Wisconsin Vacation Rentals

Explore different vacation rentals throughout Wisconsin. We highlight a few properties in different regions of Wisconsin to help assist vacationers as they plan their next getaway.

by

The Best 5 “Drives” for Wisconsin Fall Colors.

An intensive guide to not only Wisconsin Fall Color but to the festivals, and hobbies to go along with the scenic drive. Pack up the car now and head to one of these areas for a great fall getaway.

RentWisCabins-BayfieldCabin11

Let’s be honest with each other, Fall is one of everyone’s favorites in the Midwest and it’s not because of our perfect summers either. It’s because summer for most means traveling, jammed pack days at the beach, pool, zoo or family reunions. It’s simply not the case in fall.  Sure, school is in session and kids go back into sports but what happens with the chilly nights settle over us? Do you step away from the TV? Hide indoors? Why not check out what Wisconsin is all about? It’s about reconvening with nature and nature is really exciting when it prepares for winter, don’t you think? Let’s take a look at the top 10 places in Wisconsin to check out fall color!

1. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. This is one of the first areas to notice the leaves change-this 115 mile stretch that starts near Whitewater and unwinds by Sheboygan county. The roads purpose it tought be created solely for the scenic drive. Be sure to download the PDF with directions from Wisconsin DNR here: Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. This forest offers panoramic views of the trees adapting to cooler weather.

2. Door County Coastal Highway– this takes you right into the peninsula that showcases 66 miles of fall color. There are many ways to view this foliage as well. Take your own self-guided tour, but be sure to plan a couple of days to thoroughly enjoy all of Door County. While winding down the highway take in all the special restaurants and see what the gifted chefs have to offer. Hop aboard the Door County Trolley to truly take in all the color and wonderful smells.

3. Great River Road– otherwise known as Highway 10 whispers along the Wisconsin Driftless Area. This gives up countless views of wetlands, trees, bluffs, and wildlife so you might get more than you bargain for when it comes to looking for just fall foliage but nonetheless, it is a great road traveled.

4. Waupaca– Waupaca offers much more than just fall foliage. This road trip offers excitement at the end of the day with jazz festivals and apple harvests. Enjoy the fall foliage from a canoe, where the water soothes the soul and the trees tell a story of changing over spirits of the seasons. While there, be sure to check out the Chain O’ Lakes Blues Festival in October.

5. The Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area– Head towards Popko East and know that this is a great opportunity to witness Wisconsin’s true beauty that makes living up north priceless. One of our personal favorites in our office at www.RentWisconsinCabins.com, this road is a self guided, 20 mile, 15 stop tour that shows you humans interaction with nature and the give and take that relationship we have with it. Notice the red pines, white ash, sugar maples,oak, birch, elm and the Aspen trees changing color as the brisk evenings turn into milder days in October. Bring your binoculars and fishing pole because among the flowage, wildlife is abundant and there are lots of places to pull over and wet a line right from shore. Have a glimpse of bear, eagles, deer, grouse, you name it in the north, you will probably see it. It is one of the best fishing areas in the state!

oct20

Fall scenic road trips in Wisconsin are very easy on the budget. Head to the Gas Buddy Website to estimate your trip cost.

by

We promise! This is the Best Romantic Cabin In Wisconsin

Whether you are on your honeymoon or celebrating an anniversary in Wisconsin, this cabin is for you!

Capture the warmth

Capture the warmth

Congratulations! No need to look any further! This cabin is delightfully gorgeous, sitting deep into the most colorful array of trees; the sun peeking out oh so perfectly that you will think you are in heaven. Hauser’s Cabin has it all. You want the beach? The romantic sunset on the deck? Maybe you won’t leave the property at all. This PET FRIENDLY cabin near the Apostle Islands is fully furnished with so much to do that you will not get bored! See why Milwaukee Sentinel voted this one of the top 10 cabins in Wisconsin!

With Wisconsin’s northern most picturesque town, Cornucopia only 15 miles away, why wouldn’t you consider this beautiful place? Let’s start with the inside. This 1 bedroom cabin has free WIFI and SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO! Watch a movie on Amazon Prime in bed on the New Queen Sertia iComfort Savant bed with remote control to ensure maximum comfort.

Just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed staying at the cabin ~ You did an incredible job with the remodel. It was just our aesthetic. Cozy, modern, and rustic all rolled into one. The thing I really appreciated was the attention to the lighting. I love dimmers and soft light which was done perfectly in the cabin. It was a great home away from home and we hope to stay again in the near future. The sled dog races were great! We were intentionally off the grid at your cabin (though you have Wifi and movies via Amazon Prime) – which was what we wanted. The nature views were very serene. Our dog loved it too! It was perfect! You were professional and timely in your communication and that was noticed and appreciated. Christine

Wake up in the morning and cook gourmet breakfast in the fully equipped kitchen stocked with dishes and spices and furnished with granite marble tops and top of the line appliances.

