Drifting Away & Staying Awhile
Your Guide to Travel & Lodging
Stay on the island
Convenient lodging awaits with 40 charming guest rooms on the island, blending historic vibes with rustic elegance.
Once you've decided on your preferred room, call Stout's Island Lodge at 715.354.3646 to book your stay.
Wedding guests receive a 15% discount—just mention our wedding (Samantha Stark and Joshua Schmitz) when booking to apply the discount.
How do I book?
1.
VIEW ROOMS: Click the "View rooms" button below to explore photos of rooms on Stout’s Island Lodge’s website.
2.
CALL TO BOOK: Once you've found a room you like on the website, call 715.354.3646 to make your reservation.
Do not book on the website!
3.
MENTION US: To receive the 15% wedding discount, mention Samantha Stark and Joshua Schmitz when booking.
NOTE:
Guests staying overnight on the island are required to book accommodations for both Friday and Saturday nights.
Guests must book their rooms at least 90 days before the wedding date.
A 50% deposit of the total room cost is required to guarantee the reservation.
Important Booking Details
Check out the details below to plan your stay and make your time at Stout's Island Lodge as smooth as the lake on a calm morning:
Weekend Stay Requirement
Guests staying the night on the island must book accommodations for Friday and Saturday night.
Our wedding weekend at Stout's Island Lodge is from Friday, August 29th, 2025, to Sunday, August 31st, 2025. Guests are invited to join us for the entire weekend to enjoy a full schedule of activities, relaxation, and celebration—but participation in the entire weekend is not required! If you can't stay for the weekend, you're welcome to attend just the Saturday ceremony and reception on August 30th, 2025. For this option, accommodations can be booked off the island at one of the recommended hotels listed under the "Hotels Off the Island" section.
We can't wait to celebrate with you!
Room Rates
Discounted rates range from $179 to $425 per night, based on recommended occupancy.
Wedding Discount
Enjoy a 15% discount on your stay by calling 715.354.3646 and mentioning the wedding.
Deposit Policy
A deposit of 50% of your total stay is required when booking.
Reserve Early
Secure your room as soon as possible to ensure availability and preference. Rooms feature unique amenities like in-room fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and beautiful views of Red Cedar Lake.
Be Considerate of Large Families
Our wedding welcomes guests of all ages, including many large families. Since only a few rooms can accommodate more than two adults, we kindly ask that these rooms be reserved for families needing extra space.
Hotels off the island
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS
Holiday Inn Express is an 18-minute drive from Stout's Island Lodge Shore House waiting area and parking lot. It offers a straightforward, no-frills option for accommodations.
We have some rooms blocked off at a discounted rate for your convenience. To book a room, call 715.736.7444 and ask for the Stark & Schmitz block, or book using the "Book a room" link below.
824 Bear Paw Ave
Rice Lake, WI 54868
15 miles away by car
715.736.7444
GATHERING PLACE RESORT & LODGE
The Gathering Place Resort & Lodge is just a 2-minute drive from Stout's Island Lodge Shore House waiting area and parking lot. Nestled in lush green forests along the shore of Red Cedar Lake—cue the ooooohs and ahhhhhs!
2738 27 1/2 Ave
Birchwood, WI 54817
7.8 miles away by car
715.354.3029
TAGALONG GOLF RESORT AND CONFERENCE CENTER
Tagalong's Golf Resort and Conference Center—formerly Mr. Stout's personal golf course (fancy, right?)—is a charming option for Stout's Island Lodge guests who prefer their feet on solid ground. Just a quick ferry ride or a short drive from the boat landing, it's a convenient and scenic retreat with a side of history.
2855 29th Ave
Birchwood, WI 54817
5.3 miles away by car
715.354.3458
Things to do
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Here are the activities you can enjoy on Stout's Island:
Water Activities: Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, hydro biking, and fishing (with some fishing poles and bait available on the island).
Sports and Games: Clay tennis court, billiard table, table tennis, badminton, croquet, bocce ball.
