When Jay and I walked into the Summit Lake Game Farm Yurt, we both had the same reaction.
“This is incredible!” Immediate amazement!
We had seen the yurt last fall while it was still under construction, but seeing it finished was something else entirely. Tucked into the woods at Summit Lake Game Farm near Hayward, Wisconsin, the completed space somehow manages to feel rustic and modern at the same time. From the Northwoods-inspired décor and log furnishings to the thoughtful details throughout, it immediately felt more like a tiny home than a camping experience. It was also much bigger than I remembered or expected.
When most people hear the word “yurt,” they probably picture a canvas tent with a bed tossed inside. This was not that.
Inside, we found a spacious king bed, bunk beds, comfortable seating, a full bathroom with a shower, heating and air conditioning, a television, coffee maker, kitchen area, and all the little touches that make a place feel welcoming. String lights added a cozy glow in the evening, while the warm wood accents throughout made it feel right at home in the Northwoods.
At one point, Jay and I looked at each other and had the exact same thought.
“Could you imagine living in a place like this?”
The funny thing is neither of us hesitated. Absolutely!
The yurt was comfortable, quiet, and incredibly relaxing. It offered all the fun of camping while eliminating many of the things that keep some people from enjoying it. No sleeping on the ground. No setting up tents. No worrying about the weather. Just a unique glamping experience surrounded by woods, wildlife, and everything Summit Lake Game Farm has to offer.
But as much as we loved the yurt itself, it quickly became clear that it was only one part of the experience.
An Afternoon on Summit Lake
After settling in and taking way too many photos, we headed down to Summit Lake’s private non-motorized lake for an afternoon on the water.
The weather was beautiful, and while the wind kept us on our toes with only a trolling motor, it was still the perfect way to spend the afternoon. We fished for bass and bluegills, enjoyed being on the water, and soaked in everything that makes Summit Lake such a special place.
Rumor has it there are some giant northern pike swimming around in there as well, with fish pushing the 40-inch mark, though they managed to avoid us this trip.
What stood out most to me wasn’t necessarily the fishing. It was the overall experience of the lake itself.
Because motorized boats aren’t allowed, Summit Lake has a completely different feel than many lakes in the area. The water is clean, the atmosphere is peaceful, and the focus shifts from racing across the lake to simply enjoying your surroundings and break down the lake slower.
Guests can spend their time fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, exploring the docks, or relaxing along the shoreline or private beach! Whether you’re an avid angler or simply looking for a quiet place to spend an afternoon, the lake adds another layer to the Summit Lake Game Farm experience.
The yurt may have brought us to the property, but by this point in the afternoon, it was becoming clear that Summit Lake Game Farm offers much more than just a unique place to stay.
An Evening at Summit Lake Grill
After a few hours on the water, we headed back to the yurt to freshen up before dinner at Summit Lake Grill.
What we found was one of those perfect summer evenings that reminds you exactly why people love spending time in the Northwoods.
The patio was packed. Live music filled the air. Friends gathered around tables, drinks flowed, and everyone seemed to be enjoying the beautiful weather. JJ Sand was performing that evening, and from the moment we arrived, there was an energy that made us want to settle in and stay awhile.
What made the experience even more fun was that neither Jay nor I had ever really experienced Summit Lake Game Farm in the summer. Most of our previous visits had revolved around pheasant hunting or the occasional dinner during the fall and winter months.
Since the patio was full, we grabbed a table inside and started with coconut shrimp and old fashioneds before ordering prime rib for dinner. Everything was excellent as it had always been before!
After dinner, we made our way back outside and spent the rest of the evening enjoying the atmosphere. People were dancing and playing cornhole, we caught up with friends, and soaked up a perfect summer night. Seeing the patio full, listening to live music, and watching everyone enjoy the evening gave us an entirely new perspective on a place we already loved visiting.
One of the things I appreciated most about Summit Lake Grill was how naturally it fits into the overall experience. Whether you’re staying in the yurt, camping for the weekend, or simply stopping in for dinner, it feels like a gathering place where everyone meets at the end of the day.
Campfires and Quiet Nights
As much as we enjoyed the energy at Summit Lake Grill, there was still one thing we were looking forward to before calling it a night: A campfire back at the yurt!
After dinner, we brought a couple of old fashioneds back with us and settled in around the fire ring. Firewood had already been provided, making it easy to unwind after a full day of fishing, exploring, and enjoying everything Summit Lake Game Farm had to offer.
One of my favorite things about the yurt was how quickly it felt like home. By the end of the evening, we weren’t rushing from one activity to the next or checking the time. We were simply enjoying where we were.
The campground had quieted down, and for a little while, the only thing we could hear was the crackle of the fire.
Eventually, we headed inside and played a few rounds of Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch before calling it a night. It was the perfect ending to an already great day.
By the time we headed to bed, we were already talking about coming back.
Exploring the Property the Next Morning
As usual, Jay was up long before I was. While he was up by 6:30 a.m., he eventually crawled back into bed and we slept in until around 8:30 before packing up.
Before leaving, we took the dogs for a quick walk down to the beach area and spent a few minutes taking in the peaceful morning. The lake was calm, the beach was quiet, and for a few moments it felt like we had the entire place to ourselves.
It wasn’t a long walk, but it was the perfect way to end the trip.
More Than Just a Yurt
While the yurt was the reason we booked this trip, Summit Lake Game Farm offers far more than a unique place to stay.
Over the years, Jay and I have experienced the property in several different ways. We’ve spent time pheasant hunting, enjoyed dinners at the grill, and now finally experienced the yurt for ourselves.
What makes Summit Lake unique is the variety of experiences available in one location. Guests can spend time fishing the private non-motorized lake, relaxing at the beach, camping with family and friends. They can try their hand at sporting clays, enjoying live music at the Grill, or pheasant hunting opportunities.
It’s the kind of destination that can look completely different depending on when you visit or what you’re into. For us, experiencing Summit Lake in the summer opened our eyes to an entirely new side for us.
We came for the yurt, but left with a greater appreciation for everything Summit Lake Game Farm has to offer.
The only thing we’d do differently next time? Book more than one night!
For rates and availability, visit the booking page: https://www.summitlakegamefarm.com/yurt
Did you miss my last couple blogs? Read em here!
