Hayward Haus: a Modern Cabin in Northern Wisconsin
Recently, we had the distinct pleasure of staying for several days at Hayward Haus, a beautiful cabin in northern Wisconsin. The cabin was completed in August 2021, and needless to say, everything in it is brand new and gleaming. It sits on the shore of Upper Twin Lake in Hayward, Wisconsin, not far from Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. As it takes just over 6 hours to drive there from Chicago, Hayward Haus is a perfect spot for a long weekend getaway from the city. Also, the many outdoor and indoor activities available make it a wonderful retreat year round!
click here to book your stay at Hayward Haus
about the cabin
Hayward Haus was inspired by minimalist Scandinavian architecture that blends into the surrounding environment. The mono-pitched roof and natural interior elements such as wood paneling, plants, and floor-to-ceiling windows help the cabin achieve just that—they make you feel like you’re part of the outdoors.
The main area of the cabin has a spacious open floor design that spans the cabin’s length and includes the kitchen, dining room, and living room. This space is bright and airy, as the tall windows allow ample light to pour in even on overcast, dreary days. The furniture throughout is simple but beautiful, complementing the minimalist cabin structure. Yet other elements make this space feel very cozy and familiar. Every room offers scented candles, and there’s a wood stove in the corner of the living room along with firewood and kindling in a bucket nearby. Since it was cold and snowy during our stay, we had a fire going almost the entire time! The living room also has a shelf with books, board games, and puzzles to keep you entertained.
In the kitchen, you’ll find everything you need to cook your meals—lots of dishes, utensils, and cookware. You’ll also find coffee, tea, salt, olive oil, and other essentials in the pantry.
Outside is a wrap-around wooden deck that spans the back and side of the cabin. Here there are lounge chairs, a grilling area, a table for dining, and a stone fire pit.
things to do during your stay
Whether you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful time with hot tea, a good book, and a fire roaring in the wood stove or nonstop outdoor adventures, Hayward Haus is the perfect getaway location any season of the year! In the summer Upper Twin Lake (as well as many other small lakes in the area) offers a great place to swim, kayak, or go fishing. In the winter, you can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing across the lake, or snowmobiling through the many dedicated paths in the area. And, weather permitting, you can always go hiking!
Upon arrival, you’ll find a cabin guide with recommendations for outdoor activities, best hiking routes, nearby places to eat, and lots of other useful tips for your stay.
We spent most of our stay cooking, staying warm by the fire (both inside and out), and enjoying our beautiful surroundings. One morning, we took the opportunity to snowshoe across the frozen lake. As this was our very first time doing this, we were a little worried. But Hayward Haus’s owner assured us that in mid-winter the ice is strong enough to support the weight of a few people, and probably a lot more! On another afternoon, we drove 1.5 hours north to hike to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Sea Caves. Starting at Meyer’s Beach, this trail takes you northeast along a wooden boardwalk until you reach several fascinating rock formations and caves overlooking Lake Superior.
Overall, our stay was amazing. We had the best of both worlds—quiet time by the fire and snowy outdoor adventures that gave us rosy cheeks and an even better appreciation for more quiet time by the fire!
