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Pvt 35 acre lakefront retreat: LDG sleeps 12- hot tub tennis ct trails and more

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Relax with your own private beach located on  your own 5 acre non motorized lake
Summer time is fun at Caribou Bay Retreat with it's three tiered Party Deck.
3 tiered deck-lake side view
Caribou Bay's completely private sand beach.
One of the views of one of the bays of the lake.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 12371.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Hot tub
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Coloma, Wi
  • Nordic Mountain
    ‪32 min drive‬
  • Castle Rock Lake
    ‪46 min drive‬
  • Chula Vista Waterparks
    ‪64 min drive‬
  • Wisconsin Rapids, WI (ISW-South Wood County)
    ‪46 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Double Beds and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Bunk Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bunk Bed

4 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Pvt 35 acre lakefront retreat: LDG sleeps 12- hot tub tennis ct trails and more

Location: Wautoma Area, Central Wisconsin USA

Accommodations: (1) 4,000 sq. ft. Main Guest House (2) Four Seasons/Hot Tub Room (separate building and next to Main Guest House) Caribou Bay Retreat comfortably sleeps 12


If you listen carefully, you'll hear the 'clip clop' of horse shoes on black top as our Amish neighbors pass by the retreat.

Caribou Bay is located in a rural area of central Wisconsin, on a semi private five acre lake, situated on 35 wooded acres and a stone's throw from the Wedde Segment of the Ice Age Trail. This exclusive property is nestled in the fields and streams of Waushara County, just 1 hour north of Madison, 2 hours north of Milwaukee, 45 minutes north of Wisconsin Dells and 3 1/2 hours north of Chicago and south of Minneapolis.

Caribou Bay is the only retreat in Wisconsin that can boast being home to a 12,500 year old Caribou shed. Indeed, this rare scientific find is proudly displayed in an air tight display case in the Great Room. Read how the owners came upon this discovery, just feet from where you'll be staying. The 3 bedroom/4 bath main Guest House is decorated in equally rare 18 century antiques, has cathedral ceilings in the parlor, balcony and Red Room. The Great Room has a 48' flat screen TV, traditional pool hall pool table, spacious wet bar, comfortable seating on solid oak floors and a floor to ceiling field stone fireplace.

Walk out of the Great Room 100' and you're at the lake. The Main Guest House overlooks one of three bays the retreat was named after and that comprise this beautiful semi private lake. In back of the main Guest House you will find a lovely Four Seasons/Hot Tub Room complete with sky lights, wicker furniture and it's own private deck. Continue another 50 feet on the brick path and down to the lake. It is here where you'll find a huge, three level deck with enough teak chairs, tables and bar area to entertain a host of friends and relatives. Relax, canoe up or down the bay, sun bathe, or watch birds and animals frolic in their own backyard. For hikers, CBR is a few hundred feet from the Wedde Segment of the Ice Age Trail. If that isn't enough, you can choose to play tennis on your own private court.

Take a stroll through the many beautiful gardens that dot the retreat and try to see how many different perennials you can identify.


Spring/Summer/Fall Activities: For folks that love the outdoors, Waushara County is the area for you. Hunting, fishing, jogging or bike riding are just a few of the activities you can enjoy on or around Caribou Bay. If you choose to stay on the grounds, most activities center around the woods and the lake as well as the many amnesties the retreat has to offer.
Unfortunately , there are no pets allowed.

Winter Activities: The retreat is located 30 minutes from some of the finest skiing and snow tubing in central Wisconsin. The retreat itself has it's own cross country and snow shoeing trails. Imagine coming in exhausted from winter activities and relaxing in front of a roaring fire with a book and hot toddy. It's so quiet and peaceful here, you'll wonder if this is heaven... or if this is Caribou Bay! It is truly a place where memories are made.

Caribou Bay Retreat also is one of the Midwest's premier outdoor destination wedding venues. Caribou Bay Retreat has been hosting successful events for years. Consider these features:
A time your entire wedding party will never forget. Prior to and after the blessed event, sleep, eat and be marry at CBR for as many days as you feel comfortable booking.

Have fun. Take your time. Leave the stress behind. Give your wedding a personal touch by choosing from a wide array of period antiques and event props available in the CBR Prop Shop.

Watch the reaction you'll get when your bridesmaids come out of the Cabin in the Woods and your groomsmen walk down Mammoth Trail to meet at our outdoor chapel.

Unique/Haunting hilltop chapel. Recite your wedding vows in our outdoor chapel on the hill that overlooks Caribou Bay.

Your reception line is formed over the CBR walk bridge. A truly unique and memorable experience.

