The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that their Spotlight on Business for August is the 107 Bait Shack located at N2040 State Highway 107. Across the street from the MARC and near Council Grounds State Park entrance.
Jerry and Louise Ingman relocated to Merrill, in late Summer 2016. Daily they drove past an old bait and mini-golf business across from the MARC Center and near the Council Grounds State Park entrance and saw a great potential to revive it for additional fun opportunities in the community.
With determination, 107 Bait Shack was purchased in the Spring of 2018. As it had sat dormant for many years, the building was remodeled to include 4 live bait tanks and a Cedar Crest ice cream parlor. A company from Florida, who specializes in mini-golf turf, came to resurface the 18-hole course. The new recreational site opened for business late August 2018 and the Ingman’s continue to be appreciative of the community’s welcoming during their 6 week ‘soft opening’.
As a seasonal business, it closes in late September and reopens in late December with live bait and tackle for the ice fishing season. Mid-March the Shack closes again and reopens a week or so, prior to the Spring fishing season in early May.
This summer has been especially busy! With social distancing a priority, people are enjoying outdoor family fun. Customers thank the Ingman’s for providing a place to go in the area to play mini-golf and for an ice cream treat afterwards. Offering 12 flavors of hand scooped ice cream from WI, they feature new flavors monthly.
Plus, live bait, worms, leeches, tackle and poles for those spending time at the many beautiful fishing spots our area offers. They also offer firewood too, for those headed to the campgrounds.
“The 107 Bait Shack is just another great example of a family owned, Merrill business, in the community we all call home”, concluded Debbe Kinsey, Chamber CEO.
For more information contact the Chamber at 715-536-9474.