Cedar Lodge & Settlement FAQ

General Information

• What is Cedar Lodge & Settlement? Cedar Lodge & Settlement is a Top Rated, premier, independent waterfront resort located directly on the scenic Wisconsin River of the Lower Dells. Cedar Lodge ranks in the top 1% on Expedia and other third party sites. We Offer the largest sandy beach and waterfront in the Dells. Boat launch and pier is free for guests. The vibe is “Northwoods” as it’s surrounded by nature with a Relaxing, retreat atmosphere, perfect for family reunions, couples or families with a sporting event or weekend tournament. while being just minutes away from the area’s main attractions. Guests can relax and recharge while getting a good value at a quality property. Managed by people who care about the customer experience. Past guests compliment the Service, Cleanliness, Quality of the units, property along with the overall quietness that comes with the location.  

• What types of accommodations are available? The resort features a variety of Clean, Quiet, unique, rustic-chic lodging options: Every unit is Riverview, except the Log Cabins. 

• • The Main Lodge has 9 different unit styles, sleeping 4,6 or 8 people
    • Riverview Lodge rooms (2 Queen Beds) and Deluxe lodge rooms ( King Bed & Futon) will be located on the 2nd floor and have basic amenities, small refrigerator, coffee maker and microwave. Along with private balconies.
    • Riverview Kitchenettes ( 2 Queens or King & Futon) will have the basic amenities along with a two top burner, pots, pans and sink.
    • Riverview Great room Fireplace villas come with a King bed, Futon, Kitchenette, Central Air, Fireplace, Jetted tub and a larger private balcony with gas grill.
    • Riverview Premier lodge rooms have a Queen bed and Bunk beds along with the basic amenities. Vaulted ceilings with private balcony.
    • Riverview Premier Lodge room with Kitchenette has a King bed and Bunk beds with 2 top burner sink, pots, pans and dishes. Along with basic amenities.    

    • Authentic Log Cabins: Cozy, freestanding cabins tucked into the Settlement. 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom with loft (Sleeps 8) Each bedroom has a queen bed. The Vaulted loft has 2 queen beds. Full kitchen, fireplace and charcoal grill. The 1 bedroom with loft (Sleeps 6).  1 bedroom includes a king bed, bathroom with whirlpool, Full Kitchen, stone fireplace and a vaulted loft with 2 full size beds. 

    • Riverview Suites: Located in the 4plex, these suites offer beautiful river views and feature private bedrooms with Whirlpool, kitchenettes, Fireplace and balconies.

    • Spacious Riverview Master Villas: Multi-bedroom units (king in master, Guest bedroom has a queen & Bunk beds, futon in living room) perfect for larger families or groups, featuring full kitchen, central air, Multiple bathrooms with Jetted Tub, large private balcony with Gas Grill, and direct waterfront access.

• Is Cedar Lodge located on the “Dells” part of the river? Yes. Cedar Lodge is located directly on the banks of the Lower Dells- Wisconsin River, providing stunning views of the famous sandstone rock formations that give Wisconsin Dells its name.

• You can bring a boat and launch or Kayak, canoe, paddleboard or tub down the Wisconsin River. Swim off the beach in the Summer time. Unwind at our nightly bonfire on the courtyard over looking the River. 

What Makes Cedar Lodge Special?

While most visitors to the Dells stay at large, high-energy hotels with indoor waterparks, Cedar Lodge offers a completely different type of Vibe and experience.

• 1. A Peaceful Nature Retreat: This is the #1 differentiator. Cedar Lodge provides a quiet, serene escape from the neon signs and traffic. Instead of sounds of crowds and slides, you wake up to birds chirping and river waves. It’s perfect for families seeking a calmer vacation or couples on a romantic getaway. Wake up and watch the sunrise over the water while enjoying a cup of coffee in silence on your private balcony.

• 2. Private Sandy Beach: It is one of the few resorts in Wisconsin Dells to offer a private, 400-foot sandy beach directly on the Wisconsin River. This provides a natural, classic Wisconsin “up north” lake experience without the lake crowds. Boat Launch and pier is free for guests. 

