Cabintimers, this is your spot to slow down on the shoreline and crank up the fun when you’re ready. Delton Oaks Resort in Wisconsin Dells sets you right on Lake Delton with two stand-out perks you’ll use every day: a private sandy beach and easy water access with complimentary kayaks and paddleboards for registered guests. Add in on‑site pontoon boat rentals (for guests only) and a heated outdoor pool, and you’ve got a lake trip that’s equal parts chill and adventure.
Why Delton Oaks works for your crew
This is a family-owned lakeside resort with that classic Wisconsin Dells flavor—cozy interiors, friendly faces, and simple outdoor moments that stretch into the evening around the fire pit (wood supplied). The location puts you minutes from the Dells attractions while keeping your home base peaceful on the water. Pet lovers—select Main Lodge units welcome dogs (for a nightly fee), while Lakeside units and cabins remain pet‑free to keep those spaces fresh for allergy‑sensitive guests.
Whether you’re bringing the whole family tree or sneaking in a couples’ weekend, there’s a layout for you:
Lakeside Vacation Homes & Cabins (sleep 6–20): Full kitchens, private decks or screened porches, gas grills, and true lake views. Options range from the Classic 6‑person cottage to the 20‑guest showstopper with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms.
Lakeside Suites: 1–2 bedrooms with full kitchens and either a balcony (upper) or stone patio (lower) just steps from the shore.
Main Lodge Studios & Suites: Newly updated spaces with kitchens or kitchenettes—many are pet‑friendly—and an easy walk to the pool and beach.
If you’re packing a group—think reunions, team trips, or wedding weekends—Delton Oaks makes it easy with room clusters and outdoor gathering space so everyone can spread out, reconnect, and still meet on the beach for the nightly s’mores session.
On-the-water days, made simple
Morning coffee hits different on a lakeside deck. After that, it’s time to play: launch a kayak or paddleboard, cast a line from the dock, or kick back on the beach. Registered guests can rent a pontoon right on site for lazy loops around Lake Delton—great for swim stops and sunset cruises. When you’re ready for a change of pace, the heated outdoor pool is open during the warm‑weather season.
Good to know: The resort is open year‑round, minimum stays vary by unit and time of year, and there’s a small refundable deposit for kayak/paddleboard use. Bring beach towels, and plan to end most nights at the fire pit—stars included.
Local’s list: things to do around Wisconsin Dells
You’re a quick hop to the Dells’ headliners and some quieter nature escapes. Mix and match:
On the water (beyond Lake Delton): Upper Dells Boat Tours, Lost Canyon Tours by horse‑drawn carriage, and the classic amphibious Original Wisconsin Ducks.
State park time:Mirror Lake State Park for calm paddling and shaded trails; Devil’s Lake State Park for bluff hikes with big views.
Family attractions:Noah’s Ark Waterpark, Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park, Timbavati Wildlife Park, Wizard Quest, and Pirate’s Cove mini golf (watch for resort guest discounts).
Eat & sip: Keep it Wisconsin with a lakeside supper club experience (Cabintimers rave about Ishnala—book early), or go casual with local favorites in the Dells.
Winter notes: The resort stays open when the snow flies—pair your stay with nearby skiing and tubing at Cascade Mountain, winter hikes at Devil’s Lake, and hot cocoa by the fire.
Cabin‑time perks you’ll feel
Beachfront simplicity: Walk from your door to the sand. Swim, sun, repeat.
Gear confidence: Use the complimentary kayaks and paddleboards; rent a pontoon without leaving the property.
Grill culture: Gas grills, decks, and picnic spots keep meals easy.
Pet options: Bring your four‑legged friend to select Main Lodge units; lakeside stays remain pet‑free.
Direct booking value: Skip third‑party markups, ask locals for the best tips, and tap into property‑only specials.
Tips for Cabintimers
Pack water shoes for rocky sections near the shoreline and a lightweight hoodie for lake breezes after sunset. 2) Arrive with breakfast staples—there are full kitchens or kitchenettes in many units, and the morning view is better than any café line. 3) Call the resort directly to ask about current guest discounts for area attractions and any seasonal deals.
