Matson Lake Lodge & Retreat

10/29/2026

Frequently Asked Questions about Matson Lake Lodge...

Q: Where are you located?

A: The lodge is five miles north of Birchwood, WI in the southeast corner of Washburn County. Hayward is 35 minutes north, Spooner is 35 minutes northwest.

Q: How many bedrooms and bathrooms are in the house?

A: We have six bedrooms (a 7th is being renovated) and two bathrooms. There are a total of 12 beds in the house with additional sleeping space for air mattresses, etc.

Q: What is your occupancy limit?

A: We allow up to 16 overnight guests. There is a charge for additional guests over this number.

Q: Can I bring my boat?

A: Matson Lake is designated by the Wisconsin DNR as non-motorized. Therefore, power boats are not permitted. However, we do have non-motorized options such as canoes and kayaks. These are available for use without any additional fees.

Q: Do you allow bachelor or bachelorette parties?

A: While we are excited for you to tie the knot, we do not permit parties of any kind.

Q: Can I host a wedding here?

A: Small weddings are permitted, but there are strict restrictions on the number of guests that can be on the property, as well as noise restrictions.

Q: Do you offer discounts for early booking?

A: Yes. We offer an early bird cash discount. Contact us to learn more!

Q: What are your cancellation policies?

A: One hundred percent (100.00%) of the total booking charges will be refunded if the cancellation is made more than 60 days prior to the arrival date of the reservation. Fifty percent (50.00%) of the total booking charges will be refunded if the cancellation is made more than 30 days prior to the arrival date of the reservation. For cancellations made within 30 days prior to the arrival date, no refund will be issued.

Q: Do you offer travel insurance?

A: Yes. We can refer you to a third party partner to purchase travel insurance.

Q: Are the fish in Matson Lake?

A: Yes! It is small, but deep (70 feet at it's max) and guests have reported catching bass and panfish in the lake.

Q: How big is the property?

A: The house is 5600 sq ft and sits on 6 wooded acres. There is over 1000' of private shoreline.

Q: Can we swim in the lake?

A: Yes!

Q: Is there a sandy beach?

A: Well, kinda!!! If you're looking for Bahamas quality sand, you will be disappointed! Matson Lake is like most Northwoods lakes: treelined shores with sand and rocks dotting the shoreline. We maintain a small, sandy beach at our dock so kids can play in the sand and water.

More details at

Relax at Matson Lake Lodge in Wisconsin, a spacious lakefront stay for retreats, families & small groups with 6 bedrooms, hot tub, craft room & private beach.

10/29/2026

If you haven't been following along, Airbnb has made some changes to their policies. Hosts can no longer require guests perform certain checkout tasks.

I don't disagree. Just like hotels, we expect guests to treat the property with reasonable care and respect. That's it. Plain and simple. I don't expect guests to clean the house. We have hard working, professional cleaners that do an awesome job cleaning and maintaining the house. We pay a premium for this service because it is worth it for both host and guest.

Straightforward, Upfront Pricing 💲

No added fees for cleaning or laundry service. Just rent and enjoy!

About Matson Lake Lodge

🏘️🏠🏡The lodge is a unique place. If you have stayed here, you know what I mean. It's big, spacious and designed for families to gather. That is exactly what it was built to be: a place for people to gather together and not feel cramped.

We welcome generational families, crafting groups, Scrapbook Retreats, ministry retreats, nature enthusiasts and anyone looking to relax and unwind in a quiet and calm environment.🌳

When you book your stay, the price you see on our page is the price you pay. Plain and simple! Check out our website at www.matsonlakelodge.com and learn more about the area, the property and to book your getaway!

For those that serve: Ask about our educator 👩‍🏫, military, 🇺🇸 public safety 👮👩‍🚒 and healthcare 👩‍⚕️ discounts!

10/25/2026

**Hidden Gems of NW Wisconsin 🌲🥾**

Growing up in Northern Chippewa County, I never fully appreciated the incredible geologic story right in our backyard!

