativeAmericans tribes who lived in the area at thetime, and still reside in Burnett County today.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast…

at one of the many local favorites, avid shop-pers can find an abundance of unique retailersand boutiques throughout the city.

Say cheese…. A trip to Siren just wouldn’tbe complete without stopping in for a samplingof prize-winning, world-famous cheese at theBurnett Dairy Cheese Factory.

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c r i s p . f r e s h . g o l d e n .

Leaf Peepers and nature

enthusiasts… find a haven to view birdmigration patterns and the spectacular blazingfall colors of orange, red and yellow in thewaning fall sunshine. Crex Meadow WildlifeArea has it all.

Duck, goose, pheasant, turkey,

grouse and deer… hunters love theabundance of wildlife available for a bountifulouting. Licensing and regulation information isavailable through the Wisconsin Departmentof Natural Resources.

Antiquing get-aways, quilting retreatsand spiritual reflective groups find Siren in thefall a great place to regroup, reenergize andjust have a great time.

Participating in Siren’s HarvestFest is also aspecial way to spend a beautiful fall weekend.

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Have you heard...

The annual Freedom 5 Race drawsmore than 600 contestants who runthrough and around Siren, endingup at Crooked Lake Park.

...Leaves crunching...geese honking...

dew.

i t ’ s a l l a b o u t

water, water, everywhere!Wisconsin has over 15,000 inland lakes,43,000 miles of rivers, and 650 miles ofGreat Lakes shoreline. The Village of Sirenalone is bordered by four lakes – CrookedLake, Clear Lake, Kapes Lake and Larson

Lake. Each has a distinct personalityand topography, but they all have onething in common; people love thenatural beauty, abundance of fish,wildlife and fun to be had in andaround their individual shores. Inaddition, within a 15-mile radius ofSiren there are more than 350 lakes,many offering convenient publicwater access to visiting boaters.

Shrieks of excitement and shouts ofdelight are just a small part of theactive water recreation fun in Siren.

Wake boarding, tubing andgood old water skiing arekey ingredients to a day offun in the summer sun.

Watercross, the sport wheresnowmobiles skip acrossopen water, was inventedin Burnett County near Siren.

Competitors and spectators from around theworld stay in and around Siren for the annualWorld Championship Watercross Race.

Winter Waterskip, a February variation, findsspectators cheering on daring snowmobilerswho skip their machines over open channels,risking a dunk in freezing waters.

Several rivers and streams are also integral to the aquatic landscape in and around Siren.Avid kayakers and canoe enthusiasts enjoythe invigorating and challenging rapids andfalls that converge in the area. Challengingcurrents near Clam Falls guarentee anadrenaline rush.

Fish Tales in the Making - Don’t

Let The Big One Get Away!!

For nearly half a century Big Mike’s Pro SportsShop has been a can’t-miss landmark for localand visiting anglers alike. Among so manyothers, this authentic “up north bait shop…and awhole lot more” is the place to be for an insidescoop on where the big ones are biting andwhat’s happening in and around the lake region.

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the waterstay and play.

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Major sports personalities find their way toSiren regularly to broadcast outdoor fishingand wildlife programs. That’s because Sirenarea lakes are ranked nationally as some ofthe best places to catch many of America’sfavorite species. Bass, walleye, trout, crappie,bluegill, perch, pike and sturgeon – the listgoes on.

Lifelong memories are made in Siren.Just picture this – father and son, grandpaand granddaugher, best buddies from gradeschool – each dropping the first hook of theseason over the bow, anxiously awaiting thefirst bobber to plunge beneath the surface.

Crooked Lake Fishing Pier, adja-cent to the boat landing, picnic grounds andbeach area, is a favorite fishing hole for allages. Stop by and drop a line any time andchances are you’ll strike up an engaging con-versation with locals and visitors whoshare a common passion for fishing andthe beauty of the surrounding scenery.

It is suggested that visitors familiarize them-selves with various boating registration andsafety tips, fishing regulations that controllicensing, seasonal openings, quantity andsize limitations, and other requirements from

the State of Wisconsin Department of NaturalResources at www.dnr.wi.gov.

Maybe someday you, too, can postyour angling victory in the NationalFresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame!

