Wandawega Blog Archive

The Wandawega FleetIs about to get bigger.HINT(s) : The new additions :> will carry 5 people> national park colors > lettered by @rightwaysigns Its a commitment to keep these old dogs running, But if you live the old rides as much as we do, it doesnt feel much like work.1973 International Travelall 1953 International Raymond Loewy Metro 1980 Ford 515 1971 International 110 4wd dually firetruck 1942 Ford tractor 2017 Ural Sportsmans edition sidecar 40s teardrop travel trailer 1929 Ford Roadster (B Class Street Roadster)Pics by friends :1, 8, 9 : @erikengstromphoto 2,3: @piomiostudio 6: @bobcoscarelli 7: @afterthequake @yesjonwes 5: @aimeemazzenga

September 12, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt • Instagram

Say HI to The Lucky Camper.We built her into a literal hole in the wall. Our old main lodge was built in sections from 1925-1940, this little bridge building space is tucked in between two additions. As long as weve been running this joint, its just been an awkward dumping ground. It now has a new life as the littlest coffee shop that could. Our merch tees say I got Lucky at Wandawega because we are gonna offer lousy service but good coffee. ( only the lucky campers can actually get served because its open in off hours – when we have time) Could be a Saturday morning at 8, a guest barista, or a takeover for our all camp events. Walking by and see the Dutch door open? Pop in. You just got lucky. Thanks @nathanbobey @theruffians Joe, Ellie & Mike for the team work and making it fun to bring her to life .. by @bobcoscarelli ( thanks for helping us break it in, Brett & Nate )@bdmackey88 @nathan.gerdes

September 11, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt • Instagram

Stories behind the garden shed.A crew of north woods Amish carpenters built this for us. We found the door & windows from a 100 year old Scout camp nearby that was slated for demo (We always think adding something old to something new brings good luck)Our new Seed kits were inspired by this utility Garden Shed. But this Garden Shed was inspired by the former owners who planted here in the 1940s. (Second shot in front of the lodge)Weve heard folks say that when you plant a garden, youre planting tomorrow. So weve been looking back Into our history to build things for next season/generation. The little girl in the second photo showed up at our door about ten years back. Her name was Sam, she was the daughter of the prior owners. At the time we met her, she was already close to 75. She told us her stories of growing up here- how her mom grew basil and tomatoes, sunflowers and beans around the lodge.We always wanted to replant her gardens. Figured it was about time.Like anything worth sharing, the best things start with a seed. Thank you Sam, for planting that seed with us so many years back- we hope youll be watching our gardens grow from above.When we created our seed line, we picked the varieties from some of Sams memories of what was once here. Hoping to see what pops up next season. They say that soil has memory- fingers crossed we think these grounds are ready for a comeback…..Photos by @bobcoscarelli and @nathanbobey and from Sam

September 9, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt • Instagram

This is the spot (that you get to see all the stars without having to sleep out on the ground)Not much else to see inside here… A little roll down bug screen door. A power pack with a little fan. A foot locker for campers to DIY their bed linens (doubles as safekeeping to keep the chipmunks, and all other furry locals at bay.)Campers tip:This spot is preferred in the spring & fall- for summer guests, we recco waiting to hit the sack at sunset, opening the two windows, use the roll down screen to get the lake breeze – sleep tight… @bobcoscarelli (1,3,5,6) others by @taylorhallobrien

September 8, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt • Instagram

Dog days of summer are here. (Somehow even the hottest days at camp dont suck at camp). At the end of the day, its really just who you bring along with you to soak up all the things. So weve been working our tails off on a project we are about to finally reveal in the next week.Its been a hot as hell week – dawn to dusk kinda thing. The kind of project that wakes you up at 3:30 am cause you just cant wait to keep going.Our small but mighty team have made it fun – despite what Mother Nature has been serving.Well take all these dog days – happiness around here looks like getting your hands dirty. Making things to share.Someday we know were gonna look back on this and miss the feeling of working a sweat soaked 14-hour day renovating something that will last for our grandchildren..Thanks @willandbear & pals for also reminding us to take those breaks. Row. Cook. Play. Repeat.@cabinlove @ethanabitz @strawburry17 @lady_bro @francessimonephotog @tarynhyland @Amanda.arends @willandbear @roamwithdrake @alexanderknorr @lozyjane @willandbear

September 6, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt • Instagram

Sprinting to catch up!!(we are behind in sharing all the love thats been filling these acres in the past weeks)More coming soon. Including a special one this past weekend In the meantime – Ugh. Maeve & Ryan @call__me__maevey Thanks for sharing!@wanderlynnphotography @rosewoodwed

September 4, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt • Instagram

Thanks @wgnnews for visiting ! So happy that our friends at @__all_together_now__ joined us to show off their wares (& our new partnership with Erin and the mighty team she leads Kate) thanks Ben for the archery lesson! @theruffians Joe & Ellie – we yall pulling this together at 6:30 am David just confessed :Last time I was on WGN was in 1977 – on Bozos Circus with Mrs. Jacobsons 4th grade class, Our Lady of MercyGotta love it.Thanks Natalie & Shawn & WGN team for trekking out here to visit us at the crack of dawn

September 3, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt • Instagram

How to know if this is the place for you – Or.not.Those who read- and fully embrace our big M.O.L.E. Manifesto Of Low Expectations knowIts our mandatory reading for all guests – Cause when we say we only rank an 8th of a star on a 5-star scale we mean it earnestly, we try to be honest so folks can prepare their stay like a good scout The people who like it here most (and we appreciate so much ) are those who are true campers at heart – and know how to pack a backpack.They also: .Accept that natural lakes have Lilly pads- we are on a spring fed lake with wetlands instead of Motorboat traffic.That open air shower means toads are welcome in there with you too..Expect ladybugs, crickets and the occasional honeybee to pay them a visit to their cabin. A chipmunk or bird if theyre lucky. A raccoon if they are very lucky.they Appreciate our mineral well water in all of its country-ness – and dont require their water to be pre softened for them. Know that you turn the AC on by opening your window. they manage themselves without a bellhop, concierge (or even keys) these are 100 year old doors, keys where most during the Hoover administration.They just come to commune with their friends and nature- and embrace it with all of its rustic and rough realities.It does take some Grit to enjoy yourself here. @roamwithdrake had it dialed in ( here a couple weeks ago cooking up a storm at the rustic camping cluster for the @willandbear crew – he literally brought everything but the kitchen sink)our kinda guests – super chill, self sufficient, prepared campers.

September 2, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt • Instagram