We recently took a scenic day trip from Birchwood down to the **David R. Obey Ice Age Interpretive Center** near New Auburn. The drive alone—winding past rolling hills, serene farmland, and kettle lakes—is pure magic.

Standing on the back patio overlooking the landscape, it hit me how lucky we are to have this preserved piece of history so close by. The kids loved the interactive exhibits, the Junior Ranger activities, and exploring the surrounding trails. It’s completely free, family-friendly, and gives you a whole new appreciation for how Northwest Wisconsin was shaped.

**Did you know Matson Lake is a product of the Ice Age?** 🧊🌊
Thousands of years ago, massive glaciers carved out Matson Lake and the surrounding waters. Whether you’re hiking a glacial ridge, paddling across the water, or sitting on the dock at sunset, this landscape naturally transports you back in time and reconnects you with nature.

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💬 **Now we’d love to hear from you!**
Whether you’re a local or a frequent visitor, **what’s your favorite hidden gem or memory in Northwest Wisconsin?** Drop your favorite spot or story in the comments below so we can share the magic with others! 👇✨



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Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area Property Notice:  View all property notices Info Recreation Maps Calendar Conditions Hours Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round. Read More Directions Get directions to the property. Read More Admission A vehicle admission sticker is required. Read More Volunteer ...

10/23/2026

**A quick update from Matson Lake Lodge 🌲🏡**

We’ve temporarily paused our listings on Airbnb and VRBO while we navigate a few recent platform changes. If you haven't seen the news, Airbnb recently increased their fees and introduced a policy prohibiting hosts from requesting simple check-out steps, like loading the dishwasher.

We wanted to briefly share our perspective on why we’re taking a step back:

**Our Take on "Check-Out Expectations"**
We completely understand the feeling of *"I paid to stay, not clean."* Let us be clear: as hosts, we **never** expect you to deep clean. That’s what we pay our incredible cleaning staff for! We don't expect you to scrub bathrooms, vacuum, or dust.

All we ask is that guests treat the lodge with care and leave it in reasonable shape. Call us old-fashioned, but whether our own family stays in a hotel, a cabin, or a tent, we leave it tidy out of respect for the next guest and the hardworking team coming in behind us.

**The Good News? We’re Preaching to the Choir!**
The vast majority of our guests at Matson Lake Lodge already take wonderful care of the property. You treat our house like your own—and that’s exactly how we want you to feel. You take pride in staying here, and we couldn't be more grateful.

So, consider this a giant **THANK YOU** to everyone who has stayed with us and respected our home over the years. ❤️

**Why Consider Booking Direct?**
We aren't angry with the big platforms—they’re free to run their businesses as they see fit. However, booking direct directly benefits you:

✨ **Lower Costs:** Skipping third-party platform fees keeps prices lower for you.
✨ **Better Pay for Cleaners:** It allows us to compensate our cleaning staff even better for their hard work.
✨ **Same Peace of Mind:** We offer the same protections you expect from big sites, including flexible cancellation policies, secure payment processing, and travel insurance options.

Direct booking doesn't mean extra chores for you—it just means a better, more personal experience for everyone involved. Everyone wins!

Ready to plan your next lake getaway? Book directly with us at www.matsonlakelodge.com or send us a message! 🌊✨

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Relax at Matson Lake Lodge in Wisconsin, a spacious lakefront stay for retreats, families & small groups with 6 bedrooms, hot tub, craft room & private beach.

10/14/2026

🏞️ 🌅 What do you look for in a vacation rental when making your decision?

Access to water? Number of bedrooms, bathrooms and amenities? Perhaps it's a connection you have made with the owner that gives you that personal touch! 😃

We are a family run and owned property. Our vision is to create a personalized experience for every guest. Your feedback helps us create a better guest experience!

Let me know in the comments below! 👇👇👇

10/07/2026

Did you know that some of the best MTB trails anywhere in the Midwest can be found right here in Northwest Wisconsin?! 🌲

- Here's two of our favorites!!!

