If your crew loves long lake days and late-night campfire stories, this Eagle River, WI vacation home sets you up right from the start. Cabintimers get two standout perks the second they arrive: a private, 3-acre setting with 250 feet of level frontageon Chain Lake (part of the Sugar Camp Chain of 5 lakes), and a complimentary fleet of water toys—a rowboat, canoe, and three kayaks—ready on the shoreline. Add a long pier with power for your boat, central A/C with heated floors, and a cozy field-stone gas fireplace, and you’ve got a four-season basecamp that’s as comfortable as it is convenient.
Room to spread out (sleeps up to 14)
Inside the 2,500-sq-ft layout, the living, dining, and kitchen areas flow together so everyone can hang out between adventures. The living room brings the gang together with a big TV for movie nights, a stereo/CD player, and even a piano for impromptu sing-alongs. The dining table seats eight; there’s an extra kitchen table for four. With 4 bedrooms (three with queen beds, one with a twin-over-double bunk), 2 full baths, plus a lounge with a sleeper sofa and three roll-away beds, multi-family groups find easy sleeping arrangements. Traveling with a little one? A crib can be provided.
Lake days done right
Your day starts with coffee on the lakeside deck and ends with s’mores at the fire pit (firewood stocked nearby). In between, the level lot and private shoreline make it easy to pop in for a swim, launch a kayak, or head out fishing. The pier is perfect for docking your boat or renting one nearby. Life jackets are on site, so Cabintimers can spend more time on the water and less time packing the car. There’s even a private sand area and a swimming platform for splash-happy afternoons.
Cook, grill, chill
The kitchen is well-stocked with pots, pans, and the little things that are easy to forget—mixing bowls, measuring cups, a corkscrew, even a pizza cutter. Fire up the gas grill for lakeside dinners, then cap the evening with a crackling fire and a sky full of stars. Inside comforts include Wi-Fi, Smart TV/streaming, and washer/dryer to keep gear fresh for tomorrow.
Bring the pup
Pets are considered here—great news for Cabintimers who can’t imagine a lake trip without the dog. (A weekly pet fee applies.) There’s space to roam and a kennel listed among the onsite amenities.
Four seasons of Northwoods fun
Summer brings classic lake life—swimming, paddling, tubing, wakeboarding, and lazy sunshine on the shore. When temps drop, this spot shifts into snow country. The property sits on ATV and snowmobile trails, so you can ride in/out to explore miles of groomed routes that make Eagle River famous for winter adventure. Indoors, warm up by the fireplace, cue up a movie, and pass the cocoa.
Local things to do (Eagle River, Sugar Camp & beyond)
Chain of 5 Lakes: Boat Chain, Echo, Stone, Sand, and Dam Lakes straight from the pier—pack a picnic and make a day of it on connected waters.
St. Germain Flea Market (summer Mondays): A Northwoods tradition with food vendors and rows of local finds.
World Snowmobile Headquarters (Eagle River): A must-stop for sled fans and a fun rainy-day option.
Three Lakes Winery (Three Lakes): Classic Northwoods tastings and tours.
Hiking & biking: Hit regional trails and nearby forest land for easy family loops or longer rides.
Golf & mini-golf, go-karts, zip lines, horseback riding, museums, libraries: Plenty to keep every age busy when you want a break from the boat.
Good to know
Sleeps up to 14 • 4 bedrooms + lounge sleeper • 2 baths
Weekly rentals Friday–Friday in June–August; 2-night minimum the rest of the year
Boat & trailer parking on site
Electric at dock, level lot, and private beach area for easy water access
Why Cabintimers book direct
Skip the middleman and connect straight with the local owner/manager for the lowest rate online—no traveler fees, fast answers to trip questions, and the kind of local tips you only get from folks who live and play here.
Ready to make your Northwoods plans?
Check dates and reach out to the owner directly through the listing. Cabintimers, bring the boat, grab the paddles, and claim your spot on Chain Lake—lake living is calling.
