Former Pine Mountain General Store begins new chapter under new ownership

A familiar business on the north side of Devil’s Track Lake has a new owner and a new name.

The former Pine Mountain General Store has been purchased by Cook County resident Nick Niemeyer, who has renamed the business Northwoods General Store. Late last week, he officially opened the store and welcomed the first customers through its doors.

Niemeyer moved to Cook County in 2021 to work for U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Pigeon River Port of Entry and said he quickly came to appreciate Lake Superior and life on the North Shore.

“I tell people frequently that I have one of the most beautiful commutes in the United States,” he said. “I appreciate driving to and from work every single day.”

When the property became available, Niemeyer said it offered more than just a business opportunity. The purchase also provided housing and the space he had been searching for to host events and permit-to-carry classes after struggling to find suitable locations in Cook County. Niemeyer is a certified permit-to-carry instructor and has been teaching classes in Cook County for the past several years.

“It was just a whole bunch of different things in one package,” he said. “It was a really good opportunity.”

The business will continue to operate as both a general store and a liquor store, although Niemeyer is considering rearranging the layout to make better use of the building.

Northwoods General Store owner Nick Niemeyer | Photo by Kalli Hawkins

“I definitely want to keep the liquor store and general store,” he said.

Niemeyer officially opened the general store portion of the business ahead of the holiday weekend, on July 3. He plans to remain open 7 days a week, operating between 2 and 7 p.m. The liquor store remains closed as Niemeyer awaits final state approval of his liquor license.

The building and sale included two rental units, one of which is already rented to a tenant and the other is undergoing a remodel. Niemeyer said he intends to rent the apartment space once the remodel is complete.

As for the large space in the main building, Niemeyer said a potential use is to host indoor craft shows featuring local makers, especially during the winter months and before the holiday season.

“I thought it would be a good way to get people in,” he said. “There are a lot of talented craftspeople in the area.”

The general store offers a variety of camping and outdoor supplies, groceries, refreshments, ice cream, and other everyday essentials.

Northwoods General Store offers camping and outdoor supplies, household products, and more | Photo by Kalli Hawkins

Looking ahead, Niemeyer said he plans to shape the store’s inventory based on community feedback. He has already reached out to bicyclists, campers and RV travelers to learn what products would be most useful for visitors traveling through the area, including emergency bike repair supplies and camping essentials. He said, he also plans to offer bait for anglers in the coming weeks.

“I’m just excited to see that place turn into something that other people and I can really enjoy,” he said. “The facility itself has a lot of potential, but it needs a lot of work and love too, so I’m looking forward to doing that.”

Follow along for Northwoods General Store updates and operating hours through the Northwoods General Store and Northwoods Conceal Carry Facebook pages.

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with the Northwoods General Store new owner Nick Niemeyer about the transition of ownership, plans for the business, and more. Audio below.

Kalli Hawkins July 7, 2026