things to do
Fun for the Whole Family
Gathering Place Resort & Lodge offers a wide variety of things to do to help your family enjoy their vacation at the lake.
Red Cedar Lake is an excellent fishing lake and its crystal clear waters invite swimming and boating. We also have a sport court on our grounds along with other recreation and play opportunities. We welcome you to come and enjoy our:
• sandy beach, swim dock and swim raft
• kayaks and canoes
• volleyball court
• group pavilion and outdoor fireplace
• basketball/badminton/pickleball sport court (equipment available)
• large playset for older kids and separate toddler playset and sandbox
• children’s beach toys
• campfire rings and walking trails
All are free to use during your stay. In addition, Pontoon boats and fishing boats with motors are available for rent.
Of course, if it’s rainy and cold, you may wish to simply put your feet up and relax indoors. We offer high speed Wi-Fi throughout the entire campus.
Travel Wisconsin!
At Gathering Place Resort & Lodge, we have the distinct advantage of being located at the intersection of four wonderful counties in Northwest Wisconsin. Each of these counties has a unique flavor and allow our guests to Travel Wisconsin.
Central Plain Region
Washburn County, to our northwest, and Barron County, to our southwest, are in the Central Plain Region of Wisconsin. The Central Plain Region is primarily a hardwood forest of maple, birch, and aspen, but there are several areas of prairie as well as cranberry bogs and sandstone buttes scattered across the region.
The plain is occasionally broken by rolling hills throughout its western half.
The town of Shell Lake is the county seat of Washburn, and the largest city in the county is Spooner. Both are less than 30 minutes from the resort. Check out the 100 miles of Washburn County’s ATV and hiking trails such as Tuscobia State Trail or at
Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary.
Explore the regional golf courses such as Spooner Golf or Butternut Hills.
Stop at the Laughing Goat Food Truck while exploring the
Shell Lake Art Festival or shop the many unique stores in Spooner
(with a stop at Round Man Brewing Co for a locally brewed craft beer).
Barron County is located to our southwest. The town of Barron is the county seat and the largest town in the area is Rice Lake. The hills in Barron County possess the region’s highest altitudes, reaching more than 1,200 feet (370 m) above sea level. The gorgeous Red Cedar River is well-known for its small mouth bass fishing and amazing fall colors. In the summer, plan your stay around local favorites such as Rice Lake's 10 day "Aquafest" in late July or Cumberland's August "Rutabaga Festival"!
Northern Highland Region
The Northern Highland region is colloquially referred to as "up north" and contains Rusk County located to the Southeast of the resort and Swayer County to the Northeast. The Northern Highland region was once a mountain range similar to the Alps or Rocky Mountains but over hundreds of millions of years, these mountains have been worn and flattened out by erosion and glaciation. Most of the Northern Highland is covered in woodlands with Sugar Maple and Aspen, as well as Red and White Pine.
The largest city in Rusk County, Ladysmith, is also the county seat. We recommend paddling on the scenic Flambeau River or heading to Christie Mountain to rock climb or ride the ski lift to view the fall colors. The Blue Hills are a natural formation of rolling hills located about 10 miles northwest of the village of Bruce in Rusk County. The hills rise about 600 feet above the surrounding forest and so the views are worth the hike on the Ice Age Trail! Mountain bikers can enjoy a ride through the Blue Hills Trail System which is home to 22 miles of looping trails.
Sawyer County is located to our northeast. A beautiful drive up the coast of Lake Chetac leads you to the county seat, the town of Hayward. The area hosts two of the world’s top racing events – the American Birkebeiner cross country ski race and the Chequamegon Fat Tire bicycle race. Another popular riding destination for mountain bikers is the CAMBA Trail System in Cable and Hayward, which has more than 300 miles of well-signed and mapped trails and has received special notice by the International Mountain Biking Association. Don’t miss a Scheer’s Lumberjack Show at the Lumberjack Bowl which boasts the World Lumberjack Championships or go horseback riding at Spider Lake Ranch.