A Real Escape: The Island of Happy Days

How many times have you thought of a vacation close to home where you can really escape from it all but can’t seem to find an ideal place?

Fortunately for you, Travel Plus Wine has done its homework and found just the perfect place: The Island of Happy Days.

It does sound fun and happy… but where is this scenic place? You’ll never guess.

Commonly known as Stout’s Island Lodge, The Island of Happy Days is 26 green acres of peaceful island paradise secretly nestled in Birchwood, Wisconsin.

The reason I say “secretly” is because, surprisingly enough, not many people in Wisconsin even realize this place exists.

Surrounded by the pristine waters of Red Cedar Lake, Stout’s Island Lodge was established in 1903. Due to its historical importance, the lodge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of Historic Hotels of America.

The lodge is cozy and charming and there’s no doubt you’ll be in awe the moment you step foot on the island and admire the abundance of nature.

The sounds of the wind sweeping through the tall dancing leaves, the sights of ospreys catching fish from the lake, the aroma of fresh pine trees, among many other things, are a constant reminder that Stouts Island Lodge, after all, is your escape.

Outdoor Activities

The outdoor activities are vast within the island and the physical difficulty simply depends upon what you want to do.

If you enjoy the peace and quiet that nature brings, Stout’s Island Lodge offers great bird watching. Actually, it was here I saw a bald eagle for the first time, one of the greatest symbols of American wildlife.

If you love reading, nothing can beat the serenity of sitting on the luscious green lawn in an Adirondack chair surrounded by tall trees overlooking Red Cedar Lake.

However, if you are looking for more action, you can take one of many kayaks or hydro-bikes available from the lodge (no extra charge) to go around the island. And let me tell you those hydro-bikes are a great workout! You can also go swimming or fishing in the enormous lake.

For short distance hiking, the island has two beautiful nature trails with spectacular scenery. If you happen to be in a competitive mood, Stout’s Island Lodge offers you the chance to show your skills in tennis, croquet, or badminton.

Lodge’s Features

Dine with class at the Main Lodge which features regional dishes utilizing locally grown foods.

Their wine selection list is not huge, but hey, isn’t it all about quality not quantity? Stouts Island Lodge carries a few great wine labels and chances are you’ll find the bottle that’s right for you. As an alternative, you can bring your own bottle to enjoy from the comfort of your cabin.

In Conclusion

The Island of Happy Days is definitely the place for those looking for a unique, quiet and relaxing holiday escape.

In fact, this is also a great place for family celebration. Stout’s Lodge Island has only 43 guest rooms in 10 separate buildings, making this an ideal place for organizing special gatherings.

The middle of nowhere has never felt so pleasant.