Stout's Island Lodge

David Schwerbel

2024-04

Stout's is represented as a “luxury resort” in terms of both facility and service. While Stout's is many things, unfortunately “luxury resort” is not one of them. When we think of “luxury resort” we think of the American Club in Kohler, the new Inn at SentryWorld, the Grand Geneva or the Langham Pasadena – incredible facilities, impeccable service.Our experience was that Stout's has neither the staff nor budget required to keep up with routine maintenance (when we checked in the room was dirty, later my wife was totally grossed out by the dust and cobwebs on the mantle in the dining room) let alone extensive deferred maintenance or upgrade projects. Even our room (Shore Lodge 1), which had been upgraded in 2011, showed signs of wear starting with the torn screen on the door. While the jacuzzi tub was as shown on the web site with a beautiful lake view – the web site didn’t mention that it (as well as the toilet) was literally immediately behind the door to the adjacent unit, requiring the shade to be pulled except when the bathroom was not in use. We also found the tiny shower to be far from a glass and tile shower we would have expected - no budget motel would install such a shower. (take a look at the foot of the beautiful bed in that unit – it appears to be broken, leaning out at the bottom).We had a long, long list of unmet expectations and disappointments. We also had safety concerns – even during the day, the “path/road” down to the Shore Lodge was difficult, at night it was treacherous. Even with our flashlight we got lost on both nights on our walk home after dinner. There really should be some yard lighting beyond the occasional “solar” lights.On the positive side, Denise was extremely gracious and went out of her way to spend time with us. Kelly was wonderful, explaining the history of the lodge and her work there. Two incredibly committed, loyal, helpful employees. They both want Stout's to be the dream. Denise provided a copy of the book about the history of lodge for us during our stay; in hindsight, we regret not purchasing it.We found that for the most part, the food met expectations, except for cold rice on our walleye dinners on Wednesday evening, the moldy candy bars from the commissary and being told there was no N/A beer because it was the end of the season! (Denise later found some!) While it is true that we were guests late in a “shoulder” period, should guests expect a lower level of service than they would in July?Once we started to do the math, maybe 100 profitable days/season, incredible expense of maintaining the aging facilities and very difficult and expensive logistics of being on an island (one of the staff mentioned septic service, if you think about it there are at least a dozen buildings, each with its own water heater, well and pump), it would be a surprise if it can continue without an owner that is willing to subsidize operating costs and make a substantial capital investment to make it what it is advertised as! Inconsistency with seasonal operation is yet another challenge. Our experience demonstrates that Stout's does not appear to be sustainable in the current business plan.In the end we came to accept the lodge for what it is – an extremely unusual place, huge history; we are glad we came. We are not aware of anything like it.If we were asked to recommend Stouts, it would be with the caveat for a visit, a tour and a night's stay before committing to more.Frankly, given an investment of $10 million and a full, qualified staff, Stout's could be a luxury resort.The level of service is reinforced by the lack of the promised survey and by the fact that this review was sent to Stout's both as an email and by US mail, both without response. That tells the story.Rooms: Our room had the potential to be spectacular but showed signs of lack of maintenance and wear. The staff was unable to explain the operation of the gas fire place. Towels were Motel 6 quality at best.Safety: Safety is an issue.Warnings were posted for use of life jackets in the kayaks and canoes, but life jackets weren't available. Lighting at night is non-existent. We were told that the island is not staffed through the night and the phone was unattended when we called. We wonder what would happen if there was a medical emergency or a fire.Walkability: Walkability is a highlight - we enjoyed walking out the paths on the adjacent island and around the island.Food & drinks: Dining room was inconsistent, service poor. Continental breakfast mediocre was at best. The beautiful bar did not appear to be staffed during much of our stay.

