Birchwood Cabin with Private Lake

This family cabin is great for a cozy getaway for two, or for a crew of a dozen! There is plenty of space for all. Enjoy over 100 acres of walking trails, firepits and lake living. It is peace and quiet, with easy access to all that northern Wisconsin has to offer. The cabin is located within 30 minutes of Hayward and Rice Lake. The space HISTORY - There are 110 acres in our parcel – is part of the historic Stout logging operations that supplied the country with nearly a quarter of its building lumber in the early 1900’s. Lost Lake Camp, (the lake is found at the northern edge of the property,) produced the largest recorded lumber haul on a single sled – over 17,000 board feet. The trees here at one time were enormous – towering 200 feet overhead. Logging operations continue to this day, but at a much slower pace than in years past. The trails you’ll find on this property, as well as the many “back-roads” in the area are simply logging trails. The lake in front of the cabin is a natural spring-fed lake, which was supplemented years ago by an engineered creek running from Lost Lake. It is approximately 20 acres today, but was at one time probably only as big as 15 acres, and as large as 22 acres. It is greatly susceptible to annual rainfall/snowfall conditions, as well as the water table. Although never formally named, it was locally known as “Crappy Lake” until recently. We figured it was because of the abundance of great pan fish, not simply because it was across the road from “Nice Lake”. Regardless, the tangle of Blackberry bushes all around the property, and its cool dark appearance is what prompted our family to christen it Blackberry Lake in 2001. TODAY - Our family purchased the property in 1998 and erected the small cabin for a place to get out of the elements when it was too cold or wet to enjoy a camping experience. The main cabin was completed in 2000. We’ve used rocks from around the property to build the retaining walls and are continuing to transplant native species of plants around the yard. There are wild blackberry bushes, wild strawberries and the occasional blueberry patch to be found along the trails. The maples have been tapped for sweet syrup in the spring and wild game taken in the fall. In addition to pan fish, the lakes on and around the property are full of bass, walleye and trout. There are loon, eagles, woodpeckers and hummingbirds. We’ve enjoyed watching the hummingbird wars when the feeder is full. We’ve spotted fishers, bear, a lone wolf and of course, deer. We’ve discovered wild turkeys love to roost high in the trees (or high on cabin beams), and that oak trees seem to know just how to drop an acorn on your head. Guest access THE CABIN There are many things to keep you entertained while enjoying the great Wisconsin outdoors – even when you’re indoors! INDOORS: There are fully stocked bookshelves downstairs, a front closet full of games, a hutch with playing cards, coloring books and crayons and other creating paraphernalia; and you are welcome to use the piano and guitar while you are here (please simply be respectful – they are our personal instruments). The downstairs has a full selection of movies in Laserdisc, DVD and VCR format (along with all the equipment to play it on), and a projector that uses the south wall of the basement as its 6-7 ft screen. There are instructions on how to use the equipment. There is NO Internet/WIFI nor television however, there is a radio if you want to stay connected to the news and there is a strong cell signal almost everywhere on the property. OUTDOORS: There are several miles of hiking pathways on the property. There are canoes and kayaks available to use, as well as a small rowboat. The water is perfect for swimming in the summer months, and fishing all year round. If you are an avid biker, you will want to venture out on the trails or area roads and take in more of the scenery. If you have kids you’ll understand what we mean when we say we have all the trees, sticks, rocks, bugs, snakes, frogs and land needed for the best adventures imaginable to their little minds! And – if you’re anything like us you might just like to do nothing. The cabin is a perfect place to just hang out, talk and listen to nature – hummingbirds in the day, fireflies at night and stars like you’ve never seen. THE LAND Fire pit- There are two fire pits on the property. You are welcome to use these anytime there is not a burning ban in place. Please find out if there is a fire ban before having a campfire, and extinguish coals before leaving. You can check on burning status and obtain permits at Ed’s in Birchwood (on 40, just north/east of town) Boats- We have a small row boat, a canoe and a kayak available for your use. Life jackets are in the back of the small cabin. Our rowboat also has a small trolling motor that can be used, but please familiarize yourself before dumping yourself and the boat. If you need instructions on the motor please ask Matt. Always bring oars or paddle, lifejackets for all, one throw-able cushion, and lights if you’re out at night. We strongly encourage children under 12 to wear PFD’s at all times near the water. Blackberry Lake does not support jet-skis or motor boats – it’s simply too small. However, paddling into its little bays provides great entertainment for frog and turtle spotting, and is a great way to unwind!