This post spans decades, countless great memories, and an amazing family tradition. My dad began going to Outers Resort 61 years ago with his parents, so there is certainly no shortage of stories to tell here. We’ve gotten the opportunity to now take 2 of my children, seen with their older cousins (left) the past few years. Outers is a staple in my family’s history, and while meeting many people here throughout the years, it is for countless others as well. Situated in Chetek, WI on Prairie Lake, one of six connected lakes on the chain, the resort makes for a perfect spring, summer, and fall getaway. Minutes away from downtown Chetek, you can get groceries, gas, beverages, and live bait for your entire stay. Not to mention the restaurants, bars, golf courses, parks, beaches, and more to experience in this nice little town.
The current owner, Dave, has been renovating, updating, and adding to the options of accommodations since he bought it in 2002. There is truly a space for any need at Outers, including both cottages and houses, all fully furnished for your stay, his website highlights all the amenities. There are a total of ten beautiful rental units available, ranging from 1-5 bedrooms, all having cable TV, wireless internet and air conditioning. These span from a one bedroom cottage, up to The Lodge featuring 5 bedrooms, as well as the Wood Duck Cove which is a private 4 bedroom vacation home right on the water adjacent to the resort property. Outers has an on-site boat launch, docking for visitor’s boats, a fish cleaning house with stainless steel tops, water and grinder, rental boats, and rental pontoons.
While sitting lake front, you have options to fish from the docks, grill out your favorite meal, have a bonfire or just sit and take in the great views. There are multiple species of fish in the lake, most visitors focus on panfish and bass, but there are walleye and northern to be found as well. Making a full loop around all 6 lakes makes for a fun couple hour ride, and there are plenty of stops to make on the way to enjoy a meal and cold drink.
Our family has stayed in multiple cabins throughout the years, both alone and with family friends. It was always tradition for many years to go with local friends for the week, what a great time was had when you’re among great people! My parents began this tradition of going a week earlier than my grandparents when their family grew, and this was the way it went for many, many years. There are many memories I cherish from those weeks, including resort fishing tournaments, tubing down the Red Cedar River, water skiing on the older kids shoulders, the Torpedo, floating tied to a rope (maybe a bit too young), and many more.
What means most to me is that my grandparents were able to visit Outers late in to their lives, with my dad joining to help as they grew older. After they could no longer make the trip, my parents shifted to a week later with the growing family and here we are today, the 4th generation visiting each year. Below are some great pictures from as far back as 1966, with them visiting and having a great time with family and friends.
Prior to Dave owning the resort, I think back when Gary & Peg were owners and I was just a kid. I’d play on the play set, build sand castles, and chase around the older kids all day long, now this past year, 30+ years later, my 5 year old daughter and 2 year old son were there doing the same. But it hit me differently this year, seeing myself in each of them, loving every minute of their stay, having the time of their lives, reminiscing about all my memories. I cannot express enough how great of a stay Outers Resort offers, if you truly want a relaxing, enjoyable stay, reach out to Dave, you will not be disappointed. I look forward to the years and years of continued traditions my family will make here. I urge you to visit their website and see the rich history Dave has shared, view all the accommodations, and see what Outers has to offer!
Outers can be reached year round, listed below are the different ways of contacting them.
Dave Howes – Owner
Outers Resort / Wood Duck Cove
1748 Pinewood Ave., Chetek, WI 54728
Phone: (715) 924-3283
Would you or someone you know like to share their outdoor business story? Feel free to reach out, we’d love to share how their business came to be and the great products or services they offer. Please email info@maxwellsgroup.com, use our Contact Us page or message us on Facebook, @Maxwells.
