I love Northern Wisconsin! The weather, the scenery, all the bodies of water – LOVE.IT. But sometimes the further north you go, the less there is for kids to do…or so it seems. We stayed in a cabin for a week on Big Round Lake via Vrbo and rented a pontoon boat and it was FANTASTIC! One of the best vacations we’ve taken in a long time.
Where we stayed:
I did a lot of research of the “best” lakes in and around Hayward for fishing. Big Round Lake had a lot of positive comments. We also chose this lake because of it being crystal clear, spring fed water. You can view the cabin here. It was a great cabin with beautiful views literally steps away from the water. There was a restaurant just a stones throw away and the marina where we rented the pontoon boat was across the lake. The cabin was great! 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, hideaway bed in the living room and everything worked as it should.
What we ate:
Powell’s on Round – this was the restaurant that was a close walk away. They had an awesome brunch buffet and great lunch and dinner options. Staff was courteous and friendly and food was decently priced!
Angler’s Bar & Grill – in the middle of all the action on historic Main Street in Hayward. They feature great burgers, Mexican specialties, and homemade pizza.
What we put in the water:
Round Lake Marina is where we rented the pontoon boat. If you have the means, get the one with the larger motor. It also comes with inflatable tubes too! The kids had SO much fun on this boat and being out on the water. The boat rental was pricey I’m not going to lie, especially during peak season but boy it was worth it! Staff was super helpful and friendly.
The lake where our cabin was located is smaller but connects to the bigger one. Water is a little choppier but beautiful! We caught lots of pan fish but unfortunately no walleye (which is my favorite). We got to see a mama loon and her babies one night while fishing. I’d never seen or heard one up close so that was fun!
What we did:
Wilderness Walk Zoo is a great little attraction! They have a nursery and petting zoo, lots of different animals to see and a “Western Town” museum where you can go into all the little buildings and even pan for gold! If you get hungry there’s a snack shop there too. And of course a gift shop 😁.
The Lumberjack Show is always fun to watch. It’s interactive and hilarious! We normally go to the one in the Dells but this one was just as good! I will say that that the one in Hayward has less shade so keep that in mind. We arrived late and there was only seating open under the sun and it was HOT!
That was pretty much all all that we did! It doesn’t sound like much but we kept busy on the water! Here are some other things to do in Hayward with kids (their chamber of commerce website is good too):
Other things to do:
○ Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame – The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame is the international headquarters for education, recognition and promotion of fresh water sportfishing.
○ Cable Natural History Museum – They offer many exciting programs for children, adults and families. Hikes, crafts, games, river and forest explorations, naturalist-guided canoe and kayak trips, bird watching, engaging lectures, and live raptor programs are just a few of the educational experiences they provide to residents, visitors and vacationers in the Cable Area of Northern Wisconsin.
○ Water Activities! – click on this link to view a list of businesses for renting anything for water.
○ Copper Creak – If heights aren’t an issue for you (it’s a big hell no for me), ride a chair lift to an 800-foot hilltop and an 18-story elevator to the main observation deck to view over 2,500 square miles.
○ Riverside Lanes Bowling – Family Fun Modern Bowling Center with 8 lanes. Full liquor bar and Full menu(apps, burgers & pizzas.
○ Lumberjack Village Mini-Golf – Stop over after the lumberjack show and get your golf on!
○ Lynne Marie’s Candies – If you have a sweet tooth head over to Lynne Marie’s to satisfy it!
What are some things you all did? Post below!
