Perfect Lake & Woods getaway near Kettle Moraine State Forest

We bought The Cabbage in 2017 as a place to enjoy quality time with our kids—close enough to home to get them to school and sporting events, but far enough to feel like a true getaway. Over the years, we fell in love with Pretty Lake so much that we eventually purchased a second property on the main lake, allowing us to open The Cabbage for others to create their own memories.

We named it The Cabbage because we couldn’t decide if it was a cabin or a cottage… and it’s truly both. Cozy, welcoming, and full of charm, it’s the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy lake life.

What we love most about the area is its secluded, “up north” feel—a hidden gem of Waukesha County. The lake evokes the simple joys of days gone by: kids riding bikes, exploring the woods, and the freedom to roam and play. Staying here brings back the carefree summers of the ’70s and ’80s, making it the perfect spot for families to slow down and reconnect.

Pretty Lake itself is a natural glacial lake, and by the mid‑20th century it began to be developed for residential and recreational use. The Pabst family played a key role, establishing summer retreats and helping shape the lake into the cherished community it is today—a place where generations continue to enjoy the water, woods, and timeless lake life.