Wisconsin’s second-tallest mountain and a peaceful, clear-water chain of lakes are among the many features of our cottage located in unincorporated Mt. Morris, in the heart of recreation-rich Waushara County.
Watch the sun rise over Emerald Lake - creating a sparkling display of light as you welcome the new day. An over-sized hammock invites you to an afternoon nap.
Take a short walk to our private beach on Mt. Morris Lake - a sandy beach is a fun place to build a castle. There is a secured swimming area, with a long pier, and an easy to reach raft. At dusk, from the beach you look into the western sky at a flaming central-Wisconsin sunset.
When the moon and stars come out, grill a dinner and sit down at our 8-seat picnic table, while you burn a campfire on our spacious sand patio. Ample split wood is provided for your enjoyment.
Dive off our wide pier and splash out to our swimming raft. Kayak, paddle board, canoe, row or motor under a white footbridge into Morris Lake, the skiable 180-acre lake and heart of the five-lake Morris chain. Guests have free access to our rowboat, canoe, paddle board and two kayaks, with paddles and life jackets provided. Powerboat rentals are available in Wautoma, seven miles away.
Large-mouth bass, bluegill, and sunfish are abundant and ready to strike. Spend the day netting painted turtles or searching for herons, beavers and deer along the shores of the chain of lakes.
The cottage's large, glassed-in porch has a panoramic view of Emerald Lake and is ideal for evening card games or quiet reading. The vintage 70's era tuner and turntable was recently upgraded and is ready for your listening pleasure. We provide an eclectic collection of albums - rock, folk, big band, comedy, musicals, and more. Stack a few discs and let the music play as you get into vacation mode.
The master bedroom is set apart from the three others and just steps from a new wood-burning stove with a hearth made of local stone. The cottage's beds comfortably sleep eight. While we have set our occupancy limit at eight, if your family requires a little more room, we have two canvas cots and a reclining leather couch that may accommodate your needs. Please remember, there will be an additional charge for more than four adults, or guest counts over eight.
The kitchen is fully stocked with pots and pans, a gas stove and microwave oven, a two-well sink, refrigerator and utensils. An antique oak pedestal table comfortably seats six, expandable to eight.
From The Cottage, it’s just a short walk to unincorporated Mt. Morris, which features a quaint, 19th-century mill that is enjoying a second life as an ice cream and coffee shop. Just steps down the road is The Trading Post, a popular restaurant and night spot where good food and live music attract locals and visitors from throughout the area.
Hike or drive up Mt. Morris and enjoy the panoramic views of central Wisconsin farmland, as well as tennis, horse shoe pits, a play lot, and picnic area. On the other side of the mountain is Nordic Mountain resort, offering exciting mountain bike trails and a wake-board training facility. An archery golf course--where bows and arrows replace balls and clubs--can be found just a short drive away.
Mt. Morris is in the heart of Waushara County, a recreational jewel in heartland America. Within a 10-minute drive from the cottage, the 27-hole Waushara Country Club features elevated tees, wooded fairways, and plentiful hills and water features. Waushara County’s rolling hills and smooth-running roads are ideal for bicycle touring. Nearby farms offer strawberry picking and foot-long sweetcorn all summer long.
Visit a cluster of Amish farms outside Wautoma, where baked goods, quilts, furniture and crafts are sold. Explore the antique shops of nearby Wild Rose or Berlin. Visit the rock quarry-cum-nature park in Red Granite, and swim in the deep quarry lake. In nearby Waupaca you can rent an over-sized inner tube or a compact canoe and paddle down the Crystal River - it is a family friendly float in a shallow river. Great way to beat the heat.
The Cottage has been in our family for nearly 70 years, and some of our guests have been visiting for 20 years and more. Decades have passed since our immigrant grandparents bought the cottage as a wedding present for our parents, but the rest and recreation of a week on the lake is one thing that, thankfully, never seems to change.
