Cabin

6 Miles to Downtown Hayward! Full Recreation 500 Acre Lake; Quintessential Cabin

Photo gallery for 6 Miles to Downtown Hayward! Full Recreation 500 Acre Lake; Quintessential Cabin

A lakeside cabin with a dock, stone pathway, and picnic table.
A spacious living area with a large sliding glass door leading to a patio.
A cozy cabin interior with a plaid sofa, wooden coffee table, and a television.
A cozy cabin interior with a fireplace, comfortable seating, and large windows offering views of the lake.
A cabin with a deck, surrounded by trees and a grassy area with stepping stones.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Scenic water view
    Relax and unwind with top-rated water views, offering a scenic experience.
  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • By the lake
    Guests love the beautiful lakefront location.
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 12

Popular amenities

  • Balcony
  • Dog-friendly
  • Toys
  • Barbecue grill
  • Refrigerator
  • Internet

Explore the area

View in a map
Hayward, Windigo lake, WI
  • Place, Wilderness Walk Zoo and Recreation Park
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Hayward Lake
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Place, Grindstone Lake
    ‪13 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

4 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Double Bunk Bed

Living Room 1

1 Queen Sofa Bed

Living Room 2

1 Double Futon

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

6 Miles to Downtown Hayward! Full Recreation 500 Acre Lake; Quintessential Cabin

Magical wonder 35 feet from mystical Windigo Lake.

Picture perfect, panoramic views of this beautiful 525 acre lake from the south facing family room and wrap around deck. Cozy, Northwood’s cabin on over 1.6 acres with charming wood interior on main level and large 3 season room.

The renovated lower level features a generous master bedroom with gas fireplace, sizable bathroom with soaking tub and dual sinks, stacked washer/dryer and adorable bunk room.

As our cabin is pet friendly, we offer you the choice to bring your 'furry family' members. Each pet you bring or will list will run an added fee of $250.00 each for your week. Let us know if you require any special provisions, if bringing pets with you!

New that we now offer for 2019, -- is our 2019 Godfrey Sweetwater Pontoon boat, seats up to 11. This boat is perfect for lazy, slow "sailing" along the waters of this beautiful lake, or great for those looking to explore our lake. This boat is pure comfort! The motor is a 60hp Yamaha Four Stroke. Please only use Non Oxy 91 Octane gas when you choose to rent this amenity... Contact us for details on costs associated with this rental pontoon!

Enjoy the 50+ dock, low elevation and sandy bottom swimming area, perfect for swimming, floating and water games. Relax amidst the charming landscaping while lounging in the Adirondack chairs on the fish-shaped stone patio.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
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: dogs (limit 3 total)
Dog(s) OK with accepted pet addendum
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Nightly rate is based on 6 guests. There is an extra fee of $50 per person / per night, for guests above 6. An accurate guest count is mandatory.
There is a $200 fee per pet / per stay. For more than one pet, you will be charged for the extra pet after booking is confirmed.
50% of the Total Amount Due is collected at the time of booking. The remaining 50% is due 60 days prior to check-in.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 560952
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, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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

Hayward

Located in Hayward, this cabin is near a water park and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Kissick Swamp Wildlife Area and Hauer Springs State Wildlife Management Area, while Sawyer County Historical Museum and National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum are cultural highlights. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling, ice skating, and sledding.
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Map
Hayward, Windigo lake, WI

What's nearby

  • Wilderness Walk Zoo and Recreation Park - 10 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Hayward Lake - 13 min drive - 13.3 km
  • Grindstone Lake - 13 min drive - 8.7 km
  • Hayward Information Center - 13 min drive - 14.0 km
  • Lac Courte Oreilles - 14 min drive - 13.3 km

Getting around

  • Duluth, MN (DLH-Duluth Intl.) - 108 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Louie's Bar And Bites - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Trail's End Resort - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Wild River Bar - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Somewhere Else Bar - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Coop's Pizza - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is 6 Miles to Downtown Hayward! Full Recreation 500 Acre Lake; Quintessential Cabin pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 3 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at 6 Miles to Downtown Hayward! Full Recreation 500 Acre Lake; Quintessential Cabin?