If lake days are calling, Cabintimers will love Idle Hours Resort in St. Germain, Wisconsin. Two standout perks set this family‑run resort apart right away: a sandy, roped‑off swim area with a sun‑soaking swim raft, and a guest‑only pontoon fleet so you can cruise Little St. Germain Lake at your own pace. Add in free use of canoes, kayaks, and a paddleboat, and your vacation rhythm is basically set from sunrise to campfire.
Lakefront setting between Minocqua & Eagle River
Idle Hours sits on 500 feet of north‑shore frontage on Little St. Germain Lake, tucked into tall pines on 15 acres. St. Germain is that sweet Northwoods base between Minocqua and Eagle River, so day trips are easy. The lake spans nearly a thousand acres and breaks into several bays. That means you’ll usually find calm water for paddling, fishing, or an easy afternoon cruise.
Cabins for every crew
The resort’s 11 four‑season cabins range from 2 to 5 bedrooms, each with its own character. Bring the entire family, plan a multi‑family trip, or keep it simple for a classic up‑north escape. Because the cabins line the lakefront, mornings start with loons calling and coffee on the porch. Evenings end with stories by the fire and stars that actually pop.
What Cabintimers rave about
Idle Hours is built for simple outdoor fun. Little St. Germain is known for musky, walleye, bass, and panfish. There’s a fish‑cleaning house on site when the bite is hot. Kids dart between the big playground, sand volleyball, and the basketball hoop. Pontoons are available to rent exclusively for resort guests. If you’re bringing your own boat, the public launch is just a few miles away—bring bumpers and mooring ropes.
Want quiet time? Slip a kayak onto Muskellunge Creek for a peaceful paddle. Prefer splash time? The gradual, sandy swim area has no steep drop‑offs, so everyone can cool off with confidence.
Four seasons of Northwoods
Summer brings swimsuits, skis, and sunset cruises. Fall colors here are unreal—bring the camera and hike or bike local trails. Winter is full‑on snowmobile country; St. Germain grooms a huge trail network and the resort shares trail updates often. Spring delivers that calm, uncrowded vibe—and the best fishing of the year.
St. Germain things to do
Start with the Monday Flea Market in town (Memorial Day–Labor Day). Catch seasonal events like the Classic Car Roundup, Colorama in the fall, and winter radar runs. Hungry? There are 20+ restaurants and taverns in and around St. Germain, with even more dining and shopping in Minocqua and Eagle River. Day‑trip ideas include wildlife parks, cranberry marsh tours, waterfalls, and even a big‑view run up to Lake Superior if you want a longer drive.
Planning tips
Idle Hours is a no‑pets resort. Bedding is provided; bring towels or rent sets at the office. Pontoons rent to resort guests only. If you’re eyeing prime dates, book early—these classic cabins fill fast in every season.
Why book direct
Cabintimers know: booking direct means no service fees, better communication, and local advice from the folks who actually manage the cabins. You’ll get the straight scoop on the best bays for morning paddles, where the fish are moving, and which weekend events are worth your time.
Ready to go? Visit the Idle Hours Resort listings to explore cabins, availability, and current specials. Then line up a pontoon, grab the paddles, and make Little St. Germain your base for the week.
Explore more regions on the 12 It’s Cabin Time® websites:
Cabintimers, here’s a dialed-in plan for a big, memory-packed Wisconsin trip: post up at Ole’s Outpost near Hayward for trail riding and lake time, then head south to Kinni Creek Lodge & Outfitters in River Falls for trout, kayaks, and cozy streamside lodging. You’ll cover the best of the Northwoods and the Driftless in one shot—and you’ll book directly with the owners for the lowest rates and local know-how.
Part 1: Ole’s Outpost — Trails, Lakes, and Space for the Whole Crew
This group-friendly cabin in Minong (near Hayward) was built for gear and good times. On-trail access means your ATVs or sleds roll right from the driveway, and multiple boat landings are just minutes away. Inside, there’s a full kitchen, central heat/AC, a gas/electric fireplace, smart TV with a video library, and plenty of room to spread out across 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (sleeps up to 16). Outside: deck, grill, picnic table, and a firepit that keeps the night going. The cabin is a licensed Tourist Rooming House, smoke-free, and pet-free—clean, simple, and ready for big-group fun.
