Island View Lodge

Island View Lodge A true Up North resort. We have 9 cabins, boats, gas and a bar/restaurant. Everyone is welcome!
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Field Notes from Island View Lodge(15 Minutes from Mercer, 26 Hours from Finished)June 3Infrastructure Report: Yesterday...
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. 🏝

Field Notes from Island View Lodge(Where Days Off Are Mostly Theoretical)June 2Morning Activity: Playground Raising Part...
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.

Field Notes from Island View Lodge(Some Assembly Still Required)May 30Today's Operating Schedule:• Bar opens at Noon• Cl...
05/30/2026

Field Notes from Island View Lodge
(Some Assembly Still Required)

May 30

Today's Operating Schedule:
• Bar opens at Noon
• Closed Sunday and Monday

Frozen Asset Update: New ice chest has arrived and ice is once again available, self-serve in Da Vending Oasis. $3 for a 10 pound bag. Like everything in dare, it is available 24/7 and the general public is welcome to partake. Soda, candy, chips, kazoos, and The Loon Oracle await.

Correction: I have just been informed it arrived during the fish fry and is in fact, still in the box laying in the yard and not plugged in yet. Stay tuned.

Further Correction: While scribing this update it has been unboxed. Progress.

Pudding Shot Strike: Forgotten Matron of da Lodge [henceforth referred to as FModL] is refusing to make jello or pudding shots due to the bartender being “too busy” to sell them and having the majority continually wind up in the dumpster. Please complain directly to the bartender if this decision affects you, or even if it doesn’t.

Field Journal Progress Report: When this publication was established, there were ambitious plans to provide regular reports detailing recent fishing successes, wildlife sightings, natural disasters, etc. A Nikon Z8 was purchased for the endeavor. Not unexpectedly, but still disappointingly, field researchers remain trapped in a continuous cycle of mowing, cleaning, cooking, repairing, supply runs, carrying things, moving other things, and addressing problems created by previous attempts to solve different problems and reports are becoming increasingly less wilderness and more bar hours. This must change! But…how? The Research Division remains eager to study nature but has thus far been occupied almost exclusively with the care and feeding of a 99-year-old resort and 2-year-old female human being.

Field Notes from Island View Lodge(Where Good Ideas Come to Die and Occasionally Succeed)May 29Northwoods Refreshment Wi...
05/29/2026

Field Notes from Island View Lodge
(Where Good Ideas Come to Die and Occasionally Succeed)

May 29

Northwoods Refreshment Window: Bar opens at 4:00pm. Fish will be fried 4-8pm.

Contrary to mass Facebook confusion, the new Boofay slash not Boofay system worked beautifully and not a soul who actually came here was confused or miffed. One man told me to quote CHILLL THE F OUT AND QUIT WORRYING SO MUCH. A much needed and appreciated bit of advice.

Grounds Report: The Back 40 [Front .25?] remains locked in an ecological stalemate. We cannot mow until the sticks and limbs are picked up. We cannot pick up the sticks due to ungoldly amount of mosquitoes. The mosquitoes are terrible because the grass is long. Scientists have yet to identify an ideal path forward. Forgotten Matron of da Lodge will don Bug Shirt and try again this afternoon.

Historic Announcement: Alex is requesting assistance building the playground.

I understand the gravity of this statement and encourage everyone to take a moment to absorb it.

Interested parties may report to Island View Lodge no earlier than 9:00am this coming Tuesday. Pizza and beverages will be provided. The grass WILL be mowed by then. Please alert any Amish friends, mechanically gifted relatives, retired farmers or barn-raising enthusiasts you may know. Do it for the children.

Customer Feedback Division: Recent guests in Cabin 7 emailed to thank us for a much-needed and wonderful vacation. This was a welcome change from the more common correspondence category known as "Unfortunately, we have to cancel." Great to have such positive feedback right from the start. Attached are pictures they sent us.

Lodging Opportunities: We have had some prime weeks open up. Snag one, please:
Cabin 3 – June 13-20
Cabin 3 – June 20-27
Cabin 7 (!!!) – June 20-27 (3 bedrooms)

Field Notes from Island View Lodge(Community Celebration & Prophecy Distribution Site) May 28 Tonight:• Bar opens at 4:0...
05/28/2026

Field Notes from Island View Lodge
(Community Celebration & Prophecy Distribution Site)

May 28

Tonight:
• Bar opens at 4:00pm
• Bingo begins at 6:00pm
• Reminder Pickleball Keith is the only employee here who does not take bribes; don’t bother.

