The Sportsman’s Motel and Resort first opened in 1956, unique in its offering of modern amenities, full kitchenettes, and year-round availability.

The motel has welcomed generations of sportsmen and women, including the current owners. Especially catering to people who love to fish, hunt, and ride snowmobiles, you simply can’t beat the motel’s proximity to the Turtle Chain of lakes, the 236,000 acres of state forest, and hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails right outside the unit doors.

As more and more families seek adventures together outdoors, the definition of “sportsman” has expanded to include everyone who loves to explore and recreate in the outdoors: anglers, hunters, and snowmobilers – yes. And also hikers, birders, skiers, snowshoers, mountain bikers, road cyclists, ATV/UTV enthusiasts, motorcycle cruisers, boaters, and on and on…

In 2022, owners Adam & Emily Krauklis carefully and lovingly updated the motel suites, bringing them up to current safety standards and incorporating a few modern conveniences. While the flat-screen TVs and WiFi could be considered sacrilege to some guests, these 21st century touches make it possible for folks to enjoy a longer, more comfortable visit.

Adam Krauklis absolutely loves fishing and has since he was a tiny tot, often going out with his dad and grandfathers. Growing up in Southern Wisconsin, Adam rode his bike to local fishing spots and took his first trip to the Northwoods in 1989.

After dozens of trips to the Northwoods (and staying at the Sportsman’s probably 20 out of 30 trips), one of the first places he took Emily back in the late ’90s, was this cherished motel.

Adam and Emily developed a relationship with the previous owners as they frequented the motel over the years, eventually bringing up their four children and many friends to share the couple’s passions for fishing and the Northwoods.

What inspired the purchase and revival of Sportsman’s Motel & Resort?

The Krauklis’ wondered if the previous owners would ever consider selling the motel. In late spring of 2021, Adam was in the process of booking his vacation and decided to inquire. It was a bit of a process, but the Krauklis’ purchased the property late in 2021 and began reviving the suites almost immediately.

Conveniently, Adam and Emily own another business that specializes in reclaiming historic lumber from all over Wisconsin and the Midwest. They have been a part of several renovation projects that focus on the history as part of the concept for the design. Fueled by this experience, and with a lot of help from their team at Heritage Beam and Board in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, Adam and Emily were set up for success when they took on this mid-century motel renovation project.

The Sportsman’s Motel and Resort is so special to us and our family, and we poured our hearts into this renovation. It was no small feat, as you can imagine a building that has been largely untouched for six decades!

We sincerely hope that you enjoy your stay, appreciate the solitude, explore the area, laugh at the quirks, make wonderful memories, and cherish the time with your loved ones.

Thank you for considering The Sportsman’s Motel & Resort, and we hope to see you real soon!

Adam & Emily Krauklis