Feeling cold in the long winter afternoons? Sit by the fireplace and enjoy the sofa and chaise lounge chair with a cup of cocoa and challenge each other to friendly rounds of board games.

Ready to adventure outside? You will never be bored with the endless activities. Contemplate your day starting out on the deck with some coffee and ponder whether you are going to the warm, shallower beach (which is practically your own) or whether you want to go on a hike, a bike ride or explore by sailboat or kayak to the islands that populate near Lake Superior’s shore. Want a nice romantic weekend getaway filled with adventure? This cabin is perfect for skiers whether is it is downhill or cross-country skiing and the snowmobile trail is right out the front door! Make sure you take in the Apostle Island Annual Dog Sled Races. While there make sure you check out the ICE CAVES, A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED LANDMARK that has travelers from all over the world exploring it. Need more details? Click here for more information, rates and availability.

Stay warm by the fire, whether you’re inside or outside by the fire pit but remember the one reason you are there; to share the enjoyment the sheer beauty of solitude and simplicity together.

Got a larger group? Visit RentWisconsinCabins.com when it’s time to find the ideal Wisconsin cabin, cottage, lodge, or home.

by

Make “Someday” Today: Battling the Fears that Keep You From Traveling

insightful!

Theresa Christine's avatarTremendous Times

Man and woman at waterfall Let’s talk hopes, dreams, & fears.

This post is available to listen to and/or download on Soundcloud.

Over July 4th weekend, I’m proud to say I checked a pretty big thing off of my bucket list: I went skydiving!

This is something that I’d sort of put in the back of my mind to accomplish someday. It’s so effortless to say that, isn’t it? Someday I’ll go to that museum, someday I’ll hike through the Grand Canyon, someday I’ll live abroad… It’s just easier to declare, “I’ll do that one day,” than to actually act on it, even if it means doing a small something that is part of a bigger something. And this doesn’t just go for exploring the world. Anyone can say, “I’ll show more appreciation to others tomorrow,” or “Next month I’ll take the bus to work instead of drive.” Making the change and doing…

View original post 1,861 more words

by

Wisconsin Food and Drink Favorites

It’s very clear that I am not from Wisconsin. I don’t say “don’t you know?” and I don’t call a water fountain “the bubbler”. I had a hard time finding a time machine (Tyme, as in an ATM machine). I do however, believe in drinking a hot toddy elixir to relieve the common cold. Plus, I add cheese to everything, really everything. One of my favorite things about moving to Wisconsin almost a decade ago is the food. Wisconsinite’s really take their food seriously and take lots of great steps to make sure that your belly is happy and satisfied after a meal. Let me share with you some of the recipes that Wisconsin is known for.

A Wisconsin Beer Brat:

Most people in the country don’t even know what a brat is (sorry for those of you that think that this news is shocking). The fact that you let meat sit in beer to get its flavor might seem weird but not here in Wisconsin. It’s actually quite simple and no steps should be skipped when preparing this delicious recipe.

The Beer Mixture:

2 bottles of a German amber

Enough cheap beer to cover the brats when boiling.

2 roughly chopped onions

1 teaspoon of Worchestire sauce

brat
Bring to a boil and then add brats. Let them simmer in beer mixture while you prepare the charcoal grill.

When coals are red hot and a glowing bed, add the brats on medium heat for 6-7 minutes. Do not overcook!

When time is up, place them back in the beer mixture and simmer until they are ready to be served. For best results, no less than 20 minutes.

While simmering the brats, toast your buns to a golden brown. No brat is complete without stone ground mustard (Wisconsin is the home state of the Mustard Museum) and the cooked onions from the beer mixture. Enjoy!

Beer Battered Cheese Curds:

I didn’t know what cheese curds were either, and when someone gave me my first cheese curd the day I moved up to Wisconsin, I thought it was a miniature glorified mozzarella stick. I just didn’t have the right kind. After learning the best way to make a cheese curd, I will never again mistake it for a mozzarella stick again. Here’s the specs:

Beat together:

12 ounces of your favorite light beer

2 eggs

Mix together:

2 cups of flour

1 1-2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of pepper

3 cups finely ground bread crumbs (do not add to beer batter mix)

2 cups of room temperature cheese curds

beercheesecurds
Drop cheese curds into the beer batter and then lightly roll into a shallow dish of bread crumbs. Place cheese curds on a cookie sheet and freeze for 25 minutes. Meanwhile heat up peanut oil in fryer. Place cheese curds in basket and carefully lower into oil. Curds should not be in there more than a minute but pay attention to the golden brown color to take effect. Cool off cheese curds on paper towel. Let the cheesiness melt in your mouth!