Observed Party Conditions: Recent tavern activity included a rare and efficient twofer birthday event: Paul and Taco Tina celebrated their separate births conjointly at Table 6. We love having parties here and will gladly decorate free of charge with enough advanced notice. For example, mentioning it as we are clearing away dirty plates is probably too late.

Honorary Citizen Background File:
- Paul: Many know Paul as the local SnoGoers Snowmobile Club sign master, responsible for helping prevent tourists from accidentally wandering around da UP every winter. But did you know he also gave us Fred, our boisterous greeter? Paul adopted Fred from HOPE Animal Shelter in Ironwood as a wee pup but soon realized Fred’s preferred hobby was terrorizing his older dog. He asked us to take him in. Our old dog Chow had just passed away, I was six months pregnant, mentally a shambles, and we were dangling by a thread in every aspect of life. Naturally, this seemed like the perfect time to acquire a puppy. Paul also produces excellent maple syrup, proving he contributes to society in multiple sectors.

- Taco Tina needs no explanation. Loved by all, frightened by nothing. Her fun and energy levels know no bounds and frankly should be studied. In fact, she IS studied by the Galena Area Chamber of Commerce for inventing a yearly activity that has now escalated into a full citywide fiasco involving a parade. And she doesn’t even live there. She can be found here most Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Oracle Division Update: A young guest stood in complete awe before The Loon Oracle — finally, someone showing the appropriate level of reverence for the ancient prophecy machine. Transaction was completed successfully and with no struggles.

Prophetic Outcome: Classified.

General Atmosphere: Pleasant. Busy enough to feel alive but not busy enough to cause emotional collapse in kitchen personnel. An ideal operational balance rarely observed in the wild.

Field Notes from Island View Lodge(Not for sale despite latest rumor)May 27Daily Status Report: We regret to inform you ...
05/27/2026

Field Notes from Island View Lodge
(Not for sale despite latest rumor)

May 27

Daily Status Report: We regret to inform you that nothing especially strange happened yesterday. Things are oddly calm and fine…for now…

Tonight:
• Bar opens at 4:00pm
• Island Time: Wear a Hawaiian shirt & get a FREE drink
• General loitering encouraged

Outside: Hot. Conditions appear to have changed from spring to dog days of summer overnight. No one enjoys this change quite like the mosquitoes.

Cold Storage Expansion Initiative: Ice cooler in The Vending Oasis is still at large. Turns out you can order a chest freezer on Amazon. Turns out two day shipping does not exist in Oma. Bagged ice always available, but temporarily back to being annoying to acquire.

Upcoming Shelter Opportunities:
Cabin 10 is available until June 6. Short stays welcome. (2 bedrooms, $150/night)
June 13-27: Several openings. Call or email to inquire.

Lake Activity Reminder: Want a $150 lake day? We rent fishing boats and pontoons. In comparison, I recently saw a Facebook Memory from sixteen (16) years ago where I attempted to organize a Colorado boat rental excursion for $160 for four hours. While I was unsuccessful in my attempt to gather friends sober enough to commit, you do not have to repeat my mistakes. SIXTEEN YEARS LATER we are still cheaper than that and for double the time. We also have kayaks, canoes, paddle boats and a peddle pontoon available FREE for customers. Reminder that the only reason this place exists is for people to have fun. Come have some fun.

Field Notes from Island View Lodge(One hour from the nearest Walmart)May 26Operational Reality Adjustment: After several...
05/26/2026

Field Notes from Island View Lodge
(One hour from the nearest Walmart)

May 26

Operational Reality Adjustment: After several consecutive days of unusual activity involving opening procedures, fish logistics, scavenger hunts, instructional prophecy demonstrations, emergency plumbing excavation, and general atmospheric instability, we are pleased to report a return to standard weekly programming. Hours and weekly events will be the same as the past several years because, as they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Tonight’s Scheduled Events:
Tacos: 4:00pm–8:00pm
Trivia: 6:00pm

Mental State of Staff: Improved slightly through the comforting return of repetitive routine and seasoned ground beef.

Environmental Conditions: It's hot.

Favorite Occurrence:
No one found the naked picture of Alex in the scavenger hunt. It was in the mailbox. Whilst retrieving it, I noticed that an unknown trickster had placed a fortune from The Oracle in there. I would have loved to see their face when they opened the door only to find it already occupied. It is exactly this type of thing that keeps me going.

Anonymous Botanical Contribution: Someone left two beautiful hanging plants by our door. Your identity remains a mystery but your thoughtfulness and generosity are outstanding and greatly appreciated.