Little touches make basecamp life easy: boat & trailer parking, a kitchen stocked with the essentials (dishwasher, coffee maker, microwave, mixing bowls—the works), and tent-camping allowed onsite if the kids want a night under the stars. When it’s dinner time, pop 1–2 miles down the road for tavern fare or a Friday fish fry, then head back for s’mores.
Season-by-season playbook: In winter, ride miles of groomed snowmobile trail straight from the cabin. Spring and summer bring fishing and long lake days; add a river paddle on the Namekagon (Trego) or the storied Brule. Fall flips the forest to gold and the trails to fast, crisp riding. Tip: the local 4 Seasons Rec Club is your go-to for trail info, maps, and passes—check conditions before you launch.
Good-to-know logistics:Ole’s Outpost encourages Leave No Trace—there’s no local garbage service, so pack out trash and recyclables. And if you like comparing numbers, book-direct rates on the listing beat third-party markups (subject to change, of course). Direct gets you answers from the folks who actually ride these trails and launch these lakes.
Shift south to River Falls and settle in at Kinni Creek Lodge, a boutique fly-fishing base with 180 feet of private frontage on the Kinnickinnic River—a renowned Class I trout stream. The team here guides fly fishing, runs kayak trips, and operates an on-site fly shop. It’s a low-key, outdoorsy scene where early mornings mean rising trout and evenings mean a grill, a deck, and river music out the back door.
Kayak the Kinni: Choose from Upper Kayak Park floats (¾ hour to 3 hours, beginner-friendly), Lower Canyon runs (about 3 hours, intermediate/advanced), the all-day Kinni Jungle Safari (5–6 hours), or the 3 Rivers Confluence to Prescott (5–6 hours). Rentals include kayak, paddle, PFD, and free shuttle; private boat shuttles are available for a small fee. Reservations are by phone, and cash is the way to go—plan ahead so the only surprise is an eagle overhead.
Why this river is special: The Kinni is an Outstanding Resource Water with cool, spring-fed clarity, limestone outcrops, and a watershed full of birds, wildlife, and cold-water tributaries like Rocky Branch and the Rush River. You’re fishing and paddling in a living classroom—respect it, and it rewards you.
Around-town extras: From the lodge, you’re 10 minutes to Kinnickinnic State Park and 15 minutes to Willow River State Park for hiking, beaches, and winter trails. Downtown River Falls has coffee, pubs, and a Saturday farmers market in season; the MSP airport is ~35 minutes away, making this an easy meet-up for far-flung friends.
Build Your Two-Stop Itinerary
Start with trail riding and lakes at Ole’s Outpost, then point the rig toward River Falls for kayaks and trout at Kinni Creek. You’ll cover ATV, snowmobile, paddling, and fly fishing in one extended loop—plus a healthy dose of campfire time at both ends. Book direct for no service fees and local guidance that maps to your crew.
Ready to go?
For Ole’s Outpost dates, amenities, and direct contact info, use the RentWisconsinCabins listing and contact the owner/manager directly.
Cabintimers… Cabin Joe here, reporting live from the land of pine-scented mornings, dock-side debates about musky lures, and a town that basically runs on waterways, winter legends, and Wall Street (the Wisconsin version—less suits, more sweatshirts).
You asked for local-tour-guide depth. So we’re not doing “Eagle River has lakes.” We’re doing: which lakes, how they connect, where to launch, where the pirate ship hides, where the chickadees literally eat out of your hand, and why a 1923 woodstove basically shaped downtown history. Let’s go.
Eagle River’s origin story (the “Kee Mi Con” chapter)
Before Eagle River became the place to disappear into cabin life for a week (or “accidentally” two), it was a trading, logging, and railroad town built at a literal gathering of waters.
