Things To Do Near The Grenquist Farmhouse
Your Local Guide to Cumberland, Wisconsin & Polk County
The Grenquist Farmhouse puts you at the center of one of northwestern Wisconsin's most underrated vacation destinations. Here's your insider guide to everything worth doing — from Grenquist Lake to downtown Cumberland and beyond. [link: Map]
Cumberland, Wisconsin — "The Island City"
Ten minutes from your front door sits Cumberland — nicknamed "The Island City" for its unique geography along U.S. 63 and Highway 48 in northwestern Barron County. This is real small-town Wisconsin with genuine character — not a manufactured tourist town. Friendly locals, independently owned businesses, and a community that actually celebrates itself.
Eat & Drink:
- Louis's Finer Meats — A Cumberland institution and one of the most beloved local butcher shops in northern Wisconsin. Don't leave without stocking up. Their annual Bacon Run/Walk in June is a community favorite.
- The Hilltop Retreat — A classic Wisconsin supper club experience that regulars swear by. Friday-Sunday only.
- Nezzy's Sports Bar & Grill — Known for great tap beers and some of the best Bloody Marys anywhere
- The Country Skillet — best breakfast around— pure Wisconsin comfort food
- Nilssen's Grocery — Full-service grocery for stocking up on provisions
- Peter & Annie's Cafe - need your morning boost? Lattes, pastries, treats & more! Live music every Saturday.
Shop & Explore:
- Emporium Boutique — A lovely lifestyle boutique on Cumberland's main street featuring art, home goods, books and candles from women-owned small businesses
- White Willow Market— An in-person Etsy shop supporting over 50 local makers and artisans with handmade goods, local art and Cumberland-branded gifts you won't find anywhere else.
Gandy Dancer State Trail — 30 Minutes Away
The Gandy Dancer State Trail is located 60 miles northeast of the Twin Cities in northwestern Wisconsin, connecting the communities of St. Croix Falls, Centuria, Milltown, Luck, Frederic, Siren, Webster and Danbury.
The trail is generally level and wheelchair accessible, constructed on a former railroad corridor with a hard-packed limestone surface safe for people of all abilities. Open to hiking, running, biking and geocaching spring through fall — and ATV/UTV use in winter when the ground is frozen. Discoverpolkcountywi
At 98 miles total, the Gandy Dancer is among Wisconsin's longest bike and ATV trails— an incredible resource right in your backyard.
St. Croix Casino — Turtle Lake (20 min)
A short drive from Cumberland, St. Croix Casino in Turtle Lake offers gaming, dining and entertainment for a fun evening out. [external link]
Rice Lake (36 miles)
A larger regional hub with expanded shopping, dining and services when you need a broader selection. Worth a day trip for those wanting more variety.
Winter in Polk County
Don't sleep on a winter stay at the Grenquist Farmhouse. Northern Wisconsin winters are genuinely beautiful — and this region offers more to do than most people realize:
- Ice fishing on Grenquist Lake — locals are on the ice by December, right from your backyard
- Wisconsin State Ice Fishing Contest on Beaver Dam Lake — February, 10 min away
- Snowmobile & ATV trails accessible near Cumberland
- Gandy Dancer Trail open to ATVs/UTVs December through March
- Holiday charm downtown Cumberland — small-town Wisconsin at its coziest
- Outdoor barrel sauna (coming May/June 2026 — the perfect winter upgrade)
How Far Is Everything?
| Destination | Distance from Farmhouse |
|---|---|
| Grenquist Lake | 2-minute walk |
| Downtown Cumberland | 10 minutes |
| Beaver Dam Lake (Ice Fishing Contest) | 10 minutes |
| Gandy Dancer Trail | ~30 minutes |
| Rice Lake | 36 miles (~45 min) |
| St. Croix Casino, Turtle Lake | ~20 minutes |
| Minneapolis / Twin Cities | ~90 minutes |
| Eau Claire | ~1 hour |