March 29, 2014 by RyanneGraham

Summer Vacation in Wisconsin Dells

Vacationers know Wisconsin Dells as the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” but it is much more than that. We all love to splash around at the waterparks, but don’t forget about the scenic destinations around the Wisconsin Dells area. So cheers – cheers to exploring the beautiful Wisconsin Dells area. Here are a few recreation ideas in the Wisconsin Dells area that our team has enjoyed. Be sure to scroll to the bottom to view some great Dells vacation rental properties.

Original Wisconsin Dells Ducks

Drive. Splash. Cruise. How awesome is that? No matter the age, the Duck tours are ideal to view the area. This exciting tour has been around for nearly 70 years. You’ll explore the Wisconsin River, Dells Creek, with a final splash in Lake Delton. We have talked to many vacationers who frequently visit the Dells area who make this a regular visit. Here is more information on the Original Wisconsin Ducks.

Water Recreation on Castle Rock Lake

Thinking about being in the area during the summer months? Great! There are plenty of options to explore the local lakes. Castle Rock Lake is an extremely popular lake that our vacationers visit. In fact, view our Interactive Wisconsin Map and scroll to the Dells area to view all of the properties on this lake. We aren’t joking; there are plenty of options. Plus, there are plenty of watersport rentals available on Castle Rock Lake: pontoons, waverunners, kayaks, and paddleboats.

Tommy Bartlett Show

After all of the fun in the sun, kick back and relax. In 1952 the Tommy Bartlett Water Ski & Jumping Boat Thrill Show began with its first show near Chicago. Their second show in Wisconsin Dells was such a hit that the team was asked to stay. Since then, the show has continued to be a hit. This takes water recreation to an entirely new level. So, let’s start the countdown to the end of May.

Vacation Rentals in Wisconsin Dells

Spring Brook: Americana Cabin on the golf course & walking distance to the lake. The four bedroom home offers enough space to sleep up to 10 vacationers. The ranch style vacation property offers plenty of living space. Downstairs, vacationers enjoy the fantastic family room which includes a wet bar, foosball table, and two bar tables. Come, enjoy the fun!

Check out this gorgeous interior at Sand County: Herons Landing. The lakefront vacation home is on Lake Delton. Like one can tell from the above photo, the interior design at this home is unmatched. The living space features a wood burning fireplace and a modern, open-concept kitchen. Bring your family and friends; this home sleeps up to 14 guests.

The Cottage Keeper: Lakeside Lodge is on Castle Rock Lake. The outdoor amenities draw in many guests to this spacious vacation cabin. Relax in your screened deck or out on the stone patio – all with great views of the lake. By evening, gather around the campfire pit to enjoy a crackling fire with roasted marshmallows.

Our website lists over 100 vacation rentals in the Wisconsin Dells area. Be sure to check them all out.

Questions? Comments? Let our team know.

March 20, 2014 by RyanneGraham

The Ultimate Guide to #Hayward, Wisconsin

Four Season Vacation Possibilities

Year after year, vacationers visit this Northwestern Wisconsin destination to enjoy recreational activities, no matter the season. Sawyer County was ranked the #1 trail system in Wisconsin by The Wisconsin ATV Association. Snowmobilers and ATVs enjoy the 600+ miles of groomed trails. During the winter, the 300 miles of off-road mountain biking trails are transformed to pristine cross-country skiing trails. As the snow begins to melt, locals and vacationers start dreaming about the warm weather recreation. Hayward is often referred to as the “Golf Capital of Wisconsin.” According to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, Hayward offers “an age-old gangster course, a Pete Dye course, historical courses with Scottish influence, traditional, modern and natural courses that compliment the environment and family-run courses with top-notch customer service.” Talk about variety! Don’t forget about biking, hiking, bird watching, and endless fun on the water.

