Sayner, WI

Tucked into the lakes and pine forests of Vilas County, Sayner is a small Northwoods community with roughly 200 year-round residents. Located about fifteen miles northwest of Eagle River, the town sits right inside the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. That means anyone moving here is surrounded by thousands of acres of protected woods, clear lakes, and connecting paved bike paths. Originally founded as a logging and rail stop in the 1890s, it has grown into a quiet home base for people looking for open space, clean air, and easy access to the outdoors.

ATTRRobb Hannawacker / Public domain

Despite its small footprint, Sayner has a proud history that locals love to share. It is best known as the birthplace of the snowmobile, where Carl Eliason built the first working motor toboggan behind his general store in 1924. His original machine is on display at the Vilas Historical Museum alongside exhibits on early Northwoods life. Daily living here revolves around the seasons, with summer boating on Plum Lake, rounds at the historic 1912 golf course, and winters spent exploring the extensive network of local snowmobile trails.