What are the opening hours?

Tuesday 4pm - 10pm Wednesday 4pm - 10pm Thursday 4pm - 10pm Friday 4pm - 10pm Saturday 12pm - 10pm

http://www.islandviewlodgemercer.com/

Island View Lodge, 720W Fisher Lake Road, Mercer, WI (2026)

06/17/2026

Field Notes from Island View Lodge
(55 minutes to nearest known giraffes)

June 17

Operational Status: So far so good. But it is early.

Lake Conditions: Still present.

Tonight's Agenda:
• Bar opens at 4:00 p.m.
• Island Time. Preliminary observations suggest that individuals dressed in Hawaiian attire receive a complimentary beverage without first exchanging currency.

Bass Tournament Feasibility Study: We are ready, willing and able to host our annual Bass Tournament any time. All we need are participants. Anyone? Bueller?

Adaptive Management Strategy: FModL and small companion were once again dispatched on a Minocqua-based supply run. In a rare moment of strategic brilliance, management purchased two (2) annual zoo passes to lessen the at-least-weekly blow. Ain’t no one gonna be at dat zoo more than FModL and Ellie this summer.

Did the grand plan of moving across the country to own a resort on a beautiful lake in the Northwoods involve purchasing a membership to a zoo an hour away? Absolutely not, yet here we are. The business plan never mentioned giraffes, but it also never mentioned emergency lettuce runs, so perhaps this was inevitable.

Citizen Science Initiative: Any and all visitors are invited to assist with an ongoing research project by submitting photographs of enjoyable moments experienced at Island View Lodge (the one in Mercer, not Minnesota). Current evidence consists almost entirely of Walmart receipts and the “before” pictures for fabled before-and-after series. Fun IS had here. Now it just needs to be proven.

06/16/2026

Field Notes from Island View Lodge
(Home of the Poutine Burger)

June 16

Tonight's Activities:
• Tacos begin at 4:00pm
• Trivia begins at 6:00pm

Remote Correspondence Update: Imagine waking up and checking your phone to find 700 unread messages from Taco Tina documenting the previous evening's festivities. In her defense, pictures were requested. Taco eating records may have been broken but management has not yet had opportunity to analyze the data. Craig Monson of Fairbury, Illinois remains undefeated but there may have been a shift in 2nd and 3rd place. Stay tuned.

Opportunity: Cabin 7 is available June 20-27. This is arguably the best cabin and a crying shame. 3 bedrooms, 4 beds, no pet fees.

https://islandviewlodgemercer.com/cabin-rentals/cabin-7/

06/12/2026

Field Notes from Island View Lodge
(1,148 driving miles from the Liberty Bell)

June 12

Culinary Forecast: 100% chance of fish 4-8pm.

Illuminating Developments: Parking lot light that boined out has been fixed.

Infrastructure Preservation Effort: Local lineman has been here so many times that he has become friend. We first met when he ran over our mailbox and the rest, as they say, is history. Since he was here with a bucket truck to fix the parking lot light, he was nice enough to go around and trim trees. This is a wonderful thing, as a sizeable Pinus strobus toppled onto Cabin 7 during last November’s massive blizzard. This was especially unfortunate as Cabin 7 has one of the new metal roofs our insurance demanded we get put on. And also because management was hiding in a camper somewhere in Texas at the time.

Technological Struggles: Media Hag continues attempting to adapt to modern technology while relying exclusively on free software. Current inventories of patience, intelligence, and determination remain critically low. It should also be noted that there was absolutely no way to change da music.

Current Status:
Parking Lot Light: Functional.
Trees: Monitored.
Cabin 7: Present. And available June 20-27!
Media Hag: Conducting experiments.

See you tonight.

06/11/2026

Field Notes from Island View Lodge
(The road here is paved)

June 11

Housing Market Update: We are seeking interested parties for last minute stays in Cabins 6 (1 bedroom) or 10 (2 bedrooms) starting Saturday. Cabin 6 is taken the 18th – 20th and 10 is open all week. Short stays ok.

Weather Report: Very moist. A few brave souls ventured over last night, but overall we seem to have a remarkably fair-weather customer base.
[This observation does ABSOLUTELY NOT apply to snowmobilers].

Reasons to Leave the Cabin:
·Bar opens at 4:00
·Bingo starts at 6:00
·Prizes range from refried beans to a giant inflatable palm tree
·The Oracle awaits

Photographic Evidence: These pictures are from two weeks ago. The bartender was, as usual, “too busy” to capture any moments last week.

