Close to home, far from everything.
About an hour from Madison and two from Milwaukee, Hickory Hill is an easy Friday drive: a private log lodge on five wooded acres, 8 minutes from downtown Wisconsin Dells.
Why it works.
An easy drive
About an hour from Madison and about two from Milwaukee. Free parking at the lodge.
Hot tub and fire pit
Both private, both a few steps from the deck.
Stay through Monday
Starlink WiFi and a dedicated workspace if you want to stretch the weekend.
A few favorites, with drive times from downtown Dells:
- 2 minDells Boat Tours: Upper DellsTwo-hour cruise past sandstone cliffs, with stops at Witches Gulch and Stand Rock.Book ahead for July weekends
- 10 minMirror Lake State ParkQuiet no-wake lake with sandstone shoreline, a swimming beach, hiking and paddling.
- 12 minIshnala Supper ClubClassic supper club in the pines above Mirror Lake, open since the 1950s.Open May–October; 2026 season ends Oct 25
- 40 minWollersheim Winery & DistilleryHistoric hillside winery and distillery with tastings, tours and limestone cellars.
Quick answers.
How far is it from Madison?
About an hour by car.
How far is it from Milwaukee?
About two hours by car, depending on traffic.
Can I work from the lodge?
Yes. There's Starlink WiFi and a dedicated workspace.
What folks are saying.
Our guide to the Dells, sorted by season.
Supper clubs, river tours, state parks and ski hills, plus a heads-up when weekends open. Occasional emails from the lodge.
Save your spot by the fire.
Light the fire, open the hot tub and watch the stars come out over the field. When you're ready for the Dells, it's 8 minutes down the road.