Book direct and keep your dollars local
Cabintimers, you know the drill: book directly Delton Oaks Resort for the lowest overall price, no service fees, and no middleman. You’ll also get local insight on where to hike, launch, dine, and play—plus access to phone‑only specials.
If “walk to the water, grill on the deck, then end the night around a crackling fire” sounds like your kind of Door County, Ephraim Village Cottages is calling. Set on three peaceful acres in the heart of Ephraim—just a short stroll from the public beach on Eagle Harbor—these 1–3 bedroom, fully equipped cottages make it easy to slow down and spread out. Early highlights Cabintimers rave about: the big, grassy grounds with hammocks and space for yard games, and the community fire pit stocked for s’mores sessions under starry skies.
Twelve stand-alone cottages mean privacy, a real kitchen for pancake mornings, and your own deck and Weber-style grill for brats at sunset. Many cottages feature cozy fireplaces or woodstoves for those crisp Door County evenings, and there’s plenty of on-site parking for bikes, kayaks, or a wagon loaded with beach gear. The one-bedroom cottages are set up for adults seeking a quiet couples’ escape, while the two- and three-bedroom layouts give families and groups room to breathe.
Bring the pup—well-behaved dogs are welcome in designated units—so no four-legged family member has to miss the trip. You’ll find thoughtful touches like green space for morning walks and easy access to the village for coffee runs and sunset strolls. (Check the property’s dog policy for the simple house rules.)
Why Cabintimers Love This Spot
Steps to swimming and sunsets. Ephraim’s sandy public beach sits right across from the village on Eagle Harbor—perfect for wading with little ones, paddleboarding, or catching that fiery Door County sunset. (Door County Coastal Byway)
Cook, gather, relax. Private decks, picnic tables, and grills keep meals easy; the shared fire pit turns into the nightly social hour. The property even talks about s’mores kits and firewood so the fun starts fast.
Seasonal sweet spot. Open May through October, when Ephraim buzzes with concerts, markets, and long-light evenings by the bay.
Ephraim & Nearby: Easy Day Plans
Peninsula State Park & Eagle Tower. Five minutes to one of Wisconsin’s favorite parks. Hike the bluffs, rent bikes, or make the accessible 850-foot canopy walk up Eagle Tower for sweeping views of islands, shoreline, and the village of Ephraim. (Wisconsin DNR)
Anderson Dock & The Hardy Gallery. Stroll the waterfront warehouse-turned-art-gallery and soak up the colorful history (and artwork) right on Eagle Harbor.
Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor. Since 1906, this classic has served root beer floats and sundaes under the striped awning—an Ephraim tradition after a beach day. (Wilson’s Ice Cream)
Layouts: One-, two-, and three-bedroom cottages with full kitchens, living areas, and private entrances/decks. Many units include a fireplace/woodstove.
Adults-only option: The one-bedroom cottages are designed for adults seeking a quiet base close to the water and town.
Pet policy: Dog-friendly options available—bring treats and a favorite bed.
Location perks: Park the car and walk to breakfast, the beach, shops, and ice cream. That “leave-the-keys” convenience is a big part of the Ephraim Village Cottages experience.
Trip Ideas for a Long Weekend
Day 1: Check in, beach time, grill on the deck, then wander to the shoreline for sunset colors across Eagle Harbor. Cap the night with s’mores at the fire pit. Day 2: Head into Peninsula State Park for a lakeview bike ride and Eagle Tower. Afternoon art stop at Hardy Gallery, then burgers and floats at Wilson’s. Day 3: Paddle from South Shore Pier, browse Ephraim’s shops, and linger over coffee before one more beach walk. (On breezy days, the harbor is a show with kite and windsurfers.)
Book Direct & Save
Cabintimers, skip the fees. When you book directly with the owner/manager, you get the best info on specific cottage layouts, pet-friendly availability, and insider tips on Door County events—with no service fees and no middleman. Ready to plan? Visit the Ephraim Village Cottages listings to check dates, see the property map, and pick your cottage.
Cabintimers, if you’re craving winding country roads, long-range ridgelines, and river time that slows the day down, set your sights on Ashe County in North Carolina’s High Country. Carolina Mountain Vacation Rentals is a local team based in downtown West Jefferson that makes booking easy—and direct—so you skip big-site traveler fees and get real local guidance.