06/10/2026

Field Notes from Island View Lodge
(Nearest Commercial Airport: Ironwood, MI)

June 10

Supply Chain Report: FModL begrudgingly made weekly pilgrimage to civilization to acquire all of the supplies that do not get delivered. In an attempt to reduce severe and unnecessary stress, Ellie and Fred were left behind. This soon-to-be critical mistake meant she could take her more fuel-efficient 2007 Hyundai Tucson since neither a carseat nor room for large dog were required.

Transportation Update: On return trip, management was pulled over by State Patrol on US Highway 51 392' west of Old Hwy 51 Rd for a “severely” cracked windshield. Having first cracked at least 15 years ago, FModL has grown accustomed, perhaps fond even, of the windshield’s many fractures, which now serve as reminders of better days. One originated whilst hauling a kayak back when recreational activities were still possible. Others were acquired during a relaxing jaunt up the Dalton Highway. Alas, all good things must come to an end.

Officer approached the vehicle, observed the collection of untouched swimming toys piled in the backseat and remarked, “Looks like someone’s having fun today.”

Management clarified that no, we do not have fun.

After a brief discussion, the officer mentioned that traffic has been very light thus far this summer and pontificated whether gas prices may be keeping tourists at home. Unsure whether a citation was imminent, FModL responded with a series of polite noises indicating that yes, sure.

He then examined the windshield, asked for proof of insurance [which could not be produced due to the Geico app requiring a password reset at the most inconvenient time possible] and elected to release management back into the wild with only a butthurt-inducing warning. He was perhaps sympathetic to the increasingly embarrassing chain of events unfolding before him.

Wildlife Report: A turkey was observed along the roadside.

Current Status:
• Windshield: On borrowed time
• Insurance: Valid, I swear
• Swimming Toys: Untouched
• Turkey: Thriving
• Bar: Open at 4:00
• Cabin 10: Finally made it to da website! https://islandviewlodgemercer.com/cabin-rentals/cabin-10/

06/09/2026

Field Notes from Island View Lodge
(Now With 100% More Buoyancy)

June 9

Tonight's Activities:
• Tacos begin at 4:00pm
• Trivia begins at 6:00pm
• 4 Tacos for $10 or $15 for All You Can Eat

Unexpected Success Report: The houseboat has been launched and didn’t sink yet. No one, no one, trusted this. The folks vacationing in Cabin 10, who conveniently own K & L Mobile Repairs in Tuscola, Illinois, offered to follow behind in their pontoon “just in case.”

Fortunately, no mobile repairs were needed.

Attached you can find Blair Witch-style footage of the launch.

Environmental Stewardship Update: The recycling has been hauled to town. This concludes all available good news.

Current Status:
Houseboat: Floating.
Pontoon Rescue Team: Unemployed.
Ellie: Unconscious.
Management: Cautiously optimistic.

See you tonight for tacos.

06/06/2026

Field Notes from Island View Lodge
(Just south of the north part of Fisher Lake)

June 6

Operations: Bar opens at Noon. Beyond that, we remain committed to our longstanding operational philosophy of seeing what happens.

Waterborne Recreation Update: Our two biggest pontoons are available all week. $150 per day. Bring the dog. Includes gas.

Oracle Innovation and Development: Last Saturday a record breaking number of people visited The Oracle. $12 was in the coffer. Some if not almost all of that could have been from candy sales, but The Oracle was pleased none the less. As a reward, an upgrade was acquired.

Tad & Susan travelled to Rhinelander for reasons unknown but made the mistake of asking if we needed anything. Yes, always. Uniquely not from Menards this time…I had been eyeing a $20 typewriter on Facebook Marketplace. Upon inquiring if the sale could be arranged, the seller mentioned that he couldn’t get it to work so it was now free. Undeterred, it was arranged for the three of them to meet in a gas station parking lot. The exchange was made and a short while later the typewriter arrived on the premises.

100% of the keys stuck. The ribbon was dry rotted and reminiscent of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Upon researching, it seemed copious amounts of mineral spirits saturating the innards of the machine may help. Continuous “exercising” of the keys was encouraged. This worked out beautifully as my small apprentice was going to do that regardless. Eventually the stench of mineral spirits in the house became overbearing and the typewriter was placed outside. The rains began. The typewriter was moved to the safety of my car. While it remained out of the elements, it began to bake in the extremely hot temperatures. The stench inside my car will undoubtedly be permanent, but a small price to pay for such an upgrade.