Local history points to early settlement on Watersmeet Lake, right where the Wisconsin River meets the Chain O’ Lakes area. The town’s name? Eagles nesting along the river—simple, perfect, Northwoods. Then comes the legend of Joshua Fox setting up a trading post on Eagle Lake in the 1850s… and an Indigenous guide asking “Kee Mi Con?” (“Have you found it?”). Fox said yes, basically, and that little phrase became a piece of Eagle River’s DNA: you come up here to find something you didn’t know you needed.
Now, if you want a history moment that feels like a movie scene, head to the Chicago & North Western Depot Museum downtown. The original depot burned in February 1923 (overheated woodstove… classic Northwoods plot twist), and the current depot was completed in November 1923 in a Tudor Revival style because Eagle River was becoming a tourist town—not just a timber town. eagleriverhistory.org
That depot is the perfect “first stop” because it explains Eagle River in one sentence: work town → rail town → resort town → cabin town → winter-sports legend.
The watery map, explained like a friend with a pontoon
Eagle River isn’t one lake town. It’s a connected-lakes town—the kind where you can say “Let’s go see what’s around the corner,” and the corner is… another lake.
The Eagle River Chain (10 lakes you’ll actually learn to name)
The Eagle River Chain of Lakes is 10 lakes connected by the Eagle River: Catfish, Cranberry, Duck, Eagle, Lynx, Otter, Scattering Rice, Voyageur, Watersmeet, Yellow Birch.
If you’re staying on (or near) these, you’re in “dock coffee + evening cruise” cabin country.
The secret sauce: the Burnt Rollways Boat Hoist
Now here’s the thing only “been-here-a-while” folks get excited about: the Burnt Rollways Boat Hoist is how you jump between the Eagle River side (10 lakes) and the Three Lakes side (18 lakes). It’s a working piece of engineering history—originally built in 1911, later modernized with an electric gantry hoist running on a 165-foot-long trestleway—and yes, watching it operate is weirdly mesmerizing.
Cabin Joe move: make the hoist a mid-day “field trip.” It’s like a rideshare for boats.
Public launch + “where do we put the boat?”
Here’s the plain-English version:
Eagle Lake County Park is a classic family-friendly hub (swim beach + park vibes), and there’s a public boat launch there.
Locals talk about the T-Docks as a key public access point on the chain (especially if you’re aiming for that Yellow Birch / chain area). It comes up even on city notices around access projects.
If you want “downtown convenience” for gas, slips, or help, Your Eagle River Marina literally brands itself as a full-service marina right in downtown on the chain. Your Eagle River Marina
Boat rentals, water toys, and the “we don’t own a pontoon” solution
If your group didn’t tow a boat up (or you don’t want the stress), Eagle River makes it easy:
Boat Sport Marina rents pontoons & tritoons right on the chain—so you pick up in the water. They also note dogs are welcome on rental boats, and they’ve got options for fishing boats/ski boats via trailer or delivery rules (especially for longer stays). Boat Sport Marina
Want paddles, SUPs, and silent-sport gear? WalkAbout Apparel and Paddle is the downtown-ish “we do outdoors, but make it stylish” spot—kayaks, paddleboards, and seasonal gear like snowshoes.
And if you’ve got kids… or adults who act like kids… you need this:
The pirate ship is real (and it’s not trying to rob you)
Pirates Hideaway is part tiki bar, part ice cream, part “why is there a pirate ship?” It’s a lakeside stop with tours and private cruises, and yes—this is one of the most Eagle River things imaginable. Pirates Hideaway
Eagle River is fishing country—especially musky country—and you’ll hear phrases like “last cast” spoken like a prayer.
Don’t skip Guide’s Choice Pro Shop. Besides being a full-service fishing/hunting shop, it’s also home to a 16,300-gallon freshwater aquarium with native fish (including trophy musky) that’s basically a mini-attraction on its own.
Cabin Joe move: take the kids (or the skeptical non-fishers) there first. Suddenly everyone “gets it.”
Downtown Eagle River: Wall Street, Railroad Street, and small-town shopping that actually hits
Downtown Eagle River has the kind of shops that make you say, “We’re just popping in,” and then 45 minutes later you’re carrying a bag of fudge, a new hat, and a candle you absolutely didn’t plan for.