Two things Cabintimers ask for again and again show up here in a big way: cabins with hot tubs and true water access. Carolina Mountain Vacation Rentals offers hot-tub cabins for stargazing sessions after a day on the Parkway, plus rare creekside cabins with small waterfalls and New River riverfront homes where you can cast from the bank or launch a kayak. Long-range mountain-view porches, pet-friendly options, and reliable WiFi round out the wish list.
Carolina Mountain Vacation Rentals at a glance: The company focuses on Ashe County—the “Uncrowded Alternative”—with easy day trips to Boone, Blowing Rock, Todd, Banner Elk, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. You’ll find settings from peaceful valley farms to ridgeline chalets, along with convenient in-town stays near West Jefferson’s galleries and eateries.
Why book direct with a local manager
Booking direct with Carolina Mountain Vacation Rentals means no middleman, no third‑party platform service fees, and a real person who knows the backroads, put‑ins, and best breakfast stops. You’ll get accurate availability, clear house rules, and quick help if you need anything during your stay. Many cabins sit on gravel mountain roads; in winter, plan for possible 4WD or tire chains—another reason it helps to have locals on your side.
Cabin styles Cabintimers love
• Pet‑friendly cabins: Bring the dog and head for riverside trails, farm roads, and mellow town strolls. • Hot‑tub homes: Private tubs with dark High Country skies are a nightly ritual around here. • Riverfront & creekside: Wake to the sound of water. Spend your day paddling gentle New River stretches, tossing a line for smallmouth, or picnicking on the bank. • Long‑range view chalets: Coffee tastes better when the sun climbs over Mount Jefferson. These porches are built for sunrise sit‑downs and sunset grills. • Near‑Boone/Blowing Rock convenience: If you want easy access to restaurants, outfitters, and ski areas, choose a cabin closer to the main corridors. • Work‑from‑the‑mountains: WiFi properties make it simple to blend a few afternoon emails with morning hikes and evening fires.
Eat, explore, repeat: local trip ideas
Start in West Jefferson. Pop into the murals and galleries on BackStreet, then swing by Ashe County Cheese for curds and ice cream. Drive up Mount Jefferson State Natural Area for big views without a long hike. When the New calls your name, pick a calm section of New River State Park for paddling or a lazy tube float.
Make time for a Parkway day. The Blue Ridge Parkway is minutes away from many cabins and delivers overlooks, picnic spots, and short leg‑stretcher trails all day long. If you’d rather pedal, roll the family‑friendly Railroad Grade Road between Todd and Fleetwood—it follows the river with minimal climbing.
Add a Boone/Blowing Rock detour. Families love Tweetsie Railroad, and foodies can work through Boone’s breweries and bakeries. On clear days, Grandfather Mountain’s mile‑high views are worth the drive. Come winter, nearby ski areas turn on the lights for night skiing and tubing.
Seasonal highlights for Cabintimers
• Spring: Waterfalls are lively, wildflowers line the Parkway, and trout season is rolling. • Summer: Kayaks, canoes, and cool mountain nights on the deck—bring board games and marshmallows. • Fall: A leaf‑color clinic. Long‑range porch views and Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks are a daily event. • Winter: Skiing, snow tubing, and cozy nights by the fire. December brings High Country choose‑and‑cut Christmas tree farms, a tradition worth planning a weekend around.
What makes this manager stand out
Local roots, helpful policies, and a variety of settings—creekside with waterfalls, riverfront lawns, and high‑elevation views—mean you can match the cabin to your crew. The team’s office sits in downtown West Jefferson, so directions, gear rentals, fishing intel, and dining suggestions come from folks who live it every day.
Smart booking tips
• Browse by setting: Use filters for “Creekside w/Waterfall,” “Riverfront,” or “Long Range Mountain Views” to dial in the vibe you want. • Traveling with pets: Look for “Dog‑friendly cabin” listings and arrange the pet fee in advance. • Winter trips: Mountain roads can be steep or gravel. Ask about road grade and parking, and bring 4WD or chains when snow is in the forecast. • Arrival timing: Aim for daylight arrivals on your first visit; views are better and navigation is easier. • Save more by booking direct: You avoid third‑party traveler fees and communicate with the local manager from the start.
