Spider Lake Lodge: A Weekend Getaway In Wisconsin

I’m going to start this travel blog post by stating that I may have found one of my favorite spots to stay. Of all of the places that I’ve had that opportunity to book, Spider Lake Lodge is definitely on my top 5 list.

So how did I find this lovely place? By doing a bit of research. I was looking for a lodge with a Northwoods vibe. And that’s when I stumbled on Spider Lake Lodge in Hayward, Wisconsin.

Originally built as a fishing lodge in 1923, today it’s expanded to a split-level log cabin. It was exactly what I was looking for: An old lodge nestled on the banks of Spider Lake.

Spider Lake Lodge is about 15 minutes outside of Hayward, Wisconsin. Once if you’re off the main highway, you’ll be driving on winding roads through the woods, where you will surely see deer and other wildlife along the way.

When you finally pull up the lodge, you’ll be punctually greeted by the lodge managers Caroline and Andrew Gerdes. They live near the lodge, so they stopped by to say hello, gave a tour, answered questions, and got me settled into my room. And that’s when they told me that I had the lodge to myself for the weekend. I was ecstatic! How amazing is it to have a rustic Northwood lodge all to yourself.

I booked Moonahanis during my stay. It’s on the main floor and features a willow canopy queen-sized bed, a sitting area, a gas fireplace, and a remodeled bathroom with a large stall shower.

The room is very rustic and cozy. I loved it.

Plus, there was a bottle of red wine and glasses in my room on arrival. I thought that was a nice perk. After a busy day, it’s nice to come back to a glass of wine before turning in for the night.

If and when I go back, I’d book The Bear Den. It’s the largest room in the lodge and features original log walls, high ceilings, windows that look out to the lake, a gas fireplace, and more.

The main level of the lodge has four guest rooms (including Moonahanis and Bear Den). There’s also a kitchen, great room, living room, and a screened porch.

All of the guest rooms have themes. Here are a few more for you to peruse, including Moody’s Camp, Chequamegon, and Hemingway (in order).

The screened porch was my favorite spot in the lodge. In the morning you can sit out there before breakfast with a cup of coffee. Andrew, by the way, cooks breakfast each morning. While you’re enjoying a hot cup of joe, you might even get lucky and hear the loons singing off the lake.

In the evening, with the windows open, the screen porch is also a great spot to relax with a glass of wine while enjoying the cool breeze coming in off the lake.

My other favorite spots in the lodge were the living room and the great room. Both have stone fireplaces with chairs and couches huddled around. It’s a great spot to read a book in the evening. Especially in the fall and winter when it’s cold outside.

Just grab a hot cocoa from the coffee bar and you’ll be good to go.

On the ground floor of the lodge are a seating area to watch TV, a sauna that guests to use, and a game room complete with a pool table.

Just outside the front door of the lodge, you can follow a short path and stairway down to the beach. Here, guests can you suntan on lounge chairs, fish off the dock, or kayak along the lake.

The lodge manager, Andrew, offers guided fishing trips if you’re interested, so make sure to ask when you book your stay.

What did I love most about the lodge? It was probably the fact that I had a beautiful Northwoods lodge all to myself. There’s something peaceful about being in a log cabin on your own. It gives you time to rest and unwind, on your own time and way.

It doesn’t hurt that staying at the lodge feels like you’re stepping back into time. To a simpler time. It was quiet, peaceful, and exactly what I needed.

THINGS TO DO IN HAYWARD, WISCONSIN

With small towns, it can be a hit or miss. Sometimes, there are a lot of fun/cool things to see. Other times, not so much. But thankfully, I found Hayward and the surrounding area to be quite lovely. Here are a few things I’d recommend checking out:

Stop at Nordik Sleigh Antiques: The antique shop doesn’t have a website but if you Google it you’ll see its charm. I took SO many photos here.

It was hard not to take photos. It’s such a magical place. Owned by Larry and Nancy, they have a big red barn full of antiques. And you’ll be welcomed by one of their pups.

The rest of the property is open for you to peruse too. There are a couple of old sheds full of antiques, knick-knacks, wooden Santas, and more.

Their home even feels like something out of the Enchanted Forest.

It’s an antique lovers dream. And a photographer’s dream too.

Oh, did I mention they have a boat on their property? Yeah, no big deal. Just the Interlude, ready to board. Seriously. You can go into her cabin.

Take a hike: There are all kinds of hiking options in the Hayward/Cable area. I didn’t have time, but a few places I wanted to check out were Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Fairyland State Natural Area, and Drummond Woods State Natural Area.

Grab lunch at Garmisch Resort: It’s a unique resort on Lake Namakagon known for its iconic Northwoods lodge. The resort also has fun vacation cabins you can rent, like the majestic Blarney Castle.

It’s a fun place to walk around, but my favorite thing about Garmisch is the views of the lake. Grab lunch or dinner here and make sure to request a spot by the windows. Or sit out on their lovely patio on a warm day.

Take a day trip up north: I’d recommend driving north for an hour and a half to Bayfield, Wisconsin. The town is on Lake Superior and has a lovely New England vibe. I bet it’s pretty in the fall.

Go cross-country skiing: Hayward is known for hosting the biggest cross-country skiing race in North America (the Birkebeiner). So there are great trails you can check out in the area.

Make a quick pit stop at Forest Lodge Educational Campus: I stopped here because I thought the wooden structures here were beautiful. People come here to do yoga retreats or other types of events. But isn’t it just gorgeous?

Grab dinner at one of the local spots: I highly recommend Tavern at White Stag and Angry Minnow Brewery, both in Hayward. White Stag is new and has a cool vibe. It’s a place you’d imagine finding in Minneapolis. The white fish was phenomenal.

Other places to check out: River Deck, The Ranch, or Rookery Pub Fine Dining.

Grab drinks at: On top of Angry Minnow Brewery mentioned above, Red Schoolhouse Wines and The Whistle Punk down in Stone Lake look like fun spots too.

For lunch, head to Cable: You can stop at Brick House Cafe for a light bite, or head to Velo Cafe or Ideal Market for something a little more substantial.

Wow, that was a lengthy blog post! I guess that’s what happens when you have so much great content to share. I hope you agree! 🙂

I loved my trip to Hayward, Wisconsin, and I’m so grateful I discovered such a lovely spot. I can’t wait to go back to Spider Lake Lodge!

Let’s go places,

Sarah

Have you been to the Hayward/Cable area? Share your favorite memories in the comment section below.

I have collaborated with Spider Lake Lodge for this post, but all opinions are mine.

All photos on this blog are mine. Feel free to share but please credit me with a link back to the blog. Much appreciated and thank you for your support!