As of Sep 28, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 6 Miles to Downtown Hayward! Full Recreation 500 Acre Lake; Quintessential Cabin on Oct 17, 2026 start from $499, 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.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at 6 Miles to Downtown Hayward! Full Recreation 500 Acre Lake; Quintessential Cabin?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 6 Miles to Downtown Hayward! Full Recreation 500 Acre Lake; Quintessential Cabin?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is 6 Miles to Downtown Hayward! Full Recreation 500 Acre Lake; Quintessential Cabin located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is within 6 mi (10 km) of Lac Courte Oreilles, Wilderness Walk Zoo and Recreation Park, and Schoolhouse Lake. Ring Lake and Grindstone Lake are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 58 out of 64 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 64 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 64 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 64 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 64 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
House was great! Located on a quiet lake, in a bay. Kids had a blast playing on the shore line and in the bay with minimal boat traffic. Host communication was great. Easy to get to and from downtown Hayward. Great place to relax, catch some fish, play in the water, and visit town.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a delightful family vacation. Relaxing with a great view was my kind of vacation. With 2 bedrooms and a bath on the main level and 2 bedrooms and a bath on the lower level, the home met our needs very well.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
john was a great host, communicates well, property as described, pictures are accurate.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best vacation ever! Super cute cottage with breathtaking views of the lake. Most comfortable beds, massively equipped kitchen for every culinary need.John was the perfect host!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 22, 2025
Thanks, Art and Ingrid. Come back for more in the next summers!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great summer getaway

Very nice place to stay for our family vacation. Beautiful scenery. Owner was super to work with and very responsive to any communications. We would definitely stay here again if in the area!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 12, 2020
Colleen.... glad to know our efforts to make guests and families feel welcome at our cabin -- don't go unnoticed. Thanks for choosing our cabin! :)
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Week in Hayward

Spent a week with our college kids and our dog and had a great time. The cottage was cozy and very comfortable and close to town and John was a great host.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great week on the lake

Beautiful view of the lake from the cabin. Cabin was well stocked. The pontoon boat rental was a bonus. Would stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 15, 2022
Paul and Jennifer...... I'd love to have you, your family stay here again! Hit me up if you all ever want to come back --- the cabin will be here! Thanks for your business... :)
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Cabin on the lake

We had a great visit at this nice cabin. It was a bit small for 6 large men but would be ideal for a family with kids. John the owner met us there and is a great guy. We enjoyed our stay very much.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 8, 2020
Glad to have had a guy group up to enjoy the place. You're always welcome back in following years! John & Chris
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great place to stay

Lovely cabin with great views of Lake Windigo. Perfect spot for weeklong getaway with family and friends. We enjoyed fishing, water activities, exploring the local Hayward attractions, and a little quiet time. Host was very responsive to any questions/concerns and made sure we had an enjoyable week. Would definitely return again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 9, 2024
Very happy that you, your family and friends enjoyed our cabin, our lake. It may not be as modern compared to other cabins in the Hayward area, but just our view over the lake and the special touches we’ve managed to preserve in our cabin — help to make the experience of cabin lifestyle something to remember. Come back anytime Jenny!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Nice Cabin

Everything about the stay was consistent with the description and there were no surprises. Nice quiet lake perfect for relaxing on a pontoon boat. Cabin was comfortable and looked exactly like the photos.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 21, 2024
'Glad to be the host of a cabin that meets up to the expectations we set when we photo'd the cabin for you all to choose from. Many cabins to choose, and we try to meet your needs!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Cozy cabin with breathtaking view of the lake

