Storage built around the Northwoods seasons

Up here, storage runs on two clocks. The boat, the pontoon and the ATV go away when the lakes turn over. The sled comes out about the same time, and the whole thing reverses in April.

We are on Highway 70 in Arbor Vitae, a few minutes from Minocqua, Woodruff and the Boulder Junction road – close enough that swapping the boat for the sled is a short tow, not an afternoon.

What fits in each unit

Our units are enclosed and drive-up, from 10 x 10 up to 10 x 30:

• 10 x 10 – two or three sleds, ATVs or a small utility trailer
• 10 x 15 – a fishing boat on a trailer, or sleds plus gear
• 10 x 20 – most pontoons and runabouts on trailers
• 10 x 25 and 10 x 30 – larger boats, campers and long trailers

Enclosed matters here in a way it does not further south. Sun and UV do as much damage to gelcoat and vinyl over a summer as cold does over a winter.

Access whenever you need it

The gate is open 24 hours a day, so an early start on the water or a late run back from the trail is not a problem. The office is staffed 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, seven days a week if you need a hand.

Before you put it away for the season

• Fill the fuel tank and add stabiliser so condensation cannot form
• Pull the battery or keep it on a tender
• Drain the water system on a camper before the first hard freeze
• Fog the engine on a boat, and leave the drain plug out
• Cover it, and leave a gap for air so damp cannot sit against the hull

Getting on the list

Arbor Vitae runs full for most of the year and units are currently on a waiting list. Joining costs nothing and puts you in line when one opens – which usually happens at the turn of the seasons.

Call (715) 461-6261 or join the list online. We are at 11019 Hwy 70, Arbor Vitae, WI 54568.