Rich With Tradition And History ...

It all began in the spring of 1946 ... Americans were returning home victorious from war. Northern Wisconsin, long dominated by logging and railroads, was being discovered by folks looking for a place to relax.

Northern Oconto County offered great beauty to visitors from near and far. A man of Lithuanian descent, Tony Bogagus, had a dream of providing a great location for hunters and fishermen to hang their hat after a long day... a place to wet their whistle... and a fine place to dine. Less than a mile from Chicago & Northwestern’s Townsend railroad siding, just around the bend from Mielke’s ice cream store, that dream became a reality.

Eight families later, Hillcrest Lodge continues to provide unmatched views of Oconto County’s second largest inland lake, the Townsend Flowage. And, the Schuessler family’s focus is to provide you with a friendly atmosphere and one of the finest dining experiences in the area. Your hosts were born and raised in Oconto County – Jim, in Oconto Falls and Karla, in Gillett.

Legend has it that Hillcrest Lodge has one year-round resident, “Dr. Fred”. Your hosts can provide more details of his haunting encounters.In the spirit of great resort stewards of the Northwoods which include names such as Tonneman, Erler, Popp, Carlson, Stevens, Cannon, Nelson, Richlen and Wyman… We bid you a warm welcome to “The Hillcrest”.