A few fun local stops to stitch into your days:
Tremblay’s Sweet Shop (because sugar is a vacation activity)
Grandma’s Toy Box (dangerous if you promised the kids “no souvenirs”)
Splash Soap Company (the “we’re taking self-care seriously” stop)
Shepherd’s Wool (cozy gifts, Northwoods vibes)
Arrow Gift Shop, Fredrick’s Corner Shoppe, Lyn’s Antiques (browse therapy)
The Hiker Box + WalkAbout (gear up without driving all over)
Eagle River Pet Company (pet travelers: you’re seen)
And here’s a spicy little pride point: downtown Eagle River’s core blocks were listed as an historic district on the National Register of Historic Places in 2025—so when you’re strolling Wall Street, you’re literally strolling history.
Drinks, dinners, and the holy ritual of Friday fish fry
Eagle River doesn’t play around with food and drink. You’ve got everything from lakeside dining to “sit here long enough and you’ll make friends” breweries.
Breweries + tap vibes
Tribute Brewing Company (locals love their Blueberry Train Wheat Ale)
Riverstone Brewing Company (family-friendly with house sodas for kids + a tiki bar/patio vibe)
Three Lakes Brew Station (just outside town; great hang + garden vibes)
Fish fry & classic Northwoods eats
Want an “official” fish fry hit list? Some of the names you’ll see again and again include:
Eagle Waters Resort (supper club energy, lakeside setting)
Buckshot’s Saloon & Eatery
LP’s Pizza & Pasta
Bortolotti’s Cin Cin Wine Bar & Restaurant (date night / girls night / “we deserve this” night)
Dining on the water (yes, literally)
If your group wants to eat where the view is doing half the work: Eagle Waters Resort, Pitlik’s Sand Beach Resort, Chanticleer Inn, Sweetwater Spirits, plus spots like Pirates Hideaway for drinks/ice cream/tiki energy.
Trails and “quiet fun” that still feels like an adventure
Three Eagle Trail (the non-motorized connector)
The Three Eagle Trail is a 12.7-mile crushed-limestone trail connecting Eagle River and Three Lakes. Four-season, easy to love, and perfect for bikes, walks, and “we earned dinner” cardio.
Anvil Lake Trail + the chickadees that land on your hand
This is one of the most wholesome Northwoods flexes: in winter, there’s a warming area on the Anvil Lake Trail where you can hike about a half-mile in… and feed chickadees from your hand while a volunteer (Tom Hill) keeps the fire going and the birdseed stocked on Saturday mornings. It’s half nature documentary, half Disney moment.
Winter Eagle River: ice castles, pond hockey, and “snowmobile racing is our Super Bowl”
If you’ve only done Eagle River in summer, winter is the plot twist.
The Eagle River Ice Castle
Downtown Eagle River has a famous ice castle tradition dating to 1933, originally tied to a “King Winter” festival, built from ice blocks harvested from local lakes (historically Silver Lake gets name-checked a lot in the story). Some winters it’s up, some winters it’s too warm—but when it happens, it’s a must-see night photo stop.
World Championship Snowmobile Derby
The World Championship Snowmobile Derby is one of Eagle River’s crown jewels. The 63rd runs January 15–18, 2026 at the World Championship Derby Complex.
USA Pond Hockey on Dollar Lake
Every winter since 2006, teams come to Dollar Lake, and the local fire department creates 24 marked rinks for a throwback pond hockey tournament vibe. (If you’ve never seen pond hockey under a winter sky… put it on your list.)
A few “anchor events” that make Eagle River feel like a festival town:
Cranberry Fest — the big fall classic at the Vilas County Fairgrounds + downtown activities, and it even includes cranberry marsh tours (in 2025, tours were tied to Lake Nokomis).
Up North Beerfest — summer beer celebration at Hi-Pines Campground (21+ event).
SepTimber Ride — cycling event energy that pairs beautifully with brewery/winery stops (perfect “fall weekend” move).
Cabintimer Sections: How your crew should do Eagle River
1) Families with kids
Your vibe: fun that’s easy, not exhausting.