Check out more wedding information at www.cariboubayretreat.com

Property manager

Mona Zelienka

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: weddings
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Pets

No 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
Parties and events (including weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 16
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Coloma

Located in Coloma, this holiday home is near theme parks and on a lake. Lunch Creek Vineyard & Winery and Nordic Mountain are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Christensen Lake and Fenner Lake. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Coloma, Wi

What's nearby

  • Nordic Mountain - 32 min drive - 32.7 km
  • Castle Rock Lake - 46 min drive - 50.6 km
  • Woodside Sports Complex - 60 min drive - 68.3 km
  • Witches Gulch - 61 min drive - 61.8 km
  • Chula Vista Waterparks - 64 min drive - 71.3 km

Getting around

  • Wisconsin Rapids, WI (ISW-South Wood County) - 46 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Blader's Dakota Inn - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪A&W Restaurant - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Johann's Bar & Grill - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪The Cabin Bar & Grill - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Mecan River Brewing Company - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Pvt 35 acre lakefront retreat: LDG sleeps 12- hot tub tennis ct trails and more pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Pvt 35 acre lakefront retreat: LDG sleeps 12- hot tub tennis ct trails and more?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Pvt 35 acre lakefront retreat: LDG sleeps 12- hot tub tennis ct trails and more?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Pvt 35 acre lakefront retreat: LDG sleeps 12- hot tub tennis ct trails and more located?

This family-friendly Coloma holiday home is located on a lake, 12.1 mi (19.5 km) from Christensen Lake, and within 20 mi (32 km) of Fenner Lake and Moon Lake. Echo Lake and Big Pine Lake are also within 20 miles (32 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 44 out of 47 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 47 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 47 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 47 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 47 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

C D.

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

Beautiful and Private Land

Stayed with a dozen friends for three days. Place was very spacious, beautiful, and lots to do. Owners were excellent communicators and very accommodating. We were a partying group and there were no issues at all. River is beautiful, lots of land, highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shaina F.

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

Beautiful Property

We had a small group that stayed for just two nights. The property was beautiful! Positives: the owner communicated via email and text and responded quickly to all questions, house was clean and huge, plenty of beds, new AC that was working well. Things that could be improved: just a few more kitchen essentials (pots and pans), more towels (there was only 4 bath towels and wash cloths that we could find for 6 adults and no beach towels for the pond or hot tub), beds in the basement are very hard.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca H.

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

Sibling weekend

We had our annual sibling weekend here. Plenty of room. We enjoyed the deck and family room. Loved watching the wildlife!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathi T.

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

Wonderful setting

Great location. Easy access to all areas of the property including lake, hiking trails. Kids had a great time fishing, kayaking and swimming. Hosts were very friendly and responsive. Would definitely recommend and stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sam Z.

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

Caribou Bay

One of our favorite spots to get everyone together. Perfect location, plenty of space for everyone.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Afthan B.

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

4th of July Getaway

It was a very nice getaway from the everyday busyness. We were able to unwind and it was very quiet. The lake was a great way to spend time as a family; we fished, swam, and explored. The house was very well laid out and we all had our own space. The hosts were so nice and attentive. Would definitely recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alicia H.

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

Great Place!

Big house with plenty of room. Enjoyed the quietness of having our own space on the lake and having no neighbor’s.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Glenn E.

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

50th Anniversary Family Output

Great hosts that were helpful and friendly. Very clean property.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tammy K., Oshkosh, USA

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

Friend Weekend

Our stay at Caribou Bay Retreat was amazing, the property was beautiful and very peaceful! Plenty of space for all of us to hang out, hot tub was a big hit amongst everyone, it was used quite often! Thank you Mona for the awesome weekend!!

8/10 Good

Samantha K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Getaway

The property was clean and well maintained. My only complaint is the Vrbo description was wrong. In the overview description it mentions a cabin in the woods and also has pictures, but when we got there the owner told me it was not part of the rental. I wish that was clear.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Nick B.

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

Great and nice spot

Really good spot - friendly host. Would go again
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020

8/10 Good

Dave M., Middleton, Wisconsin

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

Winter weekend

We had a great time! The lodge is beautiful and accommodating. We enjoyed snowshoeing on the property and the Ice Age Trail, and skiing at Nordic Mountain. Beautiful setting.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Sandy D.

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

Fun Family Week

Our family of 14 spent 5 days here and had a great time. Plenty of comfortable beds, great deck and swimming in shallow water, which was perfect for our younger children. We especially liked that there was only 1 TV, so we either all watched together or didn't watch at all! And we all loved the pool table too.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Isaac K.

Simply Beautiful

This is an amazing property, big and comfortable with so much to do good weather or bad.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Erick B.

Lots of space, had a great time

Great time, had lots of fun, recommend to large groups
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Dani/Nate C.

Beautiful place we’ve loved it ever since we first drove through the driveway!

Mona and jack are very accommodating and willing to help out whenever. We did run into a lack of supplies needed for guests (ie mini shampoos/conditioners, towels, extra sheets/blankets for sofa beds). All in all it was a very peaceful place!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Sara H.

Home away from home!

