From fun and eclectic to rustic and gorgeous, here are eight rentals in Wisconsin that look like they came straight out of a fairy-tale. (Prepare to swoon...)
- Candlewood Cabins (Richland Center)
Nestled in the beautiful hills of southwest Wisconsin’s Ocooch Mountains is a hidden retreat known as Candlewood Cabins. When you arrive, you can either a.) immerse yourself in the nature that surrounds you, b.) indulge in a whirlpool bath or c.) warm up by the wood-stove fire. My vote? d.) I'll take all of the aforementioned, please.
Things to do near Richland Center: Camp on the Wisconsin River, tour House on the Rock, enjoy a show at American Players Theatre
- Canoe Bay (Chetek)

Photo by Steve Niedorf
“…An outstanding chef, extensive wine list and large libraries of books, magazines and movies are right here for you to enjoy.” Well, Canoe Bay, outstanding food, wine and libraries just happen to be three of my favorite things! (Can I maybe just move in?) Guests who are able and willing to leave the comfortable confines of Canoe Bay may also enjoy heading out for a relaxing walk or exploring the area by canoe.
Things to do near Chetek: Throw the dice at St. Croix Casino, watch a flick at Stardust Twin Drive-In Theater, go ATVing on Tuscobia Trail
- Cliffside Cabin (Muscoda)

Built in 2000, Cliffside Cabin in Grant County accommodates up to six people and features floor-to-ceiling windows with a panoramic view of the bluffs. There's also a wraparound porch that overlooks a wooded valley. Best. View. Ever.
Things to do near Muscoda: Go fly-fishing on the Lower Wisconsin Riverway, sample some wines at Weggy Winery, attend the Muscoda Morel Mushroom Festival
- Pod Up North (Woodruff)
Welcome to what may be Wisconsin's most futuristic rental unit: The Pod Up North in Woodruff. Picture yourself stepping outside your eccentric home-for-the-weekend to stroll down to your private access, 60-acre lake with a sandy beach. Take a ride in the paddle boat, grab a fishing pole, or just sit back and enjoy the view of the gorgeous, glassy lake in front of you. Sounds like heaven on Earth if you ask me!
Things to do near Woodruff: Stop by the North Lakeland Discovery Center, pop in an antique shop or two, grill out with some Wisconsin-made Trig's Smokehouse brats
- Cranberry Castle (Eagle River)

First of all, let’s draw attention to the obvious. This is a castle. Like A REAL CASTLE. In WISCONSIN. I am not sure further explanation is even necessary at this point but there is so much to drool over, like the fact this place is gigantic (8,500 sq. ft.) and boasts both a theater room and sunroom (with heated flooring, may I add).
Things to do in Eagle River: Fish the largest chain of freshwater lakes in the world, set assail with Pirates Hideaway, dine in at Riverstone Restaurant & Tavern
- Frank Lloyd Wright Seth Peterson Cottage (Reedsburg)
Folks from all over the world have stayed at the revered Seth Peterson Cottage, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1958. Its soaring roofline, view of Mirror Lake and abundance of natural light are just a few reasons why I'm totally in love with this gem of a chalet.
Things to do near Reedsburg: Head out on a bike ride on the Wisconsin 400 State Trail, test your luck at Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells
- Cedar Cove Cabins (Butternut)
Cedar Cove's four A-frame cabins feature a large sleeping loft and a main floor bedroom plus a full kitchen, living room, dining room and bathroom. Now if you (or someone you know) has an affinity for walleye fishing, you are really gonna love this place. Fishing on the nearby "Turtle" (that is, Turtle Flambeau Flowage) is incredible; in fact, it's rated by the Wisconsin DNR as having one of the best walleye populations per acre of water in the state.
Things to do near Butternut: Explore the many area waterfalls, take on the ATV trails, go fishing on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage
- The Chanticleer (Sturgeon Bay)

If a secluded cabin or cottage is a must for you, you’ll find the The Chanticleer cabins to be pure perfection. This gorgeous farm house and barn were originally built back in 1915. Today, the four luxury cottages are located on 40 private, wooded acres. Each cottage overlooks a private, half-acre pond—a perfect spot to watch wildlife.