• 3. Rustic Charm with Modern Comforts: The accommodations have an authentic log-cabin aesthetic, with wood beams, stone fireplaces, and rustic decor. However, they are also equipped with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, smart TVs, Free EV charging, comfortable bedding, and (in many units) whirlpool tubs.

• 4. Focus on Classic Outdoor Activities: The amenities focus on simple, outdoor fun rather than commercial thrills:

  • Renting watercraft: Direct river access for fishing, boating, or kayaking (rentals often available right next door).

  • Riverside picnics: Sprawling lawns for grilling and picnics.

  • Nightly bonfires: Designated fire pits for roasting s’mores under the stars.

  • Fishing: Guests can fish right from the on-site dock or private beach.

• 5. The Best of Both Worlds: Cedar Lodge offers the peace and quiet of a secluded cabin but is only a 3-5 minute drive from the bustling “strips,” dozens of restaurants, Noah’s Ark Waterpark, and downtown Dells attractions.

• 6. Exclusive Value Perks: Cedar Lodge frequently offers exceptional value packages. Notably, guests often receive FREE passes to Noah’s Ark Waterpark (America’s Largest Waterpark) for their entire stay during the summer season.

Amenities

• Does Cedar Lodge have a waterpark? The resort does not have its own indoor waterpark. However, it does feature a beautiful heated outdoor swimming pool with a large sundeck with gas fireplace overlooking the Wisconsin River. (And as mentioned, summer guests typically get free passes to Noah’s Ark).

• What other amenities are available?

  • Private beach access.

  • Fishing pier and boat launch.

  • Fire pits and picnic/BBQ areas.

  • Playground for children.

  • Free Wi-Fi, Free EV Charging and Free parking.

  • Games and Basketball hoop

Location & Distance

• How far is Cedar Lodge from downtown Wisconsin Dells? It is extremely close, usually just a short, 3-to-5-minute drive to the heart of the downtown shopping and dining area.

• How far is it to the major waterparks (like Noah’s Ark or Wilderness)? Most major attractions, including Noah’s Ark Waterpark, are within a 5-minute drive. You get the benefit of being “off the beaten path” without sacrificing convenience.

Location & Attractions:

• Where is Cedar Lodge and Settlement located? We are located on the scenic Lower Dells of the Wisconsin River at E11232 Hillside Drive. We offer a peaceful, rustic alternative to the “mega-resorts,” we’re surrounded by nature, yet only minutes away from the main attractions. (The strips Horseshoe around Cedar Lodge’s location)

• How far are you from the major waterparks? We are centrally located! You can reach the area’s biggest parks in under 5 minutes:

  • Noah’s Ark Waterpark: ~3.1 miles (4-minute drive).

  • Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park: ~2 miles (5-minute drive).

  • Kalahari Indoor Water Park: ~2.6 miles (5-minute drive).

• Are you on the river or the lake? We are situated directly on the Lower Wisconsin River. We feature 400 feet of private sandy beach and a boat launch. While we are very close to Lake Delton, our guests enjoy the unique rock formations and quiet beauty of the riverfront. The Famous “Sugar Bowl” is a 5 minute trip by Boat or Kayak from our beach.

• How far is the “Downtown Dells” strip? The shops, restaurants, and entertainment of downtown Wisconsin Dells (Broadway) are only about 2 miles (North) away. You can be in the heart of the city in about 5–7 minutes. The Parkway Strip with Noah’s, Go Carts, Theme Parks, Deer Park and much more is only 1.9 miles (West). Exit 92 with the indoor Theme Parks, Outlet mall, Restaurants and Specialty Shops is only 2 Miles (South)

• Are there restaurants within walking distance? Yes! The River’s Edge Pub & Grub is just a short walk (Next Door) from the lodge, perfect for Breakfast, a family fish fry or a quick drink. Ishnala, House of Embers, Del Bar, Fields, Ravina Bay, Summer House and The Chop House are all located within a few Minutes of the resort. Several places deliver as well.

• Is there a grocery store nearby? Yes, several major grocery stores (including Maurer’s Market IGA, The Meat Market and Walmart) are within a 5–10 minute drive, making it easy to stock up on supplies for your cabin’s kitchen or grill.