Alison Hensel

2023-08

We had a wonderful lunch in Mrs. Stout's private room yesterday. We had 20 family members, including 4 kids. Denise and her team went above and beyond! They kindly took the kids orders first so they were occupied while we enjoyed our bloody Mary's and old fashions. We tried a variety of items from a delicious homemade potato soup with huge chunks of red skin potatoes, to delicious burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, beef tips and a lovely salad option. They even procured a beautiful bowl of ice cream with fresh berries to celebrate my cousin's birthday! We've decided this will be an annual event visiting from our cabin. It's a spectacular location and every member of the staff made sure we had a fantastic time!

Jessica Sayeski

2023-11

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Shelly Frey

2023-07

As other reviewers have noted the place is poorly kept up and filthy. The floors in our $400 per night suite were coated in layers of grime. I would doubt they’d been washed in a year or more. Thick cobwebs & spiderwebs were everywhere; outdoor lawn chairs, stair railings, windows, window & door screens, even the framed photos inside of our suite. If anyone had dusted or swept anywhere in years I’d be surprised. 2 star resort? Not if you don’t bother cleaning it.In addition to the spider webs, the lawn furniture had layers of bird droppings on the seats, backs, etc. Some appeared fresh but much was dried (petrified) & looked months old. The chairs were all but unusable.The first evening we had a lovely view of the lake from our room, the second evening we had a view of a pavilion which was erected incase they’d have need of it during the summer months. On the off chance? And let me not forget the hour or two of the deafening racket involved in putting up. Or the lawnmowers mowing outside of our windows at 7:30 pm. What high end resorts mows the grass in the evening? This one.The bar was not staffed so if you wanted a $15 beer you had to looking for an employee. I never found any.The swimming dock was laying on the shore rather than in the water where it belonged. To get into the water to swim you’d have to use the boat ramp.Stairs & docks had rickety or loose boards and some stone steps & porches had settled so much over the years that they were twice the distance from the walkway than would be normal. Climb the stairs is right! Mountain climb.

Ronan Blaschko

2023-05

This island resort is amazingly peaceful and beautiful. We were ferried out to the island with reservations for lunch. The staff was very entertaining and helpful showing us around and educating us on the island's history.The kids played bags on the courtyard. There was a croquet setup which we would like to play next time but since we hiked around the beautiful trails to see the island, including the fairy garden, we didn't have time.Our food was great and despite being understaffed the server chatted with us and was delightful. I had the cheesecake which was homemade and the best cheesecake I have ever had. A lavender syrup was drizzled on it which I think was the special flavor that made it great.We will look at renting a room here for a weekend sometime in the future because it really is exclusive and special leaving you with a peaceful and refreshed feeling.

Kate Borzick

2023-09

This place is amazing! A true slice of heaven. Historical and so charming. The views of the lake and flower gardens are incrediblle. It's what new lodge resorts try to copy but come up short.There is so much to do for a family, canoeing, yard games, swimming, board games and smores in the evening to just name a few.There are beautiful views from everywhere on the island with Adirondack chairs sprinkled all over to relax or read a book.The food in the restarant was absolutely delicious and the continental breakfast had everything we would want. Love love love it here!

Elizabeth Stewart

2023-05

Fantastic vacation. Stout island was just what our busy lives needed. A peaceful and relaxing getaway in a beautiful part of the state at the best time of year. Fall colors were at their most colorful, and there was nothing better than sipping wine on your own private patio overlooking the water. The staff went above and beyond to ensure our visit was enjoyable. Shout out to Stephanie for her amazing hospitality! A huge thank you to the wonderful people on staff there. We will be back next October and the next…..and the next.

Gabi Johnson

2023-05

My husband and I recently got married at Stout's and couldn't have asked for a better place to celebrate our nuptials! We can't wait to go back for future anniversaries because Stout's Island will always be a very special place to us. Our guests loved the novelty of the island. It is so beautiful and peaceful. The food is excellent and the service, although they were short staffed, still turned out to be good, especially the night of our wedding. Olivia, our event planner was wonderful to work with. She was super responsive and helpful. Highly recommend Stout's Island for future brides!

