One of the Northwoods Finest American Plan Family Resorts for Over 100 Years

History:

 
Founded in 1893, Boyd’s Mason Lake Resort is one of the oldest and historically unique resorts in Wisconsin.  The Boyd family came to northern Wisconsin from Canada, primarily interested in harvesting vast tracts of timber that were then in this area.  However, as people from the metropolitan areas showed interest in spending their summers in the north, the Boyd’s saw the possibility of running a summer resort as well as a logging operation.

John Boyd Jim Boyd

Using his own sawmills, Hugh Boyd and his woods crews built all the cabins from the native hemlock trees.  His building program lasted about 32 years (from 1895 to 1926) and resulted in the Main Lodge, barn, shop, approximately 31 cabins and many various out-buildings being built.  Hugh died in 1932, leaving the resort to his two sons, John and Jim.  Jim passed away in 1957 and John died in 1966.  Having no family other than a half-son living in Washington state who had no interest in owning a northern Wisconsin resort, there was no one to leave the business to, and the future of Boyd’s Resort was in question for a short time.

The Simon Family

The Simon family had moved within the resort property from California several years earlier and came forward and bought the resort from John Boyd’s estate.  Mr. Simon’s parents had known Hugh Boyd and his family since the early 1900’s, and in those early years had purchased two of the original cabins Hugh had built.  Beginning as a youngster, Mr. Simon worked off and on for the Boyd’s up until World War II, and his mother was the bookkeeper during the 1920’s.  The first season for the Simon’s was 1967, and it was quite a change going from retired orange ranchers to the owners of a sprawling, somewhat tattered summer resort.  However, almost three decades later, Boyd’s Mason Lake Resort is still going strong, and I think Old Hugh Boyd and John and Jim would approve.



From outward appearances, little has changed through the years.  Boyd’s is still secluded and removed from the “outside” world, being located fifteen miles from the nearest town and at the end of our own private drive.  This family oriented resort now covers over 2600 private acres, with five spring fed lakes.  For the serious and novice fisher person alike, there are muskies, walleyed pike, both large and smallmouth bass, and a variety of panfish.  Although the fishing is not as good as it was at the turn of the century, our various fisheries management programs are helping.  Please see the fishing page for more information on these programs.



Although the rustic outward appearance of Boyd’s has been maintained, our commitment to continually upgrade and maintain our facility has changed much within.  All eighteen cabins have been completely remodeled, new boat docks have been built, a recreation building and swimming beach have been added and innumerable other attractions and conveniences installed.  It is our sincere commitment to provide our guests with comfortable, fully modern accommodations in a truly secluded northwoods environment.  We believe we were fortunate enough to inherit, and hopefully wise enough to maintain, an exceptionally beautiful area of northern Wisconsin, and we would like to share this with you.