The Secret Society Of The Northwoods: 7 Exclusive Facts About The Big Sand Lake Club You Didn't Know
Step into the legendary Northwoods of Wisconsin, and you'll find a secluded enclave that has quietly hosted some of the Midwest's most prominent families for over a century: the Big Sand Lake Club. Far more than just a resort, this private, member-owned summer community in Phelps, Vilas County, represents an enduring tradition of exclusivity, rustic elegance, and a deep commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Big Sand Lake. As of late December 2025, the club continues its legacy, with its historic properties and unique membership structure making it one of the most sought-after and least-understood retreats in the region.
The club’s mystique is rooted in its century-old history, transforming from a simple sportsmen’s retreat into a nationally recognized historic property. Its unique blend of public-facing amenities, like its historic golf course, and strictly private residential areas creates a fascinating barrier to entry that few communities in the country can match, solidifying its status as a true "secret society" of the Northwoods elite.
The Enduring Legacy: A Deep Dive into the Big Sand Lake Club's History and Architecture
The story of the Big Sand Lake Club begins not as a leisure retreat, but as a rugged sportsmen's haven. It was officially founded in 1891 under the name the Eagle River Fishing and Shooting Club. This early focus on outdoor pursuits—fishing, hunting, and the pristine wilderness of Vilas County—laid the groundwork for the exclusive, nature-centric community it is today.
Over the decades, as the Northwoods grew in popularity, the club evolved into the premier summer destination it is now. By the late 1920s, the club was already receiving national attention, with the Chicago Sunday Tribune in August 1928 calling it "the finest resort retreat in the Midwest". This reputation was built on a foundation of grand, yet understated, architecture.
The Rustic Style and National Recognition
The Big Sand Lake Club is an architectural treasure, officially recognized and listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2005. The main clubhouse, originally built around 1920, exemplifies the Rustic Style of architecture. This style is characterized by its use of natural materials—local stone, logs, and timber—designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding wilderness, creating a sense of rugged luxury.
The entire club complex is a historic district in itself, comprising the main clubhouse and a collection of other historic structures. These include:
- The main Clubhouse, the social and administrative center.
- Thirteen other historic buildings, many serving as private member residences.
- Original structures like a water tower, an ice house, and tennis courts.
- A historic dock on the shores of Big Sand Lake.
The preservation of these buildings is a core tenet of the club's philosophy, ensuring that the atmosphere of a bygone era remains untouched for its members and their descendants.
The Chick Evans Golf Course: A Public Window into a Private World
One of the most unique aspects of the Big Sand Lake Club is its relationship with its 9-hole golf course. While the residential community and its core amenities remain strictly private and member-owned, the golf course is open to the public, offering a rare opportunity to experience a piece of the club's historic grounds.
This picturesque course, known simply as the Big Sand Lake Golf Course, carries its own prestigious history.
Designed by a Legend
The course was designed by the legendary amateur golfer and architect Chick Evans, officially opening for play in 1925. Evans, a winner of both the U.S. Open and the U.S. Amateur Championship, brought a classic, challenging, and enjoyable design to the Northwoods.
Key details about the course:
- Length: It plays over 3,085 yards from the back (Blue) tees.
- Rating: It is a par-36 course with a slope rating of 113.
- Features: The course features watered tees and greens, offering a high-quality playing surface that is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
The golf course serves as a fascinating bridge: it is a functional part of the club, complete with a new clubhouse for visitors, yet it welcomes the outside world to enjoy the game of golf in a setting defined by private exclusivity.
The Ultimate Barrier to Entry: Understanding Big Sand Lake Club Real Estate and Membership
The true measure of the Big Sand Lake Club's exclusivity lies in its real estate and membership requirements. Unlike many private communities where membership can be purchased with a simple initiation fee, joining the Big Sand Lake Club is inextricably linked to property ownership on the club grounds.
The land along Big Sand Lake Club Road is where the club's private homes are situated. These properties rarely come on the market, and when they do, they command a significant premium, reflecting both the value of the Northwoods real estate and the mandatory membership.
The Membership Mandate
For potential buyers, the rule is clear: "You must join Big Sand Lake Club to take advantage of this special property". This structure ensures that only individuals who are vetted and accepted by the current membership can become property owners, solidifying the tight-knit and exclusive nature of the community.
The real estate market in the area remains active, with recent activity in 2024 showing the sale of large, luxurious homes—such as a 6,722-square-foot, 6-bed, 6-bath Chalet/Alpine style property on Big Sand Lake Club Road—demonstrating the high-value nature of the club’s residences. These transactions are not just property sales; they are transfers of membership rights and responsibilities within a century-old institution.
The Northwoods Lifestyle and Topical Authority
The club's focus is on providing a quintessential Northwoods experience, far removed from the demands of city life. The surrounding area, including the greater Vilas County region, is known for its pristine lakes, extensive trails, and abundant wildlife. The club actively promotes this lifestyle with its protected woodlands, abundant fishing opportunities, and a remote setting that is miles away from the everyday.
The club’s enduring appeal is its ability to offer a private, historic, and nature-focused retreat. It is a community that values tradition, privacy, and the preservation of its natural and architectural heritage, making the Big Sand Lake Club one of the most uniquely exclusive and historically significant summer communities in the entire Midwest.
Detail Author:
- Name : Lilian Stoltenberg
- Username : bosco.luisa
- Email : turcotte.myrtis@yahoo.com
- Birthdate : 1985-10-11
- Address : 1102 Maurine Camp Apt. 832 East Lillyport, GA 01447-3923
- Phone : 952.433.2788
- Company : Medhurst PLC
- Job : Separating Machine Operators
- Bio : Eos quia velit animi veritatis enim blanditiis quis. Aliquid rerum corrupti inventore quaerat voluptates explicabo. Qui est aut reiciendis.
Socials
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/gertrude_ondricka
- username : gertrude_ondricka
- bio : Et qui placeat sed blanditiis qui corporis eum.
- followers : 4706
- following : 2155
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/gertrude2555
- username : gertrude2555
- bio : Reprehenderit alias sint quo perferendis ullam.
- followers : 3876
- following : 2072
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/gertrude8670
- username : gertrude8670
- bio : Itaque sit autem eligendi ea sit natus repudiandae. Quae dolorem impedit voluptatum.
- followers : 3373
- following : 2831
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/gertrude_real
- username : gertrude_real
- bio : Molestias ut fuga laudantium eum reiciendis assumenda. Aperiam ea hic nihil laborum qui vero. Est sapiente qui quaerat non.
- followers : 1992
- following : 521
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@gertrude_xx
- username : gertrude_xx
- bio : Corporis qui sunt autem facere aut nobis voluptate. Atque ad enim quia omnis.
- followers : 6470
- following : 1160
