ABOUT
About the Property
The formation of a storied property that still stands as one of Lac Courte Oreilles’ stark reminders of good days gone by was originated in the early 1900’s overlooking the “Crystal Beaches” of Chicago Bay.
The Old Chicago Club began its journey as an exclusive, privately owned sportsman’s club for some of the Chicagoland’s elite. Once referred to as the “Chicago Hunting and Fishing Club”, the property was the destination of many fishing trips for guests and fishing guides chasing the elusive muskellunge that grows to trophy-class size in the lake.
​
The spacious sportsman’s Club flourished, providing a Northwoods playground for families and friends during an era preceding the popular resorts, lake cabins, and year round homes that eventually filled the shoreline around area lakes.
​
This one-of-a-kind fishing Club, then referred to as, “The Finest in the Northwest”, was eventually sold and resold making it a private family-owned destination by the late 1960’s. It was host to memorable family reunions and was home to many sailing adventures held on the lake - three national regattas were held at the Old Chicago Club.
Even though The Old Chicago Club has undergone extensive remodeling and modernization since its inception over a century ago, the property still offers large groups the same opportunity to sit down together and enjoy a home-cooked (or grilled) meal, all under a single roof and all just steps from a history-rich lake bursting with opportunities that any child or adult will enjoy.
​
The Old Chicago Club team, along with the current owner Paul Eckerline, invites you to come share a special adventure with family and friends that you will not soon forget. This private, historic Hayward hideaway is available all-seasons. (Majestic Escapes continues to assist Paul in managing his unique waterfront property.)
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
.jpg)
About the Lake
It’s truly a Northwoods Natural! If you are looking for an ideal vacation lake, you have found it. Lac Courte Oreilles brings natural beauty into balance while delivering on excellent fishing and recreation activities that the entire family will enjoy.
​
This gin clear lake, among one of the largest lakes in the state, provides vacationers over 5,000 surface acres, a maximum depth of 90 feet, and water clarity down to 14' deep. With its sprawling shores (20+ miles) and unique shoreline character, there are several bay areas that provide shelter and calm waters on windy days.
Big Lac Courte Oreilles is well-known for its excellent fishing and superb recreational attributes. Not surprising, the waters contain some of the finest big fish structure an angler can find; steep breaks, deep and shallow weeds, rocky points and bars, and offshore humps loitered with suspended baitfish. Many trophy class fish claim home to this northern WI lake, including several muskies, bass, panfish, and walleyes. (Not to mention Cal Johnson’s one time world-record musky that exceeded 60 lbs!) Several fishing guides are also available.
Additionally, there is easy boat access all around Lac Courte Oreilles, with rental boats and personal water craft available from various businesses in advance. This vast body of water is also popular for sailing, cruising/exploring (sandbar swimming), and various water sports. Big Lac Courte Oreilles is also connected to Grindstone Lake which is over 3000 acres, and makes for a great day trip. As another bonus, when water levels permit (watch your prop!), boaters also have access to Little Lac Courte Oreilles located on the southeast part of the lake. Covering 240 surface acres, this smaller body of water makes for a nice change of scenery on a windy day and also provides fisherman a good number of northern pike and largemouth bass patrolling the weedlines.
​
What does Lac Courte Oreilles mean and where did the name originate? “The Lake of Short Ears”… Named by the early French fur trappers after the Native American people living in the area. The French believed they had short ears and referred to them as the “Courte Oreilles”. Hence, the French translation for the lake of short ears is Lac Courte Oreilles.
​
Lac Courte Oreilles lake map...
​
​
-
10,000 sq ft of living space
-
300' of sand frontage
-
15 bedrooms & 8 baths
-
Large commercial kitchen
-
Three season room beach side
-
Private pier/dock
-
Professionally laundered sheets
-
Washer and dryer on site
-
Ping pong table
-
Cable (2 flat panel tv's)
-
Available year-round