Mona and Jack have been an absolute blessing throughout the whole process of planning our wedding! We met with Mona as our first tour of venues, feel in love with Caribou Bay and booked our special day without giving a second thought to looking at other places. The length of stay included for the wedding was 4 days and offered beautiful accommodations for our whole wedding party and even some family! The event center and outdoor ceremony site have been decorated in a beautiful, classic rustic theme and Mona makes sure to change up elements based on the seasons. The only thing we needed to worry about was table decor, which was a huge stress relief. The guest house was comfy and really did feel like a home away from home! There are plenty of photography opportunities, hiking trails, outdoor as well as indoor activities. If I had the chance to do it all over again, my decision wouldn't change!! I would recommend Caribou Bay Retreat a trillion times over!! THANK YOU MONA AND JACK!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Sue S., Sheboygan, WI

Beautiful Everywhere You Look

My 87 year old mother and I wanted to find a place where we could relax, talk, swim, take walks, read, and paint. We just got back from a week at Caribou Bay and couldn’t have found a better place. The scenery was absolutely lovely. The swimming was nice — quite weedy on the bottom, but the water was clear and I floated among the fish on a little inflated tube. The house was both comfortable and beautifully decorated, and no, it really didn’t seem too large for just two people. My mother absolutely loved taking walks on the trails through the woods. And owners Jack and Mona couldn’t have been more gracious or helpful. All in all, a perfect vacation for us.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Roxie C.

Our favorite vacation place!

Our second year here and our family loved it! Already booking for next year! Big yard and long driveway for the kids to ride their toys. Enjoyed the water and deck and of course the Hot Tub! Plenty of room in the house for meals or lounging around. The caretakers are so nice and helpful! Love the place!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Amanda /Dan M.

Absolutely amazing.

Caribou Bay Retreat is an amazing, one-of-a-kind location. I loved all of my experiences there, and I hope to return someday. I highly recommend spending some time at Caribou Bay Retreat!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

John Z.

It's not just a home, it's an experience...

Beautiful, spacious guest house overlooks tranquil Caribou Bay. Period antiques, field stone fireplace, vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors and a host of amenities make indoors a great place to be. But the out of door add-ons offered set this space apart from all the rest. There is a private bay with sand beach that's perfect for swimming and fishing, a cabin in the woods with huge fire pit and seating, a hot tub/four seasons room with walk out deck, private tennis and basketball court, acres and acres of pines and hardwoods with unique hiking trails are all there for your private use. The property is on a county road with very little vehicular traffic. You'll see by far more Amish buggies than automobiles. Interesting Amish shops dot the landscape. Next door is the Wedde and Mecan Segments of the Ice Age Trail. Three hours max from most major Midwest cities make this retreat a no brainer to spend a weekend or a week.
Stayed 9 nights in Nov 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Cathy F.

A relaxing retreat getaway!

We loved our group stay at Caribou Bay. The beautiful main lodge is so comfortable with all the amenities we needed, the hot tub amazing after our trail hikes and the deck overlooking the private lake was the perfect place to enjoy an evening glass of wine or morning coffee. Can't forget mentioning the event center which was perfect for our weekend workshops and classes. The hosts were accommodating and helped tp make our stay extra special! Would highly recommend this property and look forward to our next stay!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Tricia M.

Caribou Bay Resort is absolutely perfect especially for our large family!

The property had so much to offer. It was convenient, clean and provided a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Even with chilly weather our family really enjoyed our stay. The water was clear and great for the kids! The hot tub was an added benefit that we all enjoyed!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lowell S., Maple Plain MN USA

Great stay

I did a retreat here for college students. There were 11 of us and we were all very comfortable, the small lake and dock were awesome. The house was great and the property was outstanding. Also the hosts were very helpful. I would do it again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Myles V.

Absolutely perfect

The property far exceeded our expectations and it was the perfect way to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary and vow renewal. The home was very clean and well furnished. Awesome layout. Plenty of space for 10 people. The property itself was secluded and private, but only a short drive to a small town. The lake was clean and the deck was a great hang out place. The hot tub was spacious and clean as well. Mona, the owner, was very friendly and helpful. She gave us great suggestions on places to stop for dining and shopping. Our only regret was that we didn't book the property for a longer time frame as it was so relaxing and peaceful. We are already planning a return trip next summer. You will be amazed with this property!! Thank you to Caribou Bay and our gracious hosts!

About the host

Hosted by Mona Zelienka

Host profile image
The owners of Caribou Bay Retreat are former furniture manufacturers. The property began as their residence. No expense was spared when it came to decorating both the inside and the outside of the complex. They are now at a point where they want to be able to share this very unique property with you, so that you can enjoy what they have enjoyed for the past 37 years.

Why they chose this property

You won't find a more unique property in all of Wisconsin. 12,500 years ago, Caribou roamed where the complex now stands. You can listen peacefully to the wind as it stirs the leaves in the trees; or you can rumba on the party deck with family and friends on the retreat's lake and grounds. AT CARIBOU BAY, WE SPECIALIZE IN ALL INCLUSIVE WEDDINGS! JUST ASK US ABOUT THEM.

What makes this property unique

Forget the sleep aids. Remember the libations. Bike or hike down the road to the Amish farmer's market for the evening's veggies. And don't forget the camera. Caribou Bay Retreat is where memories are made.