Things to do in Door County: Head out on a lighthouse tour, explore the many county parks, relish a Door County fish boil
Know of an out-of-this-world cabin or cottage in Wisconsin? You know the drill! Share your ideas with me in the comments below 🙂 Happy travels!
Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation’s longest-running tourism TV show, Discover Wisconsin. She hails from Evansville, where she was brought up in a family of seven in a small farmhouse outside of town. Some of her favorite memories include Lake Michigan fishing trips with her Dad, showing sheep at the Rock County Fair and buzzing around the farm on an ATV with her little brother. Watch Discover Wisconsin Saturdays at 10 a.m. on FSN Wisconsin’s outdoor block.
You should check out Lakeview log cabin resort in Mosinee
I'll be sure to look into this one. Thanks for the suggestion, Brandon!
you sure found some breathtaking places to stay at! Would have to win the lottery before I could stay at the castle but a girl can dream! How about coming up with 10 places to stay at that are more in budget range where we can fish and kayak?
That's a great idea for a post topic. I'll definitely keep this in mind! Thanks, Louise : )
Check out Simply Creekside. We're right on a Class 1 trout steam and just 2 miles from the Kickapoo. Great kayaking in the gorgeous Driftless Region!
Check out "The Cedar Cabin" on Facebook! Located in Pickerel, WI. 30 miles north of Antigo.
This is a really cute- more affordable- place in Door County. http://www.cozycabinindoorcounty.com/
The most romantic get away Percheron Paridise in Norwalk wis have stayed several times check out on facebook they are giving away 1 night stay in the bungalow! Hope I win!
Thank You Linda, Many can not believe that we built this for couples only and all the Chalets are secluded by distance and elevations for total romantic privacy.
We had a guest say he traveled the world and the only place that comes close to us is a place he stayed in the French Alps. Our guests say they can not believe Travel Wisconsin or other publication have not found us yet lol ( their loss ) if you would like to check us out see http://www.percheronparadise.com
This was fabulous
This was fabulous - thank you for pointing out the unusual and amazing places Wisconsin has to offer! We are so much more than just Door County
Glad you enjoyed the article 🙂 We sure do have beautiful spots to stay all across Wisconsin!
Hi Mariah...Are there any areas in central WI that have the "Up North" feel? I know one area might be the Oxford, WI area...so you know of any others?
Thanks In Advance
-Russ
You should also check out Storybook Farm B&B and llama trekking in Phillips. An amazing house with amazing hosts and a great rising from the ashes story! This was a great article and found it nice to see my childhood neighbor rank #1 on the list. It is a georgous area and they have kept the cabins georgous for many years.
I love B&Bs. I plan to do a separate article on beautiful bed & breakfasts across the state. Thanks for the suggestion, Katylynn!
Check out the unique Argosy Adventure accommodation with its twin soaking tubs AND the charming cottage rooms at this secluded peaceful setting just outside the river district of beautiful Wisconsin Dells.
Stayed here a couple of years ago- very unique cottages.
My husband and I have stayed at Candlewood Cabins multiple times... they are phenomenal! And reasonably priced! I'm so happy to see them on your list.
My husband and I loved our visit to Justin Trails in Sparta. A certified Travel Green Wisconsin Inn. So much to do. We biked the Sparta/Elroy trail and had such a relaxing time in the garden. Hiking, birding and disc golf (rated #1 in state) in summer and XC skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Great food also.
There's a sweet little place near the bottom of Timm's Hill in Ogema, WI called High Point Village......5 cabins..... fishing, hiking, exploring.....summer or winter.....small dinner theater....."Hill of Beans" a great little country cafe/ coffee shop serving awesome food! All very reasonably priced!!
Are you related to Dr. Martin Haberman?
Hmm no doctors in my family...that I'm aware of! : )
This is all extremely helpful since I am looking for an affordable place to stay at in August for our honeymoon! Thanks for all the info!!!
Awesome! Happy planning (:
New Mountain B&B - Lodging, fishing, relaxation. Helped DW with Washburn County tourism clips years ago. 🙂
We can't wait to visit these Wisconsin destinations too!