If your happy place smells like pine and coffee and sounds like loons at sunrise, you’re our kind of Cabintimer. Hayward Rentals (Property Management of Hayward, Inc.) pairs lakefront cabins and homes with real local know‑how, so you can spend more time on the water and less time scrolling. Two standout perks Cabintimers rave about: lots of pet‑friendly options and extras like kayaks, games, and outdoor hangout spaces at many rentals—perfect for families and friend groups.
Hayward, Wisconsin delivers the classic Northwoods scene year‑round: clear lakes, sandy shallows for the kids, miles of ATV and snowmobile trails, and evenings that end around the fire under a sky full of stars. When you book direct with Hayward Rentals, you get straight‑talking local support, no service fees, and properties that are clean, comfortable, and exactly as described.
Where to Stay (and Play)
Round Lake Cabins Round Lake is famous for glass‑clear water and swim‑friendly shoreline. It’s a great pick for paddling, tubing, and those golden‑hour pontoon cruises. You’ll also find easy access to marinas, boat landings, and restaurants nearby—so it’s simple to keep everyone fueled between casts and cannonballs.
Chippewa Flowage Vacation Rentals The “Big Chip” is Wisconsin’s largest wilderness lake—over 15,000 acres dotted with islands and quiet bays. Anglers come for musky, walleye, crappie, and bass; nature‑spotters come for eagles, loons, deer, and the occasional otter. If you crave space to roam by boat or kayak, this one delivers.
Spider Lake Cabin Rentals This scenic, interconnected chain is tailor‑made for explorers. Drift through narrow channels to a fresh cove, cast for musky along a rock point, or sip your morning coffee while the shoreline wakes up around you. It’s peaceful water with room for adventure.
Plus more Northwoods water: Explore Nelson Lake, Moose Lake, and the Tiger Cat Flowage—each with its own vibe, fishing opportunities, and easygoing beach days.
Why Book Direct with Hayward Rentals
No service fees and better value than third‑party booking sites.
Local owners and hosts who live here—Dustin and Mikayla—and who pick up the phone, offer lake‑by‑lake tips, and keep properties well cared for.
Pet‑friendly choices so the whole crew can come along.
Extras at many homes: kayaks, yard games, and comfy indoor hangout spaces that help rainy days feel like part of the plan.
Year‑round support for snowmobile and ski weekends, spring fishing openers, summer family weeks, and fall color trips.
Things to Do Between Dock Time
Hire a local guide. Whether you’re chasing your first musky or dialing in a walleye bite, a Hayward guide day levels up the fishing fast.
Ride CAMBA singletrack & gravel. The Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association maintains 135+ miles of singletrack and 200+ miles of mapped routes around Hayward, Seeley, and Cable. Bring the bikes or rent in town and go get dusty.
Snowmobile or ski in winter. Sawyer County grooms 600+ miles of snowmobile trails, and Nordic fans know Hayward for the legendary American Birkebeiner every February. Trail‑accessible lodging and a warm fireplace back at the cabin make winter weekends feel dialed‑in.
Take the kids to Wilderness Walk Zoo & Recreation Park. Feed deer, meet farm animals, wander trails, and pan for “gold.” It’s an easy half‑day that pairs well with ice cream in town.
Downtown Hayward. Shop local outfitters and galleries, grab a burger or Friday‑night fish fry, and snap a photo with the giant muskie at the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame.
Trip Ideas for Cabintimers
5‑Day Family Lake Week: Round Lake cabin, a guided fishing morning, an afternoon at the beach, one rainy‑day museum stop, and a sunset pontoon cruise.
Couples & Friends Weekend: Spider Lake cabin, coffee on the dock, bike CAMBA singletrack, dinner in downtown Hayward, late‑night stargazing by the fire.
Fall Color + Bike Festival: September in Hayward means the Chequamegon 40—book a Chippewa Flowage or Nelson Lake basecamp and make it a long weekend.
How to Book (and Save)
Skip the booking sites. Reserve your Hayward, WI cabin directly with the local team at Hayward Rentals for the best price, local insight, and a smooth, friendly experience from first message to checkout.
Explore more regional cabin options across the It’s Cabin Time® family:
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.
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.
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