This is an adorable cabin on a gorgeous lake. If you are looking for a cozy place with gorgeous views that can accommodate a number of guests, this is the place. The owner is super friendly and goes above and beyond to make sure your stay is wonderful. I can't wait to visit next year!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 23, 2022
Kelly -- Thank you for staying and finding your best options for cabin get-away during this fall! I'd welcome you back in a heartbeat! Come bring your 'girlies' and Vino out in the best cabin on Windigo Lake! :)
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

An ideal home away from home

My family and I had the privilege to spend a week at this "honey hole" of a cabin and the past reviews were spot-on. Every aspect of the property exceeded our expectations. Our stay was extremely relaxing and yet it seemed like we were always doing something. The cabin was clean, spacious and very close to town. We are already looking into booking it again next summer!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 22, 2020
Zac...... Looking forward to see you and all your fantastic family at our 'honey hole'! We are glad you see what almost all see when you choose our cabin! :) John & Christina Knapek
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect place to stay.

Our week at this cabin was great. The cabin was very clean with all kinds of room to maneuver with 8 people staying plus a dog. John was very friendly and helpful with anything we needed. We rented the pontoon which turned out to be a great decision. The lake was very quiet with little to no traffic. Great place to stay, 5 stars.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A Gem in the Northwoods!

Beautiful property with all the amenities and more! The cabin is very close to the lake. The lake is very quiet and very sparsely populated. If your looking for the full “Up North” experience, this is it.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 2, 2023
David and Leslie.... Thanks for your warm positive review. We are glad to have shared our cabin with your family!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great family getaway

We stayed at this cabin with our newborn and 3 kids under 7 and it was perfect! The bunk room and the outdoor playhouse provided hours of entertainment for the kids. The fast response from the owner on questions and needs was amazing. The kitchen was well stocked and the view was fantastic! Even with almost nonstop rain, we had a great time and would definitely return.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 27, 2023
Heather.... we can assist with many things to make your visit memorable, but the weather is out of our reach! So glad you all stayed and we hope to see you again, under more favorable sunny conditions! Thanks for your kind review! :)
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great View

Nice lake with great views - enjoyed the peace and quiet of the lake/neighborhood also. Pictures are accurate as to cabin appearance. Thanks for use of the paddleboards.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 22, 2020
Andrea and family..... Glad to help make your summer memorable. So glad you had the option of renting our newer pontoon boat for your stay! Please reach out to us in the future, and thanks for your warm and positive comments on what almost everyone experiences when they stay with us! Our lake is a treasure and our cabin will not let you down.... :)
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay at the cabin. It was very relaxing. The cabin had plenty of room for our family. We took advantage of using the boat, kayak, and paddle boards. The lake is so clear. Our favorite parts were paddle boarding, catching frogs, and having smores by the fire. It is close to Hayward, as well. John was a great host. He was always available if we had a question. When we come up to the area again, we won't hesitate to rent this cabin again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 6, 2025
Sally and Steve. Thank you for your kind words. I appreciated having your business - esp. when you have many options to see NW Wisc. and the Hayward area. Much appreciated! :)
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lake Windigo

We had a wonderful time on lake windigo. The cabin was very rustic and the setting was ideal. We rented the pontoon and spent much time exploring the lake, swimming off the boat and fishing. Caught lots of sunnies and some large bass. Thanks, John, for making our stay a success.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Relaxing trip on beautiful Lake Windigo

Our family group, consisting of eight adults and one dog, found the perfect place to gather for the week of July 4. John’s spacious cabin had the perfect setting on Lake Windigo with great lake views and access. We rented the pontoon for the week, and it was great for both fishing and exploring the lake. The cabin is well maintained and supplied with whatever you’d need, particularly in the kitchen. The WiFi was efficient, should you need it. Highly recommended if you are vacationing in the Hayward, WI area!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 14, 2023
Thank you Maureen & Eugene. So glad to hear that your stay with us in our 10th year of hosting our cabin to people can still offers our guests that perfect place to gather amongst family!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Fat Tire 2023

