Built in 1938, Gateway Lodge is a historic landmark located in Land O' Lakes "at the top of Wisconsin on U.S. 45 where Wisconsin and Michigan meet." Gateway Lodge was originally called King's Gateway Hotel and was part of a extensive resort complex built by Detroit radio and theater magnate John H. King. In its heyday, King's Gateway resort was a premier Northwoods destination, drawing huge numbers of people to the Land O' Lakes area for recreation and relaxation. This "Show Place of the North" also attracted famous Hollywood entertainers and dignitaries from all over the country, most notable being U. S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower.The lobby of Gateway Lodge still showcases the original floor-to-ceiling fieldstone fireplace with 3 large metal black bears affixed above the mantel. The striking beams of rough-hewn timbers and the Douglas Fir floors are also original construction and seen throughout the Lodge, including the restaurant and cocktail lounge. An inner hallway displays numerous fascinating historic photos of the Gateway and some of its famous guests. The lobby features wildlife mounts, plus two trophy bears, an Alaskan Brown Bear and a Polar Bear which were donated to the Land O' Lakes Historical Society by renowned local physician Dr. Everett Eickhoff. Today Gateway Lodge is governed by a Master Condominium Association through a Board of Directors elected from its membership. A guest rental program offers individual owners the choice to participate in the hotel business. The quaint historic bar and elegant restaurant offer fine dining for the public, as well as condominium owners and guests. Visitors are invited to "Come Back to Tradition"...to experience the nostalgia and rustic beauty of a classic Northwoods lodge.
The General MacArthur Pine was once a major tourist attraction in the Northwoods. It was a giant white pine, a magnificent relic from the past when our northern forests were covered with these towering pines. It stood on public land that was spared from loggers axes during the intense logging era. For about 300 years, the MacArthur Pine grew, topping out at 148 ft. tall and 5 ft., 7 inches in diameter. It was discovered in 1945 by a U.S. Forest Ranger and given the title of our nation's largest white pine. The majestic General MacArthur Pine no longer stands today, but a slice of this historic tree was obtained by the Land O' Lakes Historical Society and is on display inside the Land O' Lakes Chamber office. Visitors are invited to come and see this real "slice of history"!
In the early 1900s, the Town of Donaldson was a bustling lumber mill town located just west of State Line (Land O' Lakes) WI. The town got its name from the Mason-Donaldson Lumber Co. of Rhinelander WI which ran a highly successful mill operation on the shore of present-day Mill Lake. The Town was comprised of company houses, a general store, boarding house, saloon, community hall, and an impressive 2-room school. The school foundation, steps and sidewalk still exist. The Donaldson School historic site is located on Land O' Lakes town property on Town Garage Rd. and is accessible during non-winter months. Interpretive signs tell the story of the Donaldson School, the Town and the Mill.
This Tour is a Driving or Biking Tour.
Get a QR Code for this tour
Welcome to the Land O' Lakes Clio Tour. Clio allows you to explore fun and historic destination using any digital device. Just click on an entry and explore our town's amazing histories. Please enjoy all the themed tours and join us in preserving our history for future generations.