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Maximum of four adults. Exceptions for immediate family.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 512335vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Wautoma
Located in Wautoma, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Nordic Mountain and Foxfire Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Pickerel Lake State Natural Area and Long Lake. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and hiking.
Is Now booking spring/summer/fall 2026. Great dates still available!! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Now booking spring/summer/fall 2026. Great dates still available!!?
As of 9 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Now booking spring/summer/fall 2026. Great dates still available!! on 25 Oct 2026 start from AU$341, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Now booking spring/summer/fall 2026. Great dates still available!!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Now booking spring/summer/fall 2026. Great dates still available!!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Now booking spring/summer/fall 2026. Great dates still available!!?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Now booking spring/summer/fall 2026. Great dates still available!! located?
Located on the waterfront, this family-friendly cottage is 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from Nordic Mountain and 11.4 mi (18.3 km) from Long Lake. Lake Poygan and Pickerel Lake State Natural Area are also within 20 miles (32 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We love coming to this property so much!It has everything you need to have an enjoyable time.Its relaxing and beautiful .I read two books while there and enjoyed the lake,fishing,birds,and connection to nature!We will be going back again!
Climate change has impacted central Wisconsin. We are considering A/C. However, we keep our prices low by having a “no frills” cottage experience. The lake is always nearby if you’re really overheated!
We had a wonderful little getaway at this cabin. Nice time grilling and hanging out on the back deck area around lunch and dinner. We thoroughly enjoyed fires by the lake each night. Neighborhood was friendly. The cabin itself was super cute and comfortable. Great lake to swim in! Our American bulldog had a blast spending most of the days outside, watching the fish in the shallow water. We walked to The Mill coffee shop a couple times in the morning to get coffee. We also enjoyed a fish fry at the Trading Post on Friday night, befriending some of the locals. We would definitely like to come back again!
Allison W.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Aug 2025
The short walk to The Mill Coffee House and The Trading Post is a Mt. Morris must do. Absorbing the local charm and slow paced fun is calming and memorable.
I loved everything about the cottage and location only wished i could have stayed longer hope to return again sometime
Gayle R.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Aug 2023
Is it the Cottage itself, or the Location that makes The Cottage such a special place? That is a good question. A question which remains unanswered.
Sorry we could work out the extension of your stay. We do hope you come again.
We were visiting from Boston and wanted a place to stay close to our families! We had an amazing time and it was a beautiful cottage on a nice, calming lake! Would definitely recommend and stay again!!
Verified traveller
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Aug 2023
We have family in Boston. They too enjoy traveling to Mt. Morris. A mid-west sanctuary.
Our family had a perfect weekend at the cottage! All the amenities, and lots of time spent on the water. Owners were also very responsive and took extra measures to ensure additional cleaning was done between guests.
Tracy C.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Aug 2023
We have definitely made efforts to sanitize the property between guest visits. The social distancing takes care of itself in Mt. Morris.
We had an absolutely beautiful week with the weather and had so much fun on the lake .
The cottage has a great layout and accommodates well in space.
It was very relaxing and enjoyable.
This was our second summer of going here and we will book again!!!
Janice B.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Aug 2024
If only we could guarantee good weather! Thanks for coming back. Our list of returning renters is growing. A great location, and a classic cottage at family friendly pricing. Our own family now has four generations building memories filled with cannonballs, some mores', hammocks, bratwurst, and walks around the lake.
Peaceful no wake lake! Lots to do with kayaks provided, fire pit etc. Plenty of room for 6 adults. Bonus coffee shop and Trading Post/ restaurant in walking distance. We will definitely stay there again!
Very peaceful and relaxing!! The lake is great to swim in! The sup board was fun to use on such calm water! Would book again!
klaudia h.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Aug 2023
Klaudia: so glad you got to enjoy the peacefulness of Emerald Lake. The sunset "mirror reflections" is a family favorite while enjoying dinner at the picnic table on the patio. Hope to see you again. Thanks for being our guest.