Thanks for the great article Mariah!
You bet, Elaine. Glad you enjoyed it!
In 1965 or 1966 I moved #4, the space ship cottage from Hurley, Wi. to Woodruff, Wi. This was to be a model home in Hurley for the ski bums.
Pete, I would love to find out more about the history of our pod before it came to Woodruff! 🙂 Please get in touch with me if you can at drew@podupnorth.com if possible sometime.
Thanks,
Drew
Hi Pete! Just trying one more time to get ahold of you... I guess you moved our pod back in the 60's to it's current location (www.podupnorth.com). I would LOVE to talk with you on this. I just have a couple / few questions if at all possible.
Thanks much!
Drew Poggemann
We love The Turtle-Flambeau Flowage. The "Turtle" is designated as a protected wilderness area with over 14,000 acres of water, 35,500 acres of protected lands, 114 miles of shoreline, and 195 islands. The flowage is the largest citizen-owned body of water in the state of Wisconsin. Less than five percent of the shoreline is developed. It has great fishing for walleyes and smallmouth bass and I have landed three muskies over 47 inches. The Flowage is also known for it's high density of Bald Eagles, Osprey, and Loons. Our family has been vacationing, taking fishing trips, and canoe and kayaking trips on the flowage and the Flambeau river for over 20 years. Cedar Cove Cabins are very affordable, contact them at http://www.cedarcovecabins.com. There are just enough resorts, cabins, and campsites to make it enjoyable, but not so many that you will feel crowded. The DNR has several publications about the Turtle Flambeau PUB-LF-015 2012 or contact the Ranger Station, 5291 N. Statehouse Circle, Mercer WI 54547, (715) 476-7846. You can get information at http://www.turtleflambeauflowage.com and the chamber of commerce for both Mercer and Park Falls. Fishing Hot Spots has some outstanding maps available. If you want to get away from the crowds, have a simpler, quieter time surrounded by nature this is the place to try. We love it!
How wonderful to see the Chanticleer on this list. My husband and I have stayed her a few times and have enjoyed it tremendously. Beautiful property and great owners! Strawberries and cream breakfast picnic basket on our doorstep every morning, lovely romantic getaway!
A family favorite--beautiful, quiet, remote, friendly, unique! http://www.camplakeresort.com/
Rollies whitetail lodge 🙂
as I look into these pictures I love to have a nice vacation. Please email me with the location or address so I can stop by and check it out before I make my reservation
Thank you
This one should be on the list Percheron Paradise Romantic Hideaway near La Crosse Wisconsin like no place you have ever been.
For couples only in total privacy. http://www.percheronparadise.com
You guys should check out Percheron Paradise. It is very secluded and a well kept secret part of Heaven. Very Nice
Well am disability and am looking for a cabin like one u have in the photo I just seen they are very nice and lovely I would like to rent one if u have any available for rent am try to stay between 450 or 550 a month I hope you can help me price range thank you tlitha4https://plus.google.com/communities/11575838520637855136250 and 550month
Please check out Seven Hawks cabins in Fountain City, WI. They have 4 different cabins built in the side of a hill overlooking the Mississippi River. Very nice & very affordable.
Hi Mariah, Here's a place that you might want to check out http://getawaytowisconsin.com/galleries/ , It's called Adeline's House of Cool, maybe you've heard of it ?
Wow! Where is this at?
Hi Mariah,
Wow is right, sorry about the delay in getting back to you!!
Adeline's House of Cool is located in Green Lake county over on Lake Puckaway. it's about 45 min. straight east of the Dells. You should go and check it out it's kind of cool the way it's built and set up. For a cabin rental it's a little different. There's all kinds of photos of it on here http://getawaytowisconsin.com/
The Water's Edge cottage on Kangaroo Lake is always relaxing. Amazing views, 6' from the Lake.
Wow Amazing cabins. Will Definitely consider taking family there.
You should check out the overnight cabins at Wisconsin big cat rescue and educational center! You can listen to the lions roar by the firepit and get a morning feeding tour!!