Heather Li

2023-05

I attended a wedding at Stout's Island Lodge. The wedding was charming and just beautiful. The wedding used the lake as the backdrop and it was picturesque. The cocktails were strong and tasty. The dinner was pretty good, especially the red potatoes and cauliflower! The tent and the whole dinner set up was nice. The employees were all friendly and accommodating. All of the cabins and grounds were so cute. Riding back on the post-wedding ferry in a full moon while the sun was setting was unexpectedly gorgeous. If I'm ever in the area, I would definitely stay at Stout's Island Lodge!P.S. the swan floaties off the dock made my day!

Timothy Dykstal

2023-05

This is a magical place. If you go expecting more than the usual comforts of home, you may be disappointed. Your boots may get dirty; you may have to shoo a few flies away from your dinner plate. But--as they say--when you embark on the ferry, you are transported back in time, back to a time to savor a cocktail by a real wood fire, to swim in clear lake waters, to spend time contemplating the stars and the universe. Stout's will do all they can to make your stay comfortable, even luxurious, but it's up to you to slow down and take it all in.

Emily Hesse

2023-05

This venue offers a unique experience for allowing guests an entire island and weekend getaway for their friends and family. Hands down, some of the core memories the bride and groom and our friends came from this venue and our weekend celebrated here.The grounds, facilities, and lodging is unique, quaint and cute. The outdoor ceremony space has perfect lake views and greenery surrounding, and the tent rental was perfect.My rating of a 4 star rather than 5 comes because this wedding was held soon after Covid restrictions were lifted (June 2021) and I believe we might have been part of one of the first larger weddings (roughly 150 people). The venue ran out of food and drink, leaving some people without dinner and had to switch from kegs to (warm) bottled beer.Still - I would bet they have adjusted since then and are more adapted to handling larger weddings now. Highly recommend if you're looking for an outdoor, full weekend getaway!

Irina Brown

2023-09

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Maggie Flanagan

2022-05

My partner and I were married on Stout's Island in September of 2021. After visting the island the prior year, we knew right away it was exactly the venue we were looking for. It's rustic yet elegant, and despite it being as small as it is, it seemed as if we had the whole island to ourselves. We knew the bonfires would feel warm, and we expected the scenery of Red Cedar Lake to take care of all the decorations ― but we really had no idea that everyone working on Stout's Island would be so wonderful, so complimentary, so fun, so ready to help. We weren't mired in the details, yet they took care of things proactively, without even being asked. For example, I learned that one of their employees was headed home to make table runners for our Friday night dinner, and that another had agreed to making a very specific dessert upon my uncle's request. One of the decorative vases intended for the ceremony had broken, and I don't know how they did, but replaced it with something nearly identical. Problem solved! We didn't expect or ask for that kind of attentiveness but we're so grateful for it because we were truly able to be fully present in every moment.We heard over and over again from our guests how accommodating Stout's staff was. Every room is unique, and the community spaces are so cozy. We have friends planning their 2022 return, and my dad has decided that none of our previous family vacations reached the level of greatness that was Stout's Island Lodge. From meditative wanderings to bonfire debauchery, it was more than we could have ever imagined. The food was delicious! Stephanie was quick to respond to every question leading up to the wedding (I bet we sent her 32 emails), and always so kind and clear in communication. I seriously can't think of one not-so-positive thing to say.We are so deeply grateful for everything Stout's Island staff did to make the weekend so special. If you're looking for a unique destination wedding in the Midwest, run, don't walk to Stout's Island ferry landing.

Lindsey Roddy

2022-05

This was such an idyllic place. It is set away from daily life but with all the amenities you need. They have a continental breakfast, a great restaurant, swimming, more yard and board games than you could play in a weekend, an island hiking trail, and a little library in the great room next to a crackling fireplace.The lodge has a neat history, kind staff, and gorgeous views.My husband and I went fishing with the canoes they provide and caught quite a few big fish. They also have paddle boards, water bikes (so fun), and kayaks.So fun, we will be back.