Do this Eagle River recipe:
Morning: beach/park time at Eagle Lake County Park (swim, sand, picnic).
If your cabin wish list starts with pet-friendly and on-the-water, The Great Outdoors Lake House in Friendship, WI checks both boxes fast. Two standout perks jump out the moment you arrive: a brand-new private pier (2024) for easy swim-and-dock days, and three cozy electric fireplaces inside for flip-of-a-switch ambiance after sunset. Add in a breezy sunroom that glows at golden hour, and you’ve got a year-round cabin that feels made for slow mornings, lake play, and movie nights.
This 2-bedroom, 1-bath lake house sleeps up to 7 Cabintimers with two queen beds, a sleeper sofa, and a handy daybed on the sun porch. Outdoors, the fun is set up for you: kayak, pedal boat, and canoe are included, plus lifejackets, yard games, and a fire pit for s’mores. In summer, hop right in the water from the private pier; in winter, the pier is stored and Friendship Lake turns into a quiet base for ice fishing days followed by warm-up time near the fireplaces. Inside, expect WiFi, Smart TVs, a video library, and board games—perfect for rainy-day entertainment.
Where you’ll be
You’re right on Friendship Lake in Adams County, a friendly base for hiking, paddling, fishing, and snowmobiling. Roche-A-Cri State Park is just up the road, where stairways climb a 300-foot rock mound with wide-open views and historic petroglyphs. Pack sturdy shoes and a water bottle—you’ll want time at the overlook. When you’re ready for a day trip, Wisconsin Dells is an easy drive for waterparks, duck tours, and classic supper clubs.
Cabin highlights Cabintimers love
Pets considered so four-legged travelers can tag along.
Three electric fireplaces inside + outdoor fire pit for year-round coziness.
Free-to-use kayak, pedal boat, and canoe—no extra rental hassle.
Brand-new pier (2024) and a swim-friendly shoreline for quick dips.
Sunroom with a daybed—morning coffee spot, afternoon reading nook, or kid hangout.
A big front yard for yard games…and even tent camping if your crew wants a mini basecamp vibe.
Decorated for the holidays from November through January—cute, festive touches for winter stays.
Handicap access, central heat/AC, linens and towels provided to keep planning simple.
Summer & winter, both shine here
Summer is patio lounging, pier-jumping, and corn hole in the yard. Toss a line for panfish, bass, northern pike or walleye, then grill out on the patio and watch the sky change from the sunroom. Winter brings quiet mornings, ice fishing on the lake, board games at the table, and movie marathons with cocoa by the fireplaces. Fourth of July is a fan favorite—Cabintimers have raved about the boat parade and private fireworks across the lake.
Local things to do near Friendship & Adams
Roche-A-Cri State Park: climb the stairs to the overlook, scout the trails, and snap that panoramic photo.
Friendship Lake & Castle Rock Lake: split your time between a calm paddle on Friendship and a bigger-water boating day on Castle Rock County Park’s launch and swim beach.
Sand Valley (Nekoosa): golfers can tee it up on nationally recognized courses; non-golfers can explore dunes, fat-tire biking, paddling, or winter curling and ice fishing.
Wisconsin Dells: waterpark fun, Upper/Lower Dells boat tours, mini golf, and retro supper clubs.
Good to know
Two-night minimums keep weekends relaxed. The pier is removed during winter (common on Central Wisconsin lakes). Bring your favorite beans for the coffee maker and settle into a full kitchen with the essentials, from a dishwasher to spices. There’s boat and trailer parking if you’re towing, plus a private dock for easy tie-ups when the pier is in.
Why book direct
Skip traveler fees and third-party markups. When you book direct with the owner or local manager, you get no service fees, no middleman, and local tips that make your trip better—from best fish fry nights to which trail has the most shade on hot afternoons.