Wild rice harvesting is aregional event among local NativeAmericans. Dating back to tradition-al seasonal rituals, the St. Croix Bandof Chippewa Indians (whose tribalheadquarters is located in the nearbyCommunity of Sand Lake), makes theannual harvest of wild rice a sight tobehold. Locals and visitors gather onthe shoreline to watch harvesting crewsrhythmically beat and swipe the ricestems into boats. Wild rice, especiallythe naturally grown and harvestedvariety, is a widely sought-after delicacy.

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Have you heard...

Each year, the St. Croix Band ofChippewa harvests tons of natural wildrice from lakes in the Siren vicinity aspart of an annual celebration.

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... shimmering, shining shorelines ... sure!!

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From quaint bed and breakfasts to brand newNorth woods-inspired lodges, Siren offers avariety of accommodations that suit the tastesand needs of any family or group. Several newfacilities are also in the works as part of Siren’sfast-growing tourist appeal.

Whether the lodge windows are open or you’rein sleeping bags under the stars, fall asleep toloons calling across area lakes and to the steadychorus of crickets and frogs. Rise refreshed toan orchestra of native song birds and therustling of leaves in the breeze.

Anyone for a Girls (or Guys)

Weekend Get-away?

Can you say shopping? Between the greatboutiques, art galleries and antique shops, thereare more than enough stops to fill a weekend offun with favorite gal pals. And don’t forget to

schedule some time for pamperingat the local salon spa. Scrap-booking fans, along with quiltingcircles have discovered that Sirenis the perfect get-away location tofocus on creative passions…alongwith great friendship bonding thatgoes with it.

And for the guys?

Fishing and hunting season openers are magicwords. Local outfitters and guides can make thetrip a memorable one for all. Bring your owntackle equipment, or buy what you need when youget here. Either way, a great time is in the making.

A Perfect Spot

for Large Family Reunions

Looking for that special place to bring all theuncles, aunts, cousins and grandparents togetherfor a big family reunion? With so much to seeand do in the area, everyone will be happy.Local lodges can accommodate groups from ten to 500 people.

Corporate Meetings and Retreats

What better way to reinvigorate and re-inspirekey leadership teams, work groups or salesforces? Siren offers several large event facilitiesfor corporate groups who desire a break from thedaily grind and same-old, same-old routine. Aftera morning of focused learning activities, groupscan break for an afternoon of golfing, hiking,biking, boating or shopping. Event planners areavailable to help make your retreat one that willbe remembered.

s i r e n

where to stay and playlodging

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Have you heard...

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Beautiful Bed & Breakfasts

From the moment you walk through the doors ofthese lovely homes, you’ll know you are in for aspecial treat. Welcoming front parlors and diningrooms, fireplaces and hardwood floors, charmingaccents and antiques whisk you to a time gone by. Individually decorated rooms appeal tounique tastes.

For breakfast indulge in one of many seasonal specialties, such as fresh strawberry creamcheese-stuffed French toast, thick-sliced bacon,variety melon, fresh-baked muffin, juice and coffee. It’s a true feast to start a day of touring,shopping, biking, sight seeing and so much more.

Create Your Very Own

‘Destination Wedding’

You’ve been dreaming of this dayforever. Plan the perfect ‘destinationwedding’ that will keep family mem-bers and friends talking for years tocome. The Village of Siren is justa hop-skip (1.5 hours) from mostTwin Cities locales and otherregional communities. Nestled inthe heart of scenic northern lake country, thebeauty of the surroundings is second only to the bride. Siren offers completewedding planning services that include formalattire, catering, decorations, photography, music,flowers and more. Spacious, beautifully decoratedevent facilities and guest accommodations cater toevery whim, and the business merchants of Sirenguarantee to make the memories of your veryspecial day last forever. Capture true romance inthis serene setting by spending your honeymoonnight in the heart of Siren.

Check the Website tolearn about upcomingWedding Showcaseevents.

Check it out...

at www.visitsiren.com for current events, dates and times.

Selected hotel lobbies are minimuseums where tourists can seeprized works and possessions of area artisans, sculptors and collectors.

Lifelong memories are created in Siren.

soon!s e e y o u

Kick back and relax in Siren!

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