Description: If I had to design the perfect north woods lodge for a movie set, my imagination could do no better than
Spider Lake Lodge. The lodge is what everyone imagines when they shut their eyes and try to imagine a small fishing lodge on a picture-perfect lake.
The best reaction came from our ten-year-old son, who as we drove up the road to the Lodge could barely contain himself. A huge grin came over his face, and he became giddy. This was his second visit to SLL and he knew what was in store. We could totally relate to his excitement as he darted to the lake.
Spider Lake Lodge is a special place, and everyone seems to feel a bond and connection to it. The Lodge has a rich history. It was opened in 1923 by Ted Moody. At that time, the only way to the lodge was by water, as no roads came this far out of town. During that time, Hayward was ground zero for the gangsters of Chicago, and this was a perfect place to hide out, as the only way in was by water.
This was a wonderful fishing camp, and huge walleye and muskie were pulled from these waters (they still are). In 2000, Jim and Craig bought the lodge. The cabins had been sold off to private families, but the main lodge remained intact. Jim and Craig took the lodge and transformed it into a show piece.
The lodge has seven bedrooms and is open year-round. It's located about fifteen minutes from Hayward on a beautiful bay on Spider Lake.
The lodge takes you back to a time when these fishing lodges were all over Wisconsin. Fish trophies hang from the walls, as well as moose and deer heads. Two large fireplaces stand guard on both ends of the great room.
Spider Lake Lodge is cozy. It's the kind of place you will want to take a new novel, curl up by the fire with a glass of port and relax. Jim and Craig make every guest feel like family, and it's a warm and welcoming place.
There is plenty to do here, or nothing at all to do here. There is a motto above the clock over the coffee bar: Here there is no time, and truer words were never spoken. Time does seem to stand still here.
Five of the seven rooms have private baths, and the other two each have a bathroom across the hall. A hearty breakfast is included each morning.
As there are only seven rooms, it's easy to book the lodge as a unit for a family reunion or just a group of friends. I imagine staying here alone is a great experience, but to have it all with family and friends makes you feel like the lodge belongs to you. We love having our Thanksgivings here, and I can't think of a better place to turn 50 with family and friends.
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