Fairs, Festivals, and Fun

Mark your calendars, folks. There are a variety of annual festivals in Hayward, Wisconsin. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next vacation:

Musky Festival

Join the largest summer festival for their 65th annual celebration. Visitors and locals enjoy the handmade art show, sidewalk sales, live music & street dances, and a variety of food booths. During the weekend there is also a 5K and 10K non-competitive race and a fishing contest. End the weekend with a large parade on Sunday.
June 19, 2014 – June 22, 2014 | Musky Festival information

Lumberjacks World Championship

Once a lumbering community, Hayward keeps the traditional alive with their international timber sporting competition. Participants compete to be crowned as the “King of the Forest.” Men and women compete in a variety of activities: boom running, sawing, chopping, speed climbing, and logrolling. Come view this family-friendly event, live!
July 24 – July 26, 2014 | Detailed Lumberjacks World Championship information

Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival

Since 1983, thousands of bicyclists participate in this 40 mile off roading event in Hayward and Chequamegon, Wisconsin. To register for the race, participants must enter a lottery. The event attracts locals and visitors from all over the country. A variety of other fun events are held throughout the weekend to make this a family-friendly event: Klunker Bike Toss, Lumber Jack & Jill Log Pull, Hammer Slammer Hill Climb, and more.
September 12 – September 14, 2014 | More Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival information

Be sure to check out the Hayward Chamber of Commerce website for a full list of fairs & festivals.

Vacation Rentals in Hayward, Wisconsin

All of our vacation homes in the area are located on the water. No matter the season, you’ll enjoy the fun recreational activities nearby. Whether you’re looking for a week escape to paradise or a fun weekend to enjoy a local festival, you are in for a treat. Take a look at our full list of Wisconsin vacation rentals in Hayward to start planning your trip. Here are a few property photos to get you started. Click on the photo to view the detailed property information:

Wisconsin, hayward, cabin, vacation home

Mallards’ Landing: Mallards Nest I

Majestic Escapes: Eagle Point Lodge

Windsor’s Vacation Rentals: The ‘Log Cabin’ on Perch Lake

What do you look for when picking a vacation destination? Happy travels.

March 12, 2014 by RyanneGraham

Fun, Wisconsin Vacation Destination: St. Germain

It’s that time of year again. There have been a few warmer days & people are starting to believe that there will indeed be summer. We’ve been starting to see more and more inquiries come through for the summer months, that’s where we come in. We want to help inspire those that are beginning their summer vacation planning. For the next few weeks, we will be sharing some popular Wisconsin destinations with recreational activities and some vacation rental ideas. We are ready to kick off the blog series with a popular northern Wisconsin location: St. Germain.

Popular Recreational Activities in St. Germain:

Hiking and Biking:

St. Germain is ideal for anyone looking to explore the area by foot or bike. The St. Germain Bike and Hike Trail offers 12 miles of family-friendly fun. Both visitors and locals love to visit this scenic stretch – and the gentle terrain provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy a leisurely trip. To access the trail, there is a Bike & Hike Park behind the St. Germain Chamber of Commerce (Highways 70 & 155). If you are looking for a trail a bit off of the beaten path, we recommend the Shannon Lake Trail. During the warm months, it is ideal for hiking and mountain biking. The hiking loops range from 2.3 miles to 7 miles. The lake loop is one of our favorites because it offers fantastic lake sights and is ideal for viewing wildlife. Once winter hits, the Shannon Lake Trail is perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Golfing:

We find that many vacationers express their interest in golfing while on vacation. Well, be sure to pack you clubs when visiting St. Germain because you are in for a treat. There are 16 courses within a 20 minute drive of St. Germain!! What does that mean for you? Options. Flexibility. Fun. Two popular options are The St. Germain Golf Club & 19th Hole Par 3. Whether you are an aspiring professional golfer or a newbie, there is something for you.

Water Recreation

How could we not mention the exciting water recreation offered in the St. Germain area. This area has some of the cleanest water & locals and vacationers definitely take advantage of that. Take a break and relax on the sandy shoreline reading a good book or making a splash in one of the lakes. Other popular activities: kayaking, canoeing, skiing, tubing, pontooning, can you tell that the possibilities are endless? Many of the rental properties in St. Germain come with these options or have affordable rental prices for kayaks/pontoon boats/etc. Be sure to ask the owners.

