Balsam Lodge gives a bigger crew more than one way to spend the evening. Some can linger around the dining table, others can step onto the deck, and the pool players can head downstairs. Our year-round lodge at Hillcrest on Big St. Germain Lake is built around that useful balance: a place to gather with family or friends, with separate spaces when everyone's idea of downtime differs.
The main level holds the kitchen, living and dining areas, plus three bedrooms. Downstairs, two more bedrooms share the level with a roomy recreation space, a fireplace and the pool table. Cabin furnishings and warm wood accents keep the atmosphere relaxed. Bring a group that enjoys making its own meals, planning lake days and letting an evening at home become part of the vacation.
The walk-out lower level and large deck connect the house to its wooded setting, while air conditioning makes warm-weather downtime comfortable. Winter visits have their own appeal, with local snowshoe and snowmobile outings to plan before returning to the lodge. Book direct with our StepAway team to discuss your group and dates. We can help with the arrangements; settling the pool-table rematch is a family matter.
Five bedrooms across two floors give Balsam a flexible layout for mixed-age groups. Upstairs are two queen bedrooms and a twin bedroom, including the primary bedroom with its own bathroom. Downstairs are a room with a twin bunk bed and full bed, plus another full bedroom. The living room has a pullout sofa; confirm the approved guest count with us when reserving.
Two refrigerators make room for a group's groceries, and the dishwasher, washer and dryer help keep a longer stay manageable. The deck opens off the dining area, while the lower recreation room gives indoor plans a place of their own. Bed linens, WiFi, two DirecTV-equipped televisions, a charcoal grill, picnic table, firepit and firewood are provided, along with access to the resort canoe and kayaks.
Divide a summer day between Big St. Germain Lake and the lodge. Use the available canoe or kayaks for a paddle, plan some fishing, or bring the group back for a pool-table challenge. The lake supports musky, walleye, northern pike and panfish; ask us about docking before bringing your own boat or arranging a separate rental.
Groups with different hiking appetites have good local choices. Awassa Nature Preserve offers level, shaded walking loops, while Fern Ridge's 1.4 miles of hiking trails add hills and a bog boardwalk. Fern Ridge's parking is at the end of Forest Lane, and its four miles of separate mountain-bike trails suit those bringing bikes and helmets.
For a paved ride, start at St. Germain's Bike & Hike Park behind the Chamber at Highways 70 and 155. Choose your own out-and-back distance, or use the trail map to plan a longer trip on the connected Heart of Vilas network. You can send the ambitious riders farther while the rest of the crew turns back for lunch.
In winter, Awassa offers designated snowshoe, ski and fat-bike routes, with use depending on conditions and grooming. Check current trail reports before a snowmobile trip. The Snowmobile Hall of Fame provides an indoor alternative, with historic machines and racing memorabilia; regular opening days are Thursday through Saturday.
BOOK DIRECT
$385
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$475
per night
$501
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$618
per night
Nightly lodging rates: $385–$475, based on sample dates quoted September 17, 2026. These amounts exclude cleaning, booking fees, taxes and optional extras. Summer figures are nightly equivalents of seven-night stays; minimum stays apply. The range is based on sampled quotes, and advance-year rates for 2027 are provisional and may change.
Contact us for current rates, availability and the total for your dates. Prime-season stays are weekly; ask about the turnover day and shorter stays outside prime season. Taxes and applicable fees are confirmed with your quote.
To book direct, send the inquiry form on this page, click the Property Website link below, or call the number below and mention RentWisconsinCabins.com.
Balsam is available year-round. Up to two dogs are considered with a fee; confirm the pet charge and approved guest count when requesting your quote.
8475 Hillcrest Lane
St. Germain, WI 54558
See this location on Google Maps
715-891-7286
715-614-2727
If you call, mention "Rent Wisconsin Cabins". Visit website (if
listed) then return and send your inquiry.
This owner/manager offers online booking
We are StepAway Vacation Rentals, a St. Germain property-management and vacation-rental team serving Wisconsin's Northwoods. We coordinate reservations and help guests with questions about the homes we manage. Balsam's larger layout makes a direct conversation especially useful: tell us about your group, sleeping needs and seasonal plans so we can help you prepare for the right stay.