The old slogan "Escape to Wisconsin" is still a great bit of advice—especially for travelers from Chicago. Hop in the car and you can be kicking back at a lakeside cabin with your crew enjoying the gorgeous Wisconsin landscape before lunch time.
The options run from rustic hideaway to luxurious summer home and can suit you whether you're bringing the whole family or just escaping with a few friends for the weekend. Here are some ideas for cabins and cottages less than two hours from Chicago.
Eleven Gables Inn and Cottage - Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is a favorite getaway spot for travelers from Chicago because of the gorgeous scenery and charming downtown. Embrace the charming vibes with a stay at Eleven Gables Inn and Cottage, a resort made up of two buildings that date back to the 1860s with the glamour to prove it.
You and your group can opt for a room in the inn or book the entire two-bedroom cottage for yourselves. With a private pier and within walking distance to downtown, it doesn’t get more idyllic than this. Eleven Gables even lets you bring your dog along for your stay, so you can all enjoy Lake Geneva together.
Log Cabin Resort & Tavern - Montello
Get out of the city and into a cute cabin at Log Cabin Resort & Tavern in Montello. Choose from one of eight cozy units in the woods along picturesque Lake Puckaway, where you can swim, fish, boat- or just relax on the beach with your favorite people.
Cabins range from 1 to 3 bedrooms, and each has a modern kitchen, air conditioning, picnic table, and access to horseshoes and sand-pit volleyball for extra fun in the sun. Bring your own boat or rent one from Johnson’s Boats & Motors for the summer vacation of your dreams.
Crown Point Resort - Stoughton
The collection of six modern cedar cottages with all the amenities at Crown Point Resort in Stoughton sit right at the water's edge or up the steep bank for some spectacular views of Lake Kegonsa. Get out on the water on the available kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and paddleboat or else rent a pontoon for the whole group. And with Madison only a 15-minute drive away, you’ll have plenty of options for spending quality time together.
Bear's Den - Cambridge
Just outside of the artsy town of Cambridge on Lake Ripley, Bear’s Den is a four-bedroom private cottage that has its own dock on the 423-acre spring-fed lake. Fish, swim, grill out on the porch and relax on the public beach to unwind from daily life.
Bring the bikes along to explore CamRock County Park that is also great for hiking adventures or make the less than 30=minute drive to stock up on goodies at the famous Dane County Farmers' Market every Saturday throughout the summer.
Bartel's Beach Cottage - Lake Mills
Looking for a nice fishing escape from the Windy City? See what's biting on Rock Lake and check into Bartel’s Beach Cottage, a two-bedroom home in Lake Mills perfect for large groups or families. The cottage faces west for stunning sunsets over the water.
Fish from shore or rent a boat from the owners. There's a full kitchen, air-conditioning, a gas fireplace and even housekeeping services to make your getaway as relaxing as possible.
Come for the cabins and stay for the festivals! Bring the kids and make even more memories at these 10 kid-friendly summer fests.