• What are the closest attractions to the resort? You don’t have to go far for adventure! We are located right down the road from some of the Dells’ most iconic land-based attractions:

  • Lost Canyon Tours: A 1-minute drive (West) down Canyon Rd. Experience a horse-drawn carriage tour through the deepest canyons in Wisconsin.

  • Dells Mountain Coaster: Less than a mile away. (Around the Corner) It’s the longest mountain coaster in the Midwest!

  • Rivers Edge Bait Shop: Pontoon & Boat rentals. River tubing and Live bait & Tackle.
  • Sundara Spa: is 1.2 Miles (West) down Canyon road. Relax at one of the best Spa’s in the US.

The Waterpark & Beach:

1. Does my stay include free waterpark passes? Memorial Day to Labor Day we include Noah’s Ark Water Park for each registered guest/each day.

2. Can we pick up our waterpark passes before our room is actually ready? Yes you can register the morning of check-in. Have everyone in your group come to the office to get wrist banded by staff. You get 1 set, please keep them on if you want to go more than once. Passes are valid till the night of your Check-out day. Staff has to apply them & you get 1 wristband. If you remove your WB and would like to re-enter the park- You’ll have to purchase a new WB at the park. We only provide 1 per Stay.

3. Do you provide towels for the pool and beach, or should we bring our own? Please bring your own towels for the beach, pool and Water Park. We provide towels for showering inside the unit only.

4. Where can we swim on-site? You have two great options! You can swim at our private 400-foot sandy beach (which has a gradual slope into the water) or enjoy our outdoor heated pool. Because the Wisconsin River is a natural waterway, we always advise guests to be mindful of the current while swimming. The River is safe for children to swim and enjoy. No Life guards are on duty and children must be accompanied by an Adult.

5. Are life jackets available for children at the pool/beach? As a policy- We don’t provide them. However, sometimes we have left behind Life Jackets in Lost & Found that we let guests use.

6. Can I bring my boat or kayak? Yes! We love seeing our guests experience this amazing part of Wisconsin. The WI River/Lower Dells is a Special place. Two Other places in the world have these sandstone rock formations. Germany & Australia

• • Free Launch: Our private boat launch & Pier is complimentary.

  • All Craft Welcome: Bring your boats, jet skis, kayaks, or paddleboards.

  • On-Site Docking: Launch once and dock your boat at our pier for the length of your stay. Pier is “first-come, first-served”

  • World-Class Waters: Enjoy Great fishing and “Amazing” scenery in the Wisconsin Dells right from your watercraft.. Head North (2.5 miles) to the Dells Dam or head East to the Sugar Bowl & Lone Rock (Rock Formations you can boat around) Down River has great fishing and open calm waters where the tour boats won’t disturb you.

Arrival & Departure:

1. What are the official check-in and check-out times? We guarantee a 3:00 PM Check-in and Check-Out is 10:00 AM.
2. What is the minimum age to check in? 25 years Old
3. Do you offer “After Hours” check-in if we arrive late? Yes, please contact the office prior to arrival if you will be after hours. How does that work? We text the guest a map of the resort with a unit number and instructions. We make it easy to check-in after hours. We also provide a contact number if there’s an emergency after hours.
4. Is there a daily resort fee? We take pride in our “no nickel and diming” philosophy. While many resorts now charge between $20–$40 per day, we have kept our resort fee at a flat $30 per stay since 2010. Whether you stay for 2 nights or 12, your fee remains the same. As our units are individually owned, this one-time fee helps us provide the amenities that make Cedar Lodge special without charging you extra for every little thing. It covers:

5. • High-Speed Wi-Fi throughout the property.

   • Complimentary Firewood for bonfire.

   • Private Boat Launch Access and docking.

   • Property Upkeep, including beach grooming and professional snow removal.

   5. Do you charge for parking?  NO

   6.Do you offer EV Charging? YES! For FREE

   We have two Tesla Destination Chargers available for guest use. Think about it this way: When you stay at a “Brand Name” hotel, do they give you a free tank of gas after making you pay for parking at check-out?

   At Cedar Lodge, we do. Our EV charging is complimentary for guests, ensuring you’re “topped off” and ready for your next adventure at no extra cost. Driving a non-Tesla? No problem—we provide the necessary adapters on-site so all EV drivers can plug in and relax.

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