Property/Area Video(s)

• Bedrooms - 2
• Bathrooms - 2.0
• Sleeps - 5
• No pets
• On Rice Lake

Nestled on the tranquil shore of Rice Lake, The Blackbird Inn is a lovingly restored two‑bedroom, two‑bathroom retreat with roots that reach back nearly a century. This historic home is tucked between FFA Park and Lakeshore Park, offering a private waterfront setting and unspoiled lake views year‑round. As your hosts, we’ve blended the charm of a family heirloom with the comforts travelers expect today—fast Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, a washing machine, and a modern kitchen—so you can relax, reflect and reconnect in a place that feels like home away from home.

The heart of the home is a bright breezeway with floor‑to‑ceiling windows and a sliding glass door that leads to the garden and lakefront. A comfortable chair‑and‑a‑half converts to a twin bed for an extra guest, while the adjacent kitchen is fully equipped with a full‑size stove/oven, a miniature dishwasher and a mid‑sized refrigerator. The open living area is anchored by a wood‑burning fireplace and furnished with a smart TV, Bluetooth sound system, books, board games and cozy seating. A small desk by the window provides a dedicated workspace for remote work or creative pursuits.

Upstairs you’ll find restful sleeping quarters. The primary bedroom features a king bed and five windows that capture sunrise over the lake. The second bedroom includes a queen bed and its own reading nook and storage space. Two full bathrooms—one on each floor—mean everyone has plenty of elbow room. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway or a solo writing retreat, The Blackbird Inn offers the perfect balance of history, comfort and natural beauty on Wisconsin’s Rice Lake.

Unique Features

The Blackbird Inn is more than a vacation rental—it’s a piece of Rice Lake’s living history. Nearly 100 years ago our great‑grandmother Mary McCluskey made this lakeside house her home. One winter she rescued a red‑winged blackbird; every spring thereafter the bird returned to her hand. That story became part of our family’s lore and inspired the name of the inn. By opening our home to guests, we honour Mary’s legacy and invite you to become part of this ongoing story.

Carefully preserved touches—like the buckboard wagon bench in the breezeway—and thoughtful updates give the inn its unique character. The property sits between two city parks, so you can step straight from the garden onto walking trails and into beautifully landscaped grounds. Because the inn remains in our family, you’ll enjoy a personal, home‑grown hospitality that you simply won’t find with anonymous rentals.

Things To Do

Being right on Rice Lake means water adventures are just steps away. Launch a canoe or kayak from the shoreline to explore the lake’s quiet coves, or bring a fishing pole to cast for bass, walleye and panfish. In summer, rent a pontoon or paddleboard from a local outfitter; in winter, the frozen lake becomes a playground for ice skating and snowshoeing.

Bordering The Blackbird Inn are the FFA and Lakeshore parks, offering miles of walking paths, picnic areas and groomed gardens. These parks are perfect for birdwatching and photography, and they connect to Rice Lake’s broader network of trails for biking or cross‑country skiing. In the colder months, local trails are groomed for skiing and snowshoeing so you can enjoy the quiet beauty of the northwoods year‑round.

Downtown Rice Lake is an easy walk from the inn and is full of small‑town charm. Browse the shops along Main Street, visit the restored pioneer village, or sample local flavours at cafés and supper clubs. You’re also within driving distance of Chequamegon‑Nicolet National Forest, the Flambeau River State Forest and popular lake towns like Hayward and Chetek—each offering hiking, golfing and seasonal festivals. No matter the season, there’s something to explore near The Blackbird Inn.

Amenities:

February 2026

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BOOK DIRECT
$350 - $500 per night

$455 - $650 per night

Property Details

Lakeshore Drive
Rice Lake, WI 54868
See this location on Google Maps

715-214-4899
715-214-4899 If you call, mention "Rent Wisconsin Cabins". Visit website (if listed) then return and send your inquiry.

VISIT PROPERTY WEBSITE

This owner/manager offers online booking

About the Owner/Manager

Hi, I’m Jaci Salewske, and I’m thrilled to help you discover the beauty of Northwest Wisconsin. My husband, our lovable Great Pyrenees, and I call Rice Lake home, but my heart has deep roots in the Eau Claire area where I grew up. Living and working here allows me to do what I love most: connecting guests with unforgettable vacation experiences in this stunning corner of the state—no matter the season.

As the local manager for Local Lodging, I oversee several vacation rentals, including the Lincolnwood Resort. Our mission is simple: to support vacation property owners in creating successful rental experiences while ensuring guests have access to the best stays Wisconsin has to offer. I treat each property as if it were my own, because I know how important it is to owners and guests alike to have a trusted partner managing every detail.