As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
Way up north nestled in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, on the shores of Lake Namakagon, there’s a beautiful resort that will transport you far, far away. Originally built as a private retreat in the 1920s, Garmisch USA is now a stunning Bavarian-style resort that offers a totally unique spot to get away from it all and experience Wisconsin’s Northwoods. The resort is named after Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a resort town located in Bavaria, southern Germany.
The very first resort to ever be built on Lake Namakagon was on the land now owned by Garmisch. That was back in 1904. Even then, folks realized what a gorgeous setting this was for a place to relax and unwind.
Lake Namakagon is the star here. It's a 3,200 acre pristine glacial lake in a protected part of the state. The name comes from Ojibwe and means "Lake abundant with sturgeons." The fishing here is outstanding.
Garmisch is quite simply an escape. Many folks flock to the Northwoods to slow life down a bit and at Garmisch, you get that, plus a totally unique setting and the feeling that you could be much, much farther away from home.
The resort has its own private beach, but the lake features 43 miles of winding shoreline and is perfect for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing or water skiing. The lake is full of trophy musky, walleye, northern pike, bluegills, crappies, rock bass, perch, and largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Garmisch is a great place to visit, no matter the season. The area is an outdoor paradise, featuring hiking, hunting, bird watching, paddling, biking, skiing, ATVing and snowmobiling. The Cable area is famous for its mountain biking and cross-country ski trails, and several championship golf courses are just minutes away.
There's a replica castle, cozy little cabins that look like they could be in the mountains and more. The interiors are the type of cozy wood-walled cabins you'd expect in this area.
As they say on their website, "The architecture is Old World, hand crafted by local artisans. The main lodge and many of the guest cabins date back to the 1920s when they were built as a private vacation retreat for a wealthy Chicago family. Lodge rooms are uniquely charming, each with its own bath and many with warm fireplaces and breathtaking views of Lake Namakagon. Cabin rentals are spacious individual buildings complete with kitchens, fireplaces and individual bathrooms for each bedroom."
Though it's private and sprawling, Garmisch is also cozy and inviting. It's like being welcomed into a home and sharing a wonderful community with the other families that return here again and again, year after year.
This pristine land will not be further developed. It's well-removed from the hustle and bustle of town, providing an amazing getaway in the solitude of the pines. Garmisch is a totally unique and wonderful spot you'll want to discover all on your own.