Be mindful to let cheese curds cool down slightly.

Cheese curds are delicious on their own but can be accented with a variety of dressings. I prefer Ranch dressing.

Wisconsin Fish Boils:

Because of Wisconsin’s heavy Scandinavian influence, Fish Boils are very popular. If you haven’t experienced a Wisconsin “Friday Night Fish Fry” – get to it. Restaurants book fast and guests start to arrive about a half hour before to witness the fish boil production, chat with other locals, and tip a couple back. Now, unless you have a large firepit, a kettle large enough for 50 people and a huge iron bar to lift the kettle by its handles after boiling fish for so long, I would suggest keeping it on a lower scale and follow the recipe below. This recipe has been scaled for 5 servings. It’s roughly two pieces of fish and baby red per person.

You will need:

10 pieces of whitefish, salmon or lake trout

A large pot filled with boiling, salted water

10 baby red potatoes, not peeled but cut ends slightly

12 small onions

¾ c. of butter

Bring salted water to a boil and carefully lower the potatoes and boil for another 10 minutes. Add onions and return to a boil for another 3 minutes. Place fish in a wire basket (if you have one) and lower into the pot. Boil for 10 minutes and then drain into a strainer. After serving up portions on the plates for your guest, drizzle over the entire plate with butter and serve with a lemon wedge, traditional coleslaw and a roll. To view a video of a traditional Lake Michigan Fish Boil, click here.

Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet:

brandy
After all the work in the kitchen, a drink sounds pretty good right? Wisconsin has no shortage of brandy! That’s the official drink of Wisconsin and you can hear many ways to make it. When I bartended at a brewery a couple years ago, a wise man taught me to prepare a Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet this way:

3-4 cherries per glass

An orange slice

3 dashes of bitters

2 tablespoons of sugar (can be more or less depending on your preference)

And a splash of water

2 oz. of Brandy

Lemon Lime Soda

Place cherries, orange, bitters, sugar and a splash of water. Muddle (squish) ingredients in a short glass and add ice. Add brandy and lemon lime soda. Voila!

Hot Toddy:

Wisconsinites are pretty serious about their past times and after skiing mountains, sledding, snowmobiling, building ice castles or ice fishing, it’s time to warm up. Head back to your Wisconsin vacation cabin and a Hot Toddy will do just the trick. No one seems to know where the name came from but that isn’t exactly important. We firmly believe it has medicinal properties and can cure a sore throat, or that’s what we tell ourselves anyways. Try this concoction next time you’re chilled and tell us what you think!

2 oz. brandy

2 oz. honey or simple syrup

Cinnamon stick

Thin sliced lemon, feel free to pierce this with a clove for added flavor

3 oz. Hot water

Mix liquids together vigorously in a mug, garnish with the lemon and your set to go!

Enjoy these special foods and drinks on your next vacation! Visit www.RentWisconsinCabins.com and use our Narrow Your Search Tool and Google Interactive Map to find YOUR perfect cabin, cottage, lodge, or home!

toddy

Rebecca is a blogger, full time Wisconsinite, taste tester, and jokester. We can barely keep her in the office and it’s even harder for her to keep her shoes on the whole day. We let her stick to her blogging most times. Any questions, feel free to visit out contact tab for more information on who we are as a company!

by

WI Deer Camp Means Memorable Traditions and Changes

Every fall, women get together in packs and joke about being a widow for the weekend …you know they are from Wisconsin. Wisconsin has a large deer population, in fact it is in the top 10 for North America for deer hunting. There is also bear, turkey, pheasant, grouse, quail, and waterfowl to hunt! Some things to know before you go:

whitetail deer

A new crossbow law is being tested. Previously, hunters that were above the age of 65 and/or had physical disabilities were able to crossbow hunt. This new law lets hunters opt for the crossbow — the law will be tested for three years to see what will come of it. Some say that the crossbow is too efficient and will lead to an overkill of the deer population and will shorten the length of deer season. Only time will tell to see if this will be a permanent law. In the meantime, we can expect more deer hunters to join in on the experience of DEER CAMP, and we know just the places to set up camp.