Nature and Leisure: Lovely walking paths, a hiking trail, gardens, bird watching.
Relaxation and Fun: Board games, nightly bonfires with s'mores, reading a great book, admiring stunning views, and enjoying a peaceful nap.
There's something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or quality time with loved ones.
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For golf enthusiasts, there are two excellent options near Stout's Island Lodge:
Turtleback: A premier golf and dining facility open to the public, located in nearby Rice Lake, WI, just a 25-minute drive from Stout's Island Lodge.
Tagalong: A scenic golf course just a short ferry ride across the lake or a few minutes' drive from Stout's Island boat landing, making it a convenient and enjoyable excursion for guests.
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Explore the area around Stout's Island Lodge with a focus on delicious dining options.
Cumberland: Discover Idlewild Outfitters and Dancing Bird Art Studio, then enjoy a bite at local eateries.
Hayward: Satisfy your sweet tooth at Tremblay's Sweet Shop, sip wine at Hookstone Winery, or grab a meal at Angry Minnow Brewing Company.
Rice Lake: Indulge in fine dining at Lehman's Supper Club or enjoy a cozy breakfast at Birchwood Café.
Sarona: Visit Perlick Distillery for craft spirits and cocktails.
Spooner: Treat yourself to a comforting meal at Spooner Market & Grill.
From homemade candy and wine tastings to hearty meals and craft spirits, the local dining scene offers something for every palate.
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Birchwood (5–10 minutes)
Log Museum & Birchwood Area Historical Museum: Explore logging memorabilia, a replica of a logging camp, and the historic Morey house. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Sarona (15–20 minutes)
Perlick Distillery: Sample craft spirits, enjoy cocktails, and shop for locally distilled products. Open year-round.
Rice Lake (20–25 minutes)
Music in the Park: Live music every Tuesday from June to August.
Red Barn Theatre: Seasonal productions from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Fireline Shooting Range: Indoor gun range and training center, open year-round.
Spooner (25–30 minutes)
Spooner Train Rides: Enjoy themed excursions from April to December.
Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum: Dedicated to preserving canoe history, open May–September.
Railroad Memories Museum: Explore historic artifacts from Spooner's railroading past.
Shell Lake (25–30 minutes)
Woodcarving Museum: Features the world's largest collection of carvings by one man, including 100 life-sized pieces.
Chetek (30–35 minutes)
Fish-O-Rama: Try your luck catching tagged prize fish, May–October.
Hydroflites Water Ski Show: Thrilling performances most Thursdays and Sundays.
Hayward (45–50 minutes)
Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame: This iconic museum features the "Big Musky," where you can snap a picture inside its massive mouth.
Out of the Woods Winery: Napa-style winery with tastings and gourmet olive oils.
Scheer's Lumberjack Village: Enjoy lumberjack shows, mini-golf, and ice cream by Lake Hayward.
Wilderness Walk: Family-friendly animal park with interactive activities, open May–Labor Day.
Turtle Lake (45–50 minutes)
St. Croix Casino: Play your favorite games year-round, including slots, poker, and table games.
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Ice Age National Scenic Trail: Hike scenic segments like Hemlock Creek, Northern Blue Hill, or the ATV-friendly Tuscobia Segment.
Cedar Side Trail: Enjoy 4 miles of serene walking, jogging, or biking along the Red Cedar River in Rice Lake.
Chequamegon National Forest: Explore endless trails for hiking or biking; rentals are available.
Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary: Discover 10 miles of free hiking trails and nature programs.
Bike Riding Excursions: Explore Barron County's many biking options (see map).
Rustic Road Drives: Take the state's prettiest drives on Rustic Roads (maps available).
River Excursions: Rent a kayak, canoe, or tube at Jack's Canoe & Tube Rental and paddle the scenic Namakagon River.
ATV Excursions: Ride great trails like the Tuscobia Segment; rentals are available nearby.