Clean and well decorated. So many options for entertainment and adventure. Can't wait to come back. Thank you!
Bret
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 4 July 2024
We're glad you had fun. We do work hard to keep the cottage clean and in good repair. We just replaced our aged swim raft with a rehabbed aluminum pontoon style raft. So far, it's making a splash!!
Our family loved the cottage, it was very clean & exactly as described! The lake was so clear and beautiful! It was the perfect location for a peaceful vacation. Our family enjoyed fishing, kayaking, campfires & playing games. We would definitely recommend to others!
Stephanie R.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Aug 2023
So glad your family enjoyed our quiet little "get away from the rest of the world."
Hope you got to enjoy the sunset on Emerald Lake that is like a glass mirror as well as the brilliant colors on Morris Lake. Hope to have you again.
The cottage was very well kept, easy to find and a beautiful location. We felt at home there and were thankful we could bring our dog. We had a question during our stay and they were extremely responsive. The lake was pristine and just our style.
Steve W.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Aug 2023
Steve, we are glad that you (and your dog) enjoyed your stay. Hope you had a chance to jump off the pier for swim to the raft as well as enjoy the mirror reflection at sunset. If you get up early enough, the fog rolling across the lake in the morning is pretty exceptional as well. Enjoy a cup of coffee on the patio. Thanks for being our guest
Fun cottage. Had a good time boating .. Yatzee was fun. Perfect Daddy daughter vacation.
bruce m.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Aug 2023
Our father had a rule, "The day we bring a TV to The Cottage is the day I put it up for sale."
We do think you can set up a WiFi hotspot if you have that service on your smartphone.
My family and I had a great time here, we would definitely stay again. The cabin was bigger than we were thinking, plenty of space. Love that there is a full bath and a half bath! Everything was clean, well organized and there as described. No issues, didn't need to contact anyone. It was very easy to get in when we arrived, and find all the things we needed. We loved being on the lake and having the kayaks and canoe available to use. We went swimming right off the pier... the lake is nice, pretty clear. All the bedrooms had fans, which was really nice since it was hot a couple days that we were there and there isn't A/C. It was all we expected and more, thank you for having us!
Ashley Z.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Aug 2025
It sounds like you had fun. Fun is the purpose. Fun is the goal!
About the host
Hosted by The Mt. Morris Cottage
Hello Mt. Morris Cottage Renter: We look forward to your stay with us & hope you enjoy it as our family has for going on 4 generations! Renters need to bring their own bed linens, towels and kitchen towels. There is one queen, two full and two single bunk beds, and a single bed built in to the wall above the full bed in the front porch bedroom.
Beginning during the 2023 summer season, we will no longer be implementing the extra sanitizing protocols related to Covid-19. We will continue to perform our routine cleaning, sanitization, and property preparation. If any of your guests have increased risk or concerns related to Covid-19, we suggest you do not stay at our property.
The fourth bedroom located by the roadside porch is outside of the main structure. It is not heated. As such, it may not be suitable for occupancy in the late spring and early fall dates. Please consider this when booking your visits during both June and October.
Why they chose this property
A great place to get away from it all! Beautiful sunsets on Emerald Lake looks like glass and across the road on Morris Lake, tremendous colors. Without the distraction of television, families enjoy games, crafts, oldies albums, water sports and boating & of course, conversations by the fire pit.
What makes this property unique
The cell phone booster allows most guests to get a phone signal. We do not have WiFi. You can create a WiFi hotspot, using your own cell phone, if you have that capacity. You may have additional data charges from your provider. The reception is variable. If you rely on WiFi to conduct business while on vacation, you may not be able to get a signal from The Cottage. A WiFi signal can be accessed for free in the nearby Trading Post tavern, Hideaway tavern (both have good food), the Mill Ice Cream shop and in Wautoma at the public library.