If your kind of cabin week smells like pine, sunscreen, and a fresh fish fry, this spot is calling your name. West Bay Lake House sits right on the Cisco Chain in Land O’ Lakes, WI and brings two rare perks Cabintimers rave about: a private fish‑cleaning house with running water and power (no more messy improvising) and a mosquito‑treated yard so those golden‑hour deck hangs actually last. Add a large private dock with a great swimming area and an aluminum fishing boat included, and you’ve got the recipe for classic Northwoods days right out the back door.
West Bay Lake itself is clear, calm, and loaded with multi‑species action, and you’re connected by water to the 15‑lake Cisco Chain—a playground for boating, paddling, sandbar picnics, and island exploring. Tie up back at the dock for lunch on the huge lakeside deck, then settle in for fire‑pit s’mores when the loons start calling. Pets are welcome here, so the whole crew gets to come along.
Space for the whole crew (sleeps up to 13)
This Northern Wisconsin log home spreads out groups comfortably with two living areas, two full baths, and three bedrooms. The main‑level primary bedroom has a queen, a second bedroom has two bunk sets (kid‑approved), and a third bedroom has a double bed. Extras include two twin beds, two sleeper sofas, and a futon—handy for multi‑family trips and fishing buddies. Inside you’ll also find Wi‑Fi, satellite TV, a wood‑burning fireplace for cool nights, a window A/C that chills the main living area on warm afternoons, plus a full kitchen (dishwasher & microwave) and in‑house laundry.
Dock days done right
Bring your own boat or hop in the included aluminum fishing boat to explore West Bay Lake and beyond. The private dock sits in a good swimming area for cannonballs and floating around with a cold drink. There’s a charcoal grill on the deck for burgers and brats, and that powered fish house makes filleting the day’s catch fast and tidy. Want more toys? Paddleboards, additional boats, and gear are available to rent nearby—just ask the owners for local contacts.
Eat, sip, and stock up by land or water
Cabintimers love the easy boat or car ride to Bent’s Camp on Mamie Lake for a meal with a view, boat fuel, bait, and a bit of Cisco Chain history. For groceries and odds‑and‑ends, head to Land O’ Lakes or swing through Boulder Junction and Minocqua. If your timing lines up, the St. Germain Monday Flea Market (Memorial Day–Labor Day) is worth the drive for antiques, crafts, and kettle corn. The Land O’ Lakes Art Center offers classes and events for all ages when you want a creative break from the water.
Trails, wilderness, and day trips
Beyond the Chain, lace up for quiet miles in the Sylvania Wilderness just over the border in Michigan’s U.P.—glass‑clear lakes, old‑growth forest, and canoe‑only shorelines make a perfect half‑day paddle or hike. Cyclists can spin scenic miles on local bike routes between Eagle River and Land O’ Lakes or loop rides around the wilderness area. Prefer a lazy day? Grab ice cream in Boulder Junction and wander the outfitters.
Pet‑friendly policy so the four‑leggeds don’t miss out
Mosquito‑treated yard (you’ll notice the difference at dusk)
Powered fish‑cleaning house steps from the dock
Large private dock + sandy swimming area
Aluminum fishing boat included for low‑effort lake time
Sleeps up to 13 with two living areas—easy for groups
Book direct and keep your dollars for the bait shop
Ready to check dates? Skip the fees and the middleman. Book directly with the owner to get local answers fast and the best value. Have questions? Send Joanne an inquiry today—she knows the Cisco Chain like a neighbor because she is one.
P.S. Cabintimers, if this is your kind of Northwoods basecamp, explore more no‑fee, book‑direct cabins across our growing network:
Cabintimers, here’s the kind of Northwoods basecamp you tell friends about later. A flat, grassy lot that rolls right to the shoreline. Two cabins sitting just a few strides from the water (we’re talking 8–15 feet). And those 80-foot piers? They put you over fishy water fast—morning coffee in one hand, rod in the other. Add on-site fisherman-style pontoon rentals and a screened fish-cleaning house, and you’ve got a lake-life setup that’s hard to beat on North Twin Lake in Phelps, Wisconsin.
Why Cabintimers love this spot
Waterfront made easy. No steep stairs. No huffing gear. Just level ground from cabin door to the lake. Swim from the shoreline as the water gradually deepens, or tie up at the long piers.
