By Denice Ryan Martin
Special to TravelWisconsin.com
Special occasions like family reunions, weddings and anniversaries call for extra-special Wisconsin lodging. Finding a luxurious place with enough pillows for a big group isn’t as hard as you think.
From a castle to a log lodge, we’ve got some ideas to get you started. Your lasting memories will soon follow!
Northwest Wisconsin
Near the beautiful Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, this private lakefront vacation estate has six bedrooms and four and a half baths.
At more than 5,600 square feet, the cedar-shake home offers plenty of spaces for dining, sleeping and socializing. The great room features an 18-foot ceiling, two-story stone fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows with a panoramic view of Lake Namakagon.
Sixteen wooded acres provide a secluded and serene Northwoods setting. A sandy swimming area and tennis and shuffleboard courts await your play.
Take a trip back in time at this legendary log lodge built in 1929 as a prohibition gangster hideaway for Chicago beer baron “Gentleman” Joe Saltis.
The impressive 6,000-square-foot, 10-bedroom, 5-bath lodge features rustic décor, a large fireplace, billiards room, remodeled kitchen, bar and intriguing roaring twenties history. It accommodates up to 26 guests.
Fish on the Grade A Muskie lake, or play golf at the resort’s historic Barker Lake Golf Course.
Northeast Wisconsin
Cranberry Castle – Eagle River
Who wouldn’t want to sleep in a castle?! Located on quiet Cranberry Lake in the famous Chain of Lakes, this massive log and stone cabin offers 8,500 square feet of extravagance, including a gourmet chef’s kitchen, theater room complete with a popcorn machine, and a great room with a carved pool table, grand piano and large HD TV.
Enjoy pristine sand frontage and water sports of all kinds. Shoppers love the short ten minute drive to Eagle River’s quaint shops.
Big Pine Lodge, Holiday Acres – Rhinelander
Located at the popular Holiday Acres Resort on Lake Thompson, this lodge offers two spacious levels of relaxing family living. Six bedrooms and four baths accommodate 15 guests.
The large upper level living room with a walkout covered deck overlooks 200 feet of private lakefront. The lower level family room includes a private sauna, pool table, and bar with a walkout patio.
An on-site restaurant/lounge and indoor pool are other resort amenities for guests to enjoy.
Door County
“On the Rocks” Cliffside Lodge – Gills Rock
Nestled into the woods at the northernmost tip of the Door County Peninsula, this impressive modified A-frame lodge is 3,400-plus square feet with three levels of living space, including five bedrooms, three baths, a sunken living room with fireplace, and a modern kitchen.
Enjoy a beautiful bayside deck. Facing due north and sitting 60 feet above the water, the lodge affords stunning views of Washington Island and Michigan’s UP.
Wisconsin Dells/Baraboo
Spring Brook Resort – Wisconsin Dells
Set on 360 wooded acres, this family-friendly resort offers luxurious vacation homes for parties of all sizes. Many sleep 14 plus guests and are close to the resort’s golf course, clubhouse, fishing lakes and walking trails.
With its proximity to the Dells attractions and its full-service restaurant, the resort is a popular spot for outdoor weddings, family reunions and various life celebrations.
Minutes from Devil’s Lake State Park and the Ho-Chunk Gaming, Devil’s Lodge is the perfect headquarters for an active fun-filled getaway.
Sitting on a park-like three acres, this custom-designed, recently built lodge is nearly 4,000 square feet with five bedrooms and four baths. Sleeps up to 20 guests. It’s a mix of lavishness and entertainment, from a gourmet kitchen, imported stone floors, and king-size pillow top beds to ping pong and pool tables and an outdoor fireplace.
Find more places to stay in our directory.
