If your crew has been craving a lake place where everyone actually fits under one roof—and right on the beach—Talsma Vacation Rentals in Lake City, Michigan delivers. These lakefront homes sit on the south side of 1,900-acre, all-sports Lake Missaukee, about 15 minutes from Cadillac. Each home has its own sandy stretch, a private dock, and not one but two campfire rings—one near the house and another right on the beach—so the s’mores keep going long after sunset. Pontoon and Jet Ski rentals are available through Talsma, so Cabintimers can step from the deck to the dock and be cruising in minutes.
Why Cabintimers love these three lakefront homes
“Jennings” – 8 bedrooms, up to 24 guests: More than 5,000 square feet of gathering space and a roomy ¾-acre lot mean cousins, grandparents, and friends can all spread out without losing that together-time vibe. Walk into a game-friendly rec room with an air-hockey table, then head to the main floor’s open kitchen/dining/living area that faces the water. Outside, a lakeside patio with a gas grill sets the stage for cookouts, and the beach is shallow and swimmer-friendly.
“Arbutus” – 6 bedrooms, up to 15 guests: Built with big family vacations in mind, Arbutus offers 80 feet of sandy frontage and dining space for the whole crew—seating up to 15. A beach-side entry leads into a laundry area with a second fridge (so the lake snacks never run out). Rainy day? Slip downstairs to the TV/game room.
“Tranquility” – 4 bedrooms, up to 12 guests: This log-cabin-feel home pairs a cozy main-level living area with a lake-view deck, plus a lower-level family room with air hockey. The beach has those classic “big log” seats around the fire pit, and the shallow water is a win for little swimmers.
All three homes are pet-free and smoke-free, Wi-Fi and A/C equipped, and stocked with linens, towels, a propane grill, and family-friendly gear like a Pack ’n Play and high chair—less packing, more playing. Each property includes a dock, and Talsma’s watercraft rentals (two 22’ pontoons and a Jet Ski) are available for your full stay.
When to book & what to expect
Lakefront summer weeks are popular on Missaukee. Talsma begins taking the following summer’s lakefront reservations on October 1. Peak season requires a 7-night, Saturday-to-Saturday stay, and you’ll sign a simple rental agreement with a refundable deposit at check-in if everything looks good at departure.
Local tips from a “Cabin Time” point of view
Plan a beach-to-trail day by hopping over to William Mitchell State Park in Cadillac—great for kayaking between lakes, fishing from the pier, or wandering the Heritage Nature Trail at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center (lantern-lit snowshoe hikes in winter are a treat). Afterward, grab a bite in Cadillac’s lakefront district or sample craft brews before you head back for sunset on Missaukee.
Visiting in winter? Keep an eye on conditions and carve turns at Caberfae Peaks (Michigan’s classic ski hill) and then retreat to your lake house for board games by the fire.
Why book direct with Talsma
Booking direct with the owners means no service fees, quick answers from locals who know the lake, and first pick of those coveted peak-season dates. For Cabintimers, that’s the difference between “maybe next year” and “see you on the beach after lunch.” Head straight to the source to check calendars, rates, and current promos—and tell them you’re coming to make memories on Missaukee.
Ready to start planning? Explore photos, rates, and availability at Talsma Vacation Rentals and lock in your week on Lake Missaukee.
If you’ve been craving a true Roan Mountain cabin experience, this local favorite checks all the boxes for Cabintimers: a luxury creekfront cabin called Fish Camp with two primary suites and a pebble‑floor spa shower, and a renovated 1930s Creek House with 350 feet of spring‑fed Cove Creek frontage and a stone fireplace. Prefer sky‑high views? The Mountain House sits around 4,200 feet with long‑range valley vistas and a private hot tub. Book direct with Roan Mountain Rentals and keep your dollars for trout flies, rhododendron selfies, and barbecue—no traveler fees, no middleman, and real local advice.
Roan Mountain Rentals keeps you close to the heart of the High Country—minutes from Roan Mountain State Park and Carver’s Gap on the Appalachian Trail—yet each property feels like your own hideaway. This corner of Northeast Tennessee is all about cool creeks, big balds, and night skies full of stars. It’s cabin time.
Why Cabintimers love these cabins
Fish Camp is a water‑lover’s basecamp at about 3,500 feet with 400 feet at the confluence of Shell and Doll creeks. Unwind on the half‑moon deck or stone patio by the creekside fire pit, then retreat to two private bedroom suites—one with a 6‑foot soaking tub and balcony. The kitchen sports granite counters and a farmhouse copper sink, so bring your favorite ribeye and claim the grill.
Creek House brings cozy Roan Mountain vibes in a fully updated 1930s bungalow. Expect hardwood and stone floors, a floor‑to‑ceiling wood‑burning fireplace, an enclosed sleeping/reading porch, and 2 porches with rockers. Toss a few rounds at the horseshoe pit and wander down to 350 feet along spring‑fed Cove Creek—it’s the sound you’ll remember long after checkout.
The Mountain House is for sunrise and stargazing fans. The great room has cathedral ceilings and a stone fireplace; covered porches run the full length of the house so the valley views are front‑row rain or shine. After a day at the Rhododendron Gardens, soak in the private hot tub or challenge the crew to a pool‑table showdown. Note: no pets here; consider Fish Camp or Creek House if you’re bringing the pup.
