The Wisconsin Store That’s In The Middle Of Nowhere But So Worth The Journey
By Ben Jones|Published February 10, 2022
×
Ben Jones
Author
Ben Jones is at heart an adventurer who delights in inspiring others. A former reporter and photojournalist, he explored towns large and small as a Wisconsin correspondent for USA Today. He later became a lead photographer and senior copywriter for an award-winning destination marketing agency, before founding Boldland Creative, a company that produces photography, video, and other content for travel destinations. Jones has completed photography and content projects in more than 15 states and when he’s not looking through a camera or at his Macbook you’ll find him exploring the world’s lakes and forests.
In the Northwoods of Wisconsin, a little general store has kept generations of travelers and residents well supplied. The North Trail Store in tiny Elcho has been around for more than 100 years and it delivers plenty of charm and character, along with everything you need to stock your cooler. It’s worth seeking out and it’s a must-stop place when you’re driving north through the area. Here’s what you need to know about North Trail Store.
The North Trail Store is located in Langlade County, in the unincorporated community of Elcho. The store is located where it's always been, a block off of Highway 45.
The store is about 16 miles from Crandon but not really near anywhere, which is precisely why it exists – there’s no big grocery store around this area, but you can likely find what you need at the North Trail Store.
For years, the store was the center of a bustling little business district. It was next to a hotel called the Muskie Inn and a railroad depot that served passengers on the Chicago & Northwestern Railway's Ashland Division.
The depot and hotel are long gone, but the store still has its creaky old wooden floors and it’s still providing the same friendly service it offered a century ago.
You’ll find everything you need for your vacation cabin or cottage at the North Trail Store, including charcoal, chips, meat for the grill, soda, and beer.
The North Trail Store is open daily. For store details, see its Facebook page. If you enjoy historic general stores, there are thankfully a few more left in Wisconsin. Here are some stores that are sure to make you feel nostalgic.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.