Casa Maria - Mercer, WI

You don’t always book a world-famous mobster’s hideout in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, but when you do, make it Casa Maria, built in 1916 and the former hangout of Al Capone and his men in the 1930s. With dozens of stories and local legends about these notorious gangsters and how they used the property to hide from federal agents, you’ll fall in love with the history of the home, as well as the modern amenities and updates that make for such a spectacular stay.

Entertainment opportunities are endless - there are miles of paved biking, hiking, walking, and snowshoe trails for year-round outdoor exercise, and ATV and snowmobile trail access is less than a half-mile away. In the summer, grab one of the two provided kayaks or water floats and explore Spider Lake via the private dock, play a game of corn hole, or gather around the fire pit to roast marshmallows or make camp pies, with forks and camp-pie makers thoughtfully provided. In the winter, grab one of the two pairs of provided snowshoes, go cross-country skiing, or hit the slopes in the UP at any of several resorts around 25 miles away.

Any time of year, take advantage of the ice cream maker, watch a movie on the old-school VCR, with lots of Disney classics on hand, stream the latest release, play some music on the CD player, play a board game, or pop in a DVD. Finally, Mercer is the loon capital of the world, so a stop in town to get your picture taken with Clare D’Loon is a must.

As for the home itself, it’s a true standout in the Northwoods. Dog-friendly, family-friendly, and the perfect spot to reconnect with friends, it sits right on Spider Lake with a lovely water view from the large patio and all three levels inside. Hardwood floors, a gas fireplace, cabin-modern furnishings, and pine-paneled walls and ceilings enhance that cabin vibe. There are lots of cozy gathering spaces, a full, well-equipped kitchen, and several dining tables to accommodate the whole group. Downstairs you’ll find another family room with the TV and even more space to spread out. Thoughtful family-friendly amenities include a high chair, two cribs, two Pack ’N Plays, kid’s games, a changing table, and baby gates. At bedtime, five well-appointed rooms guarantee a restful night’s sleep.

With no light pollution, you can see a sky full of stars and catch the Northern Lights at certain times of year. This, plus complete solitude, the beautiful lake views, and the sounds of the loons calling out at night combine to create a truly magical stay - the only thing missing from the picture is you.

WHAT’S NEARBY

THINGS TO KNOW

• Streaming services are available with guest accounts.
• A double sofa bed offers extra sleeping space.
• This property is managed by Vacasa Wisconsin LLC.

• 2 dogs welcome in this home. No other animals are allowed without specific Vacasa approval.
• Parking notes: There is free parking available for 6 vehicles.
• Guest entry instructions: This rental utilizes an E-lock, a digital lock that requires a unique code to enter. This code is reset after each guest's stay.

You must be 21 years or older to rent this property.