Pet‑friendly notes & booking direct perks
Traveling with dogs? Fish Camp and Creek House are pet‑friendly (with common‑sense rules), while The Mountain House is pet‑free. When you book direct with Roan Mountain Rentals, you’ll chat with the owners, avoid platform fees, and get tailored suggestions—from best picnic pull‑offs to where the trout bite after a summer rain.
What to do nearby (beyond the porch)
Roan Mountain State Park is your go-to for simple fun: a seasonal pool, tennis courts, creekside hikes, and a short bike loop. When the blooms pop, it feels like a guided wildflower walk even if you’re on your own. From Carver’s Gap, hop on the Appalachian Trail to Round Bald and Grassy Ridge—wide-open views and that famous June wave of Catawba rhododendron. On hot afternoons, head to Watauga Lake for a pontoon cruise, a swim in the clear water, or a smallmouth session. Down in Elizabethton, photograph the Doe River Covered Bridge and grab coffee or a bite. When snow flies, Banner Elk and Beech Mountain, North Carolina, are a quick, scenic drive for turns, tubing, and taprooms.
Trip‑planning tips for Cabintimers
Pack layers—the mountain air runs cooler than the valley, even in midsummer. If you’re visiting in winter and driving higher up, four-wheel drive is smart. Tuck camp chairs and a headlamp in the trunk for creekside reading and stargazing. Groceries and last-minute essentials are down the mountain in Elizabethton and Hampton.
Ready to book?
Bring layers—mountain weather changes fast, even in July. If you’re visiting in winter and heading up to the high country, 4WD can be a smart call. Pack camp chairs for creek‑side reading, and don’t forget a red headlamp for safe star‑gazing. Groceries and last‑minute essentials are down the mountain in Elizabethton and Hampton.
Ready to book?
Skip the fees and go straight to the source. Explore availability and ask questions through their listings on RentTennesseeCabins.com. You’ll get friendly, local guidance plus the best rates—because Cabintimers know that booking direct is the way to roll.
Explore more cabins across the It’s Cabin Time® regional websites:
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, if “lake time” means swimming off your own dock, playing a quick game of 8-ball between grilling sessions, and capping the day with a sunset from a screened-in porch (with its own bar), this Minnesota Lake Sullivan Cabin hits the sweet spot. The fully remodeled main level and kitchen make cooking easy, the big deck begs for long conversations, and the detached game room with a slate pool table keeps the fun rolling after dark. With three bedrooms plus a loft (sleeps 9), two baths, central A/C, a 65″ Smart TV, and a Nintendo 64 for throwback nights, it’s set up for family gatherings and fishing weekends alike. Two kayaks are available to rent, and there’s a large private dock for your boat.
This place sits on 145 feet of private shoreline on clear, fishy Lake Sullivan—about two hours from Minneapolis—so your days can be as relaxed or as active as you want. The lake spans roughly 1,221 acres with depths to about 55 feet and connects to Platte Lake via the Platte River, opening up even more water to explore. Anglers appreciate the walleye and panfish scene, and paddlers love the calm morning water for sunrise laps along the shore.
Inside, the sleeping setup is trip-friendly: two king beds, one queen, and a queen futon in the loft. Coffee is covered with a full kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, blender), plus there’s a minibar with an extra fridge for beverages and bait. A screened porch with seating and a bar keeps bugs at bay while you cheer on the cornhole champs in the yard. And yes—there’s no Wi-Fi here. Hotspots work with major carriers, but the real invitation is to unplug: more dock time, more stories around the gas fireplace, more cribbage in the porch.
When you’re ready to roam, you’re a short drive from some of Minnesota’s most loved outdoor playgrounds. Mountain bikers and gravel riders can chase “red gold” flow at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, where 50+ miles of singletrack weave around aqua-blue mine lakes—bring cameras and your sense of adventure. In winter, fat-tire riding continues on groomed trails. (Minnesota DNR)
Prefer big-lake beaches and fishing piers? Father Hennepin State Park on Mille Lacs has a sandy swim beach, easy shoreline access, and room to picnic after a morning on the water. Mille Lacs shines year-round too—ice fishing, dark-house spearing for northerns, snowshoe laps, and cocoa by the warming house make winter feel downright festive.
If the forecast calls for a rest day, cruise into Little Falls to wander the Minnesota Fishing Museum & Hall of Fame—thousands of artifacts celebrate a deep tradition of time spent on the water. It’s a fun stop for anglers of every generation. (Minnesota Fishing Museum)
A few local tips from the Lake Sullivan side of the county line: sunrise tends to be glassy for paddling; the mid-day bite often pushes deeper on sunny days; and evening swims off the dock are hard to beat after a day on the trail or on Mille Lacs. Lake Sullivan sits in northeast Morrison County near Hillman and Harding, with Platte Lake just a quick boat ride through the river connection—so you’ve got options when winds pick up or you’re scouting new structure. (Lake Sullivan)
Who’s this cabin perfect for? Families who crave easy water access and a kid-approved game room. Anglers chasing walleye and panfish with room to spread out gear. Biking crews aiming for Cuyuna laps, then back-porch beverages. And any group that appreciates a little digital detox—more lakeshore, fewer notifications.
Ready to plan? Book directly with the owner/manager through the rental website to skip service fees, skip the middleman, and tap into local expertise about the lake and nearby trails. That’s the It’s Cabin Time® way—more value for your stay and more dollars kept local.
Explore even more cabin-country inspiration on our regional sites, then come back and lock in your dates at this Lake Sullivan cabin rental:
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).
It’s Cabin Time® Blog 