Serious fishing credentials. North Twin (2,880 acres) links with South Twin (another 780 acres) and produces walleye, musky, perch, and bass. Ice fishing is excellent too. Clean your catch in the modern, screened house with lights, power, and running water.
Boats ready on-site. Bring your rig or rent fisherman-focused pontoons and an Aluma Craft with GPS/depth finders, live wells, and trolling motors.
Walk-to conveniences. A gas/bait/convenience store sits a short walk away. Restaurants and a lakeside Irish sports bar are an easy stroll or a fun boat ride.
Open year-round. Come for summer swims, fall color and hunting weekends, winter snowmobiling and hardwater action, and spring walleye runs.
Pick your place at North Twin Lake View Resort
Walleye Inn — 3BR, sleeps up to 8 Just 15 feet from the water with an unobstructed lake view. Rebuilt in 2008, this year‑round home has 1.5 baths, a dishwasher, microwave, Keurig, washer/dryer, and a 46″ TV with Blu‑ray and surround sound. Bedrooms: one queen; second with queen bunks; third with single bunks. Air conditioning included.
Perch Inn — 2BR, sleeps up to 6 A newer 1,250‑sq‑ft home about 120 feet from shore with a gas fireplace, 1.5 baths, washer/dryer, dishwasher, extra‑large fridge, Keurig + drip coffee makers, and custom hickory cabinets. Big stamped‑concrete patio with a pub table and high‑back swivel chairs—prime territory for golden‑hour hangs.
Loon Lodge — 3BR, sleeps up to 10 This high‑end, brand‑new build sits just 8 feet from the lake for that splash‑zone feeling. Two full baths, granite countertops, custom vanities, a 28‑cu‑ft fridge, dishwasher, microwave, Keurig, main‑floor laundry, and a 50″ TV with surround sound and outdoor speakers. Patio pub table faces the water. Reserved for guests who’ll take excellent care of the hand‑crafted furnishings.
All three homes include fast Wi‑Fi, cable/satellite TV with DVD, fully stocked kitchens, bedding and linens (bring your own bath towels/washcloths), and air conditioning.
Boat rentals for anglers and cruisers
On-site fleet highlights typically include 20–22′ fisherman‑style pontoons with 50–90HP motors plus the 16.5′ Aluma Craft. Most rigs are set up with GPS/depth finders, live wells, LakeMaster chips, trolling motors, and power anchors—great for chasing structure, slip‑bobbering for walleye, or easing along a weed edge for musky.
Pro tip: Pair a half‑day cruise with a shoreline dinner by the fire ring. That long pier makes loading and unloading a breeze.
Things to do around Phelps, Eagle River & Land O’ Lakes
Eat & sip. Boat across North Twin to Dublin’s Irish Sports Bar for 17 taps and hearty pub food. In town, grab ice cream or candy and soak up a small‑town stroll.
Trail time. Bring hiking boots for nearby forest trails. Winter brings miles of groomed snowmobile routes and quiet cross‑country skiing.
Easy day trips. Eagle River and Land O’ Lakes are about 15 minutes away for shopping, outfitters, golf, and more up‑north flavor.
Quick planning notes
Open year‑round. Weekly and daily stays available; rates vary by home and season.
Policies. No pets and no indoor smoking. Check‑in at 2:00 p.m.; check‑out at 9:00 a.m.
What to pack. Bath towels and personal washcloths, shoreline water shoes, and your favorite coffee pods.
Payments & deposits. A modest reservation deposit holds your dates; balances are due ahead of arrival. Boat rentals require a refundable security deposit. (All terms are subject to change.)
Book direct—skip the fees
Ready to lock in lake time? View current availability, see photo galleries, and book directly with the owner for no service fees and local expertise. Start at the resort’s website or reserve through the resort’s listings on RentWisconsinCabins®.
Final nudge: Curious about dates or on‑site boat availability? Visit the rental website directly and connect with the owner—no middleman, no added fees, just straight answers from folks who know the lake.
It’s Cabin Time® Blog 