Many days later the “Universal” size replacement typewriter ribbon I ordered arrived. This is where Alex usually comes in handy but alas, he was busy bartending. My small apprentice and I took to the internet but it was not easy, as she thought we were once again exercising the keys and I was trying to weave ribbon through rusty k***s. Flashbacks to my failed attempts at threading a sewing machine began. The sewing machine ultimately wound up in the dumpster but I did not want the same fate for the typewriter. We had to wait for Alex to return.

Many days later it was almost functional. Good enough. Success! Weeks earlier, I had ordered fancy custom cards for The Oracle and they were already here, awaiting scripture. I paid extra to make them exceptionally thick for durability. A fatal mistake, it turns out, as the premium cardstock is too thick to go through the typewriter. Yet another major breakthrough and complete lack of progress simultaneously.

The Oracle's patience grows thin. Unlike the cardstock.

06/05/2026

Field Notes from Island View Lodge
(North of Civilization, South of Canada)

June 5

Today's report has been abbreviated due to fatigue.

Fish Fry: 4:00pm–8:00pm.

Food available:
• Cod
• Perch
• Walleye
• Shrimp
• Chicken Strips
• Fries
• Interesting Vegetables
• Potato Pancakes
• Uncle Gretel’s Secret Recipe Bean Porridge
• Dinner Rolls
• Very Special Apples
• Regular Old Applesauce
• Coleslaw
• Tartar, lemons, etc.
• Chocolate Banana Cake
• Pistachio Cake
• Red Raspberry Sugar Crunch Cake
• Refreshing Pineapple Gullet Settlers
• Pizza if you just absolutely must

Playground: Not done.

Mosquitoes: Still here.

Best Opportunity Currently on da Market: Cabin 7 June 20-27
3 bedrooms, $1100

See you tonight.

06/03/2026

Field Notes from Island View Lodge
(15 Minutes from Mercer, 26 Hours from Finished)

June 3

Infrastructure Report: Yesterday six genuinely skilled and capable adults spent over six hours assembling the new playground. Every person involved was specifically chosen for being handy. This was not some barefoot guy insisting on being called Chief stumbling around with a hammer in one hand and an open Miller Lite in the other. The crew was laser focused and highly organized. We are extremely, extremely grateful for the help. It is still not done because eventually Alex had to go to work. Unsure of plans to finish because Alex is no longer speaking to me.

Consumer Product Review: Why you little

Tonight's Activities:
• Bar opens 4:00pm
• Island Time
• Wear a Hawaiian or similarly hideous shirt and get a free drink. 🏝

06/02/2026

Field Notes from Island View Lodge
(Where Days Off Are Mostly Theoretical)

June 2

Morning Activity: Playground Raising Party begins about 9:00am. It will go until finished or until all pieces are thrown in the lake. At this point, either option is desirable just to get it over with. Pizza, beverages and bug spray supplied. Please bring your own and any extra Xanax.

Tonight's Activities:
• Tacos begin at 4:00pm
• Trivia begins at 6:00pm
• Trivia Host Kenny Stumpem’s new hat: must see to appreciate

Prices have not changed from last year: $10 for 4 tacos or $15 for All You Can Eat

Management Update: We are looking forward to getting back to work so we can finally rest from our days off. FModL spent the entirety of Monday running errands and gathering food supplies with toddler and dog in tow to allow Alex opportunity to build new stairs to Cabin 4 pier. Although Cabin 4 is still “in progress,” its pier is frequently used to store excess vessels and the stairs to it have become a deathtrap. Project remains unfinished so please avoid.

Grounds Report: Against all odds, the grass has been cut.

Maritime Division: The entirety of Sunday was spent cleaning and stocking the houseboat only to suffer an unexpected setback at the boat launch. The fabled aquatic retreat promptly tipped over and sank upon leaving the trailer. Fortunately, recovery operations were successful and no hags were lost. Initial investigations reveal no gaping holes or other answers. She is now moored back at da Shop, probably forever.

Outlook: Despite proprietors’ lives being in constant shambles, bank account taking more abuse than dat big tire at da CrossFit, and nothing ever quite working, the weather remains glorious and the cabin people appear to be having absolutely wonderful vacations. All is well on Fisher Lake. Join us! But not next week, as we are full. Perhaps June 13-20? Cabins 6 and 10 remain available for those who enjoy sunshine, loons, and witnessing somebody else's problems from a safe distance.

Island View Lodge

06/17/2026

06/16/2026

06/12/2026

06/11/2026

06/10/2026

06/09/2026

06/06/2026

06/05/2026

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

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Tuesday	4pm - 10pm
Wednesday	4pm - 10pm
Thursday	4pm - 10pm
Friday	4pm - 10pm
Saturday	12pm - 10pm