Summer Resorts in Northern Wisconsin
Ah...summer in northern Wisconsin... Pine scent hangs in the fresh air, the woods beckon and diamond light dances across clear, deep lakes where fish are plentiful. These delightful resorts make great Northern Wisconsin vacation bases.
Tall white pines. Clusters of dark brown split-log cabins. A nearby scenic lake.
This is the setting at Grand Pines Resort east of Hayward on Big Round Lake. Boasting 22 cabins on one of two lakes, Grand Pines is a premier Northern Wisconsin resort and has that special Northwoods ambience of rustic coziness.
Most cabins offer three bedrooms, and all but two include a whirlpool bath; the two-story versions have a second fireplace in the lofted master bedroom.
The only way in to Spider Lake Lodge near Hayward is down a scenic six-mile road. It’s perched at the end on a hillside amid huge old-growth pines, shrouded in age with dark brown tamarack and cedar log walls. A squat, gabled entrance opens to the lodge’s great room, highlighted by hefty log beams in the shape of the letters “T” and “M,” in honor of Ted Moody, who built this special place in 1923 with the help of area lumbermen and Native American craftsmen.
A large common area serves as space for dining, lounging or reading at a separate small library. Each of the lodge’s seven guest rooms—with such names as Hemingway, Moody’s Camp and Bear’s Den—has its own personality.
A short walk down the bluff leads to Spider Lake’s clear waters and squiggly shoreline. Bald eagles and white-tailed deer are common sights at this gorgeous summer getaway in Northern Wisconsin.
Recess time at Lenroot School meant frolicking along the scenic banks of the Namekagon River. Guests at the Lenroot Lodge in Seeley can enjoy recess all day long—and skip out on the homework. The lodge’s brawny log columns and stout beams are built around the early-1930s one-room schoolhouse. Four of the lodge’s 10 guest rooms are in the former classroom.
The original floors remain, as do the chalkboards with ghosts of the ABCs. The lodge’s exterior features recycled material as well, including huge log columns, heavy beams from the town’s former garage and telephone poles that now serve as handrails.
Rooms include a main floor bedroom and bathroom, and a spiral staircase to a bed loft. Five rooms have postcard views of the river. One room is specifically set up for wheelchair accessibility.
Dillman's Bay Resort - Lac du Flambeau
Dillman’s Bay Resort, situated on a breezy peninsula in Lac du Flambeau’s White Sand Lake in Northern Wisconsin, can accommodate groups large or small. Its 40 cabins and cottages feature kitchens and one to four bedrooms; many also have a fireplace, deck or are lakeside. Motel rooms have efficiency kitchens and many feature baths with whirlpool tubs, while the guesthouse has private rooms and baths that share a kitchen and common areas.
This Northern Wisconsin resort is known for its summer artists’ series; each week, May-Oct., Dillman’s Creative Arts Foundation hosts a different accomplished visual artist to lead workshops. On the premises are a restaurant, marina, tennis courts, playground and beaches. Massages are available, too.
Eagle Waters Resort - Eagle River
If you’re looking for a place to slow down and experience life’s simple pleasures – sitting around the campfire, casting a line, watching the sun go down over the lake – look no further. What was once a trading post for Northwoods loggers is now the historic Eagle Waters Resort, mixing the best of old-fashioned Northwoods charm with the updated comforts of home. You’ll have your pick of lodging options here – choose a modern, rustic or log cabin near the woods and water, or find cozy hotel-style accommodations up in the main lodge, complete with a lake view from every room.
Start your day with morning coffee on the waterfront swings. Days at Eagle Waters can be as full or relaxed as you’d like – take advantage of the many on-site activities, games, and heated pool, or just kick back in a canoe and watch the world go by. For dinner, gather in the lodge’s restaurant for Friday fish fry and comfort foods, enjoyed inside the cabin-themed dining room or out on the patio, where you can often catch live music.
A great retreat for couples and plenty of fun for families, Eagle Waters strives to embody “the Spirit of the Northwoods” – and they do it well!
There are resorts and lodges spread out all over Wisconsin. Explore which ones you want to visit.