05/24/2026

Field Notes from Island View Lodge
(Experimental Fortune Dispensing Site)

May 24

Northwoods Refreshment Window: Bar opens noon. This is a rare Sunday opportunity.

Oracle Research Division Update: Due to ongoing citizen uncertainty surrounding the prophecy retrieval process, a formal instructional demonstration has been filmed.

Official Holiday Recognition: It is National Scavenger Hunt Day. That can only mean one thing. Drink chips, gift certificates, surprises and one (1) $20 bill will be hidden around the property. More details and a list will be available in da bar. No hunting before noon.

Field Notes from Island View Lodge(Oma)May 23Morning Condition Report: Through what can only be described as divine inte...
05/23/2026

Field Notes from Island View Lodge
(Oma)

May 23

Morning Condition Report: Through what can only be described as divine intervention, the annual lake association meeting [happening now] was relocated to the community center. This is fortunate because Alex is currently excavating the sewer line of Cabin 3 after a surprise morning find. Nothing says “holiday weekend” quite like beginning the day face-to-face with last fall’s digested cheeseburgers, all before your 12+ hour shift starts.

Atmospheric Conditions: Grey. Damp. Ominous for reasons not yet understood.

Operational Status: Bar opens at noon Saturday and Sunday this weekend. Those seeking nourishment beyond pizza must order before 8pm. This policy has remained unchanged for years, yet confusion and heartbreak continue to occur with remarkable consistency.

Avian Update: Since establishing the BirdWeather station, 112 different species of birds have been recorded in the yard. For comparison, those who spawned me live in Racine and were talked into buying one. They have had 9. Far and away the most boisterous bird here is the Eastern Phoebe, with 16,111 interactions picked up. Loon has a mere 852.

Human Behavior Findings: Increasing evidence suggests there are still people who read entire posts instead of immediately commenting “Kitchen open?” beneath information that already answered that question. We remain grateful for these individuals.

Supplemental Oracle Communiqué: Despite extensive signage, atmospheric buildup, handcrafted prophecy cards, custom theming, psychological tension and The Oracle maintaining 100% uptime, prophecy sales currently remain devastatingly low. The Oracle lacks tear ducts, yet somehow condensation was observed beneath both eyes this morning.

Field Notes from Island View Lodge(15 minutes from Mercer proper)May 22Post-Opening Day Assessment: With sincere gratitu...
05/22/2026

Field Notes from Island View Lodge
(15 minutes from Mercer proper)

May 22

Post-Opening Day Assessment: With sincere gratitude, we report all was a success. Bird Call Tracking App picked up numerous accounts of hootin and hollerin, including one unidentified male bellowing, “Bingo!” App incorrectly[?] classified species as Cuckoo. After nearly six weeks straight of working largely in solitude, hearing a building full of laughter again was “just what we needed” and a great reminder of why we continue to do this to ourselves. Thank you to everyone who came. Much appreciated!

Tonight’s Official Feeding Event:
Friday Fish Fry Quasi-Boofay
4:00pm–8:00pm

Logistics: Please do not be afraid. It is not as confusing as it sounds, but it is more expensive than it used to be. Guilt over this significantly diminished yesterday when we had to pay the food delivery invoice and discovered a week’s worth of food costs more than I once paid for a Ford Explorer.

• The Boofay itself remains intact and fully operational. All-you- can-eat. Unlimited trips. This portion costs $10.
• Cod, Perch, Walleye, Shrimp & Chicken Strips are no longer physically located on the Boofay. These must now be ordered separately from your waitress. You may still consume heroic quantities if desired, but you will pay accordingly.
• Yes, you can have only the Boofay and nothing else.
• No, you cannot order only one piece of baked cod and then eat your husband’s French fries.
• Hell of a deal for kids, because parents of younguns are hanging on for dear life.

Some of our OG (pre-Boofay) Fish Fry customers missed being waited on. Some preferred to sit and have cocktails before eating, despite nobody ever actually preventing this behavior. Well: congratulations. Your moment has returned.

Those who loved the Boofay: it still exists.

Those who love To Go orders: We got you. Tell us what you want or fill your own box.

Realistically, the only people negatively impacted by this change are those who previously consumed catastrophic quantities of perch while chugging Pepto and whispering “worth it” during the drive home. As a fellow fat slob, I sincerely apologize for eliminating this opportunity.

Additional Findings:
We will be OPEN at NOON Saturday and Sunday this weekend.

All cabins are fully booked for Memorial Day weekend.

Thank you all again. See you soon.

Address

720W Fisher Lake Road
Mercer, WI
54547

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+17154762347

Website

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