Located to the east of Mercer, Wisconsin, San Domingo Lake covers about 40 acres and reaches depths of 20 feet at its deepest point. Since it is a not a public lake, access to the water, and therefore to a range of healthy-living activities such as fishing and kayaking, is usually only possible through one of the lakeside resorts available to guests visiting the area. The resorts welcome outdoors-loving guests in the summer and some of them are also open year-round, offering warm and cozy accommodations to visitors keen to enjoy a range of winter activities.
Resorts
The range of resorts situated on San Domingo Lake means that there is something to suit just about every budget. At the top end of the scale, The Great Northern Hotel offers relatively luxurious accommodations right on the waterfront, where guests can enjoy large-screen televisions, queen-size beds, whirlpools, saunas and hot tubs, as well as being able to make use of complimentary row boats. Meanwhile, the smaller Driftwood Lodge, which is set back slightly from the water's edge, offers guests the choice of one- or two-bedroom vacation cabins, in addition to its Land's End luxury suite, which boasts five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a private sunken whirlpool tub. Additionally, visitors looking to stay on San Domingo Lake have the option of staying at the more-basic Loon Haven Resort, which offers gas heating, cable TV, radio and a private fishing boat and pier.
Dining Options
You may be visiting San Domingo Lake on vacation, but that doesn't mean you have to forget all about sticking to a healthy diet. Fortunately, it's easy to resist temptation and enjoy nutritious and low-fat dining while taking in lake views. Most resorts surrounding the Wisconsin lakes offer self-catering facilities, complete with fully-stocked kitchens and both indoor and outdoor dining facilities, meaning a freshly caught fish can go from lake to plate in a matter of minutes. Other dining options available to guests staying in resorts around San Domingo Lake include the Wolf's Den Bar and Grill, which is part of the Great Northern Motel, as well as the establishments in nearby Mercer or Lac du Flambeau, such as the Lake of Torches Casino.
Summer Activities
Lovers of the great outdoors can enjoy a range of healthy activities throughout the year, both on San Domingo Lake and in the woodland surrounding it. During the summer months, visitors can kayak or take row boats out onto the water, with some resorts offering rentals for free or for minimal charge for their guests, while hiking and biking is also possible along the numerous shoreline trails. However, it is fishing that is the biggest draw for many, with the quiet waters of San Domingo Lake filled with walleye, perch, northern pike, crappie and largemouth bass year-round.
Winter Activities
During the winter months many of the resorts remain open to welcome guests keen to enjoy the snow-capped scenery and the alternative range of healthy outdoors pursuits. For example, even if San Domingo Lake freezes over, it's possible to enjoy ice fishing and ice skating, while the surrounding fields and woods offer the chance to go sledding through deep snow. For the more adventurous, a 700-mile-long snowmobile trail passes through the Wisconsin lakes, including Mercer Lake and Boot Lake and beyond.
Considerations
Most of the resorts offering accommodations around the Wisconsin lakes provide almost every amenity and modern luxury their guests could wish for. However, should you wish to use your vacation time to enjoy the great outdoors, it may pay to pack a little extra. Along with packing bug repellent and sunscreen, it's also a good idea to bring proper walking gear, even in the peak of summer, so as to reduce the risk of picking up Lyme Disease or having Poison Ivy or Poison Oak ruin a break away from home. Additionally, demand for most resorts on San Domingo Lake and surrounding areas soars during the peak summer months, meaning advance bookings are necessary, as is budgeting a little bit more for a vacation in June, July or August.
Member Comments