Stout's Island Lodge

This is a long post with lots of pictures. You can read the whole thing or just the descriptions above each photo in bold caps. 

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Seven years ago a friend sent us a postcard from Stout's Island Lodge. On it he wrote: "This is, I think, the most romantic place I have visited in Wisconsin. Worthy of your consideration." Since he is a born and bred Wisconsinite who's been everywhere in the state and much of the world, I took this recommendation seriously — which means I saved his postcard in my Midwest travel folder of ideas and info. This summer we finally took his advice to heart and went to the island with longtime friends.

Stout's Island Lodge is one of the private Adirondack-camp-style retreats that were popular among the well-heeled in the early part of the 20th century. This lovely example was built by Frank Stout, son of lumber baron Henry Stout, who spent $1.5 million ($35 million in today's money) to build a summer place for his family on an island in Red Cedar Lake, not far south of Hayward, WI. The first structure was built of logs with their bark intact which eventually caused a bug infestation that resulted in the lodge being burnt down — but not before the Italian marble fireplace and elaborate wooden beams carved in the Black Forest of Germany were removed.

ARRIVING ON THE LODGE'S "FERRY":

The current lodge was erected in 1912 and motoring out to the island and walking into the building is like stepping back in time. There's one TV and WiFi only in the "Great Room" which also has a piano, shelves full of books and games and couches for sinking into and a bar in case you need a libation. It feels like it's your own private island or at least one owned by friends who've invited you to stay a few days. Across the hall is the dining room.

THE BOAT DOCK WITH GAMES ROOM ON THE SECOND FLOOR:

IT'S A HIKE FROM THE BOAT HOUSE UP TO THE LODGE:

BUT THE OLD RAILING AND THE BEAUTIFUL CONTAINERS TOOK MY MIND OFF THE NUMBER OF STEPS:

ALL THE SUPPLIES COME BY BOAT AND GET TO THE TOP OF THE ISLAND VIA THIS SINGLE TRACK FUNICULAR:

GUESTS ARRIVING AT THE LODGE. SOME PEOPLE TAKE THE FERRY OUT JUST FOR DINNER:

There are Adirondack chairs on the lawn no matter which door you leave by. There's croquet on the main lawn, numerous stone fire pits surrounded by more Adirondack chairs as well as assorted water toys and boats available on a first-come basis. 

 THE VIEW OUT THE DOORS OF THE LODGE IN ONE DIRECTION:

AT THE FRONT DOOR:

PHOTOS OF THE STOUT FAMILY AND FRIENDS ON THE ISLAND ADD TO THE CHARM:

LOTS OF SPOTS FOR PRIVATE CHATS OR GROUP GATHERINGS:

Mark and I and the friends we were with all took advantage of the fact that we couldn't be constantly tuned in to the world outside and spent our time talking and reading and hiking and eating and drinking. We woke up to the sound of rain on our first morning which I loved, especially as the day cleared up and was perfect for our first exploration of the island.

ME AT BREAKFAST ON OUR FIRST MORNING CAPTURED BY MY EVER-PRESENT PERSONAL PHOTOGRAPHER:

DID I MENTION THE FOOD? SHRIMP CEVICHE:

GRILLED CHEESE FOR GROWN-UPS:

On our last evening we took a champagne and dessert sunset cruise on the Lodge's gorgeous wooden boat. We assumed from its looks that it was an antique. Turns out it is a contemporary recreation and is electric, so we skimmed over Red Cedar Lake without a sound to mar our enchantment. 

Our "captain" for the cruise was one of the many young people on the staff at Stout's Island Lodge. He, like all of them, was unfailingly polite, helpful, informative and just plain friendly. They were an outstanding group.

The boat is in pristine condition and we had to take our shoes off for the trip. In addition to the leather covered seating around the perimeter, there were four wicker chairs which we comfortably settled into.

HOMES AROUND THE LAKE'S SHORE THAT WE SAW FROM THE BOAT:

"BOXED" DESSERT ON THE BOAT WITH CHOCOLATE MOUSSE ON THE RIGHT: 

RETURNING TO THE DOCK:

We learned that it is possible to spend three days with friends and still be friends! We all agreed we could not have found a more perfect spot for a summer getaway. An added bonus was the fact we could drive there in a morning through the lush Wisconsin landscape. And I've got new ideas galore about food and flowers.

Next up: The flowers and gardens at Stout's Island Lodge.

Comments

[Jane Miller]

Thanks for sharing this beautiful place with us--nice to know Wisconsin has its own little adirondacks. Loved the dessert presentation. Looking forward to the garden report.

[Barbara H.]

Wow, what a place. I'll have to research it a little. I'd love to stay there with my sisters.

[Loree / danger garden]

What fun! Thank you for the many, gorgeous, photos. I had hopes of getting away to the beach (the Pacific Ocean) this August, but plumbing work and a visit from the MIL have put an end to that.

[Peter/Outlaw]

What a delightful place and a grand way to step back in time. Books and games, one T.V. limited wifi sounds like heaven. Refresh my memory, a book is sort of like a kindle or smart phone but heavier and requiring light to decipher the words, right?

[Linda Brazill]

We all brought physical books, including hardcovers.

[Erin @ The Impatient Gardener]

I have never heard of this place. I'm completely enamored.

[Linda Brazill]

You guys would love it.

[Lisa at Greenbow]

I am sure we would like this place too. It looks grand and sounds inspirational.

[Linda Brazill]

It really is a lovely place and would be perfect for a sisters' getaway. They have cabins that work for families and larger groups if you all want to be in the same space. You can also take the ferry off the island to drive to nearby spots or to rent paddle boats etc.

[Elizabeth]

I have heard of this retreat over the years. Looking forward to your post regarding the grounds and gardens!

[Michelle]

I can't wait for the next post. This is so beautiful.