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History-filled lakefront home with dock, fire pit, fireplace, & kayaks - dogs OK

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Exterior
Exterior
Terrace/patio
Living area
Private kitchen

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms5+ bathroomsSleeps 14

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
Mercer, WI
  • Place, Grand Portage Lake
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Carow Park
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Mercer Depot Museum
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, Ironwood, MI (IWD-Gogebic County)
    ‪47 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 14)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Bedroom 5

2 Queen Beds

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

5 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 5

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 6

Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Garden

About this property

History-filled lakefront home with dock, fire pit, fireplace, & kayaks - dogs OK

Summary:

Casa Maria



The Space:

You don’t always book a world-famous mobster’s hideout in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, but when you do, make it Casa Maria, built in 1916 and the former hangout of Al Capone and his men in the 1930s. With dozens of stories and local legends about these notorious gangsters and how they used the property to hide from federal agents, you’ll fall in love with the history of the home, as well as the modern amenities that make for such a spectacular stay.



Entertainment opportunities are endless - there are miles of paved biking, hiking, walking, and snowshoe trails for year-round outdoor exercise, and ATV and snowmobile trail access is less than a half-mile away. In the summer, grab one of the two provided kayaks or water floats via the private dock and explore Spider Lake, play a game of corn hole, or gather around the fire pit to roast marshmallows or make camp pies, with forks and camp-pie makers thoughtfully provided. In the winter, grab one of the two pairs of provided snowshoes, go cross-country skiing or hit the slopes in the UP at any of several resorts around 25 miles away.



Any time of year, take advantage of the ice cream maker, watch a movie on the old-school VCR, with lots of Disney classics on hand, stream the latest release, play some music on the CD player, play a board game, or pop in a DVD. Finally, Mercer is the loon capital of the world, so a stop in town to get your picture taken with Clare D’Loon is a must.



As for the home itself, it’s a true standout in the Northwoods. Dog-friendly, family-friendly, and the perfect spot to reconnect with friends, it sits right on Spider Lake with a lovely water view from the large patio and all three levels inside. Hardwood floors, a gas fireplace, cabin-modern furnishings, and pine-paneled walls and ceilings enhance that cabin vibe. There are lots of cozy gathering spaces, a full, well-equipped kitchen, and several dining tables to accommodate the whole group. Downstairs you’ll find another family room with the TV and even more space to spread out. Thoughtful family-friendly amenities include a high chair, two cribs, two Pack ’N Plays, kid’s games, a changing table, and baby gates. At bedtime, five well-appointed rooms guarantee a restful night’s sleep.



With no light pollution, you can enjoy a sky full of stars and even catch the Northern Lights at certain times of year. The solitude, lake views, and the haunting call of loons at night create a truly magical atmosphere—the only thing missing is you



THINGS TO KNOW

Streaming services are available with guest accounts.

A double sofa bed offers extra sleeping space.

This property is managed by Vacasa Wisconsin LLC.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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  • Dryer
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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the neighborhood

Mercer

Located in Mercer, this vacation home is on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Frog Lake And Pines State Natural Area and Moose Lake State Natural Area, while Mercer Depot Museum and Little Bohemia Lodge are cultural highlights. Take an opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as fishing.
View more Vacation Homes in MercerOpens in a new window
Map
Mercer, WI

What's nearby

  • Grand Portage Lake - 8 min drive - 5.5 km
  • Carow Park - 8 min drive - 6.2 km
  • Mercer Depot Museum - 11 min drive - 8.7 km
  • Frog Lake And Pines State Natural Area - 15 min drive - 14.9 km
  • Plunkett Lake - 18 min drive - 19.9 km

Getting around

  • Ironwood, MI (IWD-Gogebic County) - 51 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Wolf's Den - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Liberty Way Tap House - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Lazy Ace Saloon - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Around The Corner Pub - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Beaver Lodge - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is History-filled lakefront home with dock, fire pit, fireplace, & kayaks - dogs OK pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at History-filled lakefront home with dock, fire pit, fireplace, & kayaks - dogs OK?

As of May 7, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at History-filled lakefront home with dock, fire pit, fireplace, & kayaks - dogs OK on May 26, 2026 start from $777, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What time is check-in at History-filled lakefront home with dock, fire pit, fireplace, & kayaks - dogs OK?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at History-filled lakefront home with dock, fire pit, fireplace, & kayaks - dogs OK?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is History-filled lakefront home with dock, fire pit, fireplace, & kayaks - dogs OK located?

Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is 3 mi (4.8 km) from Grand Portage Lake and within 6 mi (10 km) of Carow Park and Mercer Depot Museum. Frog Lake And Pines State Natural Area and Circle Lily Lake are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 16 out of 21 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 21 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 21 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

7.4/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rae G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brenda U.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our group very much enjoyed the property and location. Very large house. Everyone loved that each bedroom had it’s own full bath. We will definitely return.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Peter M.

Beautiful, secluded, clean and spacious property with wonderful views and great amenities!

Beautiful, secluded, clean and spacious property with wonderful views and great amenities!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Very Beautiful

Very nice and accommodating place to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Mark R.

Four generations

This home is amazing! Perfect for our family age 7- 85. Quality throughout. Well appointed.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kevin H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Capone Stay

The house is incredible as is the lake and property.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jen A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Anderson Family Vacation

All of us (8 adults) loved the property and all of the space that there was in the house!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Shelley B.

Friends getaway

Loved everything about the area, trails, eating, etc. CasaMaria was top notch 5 Stars!!!! So beautiful and accommodating!!!! Will recommend and will return!!!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Theresa D.

