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Esker Ridge

100%

· Townsend, Wisconsin

3 acres

1 site

1 Lodging

A hidden gem nestled between the comforts of lake living and a backdoor to the expansive Nicolet National Forest. Recreational opportunities are year-round, including recreational vehicle and fishing opportunities on and around the 417 acre lake flowage. The private +2 acre property has panoramic views of the secluded headwaters opening into the main flowage. Set back off the main lake, wildlife viewing, especially birding, is the best I have experienced. Neotropical migratory bird species are abundant in the Spring as well as a resident breeding pair of Trumpeter Swans, many ducks(!), Bald Eagles, Loons, Sand-Hill cranes; many woodpecker spp. including Pileated; Screech, Barred and Great horned owls. Some of the more entertaining wildlife include deer, otter, beaver, muskrats, red squirrels and the occasional wandering black bear (no problem bears). In the Spring, the esker's neighboring wetlands come alive with many frog and turtle species. For me, the allure of the wild still dominates here. The esker provides an amazing vantage point with nearly 270 degree panoramic views of the flowage. From the Gazebo, take one of two paths to the overlook before descending down to the lakefront. In 2021, I plan on adding a short pier but the natural rocky peninsula already provides excellent access into the deeper thalweg, an excellent fishing/ swimming hole! All pontoon and fishing boats can be accommodated here. Learn more about this land: The property is located towards the end of a Forest Service road (Meadowlark Lane) with one year-round resident at the end. There's a large turn-around for trailers and larger vehicles. Neighbors are well separated, located over the ridgeline and out of earshot. The property has a relatively wide, flat 100 foot driveway to the cabin from the road. Easy access to the cabin from the driveway. The cabin is surrounded by mature maple/birch/balsam/hemlock forest and several wetland/tamarack bogs (very diverse terrain bordering the lake). At the base of the cabin there's a small pier for direct kayak and canoe access. Larger boats can easily dock on the lake-end of the property, a short walk from the cabin. From the natural driveway a concrete paver staircase leads up to the main campsite (see pics). The campsite includes a 3 season 14 foot enclosed gazebo with electricity. Essentially, the land is a 2 acre esker (kettle moraine feature) that serpentines through the woods to Reservoir "Pond" lake system. Excellent views of the lake! The Flowage has headwaters from McCauslin brook and connects 3 lakes totaling 417 acres. Maximum depth 27 feet. Fishing and Pontoon boat docking on shoreline. The closest boat launch is on Horn Lake which is passed on the way to the cabin and approximately a half mile away as the crow flies. Plenty of areas for tenting/ wall tents, 2 picnic tables (one near the cabin and the other by the gazebo), and a separate outhouse with toiletries at the top of the hill. Attractions in the Area: Sleepy Hollow Minature Golf on Nicolet Rd (just East of Horn Lake) Sunset Resort of Townsend located on the SE end of the flowage. Accessible by boat or short drive from camp on Burnt Dam Road. Hill Crest Lodge Supper Club on Nicolet Rd (you'll pass on the way in) 4 Stars. Birch Hills Resort and Bar (over the bridge from Hill Crest) 5 Stars. Mike's Supermarket/ Pintsch's TrueValue (just thought I'd mention where to get provisions) (also on Nicolet Rd), Townsend Potawatomi Casino, Carter Old Town Hall cafe and bloody bar- Traditional American food, Townsend (Excellent Breakfast!) Sweet Memories Candy Store, Lakewood (If you have a sweet tooth, this place is over the top Willy Wonka style, many candy filled rooms that seem to never end!) Lakewood Ski and Sport- Outdoor Gear, Lakewood. Talk to Dave- great guy. Ski/ SUP and Bike rentals. Northern D'lites- Lakewood ice cream/ burgers Lakewood Super Valu Grocery Store (has more to offer over Mike's grocery in Townsend) *Maiden Lake Supper Club- Excellent! Best Supper Club UpNort hands-down. Excellent sunset views over Maiden lake from the patio bar. Go Early! Cathedral of the Pines- Old Growth White and Red pine. I can't believe the whole state looked like this at one point. One tree is has enough wood to build a house! Maiden Lake, 3rd clearest lake in WI. Great snorkeling over the fish cribs Boot Lake -State Campground and Beach- Best swimming beach in the area. Jones Creek trails- year round hiking, Mt biking and Cross country skiing McCauslin Brook Golf and Ctry Club, Lakewood Waubee Lake Lodge- worth the drive. Huge modern wood lodge live-edge bar and 40+ foot cathedral ceilings. Great buffet. Woodland Trail Winery, Lakewood (winery Northern woods style with craft beer selection)

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Townsend, Wisconsin, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Don M.Joined in December 2019

100%

14 ratings · 12 reviews

Tonia G.recommends

August 11, 2022

Esker Ridge Studio

Wooded Wonderland Cabin + Lake Fun

Beautiful location with so many beautiful views! The Cabin is a "work in progress", but was cozy and fit our family of four adults, with three in the loft (w/additional twin air mattress) and one in the sofa bed. Really appreciated the many extras that are not listed (i.e. Baggo, headlamps, extra blankets, kitchen supplies, etc.). Great fishing off of the pier and boat. Caught 20+ small pan fish and a lg. 4lb Large Mouth Bass. We used the gazebo as our outdoor movie theater, by downloading movies to watch on our PC. Nearby Boot Lake is so clear w/great swimming! We had a family emergency during our stay and Don was extremely understanding. Location is near so many lakes, wish we had more time to explore. We would definitely return again and would highly recommend for a peaceful stay !

