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Before you even get off the ferry to step onto the resort of Stout’s Island Lodge you are encompassed the beauty of a “north woods” lake of Wisconsin. As you draw near to the island you are immediately captivated by the majestic and timeless boat house that welcomes the arrival of your ferry.
As you step off the boat the staff treats you like royalty, immediately offering to give you a tour of this historic island, all while discreetly whisking away your luggage to your room. As you walk up the stairs that lead up you deeper into the heart of the island you run your hands across a steel railing actually donated by the infamous Dale Carnegie, who was close friends of the original proprietor, Frank Stout. The view of Stout’s main lodge from the top of the stairs absolutely leaves you in awe.
My wife and I simply could not believe the beauty of this place, as our tour guide explained to us that the estates of Frank Stout was built for his family to be used to as a vacation getaway in Wisconsin. As you enter the lodge of Stout’s you are taken back in time seeing walls lined with beautiful black and white photos, a pair of old wood water skis, and a head of an elk. The beams and the detail in the main lodge entrance alone were mind blowing.
The ambience and scents of this place quickly took me back to my visit to Old Faithful Lodge of Yellowstone National Park. Stout’s Island Lodge felt like a miniature version of its more famous Old Faithful counterpart.
As you slowly begin to explore more of the lodge, you find yourself drawn to the dining room. The level of intricacy of detail in this space goes to even a higher level. We were informed that the wood carvings between the rafters was made from wood imported directly from the Black Forest of Germany. We also learned that the fire place included pieces imported from Italy to add taste and flavor to this room. After the dining room we were shown into a large beautiful room that had exquisite antique furniture, yet another breathtaking fire place, books galore around the room, and places to sit at tables and enjoy a board game or two.
After that we were led outside to overlook a massive, green, beautiful back lawn, that was filled with flowers, plants, trees, and beautiful lush grass.
The back lawn had an array of yard games, a massive tent where events could be held, sitting areas and places for fires that overlooked this nearly indescribable feel received from the lake view. It was hard to believe you were just in the north woods of Wisconsin. We felt like we were in a scene straight out of a movie. As you meandered down the shore line to the point of the island you came upon numerous places to stop and enjoy the views and take time to relax.
The end of the island there held an array of canoes, kayaks, water bikes, and paddle boards to enjoy at no extra charge to your stay. Red Cedar Lake provided plenty of real estate to go enjoy the water!
Stout’s Island Lodge is set on a 14-acre island it is connected to another island by a bridge, once again, that was built with steel gifted from Dale Carnegie. This island isn’t large, but has a beautiful lush green nature walk on it, and on the north point even has a mini cabin with a fire place that you can go into to enjoy time with friends and family for the day.
When we got to our rooms we couldn’t believe what we had experiences so far. We were so impressed. We couldn’t resist sending out a few picture messages to friends to tell them all about it. The rooms were kept in great shape and it appeared they weren’t far from their original splendor! Visitors can choose from an array of rooms in the main lodge and also rooms housed in the several other cabins that are scattered across the island.
Guests even have the option to rent out a whole entire cabin if they had a larger group, or the whole entire island for a wedding or a corporate event!
Stouts Island is like no other, I promise you that you will not be disappointed if you choose to make the escape to this Wisconsin north woods getaway. Photos do not do justice to this resort. It is beauty that you can feel. Stouts Island Lodge gives off an emotion and such a relaxed vibe that left us wishing we were staying longer. There were plenty of things to do on the island, but my wife and I found that our most enjoyable of times were filled with sitting and talking and just enjoying the peace and quiet. Add this place to your bucket list! You won’t regret it!
Visit: Stout’s Island Lodge. Birchwood, WI. http://www.stoutsislandlodge.com
Consider: Wisconsin has 15,000 lakes. They keep it quiet so Minnesota doesn’t have to change its state slogan. You can’t really go wrong with any of them. In dis’ part o’ da nort’ woods tho’, I’d strongly consider a nice paddle real quick once at Flambeau River State Forest. Keep ‘er movin’.