One of the highest deer population rates is in Shawano County. The county has reported a deer population of 52,700. Shawano is a small city of about 9,000 people and offers a lot in recreation and quality deer hunting. The forests, farmland and marshes make this area great for sizable whitetail deer. It is against the law to feed deer in this county but with the population the way it is, you should have no problem bagging one. Ten miles away sits public land over 14,500 acres called the Navarino Wildlife Area. This area is one of the most densely populated areas in the state. When thinking about staying here, check out Adventure’s Cabins. These cabins sit on Lulu Lake, which makes it perfect for fall fishing as well. After your full day of outdoor activities, your group can sit in front of the wood burning fire stove and ‘make a plan for tomorrow’. There’s even a washer and a dryer. This property comes with a fire pit, private dock, canoe and rowboat.

adventure

Next we head straight over to the other side of the state along the Mississippi river in Buffalo County where many areas are heavy with deer, turkey, waterfowl and pheasant populations. Buffalo County is home to roughly 32000 whitetail deer becoming the forefront of the nation in deer size, recording 309 “wall-hangers” in just 10 years! It’s safe to say that after the hunting season, you won’t be disappointed. On that note, we have cabins in Buffalo County that will fit your needs.

Fountain City, a small town right on the river and claims to be the “River Bluff Capital of the World”. There you will find HNL Farms: Heritage House. This home is a nice, peaceful and relaxing homestead where you can cook on the grill, or head to town for a good bite to eat. Use the fire pit at night and tip back a couple — it OK to dream about which wall you’re putting your next trophy buck on. If you have some young hunters; there’s even a clubhouse and game room not too far off!

hnl

There is also Cross Ridge Retreat in Fountain as well. This retreat boasts vista like panoramic views of wildlife and the Upper Mississippi River valley all seen by the three season porch. Relax and enjoy the heated clubhouse with a bar and game room. If there is an early snowfall, this retreat is right on the Buffalo County Snowmobile trail.

crossridge1 crossridge

If we head back to a more central location, Tomah, you will get a chance to see some of the state’s best deer hunting. This area has predicted 28,600 deer for this upcoming year. It’s absolutely beautiful and is a great low stress environment with plenty of marshy grounds. These Tomah cabins put you in Deer and Bear country.

If both deer and bear sound good, stay a few days in the Tomah area. The Bald Eagle Lodge in Warrens, WI can sleep over 20 people so bring the family and friends along! This is absolutely perfect! There are two kitchens, two private decks and a patio. This rental is perfect for a family get together where the fun can be shared AND separate at the same time. While the men hunt in the nearby Black River State Forest, the rest of the family can enjoy the Lodge amenities, head to town, or even do some horseback riding.

bald eagle baldeagle2

Hunters enjoy all that Wisconsin has to offer because it is truly paradise. To learn and get engaged with more Wisconsin  hunting or even to see what Wisconsin Outdoor Fun is all about, head over to WisconsinOutdoorFun.com! Grab your friends or family and make your hunting trip memorable. Stay at a great Wisconsin Vacation Rental! See our entire selection at RentWisconsinCabins.com – you’ll love the Narrow Your Search tool and the interactive Google Map. The best part is — you always connect, plan and book directly with rental owners or managers to get the best rate.

Did you hear? We recently launched 3 other state-specific vacation rental websites for Minnesota cabins, Michigan vacation rentals, and even New York cottages! Check them out.

by

Let’s go for a ride in Wisconsin!

iron river

Wisconsin has roughly 10,000 miles of OHV trails throughout the rolling hills and majestic forests that cover much of the northern part of the state. While this sport is growing in popularity, Wisconsin has made a huge effort in maintaining trails to allow for users to travel them year round. Let’s explore some of these trails! Please be sure to check with local DNR to see what the new ATV/UTV laws require. RentWisconsinCabins.com has hundreds of cabins on atv trails!

Price County Trails is an easy trail that used to be part of a railway system, now converted to an ATV trail. The 62 miles open for ATVs is along 6 different towns that have plenty to offer for gas, food and lodging. These towns are ATV friendly and allow users to use the posted sign routes to access the town’s resources. Park Falls area has vacation rentals near the trail for added convenience. This season runs April 15 through November 15, allowing the fantastic views of the forest to mesmerize you while you ride your ATVs.