Very nice
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Cabin Review - Windigo Lake

Great property! The views of the lake from the deck, primary bedroom, and upstairs living area are truly amazing. John is a wonderful host and quickly communicated when needed. Being close to both the Hayward and Stone Lake areas is another perk. The two bathrooms are newly renovated, and the bathtub downstairs was great for our infant. Finally, the cabin is pet-friendly and had plenty of room for our dog to run around and swim in the lake. We would definitely return in the future!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 9, 2024
Thanks Ben. Glad your stay was everything you expected.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
If you’ve ever dreamed of having your own comfortable cabin in Northwest Wisconsin, this place truly gives you that feeling. The host was warm, easy to communicate with, and made us feel welcome right away. The cabin itself was wonderful—well stocked with everything we needed and more. We really appreciated the two nice bathrooms, newer appliances, plenty of table space, and comfortable chairs throughout. Each room even had its own oscillating fan, which was a thoughtful touch.The lake is quiet and serene, perfect for relaxing, and there was an array of water fun to enjoy—kayaks, paddleboards, a canoe, and a rowboat. The shallow shoreline was also a big plus for families with children. All in all, it was a peaceful, comfortable stay, and we left with some really special memories of Lake Windigo.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 18, 2025
Lisa, Tim and family... Thank you for your great review. I appreciate your kind words and am grateful your week had great weather and you found our cabin to have fulfilled your families gathering expectations. It was my pleasure to have you and Tim and I hope to see you all again. John Knapek
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our family of 8, along with our 2 dogs, had a wonderful week long stay at this very cute and peaceful cabin. The great room was a favorite. It had plenty of seating for everyone and the beautiful lake views could not be beat. A perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or glass of wine. The deck and patio spaces also had seating for everyone. Our family rented the pontoon, which we used daily, and also had fun using the kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. Many activities for all to enjoy. John was great at communicating in a very timely manner, and was at the ready to make sure we had everything needed to have a great family vacation. We have memories that will last a lifetime!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Family & Friends

We had a wonderful time at the Knapek cabin on Windigo Lake. We had a big group of young adults and had plenty of room for them all (some slept in sleeping bags on the floor). The cabin was very clean and so was the lake. We took out the canoe and brought extra kayaks to explore the lake, also went water skiing and fishing. Plenty of things to do and it is just a short distance from Hayward, which made it very convenient. Thanks John & Christine for sharing your cabin.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Relaxation at its best!

We stayed with four adults and a baby and had a wonderful time. The best feature of the place is the great room. Windows on all sides over-looking the lake. It was a wonderful place to hang out with the baby. While the place doesn't have A/C there were plenty of fans and the lake breeze to keep things cool. The beds are super comfy. In fact, all the furniture was very comfortable! The lake is nice and shallow - easy to get in and out, even for old people. John is an excellent host offering us any assistance as needed. Great vacation!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

About the host

Hosted by John and Chris Knapek

Host profile image
John and Chris -
We are from Lakeville, MN but now live in Kissimmee, Fl with our 6 (yes, 6!!) kids!

Why they chose this property

Chris's parents had a lake home in the area. Consequently we have been coming up here for many years and have completely fallen in love with the area and the community. We even honeymooned up here!

When we had our own opportunity to find our own place, the location choice was the easy part. We knew we wanted to be close to downtown and everything that Hayward has to offer. When we saw the charm and character of this cabin with the potential to expand the living area, and the absolute stunning Windigo lake views just 35 feet from the waters edge, we knew it had to be ours! Plus, we are located only 6 miles away from downtown Hayward!! This makes an easy trip for that cup of sugar, or that gallon of milk you may need! :)

We continue to put our personal stamp on the property, and we know it will be a long process to get everything exactly the way that we want it. It is a labor of love and legacy for our family and we look forward to sharing our special 'little piece of heaven' with you and yours!!

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