Nicolle Nacey

2022-05

We had the most incredible experience using Stout's Island Lodge as the venue for our wedding. Stephanie was great to work with through the entire process. I appreciated her insight during the planning phase and the flawless execution on the actual weekend. I was especially grateful for her flexibility and working with us as we rescheduled our wedding from 2020 to 2021. I would highly recommend Stout's Island Lodge for anyone looking for an unforgettable wedding day!We look forward to staying on Stout's Island in the future as we celebrate our anniversaries in the future!

Chelsea Boyle

2022-05

Arrived to Stout’s Island for a wedding. All amenities had to go through the lodge, and the food was mostly very mediocre, which is a shame for being on an island. They delivered a basic continental breakfast to our door, which was nice, but still very basic for the price you pay for the room. Lunch was some pretty gross potato chips and lunch meat wraps. The wedding dinner was good at least. Lots of cobwebs everywhere in our room (Harry 3). Arrived to a room with a full dehumidifier. In the middle of the night, our air conditioner turned off, and the heat from the dehumidifier quickly turned our room into a sauna. When I called the front desk at 8:30am, the woman on the phone was short and rude with me, “Yes, that happens sometimes. If one of the three units has their AC turned off, that will happen.” She said it in a way as if that makes any sense at all. There is absolutely no mention of this to guests, however. There is no opportunity to be a mindful guest, as they’ve neglected to inform guests with signage or a verbal warning of said bizarre dynamic. And they certainly didn’t seem to think it was their job to alert the other units of this feature, even after it happened. Fortunately, we’d met our upstairs neighbors the night before, so we knocked on their door and sorted the situation out — not without entering their room and fiddling with their AC units ourselves. They were also perplexed as to why their units started blowing hot air instead of AC. Additionally, when the maintenance person came to check out our unit, he took the air filters away to clean them. Isn’t there routine maintenance on this stuff, y’all? Why the full dehumidifier and dirty air filters? This place feels understaffed and mismanaged for what you pay and should expect to experience when you’re away on a trip. It should not be the vacationer’s duty to advocate for their access to climate control. It’s otherwise a beautiful spot with lots of activities on offer, but they miss the mark on some of the things that matter most — communication, comfort, and food.

Derek Kisling

2022-05

I was not only a guest but a poorly treated employee! They market the place to be something it is not. Loved the island but tearable owners that run it like their own personal playground and not like a resort it could be. Hence why poor service! I feel it would be a great place by getting rid of the two big shot owners that bring nothing but snobbiness and arrogance to the island. Making it hard for guests and employees to have their best time on the island.

Sandy Mittlestadt

2022-05

I just came from my first stay at Stout Island Lodge and I can't say enough about my experience. The entire staff and the accommodations were by far the best I have ever experience. Learning the history of the Island, exploring the grounds and admiring the most beautiful scenery you can imagine was truly an experience I will not forget. Thank you to all!!

John Holling

2023-07

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Stephanie Romero

2018-05

If I could give this location a better rating I would. We used this location for a corporate meeting retreat for over 70 employees, and I only heard wonderful reviews from everyone throughout the event. Every single staff member that I encountered was incredibly helpful, by far and away past what they needed to be. Whether it was a personal escort to the cabin to hauling luggage back and forth to recommending a wine and helping build the bonfires, each staff member was unmatched in services. Even the chef on the island was amazing.Specifically, if you have a chance to speak with Emily, she is incredibly sweet and funny, and followed up with me to ensure our cabin was absolutely perfect. She didn't seem to mind redirecting me to my lodging every time I got turned around (which happened too many times).Thank you for hosting our gathering, and I sure hope to return soon.Amazing Place!