🛞 CAMBA - https://www.cambatrails.org/mountain-biking
Located just 40 minutes north of Birchwood, the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association offers multiple trail clusters to appeal to riders of varying abilities.

🚴‍♂️ Located in nearby Cumberland, Timberland Hills https://timberlandhills.com/bikeTrails has some of the most diverse riding in the area and is expanding their trail system. Get out and try it!

Tell us about your ride in the comments below! 👇👇👇

Cross Country Ski and Mountain Bike Trails in NW Wisconsin

10/05/2026

Looking for the ultimate place to bring your entire crew together in the Wisconsin Northwoods? 🌲✨

Whether you're planning a massive family reunion, an off-road trail weekend with friends, or a distraction-free getaway for your crafting or quilting group, Matson Lake Lodge & Retreat is built for large gatherings and pure relaxation.

Tucked away on 6 private acres just minutes north of Birchwood, our massive 5,600 sq ft lodge gives everyone plenty of space to spread out, reconnect, and recharge.

🏡 Why groups love staying here:

• Room for Everyone: 6 spacious bedrooms, 2 fully-equipped kitchens, and dining space for up to 24 guests.

• Endless Entertainment: A dedicated game room, a large multi-purpose room (perfect for yoga or craft tables), and an indoor hot tub room.

• 1,000 Feet of Private Lakefront: Enjoy swimming, kayaking, or paddling on the crystal-clear, peaceful, non-motorized waters of Matson Lake.

Direct Trail Access: Bring your gear! You have direct off-road access to hundreds of miles of premier ATV and snowmobile trails right outside the door.

🍂❄️ Dates for upcoming seasonal group getaways fill up fast.
Are you planning a family vacation or a hobby retreat next? Let us know in the comments! 👇

🌐 Check your dates and view our full amenities at www.matsonlakelodge.com

✉️ Or message us directly at [email protected] / call 651-247-6948 to book direct and save!

09/30/2026

Booking PSA!!! If you are searching for a short term rental property for your next vacation, consider booking direct. Here's why:

Support Small Businesses

If you are looking for an easy way to support small business owners, one of the best things you can do is book direct!

Over the years, I’ve had quite a few guests find us on major booking sites, only to jump over to our website and send an email directly. I love when that happens! Major booking platforms often add 15% or more in fees to a reservation. That extra cost hits both the guest and the owner where it hurts.

Many short-term rental owners aren't massive corporations running dozens of units. For us, Matson Lake Lodge was built on a simple goal: we wanted to share our property with other families and special groups, like crafters and scrapbookers. It’s such a wonderful place, and since we can’t be there all the time, it would be a shame to leave it empty. Some of our absolute best memories come from stays at large properties capable of hosting our family of 20+, and we truly love hearing stories about the incredible times our guests have here with their own friends and family.

We rely on the income Matson Lake Lodge generates to keep making improvements and ensuring every guest has an amazing experience. But when big platforms take a huge bite out of every reservation, it really hurts our ability to reinvest in the lodge.

Consider this my public service announcement for the day: whether you are planning a trip to Matson Lake Lodge or somewhere else entirely, I strongly encourage you to check if the property has a direct website, social media page, or listing with a local visitor bureau. Booking direct saves you money, cuts out middleman fees, and lets you build a personal connection with your host for a much more customized experience.

Don't get me wrong—we have nothing against VRBO, Airbnb, or any of the rest! If booking through a platform gives you peace of mind, we will still welcome you with open arms. But it’s always worth checking a host's direct site first. Many owners offer travel insurance and far more flexible terms than the big platforms do. For instance, right on our own site, Matson Lake Lodge offers travel insurance options and cancellation policies that are much more guest-friendly than what you’ll find on third-party channels.

So next time you're planning a getaway, try booking direct—your wallet (and your host) will thank you!

09/29/2026

Currently at Matson Lake…

09/29/2026

Fall is my favorite time of year! It won't be long and colors will be popping all over! Check out this link to your fall color guide.

Find the most comprehensive resource on fall colors available in Wisconsin. Get the best locations for viewing fall colors throughout autumn.