For more challenging rides, go to Hayward. Hayward has some of the best ATV loops and trails in Wisconsin and even some say in the tri state area. We recommend the Dead Horse Trail along with these Hayward cabins. This 55 mile trail is not as easy as others and are for more slightly experienced riders. These continuous loops roll the Chequamegon National Forest where the pines overwhelm the naturalist. This trail will take you through wetlands and prairie as well.

atv

Bayfield County has ton to offer when it comes to ATVs and UTVs and offers a plethora of scenery unmatched by many trails in the state. This trails struts alongside the largest body of water, Lake Superior. The Vallhalla trail system is an easy trail that goes right along the big lake through wooded areas and hilly terrain, connecting riders through other trails, some leading right though the national forest and a glacial pit, spitting riders back out at a very appealing landscape after climbing steep and long inclines. From there, you can take the Trail 40, also known as the Lenawee Trail as it connects to the Old Baldy Trail. This trail takes you through the pine forest and an overlook onto Lake Superior where Minnesota just barely makes an appearance across the deep vast waters.

As riders make their way on Battle Axe trail into Iron River on Trail 31, riders typically stop for lodging In Iron River. Iron River boasts over 500 miles of ATV trails. There is also great hiking, fishing, biking, and swimming in the area making it an ultimate adventure trip. Go along the waterfalls, rumbling rivers, prairies, lakes and streams with ATVs, and experience what most do not. This can be fun for the whole family or just a trip for the guys or gals.

by

Fishing Hot Spots in Wisconsin

Wisconsin beats Minnesota as the land of 10,000 lakes and rivals it with it’s great fishing quality. Wisconsin has some of the best fishing spots right next to your favorite Wisconsin cabin rentals. Though there are thousands of great fishing lakes; we have gathered a list of our favorite 3 lakes and what you can expect from them.

“A bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work” – Unknown.

chippewa

While the Chippewa Flowage did not make the top 3, we did still want to mention this one because of its documented world record Musky reaching 69 pounds! With Hayward being home to the “can’t miss it” Fresh Fishing museum in the shape of  4 1/2 story Musky, you know what this area is known for. It has become a popular vacation destination for all Midwestern anglers. Compare 45 Hayward Cabins at RentWisconsinCabins.com; Book directly with the owners/manager to get the best rental rate. The owners will likely have some Musky fishing tips too. With perch steadily growing in population, so is Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike. Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike however are predators and make it difficult for Walleye and Muskellunge to reproduce. Local guides advise in keeping your daily limit of the legal sized Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike to help dwindling populations.

green lakeComing in at #3 is Green Lake. These Green Lake Cabins are on, or near the lake. The lake is 2 miles wide and averages 100 feet in depth but maxes out at 237 feet in depth, making this lake the deepest in Wisconsin. With these facts, it creates some of the best quality fishing in Wisconsin. Green Lake also has some of biggest variety of fishing. Some of the fish include Blue Gill, Brown Trout, Lake Trout (minimum length is 17 inches), Northern Walleye, Perch, Small Bass mouth, Large  Bass Mouth and Muskellunge (minimum length is 40 inches).

castle rock lakeAnother favorite fishing spot coming in at #2 is Castle Rock Lake in Adams County, WI. The 4th largest lake in Wisconsin is known for its sandy bottom, maxing out at 36 feet down. This man-made drainage lake is also home to these popular rod-benders – Walleye, White Bass and Crappies, but you can also find Northern Pike and Perch. Check out our Castle Rock Lake Vacation Homes.

Bass fishingComing in at #1 is Geneva Lake, in the city of Lake Geneva, WI. Though these Lake Geneva vacation homes are not on the lake, they are in town, or near town. This lake is moderately clear but that’s not why thousands of people from the Midwest travel to greet these waters. This lake is fed by fresh water springs and is home to absolutely the most prized catch: The Walleye. In fact, it’s not unusual to catch Walleye around the 10 pound mark. We can thank the Cisco here for it’s abundant supply. You can also find Northern Pike around 30 pounds and trout at 15 pounds. You can also find White bass, Rainbow Trout, Perch, Crappie, Bluegill and a heavy Smallmouth Bass population. We hear the best fishing magic happens by Williams Bay and Coleman’s Point around the 10-13 foot range. What’s your favorite fishing spot in Wisconsin?

Just in case you didn’t know:

The weather has more to do with the ability to fish more so than the affects of the moon. The barometric pressure, coverage of clouds, and wind can all lead to a great day of fishing. The moon CAN increase the chances of a great catch but it WILL NOT make it worse.

EXPLORE OUR INTERACTIVE MAP AT RENTWISCONSINCABINS.COM! ZOOM IN TO YOUR FAVORITE LAKE TO SEE THE VACATION RENTALS, OR USE THE NARROW YOUR SEARCH TOOL TO FIND RENTALS THAT MEET YOUR UNIQUE RENTAL NEEDS.