8 Breathtaking Cabins and Cottages in Wisconsin

Discover Wisconsin

October 4, 2016

There is so much to see right here in the state we love, and whether you’re looking to stay at a resort among waterparks or a cozy lakeside cabin, you’re sure to get the most out of your Wisconsin destination. Check out some of our favorite places to stay in gorgeous Wisco:

  1. Wilderness Resorts’ Cabins (Wisconsin Dells)
    [Photo by @wildernessresort, Instagram]

    [Photo by @wildernessresort, Instagram]


    The Wilderness in Wisconsin Dells really has it all: in addition to the traditional hotel rooms and condos, it boasts cozy three-, four- and five-bedroom log cabins with full kitchens and breakfast bars, dining rooms, living rooms with a fireplace, a large deck with a gas grill and outdoor seating and, of course, just a short distance from the iconic Wilderness waterparks – a bonus for kids, and adults, too. (*Cough* swim-up bar *cough*)
  2. The Historic Hotels of Lake Geneva (Lake Geneva)
    Baker House [Photo by @amandacupcake, Instagram]

    Baker House [Photo by @amandacupcake, Instagram]


    The Historic Hotels of Lake Geneva offer two very unique experiences on two historic properties, Baker House and Maxwell Mansion. Travel back in time at Baker House, where worries can be left at the door in exchange for timelessly elegant rooms with lake views and authentic old world aristocratic pampering. Maxwell Mansion, on the other hand, was the first mansion built in Lake Geneva and sits among century-old oaks. Its rooms channel old world sophistication, while its Carriage House & Stable Suites have a modern urban barn feel. Count me in.
  3. Old Rittenhouse Inn (Bayfield)
    [Photo by @rittenhouseinn, Instagram]

    [Photo by @rittenhouseinn, Instagram]


    Wisconsin’s first Bed and Breakfast is housed in the gorgeous 1890s Queen Anne Victorian mansion in beautiful Bayfield, while the complex also offers rooms in Le Chateau, a historic hillside mansion overlooking Lake Superior, and Rittenhouse Cottage, perfect for honeymooners and families. Yes, book me a night in each, please!
  4. Rondele Ranch (Harshaw)
    [Photo courtesy of Rondele Ranch]

    [Photo courtesy of Rondele Ranch]


    Think “rustic luxury” and you get Rondele Ranch in Wisconsin’s northwoods. Its Main Lodge, an exquisite 10,000 square foot luxury home, sleeps 18 and sits near a 2.5-acre private man-made lake and a natural Class I trout stream. The brand new Lakeside Lodge sleeps seven and features a four-seasons room overlooking the lake, while Elk Lodge is a three-bedroom log cabin tucked in the woods.
  5. Garmisch USA (Cable)
    [Photo by @breedemandweep, Instagram]

    [Photo by @breedemandweep, Instagram]


    With vaulted ceilings, towering stone fireplaces, wood paneling, timber beams and a beautiful lakeside setting, Garmisch USA looks exactly how an old-fashioned northwoods lodge should. It offers vacation rental cabins ranging from one bedroom to five bedrooms and decorated in accordance with their names (Blarney Castle, Edelweiss, Alpine and Frog, to name a few). Its location on Lake Namakagon, one of the best all-around fishing lakes in Wisconsin, offers beautiful views and outdoor activities galore.
  6. Coulee Junction Caboose (Desoto)
    [Photo courtesy of Coulee Junction Caboose]

    [Photo courtesy of Coulee Junction Caboose]


    Have you ever slept in a train car? How about one with a hot tub? Coulee Junction Caboose in Desoto allows you that opportunity – a dream you never knew you had, right? This original 1954 railroad caboose sits on five acres of seclusion and comes complete with a kitchen, bath, fireplace and private deck (where you’ll find that hot tub) under a gazebo. It sleeps up to four people – perfect for a couple or small family – and even allows pets. All aboard!
  7. Namekagon Waters Retreat (Trego)
    [Photo courtesy of Namekagon Waters Resort]

    [Photo courtesy of Namekagon Waters Resort]


    Simplicity: the word that comes to mind when describing Namekagon Waters Retreat. Nestled close to the Namekagon River in Northwest Wisconsin, you’ll stay in a 24-foot diameter domed tent (called a yurt), where heat comes from a wood fireplace and water is carried to the site for washing and drinking. It’s the perfect getaway to go “off the grid” and truly take in nature.
  8. Moses Strong House (Mineral Point) 
    garden-suite

    [Photo courtesy of the Moses Strong House]

    Moses Strong’s 1839 mansion reflects his life as a business and political pioneer in Wisconsin before it was Wisconsin. The house, built entirely of stone with painted wood finishes and original pine floors, offers guests two choices of rooms. The 1839 Suite, the main room on the second floor of the house, features a king size bed, an oversized bathroom, wooden pine floors and Queen Anne upholstered chairs. The Garden Suite, which was once part of the servant quarters, includes a king size bed, large windows looking out to a secluded garden, and a separate entrance adjacent to a half-acre lawn under 100-year-old maples. Bliss.

We’re obsessed with these eight places to stay, but of course there are more that we haven’t mentioned – what are some of your favorites? Share with us on social media using #DiscoverWisconsin or comment below!

Kristen Finstad is a member of the Discover Wisconsin crew. Having grown up in River Falls, attending UW-Stevens Point and now living in Madison, she’s a Wisconsin girl through and through. She enjoys nothing more than catching a Packers, Brewers or Badgers game, indulging in a cheese curd or 12, and traveling from corner to corner of this great state. Watch Discover Wisconsin TV Saturday mornings at 10 on Fox Sports Wisconsin. (Twitter: @DiscoverWI)

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