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...)
1. 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
2. Canoe Bay (Chetek)
"...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
3. 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
4. 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 into an antique shop or two, grill out with some Wisconsin-made Trig's Smokehouse brats
5. 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 sail with Pirates Hideaway, dine in at Riverstone Restaurant and Tavern
6. 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
7. Cedar Cove Cabins (Butternut)
Cedar Cove's four A-frame cabins each 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
8. The Chanticleer (Sturgeon Bay)
If a secluded cabin or cottage is a must for you, you'll find 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? Tweet me: @MariahHaberman. Happy travels.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.
1. 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
2. Canoe Bay (Chetek)
"...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
3. 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
4. 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 into an antique shop or two, grill out with some Wisconsin-made Trig's Smokehouse brats
5. 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 sail with Pirates Hideaway, dine in at Riverstone Restaurant and Tavern
6. 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
7. Cedar Cove Cabins (Butternut)
Cedar Cove's four A-frame cabins each 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
8. The Chanticleer (Sturgeon Bay)
If a secluded cabin or cottage is a must for you, you'll find 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? Tweet me: @MariahHaberman. Happy travels.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.