Josh Gasvoda

2020-05

The team at Stout's helped us make our wedding weekend more perfect than we could've imagined. Our guests had a wonderful time taking advantage of all the fun activities, and gave glowing reviews about their rooms and the quality of their stay. Many will be back soon! Our wedding went off without a hitch, and every moment, from the campfires, to the decorations, to the food, to the wedding bell and boat cruise afterwards was one to remember. Thanks for being such great hosts and making so many memories happen!

Gregg Schuder

2020-05

Great burger and fries. Gorgeous place. Old wood buildings on an island with beautiful grounds. Smells and is a bit dark just like my grandma's house. Big, old glass windows with gorgeous views out every one. If you love original, old wood construction, with no sheetrock, you must see this special place. Good service. Wonderful views on boat ride to island. Tesla and other electric car charging in parking lot (but owner may monopolize Tesla charger). I was a guest. My hosts had prepaid for boat ride to island along with dinner reservation. You can go in your own boat but appears to have limited number of slips so call ahead. Beautiful old, wood boat house as well. There are several flights of stairs between boathouse and restaurant/bar.

Alex

2023-05

Great food and wonderful staff, but the room was dusy, dirty floor and cobwebs everywhere. The grounds were nice but they were fixing alot of stuff and alot of work needs to be done. Very little info is given when you arrive, website information is not the same when you are there. We will not be staying here again. Price is to high for low cleaning standards.

Altaf Mughal

2023-11

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Vicki Martin

2019-05

We went out to Stout's Lodge to celebrate our anniversary and enjoyed it very much. It was a stormy day so we weren't able to walk around the grounds. We'll have to do that another time. The historic buildings were everything I was hoping for. Beautifully maintained with many historic pictures that help tell the story. The staff was helpful and friendly. I gave it 4 stars only because the food was good but not fabulous as I was expecting. We will definitely go back again

Michael Stone

2018-05

This is the most relaxing place on Earth! The beauty of the island is second to none. Helpful staff, amazing food and drink, and a summer breeze made my experience PERFECT. I can't wait to come back. Stout's Island is my new summer getaway. PS I recently hung a picture in my office which provides brief minute of stress relief - I would recommend all the guests do this before returning to daily routine.

Samantha Orsburne

2018-05

Lodge was beautiful and ferry over was great. Continental breakfast was a bit skimpy with the room prices being so high. Also on the ferry home they were rough with our luggage and exploded a pop can in our cooler. They also broke the handle on my sisters luggage. Beautiful island resort.

Eric Brown

2023-09

The noise from the lodge on the weekends is harming the lake. This is the north woods, not a Chicago club. Turn off the music and let us listen to the loons. What are you doing?

Lisa Johnson

2022-05

Stout’s Island Resort exceeded ALL our expectations on our family vacation. Over the 4th of July holiday week we had an unexpected circumstance happen with an Air bnb cabin and Stout’s Island Resort saved our family vacation (we dealt primary with Stephanie and Mel)! They couldn’t have serviced our family of 8 adults and 6 children any better. We stayed in the Douglas Cabin and everything was very clean and in excellent condition. They went above and beyond and brought extra things for us (picnic tables, a grill, extra utensils) to accommodate our group. We also appreciated the boat/dock team and all of their hard work they did getting our belongings to our cabin and then back to our vehicles on the mainland. I feel like I can’t say enough good things about the whole team.Aside from the great service, there were a lot of fun things for adults and children to do around the island. Bocce ball, ladder ball, swimming, water bikes, kayaks, canoeing, fishing, hiking, paddle boards, bon fires, billiards, ping pong, fairy garden etc.We couldn’t have been more fortunate to have found Stout’s Island Resort and we will be back to visit!

Gail Mullaney

2022-05

Wish it was anywhere near what they promise. Our experience was we arrived at 2:00 and left at 5:00 the same day after having never seen another soul after the initial greeting. The bar and dining room were deserted even though lunch should’ve been available. The office said closed. We finally pounded on the closed office door only to find 2 employees there. We got on the ferry and left. Very disappointing. Beautiful location but you have to staff for it.