Northwoods Family Destination
Providing a white-glove family vacation experience. Our all-inclusive packages are designed to remove the inconveniences of planning a family vacation. Browse our featured perks and experience value far beyond a standard vacation rental.
Private Chef Experiences
Guests can enjoy our private chef offerings in two ways: either as part of the Culinary All-Inclusive Package or as an add-on to the Adventure All-Inclusive Package.
UTVs & Snowmobiles
UTV and snowmobile access is included with the Adventure All-Inclusive Package and may also be added to Culinary Package stays.
Guided Fishing Experiences
Our guided fishing experiences are led by a trusted local expert who brings deep knowledge of seasonal patterns, proven locations, and effective techniques to maximize success on the water.
Guided fishing is included with the Adventure All-Inclusive Package and may be added to Culinary Package stays.
Professional Family Photos
Capture meaningful moments during your stay, set against panoramic views of Nick Lake and the surrounding Northwoods. Professional photography is included with both All-Inclusive Packages during Summer and Fall seasons.
*May be added as an upgrade for winter stays.
Essentials included with every stay:
Our family-focused essentials reflect our non-negotiable standard for exceptional comfort and service. These benefits are included with every all-inclusive package.
Private Lake Access
Hot Tub
Fireplace
2 Pets Allowed
Fishing
Washer & Dryer
Firewood Provided
Unlimited firewood is provided for your entire stay at Nick Lake Lodge.
Concierge Services
We’re here to build your itinerary and book local experiences.
Welcome Gift
Enjoy a complimentary welcome drink (red/white wine or Spotted Cow)
Squeaky Clean Guarantee
If the cabin isn’t spotless when you arrive, we’ll refund your cleaning fee.
Reviews
Location
Birchwood is located in Northwest Wisconsin — an easy road trip from several major cities.
By car…
40 minutes from Hayward, WI
1 hour and 30 minutes from Eau Claire, WI
2 hours and 30 minutes from the Minneapolis metro area
4 hours from Milwaukee, WI
5 hours from the Chicagoland area
By plane…(nearest airports)
Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU) — Located in Eau Claire, WI
Approx. 75 miles (1 hr 30 min drive)
Duluth International Airport (DLH) — Located in Duluth, MN
Approx. 116 miles (2 hr 15 min drive)
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) — Located in Minneapolis, MN
Approx. 128 miles (2 hr 30 min drive)
FAQs:
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We’ve built Schliesmann Estates to be the ultimate family vacation destination.
Most of our guests are multi-generational groups traveling from the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area or Chicagoland looking for destination that feels meaningfully different from a standard weekend rental.
This is a good fit for guests who:
Want space, privacy, and a peaceful setting
Appreciate thoughtful design and high-quality amenities
Value ease and don’t want to coordinate meals, activities, and logistics all week
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The home sleeps up to 16 guests and is spread across three distinct levels:
Main level: two private queen bedrooms, a full bathroom, and the primary kitchen and living area
Upper level: a queen bedroom, two twin beds, a full bathroom, and a quiet nook overlooking the lake — ideal for kids, grandparents, or anyone who wants a little separation
Lower level: two bunk beds, a full bathroom, and a large hangout space that naturally becomes the kids’ zone or late-night lounge
On top of the main house, guests also have access to the Coach House, outdoor gathering areas, and seasonal amenities.
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Yes. Nick Lake Lodge was designed with families and pets in mind.
The bunk room and lower-level hangout space naturally become the kids’ zone, while the private lake, yard, and Coach House give them space to stay active without leaving the property. This keeps the main living areas comfortable for adults.
Up to two dogs are welcome, with no size restrictions. We limit the number simply to keep the home comfortable and well-maintained for all guests.
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The Adventure package is designed for guests who want to make the most of the Northwoods and spend their time exploring. It’s a great fit for families and groups who enjoy being active and want experiences like high-end UTVs or snowmobiles delivered directly to the lodge, guided fishing with local experts, and easy access to the trail systems without having to coordinate any of it themselves.
The Culinary package is designed for guests who value ease and great food. It’s ideal for groups who want chef-quality meals, private on-site dinners, and minimal planning around cooking and cleanup, so the focus stays on relaxing and spending time together.
Both packages start with the same lodge, lake, Coach House, and hot tub access. The difference comes down to how hands-on you want to be during your stay and what kind of experience you want to center the week around.
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Because consistency allows us to do a better job. Fixed check-in and check-out days keep our cleaning, maintenance, and staging teams on schedule, so we can provide an exceptional experience.
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All-inclusive is optional. We do offer lodging-only stays.
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Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive clear next steps and timing. We offer a pre-stay concierge call to finalize logistics, experience scheduling, and arrival information. Our goal is to handle the planning upfront so your stay itself feels simple and uninterrupted.
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We began hosting guests at Nick Lake Lodge in 2023, and within the first 6 months earned Superhost status on Airbnb and Premier Host status on Vrbo.
Our goal is to deliver value far beyond a standard vacation rental. We take pride in the details that are required to provide an exceptional vacation experience.