Summer Events

The Cropsey Vacation Rentals owners provided some awesome insight regarding summer events in the St. Germain area. Every Monday from Memorial day to Labor Day, the town hosts a large flea and farmer’s market featuring over 400 vendors. The farmer’s market is a new addition for the 2014 season that will be held in conjunction with the flea market. Following this, there is Monday Night Bingo from the first Monday in June to nearly the end of August. The Cropsey owners say that over $1,000 is guaranteed to be given away each week – wow!

Love St. Germain, Where to Stay?:

We love it too. Plus, because it is quite popular, there are a variety of vacation rental options, so you are sure to find something that fits your needs. Some properties are quaint and sleep just 2 while others are quite large and can sleep up to 15. We list over 100 St. Germain vacation rentals so be sure to check those out. Here are a few ideas to get you started. Be sure to click on the photo to view more property information!

Cropsey Management: Red Pine Lodge on Pickerel Lake

Idle Hours Resort: Courtside Cabin on Little St. Germain Lake

Serenity Bay Resort: Red Oak on Little St. Germain Lake

Have you been to the area before? Any recommendations for potential visitors? Share with us.

November 3, 2013 by RyanneGraham

Winter Wonderland in Wisconsin

Before we know it, winter will be here; so buckle up and get ready to enjoy the season. There is good news for all of our winter enthusiasts: Farmers’ Almanac predicts that the upcoming Wisconsin winter will be cold and snowy. To those thrill seeking vacationers who are out for an adventure, those looking to cozy up by the fireplace, and everyone in between – there are hundreds of Wisconsin vacation rentals for you to enjoy.

We are excited for winter and can’t wait to share how fun the season can be with everyone! Here are some ideas to get you ready for the winter wonderland.

Three Year-Round Wisconsin Vacation Rentals that are Great for a Winter Retreat:

The Northern Exposure vacation home in St. Germain, Wisconsin offers many winter-friendly amenities. Snowmobile right from your door to hundreds of miles on the Snowmobile Trail System. Or enjoy great snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on the many groomed trails in the area. End your day around the wood burning fireplace in the living room – ideal for anyone looking for a relaxing vacation.

Relax in southern Wisconsin at the Kettle Moraine Farmhouse, the ideal country retreat! The property, nestled in the Kettle Moraine State Forest, is just 100 feet from the Kettle Moraine cross-country trails. Plus, you are less than 10 miles from Apple Valley Resort for downhill skiing. In the evening, cozy up with family and friends around the stone fireplace.

Another great option in Wisconsin is the Lake View vacation cabin at the Eagle Waters Resort. This family friendly resort is right on the snowmobile trail! The resort includes The Trading Post where you will find a fitness center, sauna, library, activity/craft room, and more. Or bundle up and spend an afternoon ice fishing on Eagle Lake. The resort includes an ice fishing shanty available for guests!

These three vacation properties are a great option for a winter vacation in Wisconsin. Check out our website, you will find HUNDREDS of great vacation rental options. Over 500 vacation rentals on our website are year round!! The possibilities are endless.

October 14, 2013 by RyanneGraham

#Wisconsin Nature Trails That You Don’t Want to Miss

We know some Wisconsin fans are bummed that our National Parks, Forests, and Trails are closed. On the bright side, Wisconsin does offer a variety of FUN alternatives for this fall!

Here are a few Wisconsin State Parks, Forests, and Trails with awesome vacation rentals nearby:

Wiouwash State Trail
Enjoy 41 miles of walking, jogging, and biking paths at this state trail. Plus, two segments of the trail are open for horseback riding!
>>> Nearby vacation cabin on Lulu Lake

Kettle Moraine State Forest—Southern Unit
Come enjoy the hills and valleys at this state forest in Wisconsin. There are 9 state nature areas: Buff Creek, Kettle Moraine Low Prairie, Ottawa Lake Fen, and more.
>>> Kettle Moraine Farmhouse: Country Retreat – in the heart of the State Forest