Nick C.recommends

October 19, 2021

Esker Ridge Studio

Breathtaking Panoramic, Cozy Cabin

Don's property is a stunning piece of land set high on a ridge line jutting out into crystal clear waters. My girlfriend and I were lucky enough to visit at the peak of fall colors. Don was very communicative and helpful. The cabin has everything you need and nothing you don't need. Had the weather not been so cooperative we would have been perfectly content to curl up in the cabin reading and gazing out its giant windows. The view from the winterized gazebo was equally as captivating. In the gazebo Don has installed hooks for hanging hammocks as well as two folding cots for sleeping. We spent hours canoeing the lake, circling the islands, and hiking the nearby forests. I would highly recommend a visit to Esker Ridge Studio. We cannot wait to visit again soon.

Kaitlin D.recommends

October 4, 2021

Esker Ridge Studio

We absolutely loved our time at the Esker Ridge cabin! The property was private, beautiful, and everything we were looking for.

Tony G.recommends

August 22, 2021

Esker Ridge Studio

Esker Ridge is magical. The trail is along the ridge itself is something that out of a fairytale. The place has everything you need and nothing you don't need.

Colin And Olivia M.recommends

August 9, 2021

Esker Ridge Studio

Fantastic cabin, great location, we got rained on half the time but it was great, even sitting in the cabin playing cards

David G.recommends

July 8, 2021

Esker Ridge Studio

Woodsy Peace and Quiet

We loved the location and quiet of Esker Ridge Studio. We spent many hours reading in peace and quiet, even a rainy day couldn't damper our time. The cabin was warm and comfortable. Cooking was very easy on the charcoal grill, in the massive fire ring, or on the hot plate. Thanks to Don for providing such a Woodsy paradise, far away from the city.

Gabby S.recommends

June 30, 2021

Esker Ridge Studio

Amazing

This place was amazing. So much to explore. It was beyond peaceful and the cabin provided everything we needed.

Pamela K.recommends

June 27, 2021

Esker Ridge Studio

Peaceful, Beautiful, Exceptional!!!

Don was easy to communicate with as we prepared for our trip. The accommodations are exceptional, way more than what we expected. Our stay was filled with peace, beauty and birdsong. The cabin is exceptional and well stocked, very comfortable. The gazebo is absolutely beautiful also. We were able to take our Border Collie who really enjoyed wandering the peninsula. The water is low, being it has been a dry summer, but we managed to get the canoe out to open water just fine and my kayak made it through the swamp fairly easily. I have always loved wetlands and swampy areas, as they are so abundant with diverse flora and fauna and are a joy to explore, so Esker Ridge was the perfect place in the Northwoods to enjoy a vacation. The kids loved it and had fun with the night time campfires and roasting marshmallows on the marshmallow/hotdog sticks provided in the gazebo(perfect). We explored the area and nearby National forest and found plenty of opportunities for fishing and swimming around Townsend. Two parks we found offered complimentary sit-in kayaks with paddles and life vests to use for free, which I thought was really cool. Cellular service was in and out constantly, but it was great to disconnect for a bit. However, even when cellular service was strong, it was hard to use mobile hotspot, so i recommend downloading any movies for watching offline, if that is your thing. I highly recommend this hipcamp/glamping experience to anyone who loves nature and needs a quiet, private, peaceful get-a-way. I am already planning to return in the fall for a mini artist retreat, as I find the entire peninsula inspiring. As a family, we hope to also return next spring to hunt for springtime mushrooms and explore the area a bit more. Thank you, Don, for providing a place to make great memories and to achieve much needed rest.

Hannah C.recommends

June 14, 2021

Esker Ridge Studio

The perfect glamping trip!

Great stay at Esker Ridge Studio! Don was very friendly and good at communicating with us before the trip. The studio was quaint even unfinished and had everything we needed to stay comfortably! I was surprised at how cool it stayed even tho the temps were HIGH, but we slept comfortably both nights. The mosquitos weren't even bad as I was expecting either. I only got one bite and that was hiking off property! We have 3 dogs and they enjoyed every minute. They were able to run off leash since the cabin was set far enough back from the road and it was secluded enough that cars weren't an issue. The property and peninsula were beautiful and the pictures don't do it justice! A hidden gem! We definitely would like to go back.

Cathy A.recommends

May 13, 2021

Esker Ridge Studio

We love our Stay here ! 100% recommended

Larry B.recommends

April 20, 2021

Esker Ridge Studio

5 stars would recommend.

This place is awesome. Will be back when it’s warmer for certain. Really cool setup with the gazebo and fire pit. Refrigerator was clutch to put food in so there was more room for beer in the cooler.

Richard G.recommends

April 5, 2021

Esker Ridge Studio

Secluded retreat on the lake

Family friendly glamping cabin. Secluded locale on the water. Wonderful views from the cabin and many other places throughout the property. The available canoe, kayak and firewood are convenient and very reasonable. Family enjoyed exploring the land, marsh and nearby "turtle bay" with numerous turtles, birds and wildlife via canoe. Don the host, is very friendly and accommodating, we felt like honored guests our entire stay. Would highly recommend for anyone looking for a peaceful getaway or adventures on the lake.

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