The signage outside is offensive and often the food on the shelf has expired dates. I quit going…read morehere years back and so have others.

"There's a Monster Outside My Room, Can I Have a Glass of Water?"…read more ~Bo from "Signs" Nestled peacefully among majestic pine trees and surrounded by exotic wildlife, such as squirrels, skunks, deer, and the occasional bear, you will find a back-roads oasis in the weeds...Pap's General Store. Located in Middleofnowhereonthewaytoalake, Cheesehead County, this provisions paradise is the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. of cabin-country convenience stores. Pap's boasts enough never-ending brands from which to choose in the liquor aisles and frozen section to make even Benjamin Buford Blue proud. Fishing Bait? They have fatheads, suckers, worms, waxies and minnows that are "...way livelier than minnows at the store in town", as Pap's tells it. Keep in mind that minnows are not just for fish anymore! Minnow-drinking contests are a thing in WI, so I expect that Pap's lively minnows have ended up in the bellies of many fish and Balsam Lake locals alike. "I'll take that minnow with a fishing license and a shot glass, please!" Vodka? They carry 24 varieties in their jewel-like archipelago of an alcohol alley to help you drink in the sweeping sunset views of Balsam Lake. Delivery service is available for those too sloshed to go pick it up themselves. This reviewer has not checked to see if on-lake, pontoon delivery is an option. Tequila? 14 brands to satisfy the most meticulous of margarita mommas. Pizza? Savor local flavor and spoil someone special with one of the 10 frozen brands Pap's has to choose from, like Lottza Mottza, Roma, Heggies, Little Italy, Luigi's, and of course, Big Daddy. Feeling lazy? They'll even cook it for you. They also claim that their gas is better, their beer is colder, and their selection bigger than surrounding stores. No double-blind studies have been performed to test these claims. Not entirely dissimilar to a clown car, this store manages to pack more products per square foot than you can shake a fishing pole at. You will find all you need to stockpile to survive being snowed in for a day or an invasion of George Tsoukalis' ancient aliens, Mel Gibson-"Signs"style. They've got hoodies, firewood, wine, and other libations to keep you warm; beef and bison burgers to keep you fed; and No Ethanol 91 Octane gas for your snowmobile so you can fetch help. Should you survive the Tsoukalypse onslaught, you can celebrate with marshmallows, graham crackers, and Hershey's chocolate bars from the food aisle. Yay! Even if you can't get outside to make a bonfire, you can always roast your S 'mores over the kitchen stove. You should probably also stock up on one of Pap's 1930's Vintage Gas Pump drink dispensers while you're at it as well. I'm not sure how I made to to *cough, cough* 25 without one. Pap's also advertises chainsaw sharpening. While it is not uncommon to see this service provided near woodlands, it still always seems a little shady to come across it in WI, home to Ed Gein and Jeffry Dalmer. But if you're feeling safe enough with all those sharpened chainsaws running rampant, you can always take a spin around the lake or on the Apple river with a canoe or kayak rented from this store. You must provide your own transportation. Always check the back seat when you get in your car. Both Snowmobilers and ice fisherman can call or Fb Pap's to check on ice levels for White Ash, Round, and Big Blake Lake or to see if trails are open. Pap's General Store may not be the classiest joint around, but do you want it to be? After all, you're either headed to the lake or coming from it, and you're probably either buying worms or covered in worm juice. ~The Nosy Norwegian Sniffing out good deals and stinky bait pails, and keeping up with the latest Tsoukalis hairstyles so you don't have to.

a great little shop to get gas and snacks.read more

Great selection of craft beers and wine, truly a great find in Cumberland. If they don't have a…read morebeer you are looking for I was told they will try to get it for you. Friendly staff and worth a stop if you are looking for a good variety.

Great craft beer selection and some nice surprises for wines and specialty liquor. If you are on…read moreyour way up to the Hayward area, this is a great stop to top off your liquor cabinet and beer fridge. Ask for Larry's help. If he doesn't have it, he'll order it for you.

Having taken a few summer trips to the lake, of course alcohol is a key component to the trip! Came…read moreacross this family owned liquor store along the way. I'm always a big fan of supporting local business, and this place definitely deserves it. Kent is one of the nicest owners you'll ever meet and the town is just a gem. The Bottle Shop has always had any alcohol we've needed and at great prices. I highly recommend everyone to stop by here on your way to the lake. You'll be greeted with warm smiles and snag some great prices on booze!