Peninsula State Park
Vacationers (and locals) love this Door County State Park. You’ll want to explore the climbing tower with awesome views, Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, and the variety of hiking and biking trails. Plus, this park is also certified through Travel Green Wisconsin.
>>> Rental properties in Fish Creek, Wisconsin

Flambeau River State Forest
You’ll love to explore the 92,000 acres of forestland which runs along two branches of the Flambeau River. This forest is commonly known for canoeing and also offers a variety of hiking trips.
>>> Compare 7 awesome Winter, WI vacation rentals

Bearskin State Trail
This trail is certified by Travel Green Wisconsin – offering a variety of innovation solutions. Vacationers love the 18-mile railbed trail, awesome for biking and hiking.
>>> Over 60 vacation rentals are available in the Minocqua area

BearSkin, Vacation, Trail, Wisconsin, Hiking, Biking

Photo of Bearskin State Trail in Wisconsin

September 24, 2013 by RyanneGraham

Enjoying a Fall Vacation in Wisconsin – “Colorama”

If we ask vacationers to tell us their favorite vacation memory, we typically don’t expect to hear about their road trip. Bustled with excitement, the road trip always seems to take longer than anticipated. Traveling with kids? We’re sure you’re used to the classic, “ARE WE THERE YET?!” We don’t even think we’re crazy to suggest that some adults may have slipped this phrase now and then. And finally, as the vacation comes to a close and you’re all packed up you’ll think, “Do we really have to go now?” That’s the drive home that no one is ready for.

It’s time to enjoy the road trip too.

We get it. When compared to the vacation itself, it’s hard to compete. But as fall begins in Wisconsin, we want to change this mentality. Sure, biking the scenic trails of Wisconsin, visiting an apple orchard, enjoying autumn inspired events and other fun activities may trump the “drive time.” Yet, we can say that this colorful drive will be something to enjoy.

Don’t dread the travel time! It’s time to enjoy the colorful drive to your next vacation destination. It’s not too late to book your perfect Wisconsin vacation property. And where can you turn to find that? We’ve got you covered. Search over 700 Wisconsin vacation rentals & book directly with the property owners to save.

For those of you looking for a Wisconsin color report, we recommend using the Department of Tourism’s Fall Color Report tool – it’s pretty neat.

September 13, 2013 by RyanneGraham

Wisconsin Vacation Rentals Near Chicago

Escape the city life of Chicago with an easy drive north to Wisconsin. Looking for a relaxing weekend getaway? Avoid the long waits in the airport lobby and full-day of travels. Here are a few awesome Wisconsin vacation rentals that are under two hours from Chicago.

Properties For Rent in Wisconsin That Are Near Chicago:

Cabin Wisconsin: Sunrise Chalet on Lake Mary
You’ll love the easter views of Lake Mary at this private vacation rental. The Twin Lakes, Wisconsin area offers a variety of recreational activities suitable for all ages. At the home, enjoy the spacious deck overlooking the water, large backyard, and private pier. End your evenings around the campfire roasting s’mores and sharing memories. The property includes three bedrooms and accommodate groups of eight.

Ivy Cottage on Lower Spring Lake
Escape the city life at this quaint cottage on the lake, in the heart of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. The vacation cottage sleeps 5 and is pet friendly! By the waterfront, you’ll find the large L shaped dock and a pontoon available for rent. During the cooler months, cozy up by the gas log fireplace.

Kettle Moraine Farmhouse: Country Retreat on the Kettle Moraine State Forest
Here’s the perfect destination for any nature lover out there. The vacation home is just across the street from trails, awesome for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and more. Located in Whitewater, the rental has three bedrooms and can accommodate groups up to ten.

McIntyre’s Resort: Rustic Cabin 1 on Turtle Lake
Escape the hustle and bustle at this lakeside vacation cabin in Delavan, Wisconsin. This efficiency cabin includes modern amenities to make your stay comfortable, but still highlights the unique vacation experience in Wisconsin. Plus, with your rental comes a row boat to explore Turtle Lake.

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