Great location

The house was beautiful. Our family had such a great time. Enjoyed the lake and peaceful surrounding's. House was clean and had everything we needed. The kids had fun. Local guest services responded quickly when power went out.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Friends get away

The place was great! We loved everything except the AC doesn’t cool the upstairs and made for uncomfortable sleeping.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Mike W.

Amazing house with all of the amenities! Great for multiple families!

The house was amazing and very clean. It was very well equipped with everything we needed. It was nice to have so many separate spaces for the kids and the adults to hang out. The 2 washers and dryers were a huge bonus, we were able to do our laundry daily so that it wasn't a burden when we returned home. We would definitely rent this house again! Thank you to the owners for allowing us to stay in their amazing home!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent house

This home has probably ruined all other rental homes for us. Plenty of room for everyone. Having full bathrooms attached to each bedroom is so nice for couples and multiple families. The outdoor landscaping of the house is incredible, not pictured enough in the listing. Gorgeous sunsets on the lake. Two outdoor fire pits to enjoy, plenty of seating. This listing is an incredible value and guaranteed to make your vacation great like it did with ours.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Ralph D.

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness
We spent the first night cleaning and washing sheets and towels. The house was not cleaned at all. I have attached photos of what it looked like when we walked in the door. The kitchen also had to be cleaned and dishes done. I am dealing with Vacasa and they are offering to drop the cleaning fee and give me a 10% discount on another stay, in my opinion that is not enough. We spent the first night cleaning and doing laundry. They tried to switch us to other housing that was no where near the trails we came to ride(UTV's). I am not asking for a full refund but you need to do better.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anthony K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

.

.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Extended family get away

Casa Maria was the perfect place for our extended family get-together! It was wonderful to have so many bedrooms and bathrooms for everyone to have their own private space to retreat to. The main floor had lots of common space to hang out in, a large dining table for games, and the kitchen was massive and so well equipped. Everything we needed and lots of space for all the cooks in the kitchen, and for those just hanging out and chatting with the cooks :) The view was incredible with so many windows overlooking the lake. My favorite part was the firepit. We had two beautiful nights in a row to enjoy the sounds of the loons, beautiful star gazing, and good conversation around the fire. While we were on property, the management company was very responsive. Would definitely recommend Casa Maria!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

John Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Disliked: Communication

Beautiful Property

The house was very clean and beautiful, with gorgeous lake views. Had a hard time receiving good information from property management company, both prior to our trip as well as while we were there. It would have been nice to know that the public boat landing was more of a canoe/kayak landing rather than a boat landing. We were unable to launch our boat, which was disappointing. The only private landing that we could find was at a resort that wanted to charge us $200 to launch our boat, because they only allow non-guests to launch on Saturdays. Over all we still had a great time.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wendy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication

Beautiful views

The property was beautiful. I would only make a few suggestions. I fell into the fire pit seating area because I didn’t see the stairs at night. Maybe installing a light to shine on the stairs would prevent anyone else from getting hurt. Also, I would mention in the rental ad that you have to climb numerous cement stairs to get to the lake. Anyone with knee problems/elderly will have issues climbing up and down to the water. We also had to pay $200 to launch our boat, so that is an expense we would have liked to have known about in advance. Overall, I would recommend this rental.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Ashley S.

A couple kinks but overall wonderful experience.

Overall the house was spacious and wonderful. The property was very nice also. I did think Vacasa specifically fell short in pre-trip communication responsiveness and in communicating and fulfilling onsite needs re below. Because this house has no garbage disposal, all food scraps and left overs had to be thrown into the trash. When we arrived the trash cans in the garage were completely full and we had to make several inquiries to get someone to come and empty them. Then no one came the rest of the trip, which left a very stinky and full garbage can situation in the garage by the time we left today. I think there should be a more frequent trash removal service throughout the stay.
Verified

8/10 Good

kathy c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication

Family vacation 2023

We stayed at this location twice now. First time had no issues was wonderful. This time garbage was left so garage smelled and I had to call. They picked up same day. Basement fridge was broken and leaking. Upstairs air was not working correctly called no response. Emailed about fridge, air and large rocks for the stairs leading to water falling out. No response!!! That was disappointing. House is beautiful but not sure if will stay again because of the non communication.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jayne L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Early Autumn Bike Trip

Casa Maria provided a wonderful respite and opportunity for life long friends to reconnect in the solitude of the north woods. The home was spacious beyond imagining. There ARE in fact five (5) dedicated bedrooms (although only 4 bedrooms are photographed and part of the 3D tour) each with its own bathroom. There is also a half bath off the foyer/kitchen area. We thoroughly enjoyed the landscaped patio area with fire pit (some wood provided) and the loon serenade - some coyote baying as well. A couple of things worth noting: 1) GPS indicates you’ve arrived at your destination a mile or more before you actually do, 2) you travel down a gravel, pot-holed, and steep drive to reach Casa Maria, 3) the keypad to access the house is on the garage service door, not the overhead door, and 4) bring bottled water to brew coffee (tap water is very iron tasting). Highly recommend biking the trail from Manitowish Waters to Boulder Junction, hiking at WinMan Park, lunching at Dixie’s, and dining at Aberdeen. Our adult group of 10 is already planning next year’s stay. The low score for communication is because there is NO property manager on site. You must communicate with Vacasa, and they clearly have no eyes on the property. I had multiple text chats and a phone conversation prior to our reservation trying to get definitive information about the fifth bedroom. They simply regurgitated what was written in the listing.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patrick L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

About the host

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