Midwest's old-school resorts appeal to kids and parents

There was a small resort in the Dells that we adored because it was comfortably old-fashioned, the kind of place that displayed black-and-white photos of previous generations in odd hairdos romping in the same pool we enjoyed. The family who owned it remembered us each time we returned and marveled at how big the kids grew in a year's time.

When the resort sold to others, the breakfast room was shuttered, the friendliness waned and attention to cleanliness wasn't the same.

They don't make 'em like they used to, so perhaps it's time to chuck the chain hotels this summer that, like fast-food hamburger joints, come with few surprises and little in the way of camaraderie and memorable experiences.

Since 1958, guests have sailed, danced, sunbathed, watched water-skiing shows and roasted marshmallows around campfires at family-owned White Birch Lodge on Elk Lake in northwest Lower Michigan. The lakefront resort, run by second-generation owners Rick and Karen Conrad, still operates on the American Plan, a home-away-from-home experience that includes weekly lodging (rustic cabins to luxury condos), three meals a day, children's program and an array of recreational activities. Over the years, countless guests have learned to sail, ski and wake-board through the lodge's premier water-sports program.

Other leisure pursuits include canoeing, kayaking, tennis, soccer, basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard and good old-fashioned horseshoes. Many staff members (who might be waiting tables, teaching water sports or entertaining the kids with nature walks and craft projects) vacationed at the resort as children.

The bell you hear ringing means it's time to eat, with meals served either in the lakeside dining room or on the beachfront deck. Ride bicycles into town for ice cream and souvenirs.

In honor of its 50th anniversary, White Birch Lodge on Elk Lake is offering first-time guests a 10 percent discount on a summer vacation package. Children ages 3 to 12 visit for half price; those younger than 3 are free. You might become part of one happy statistic: More than 90 percent of the lodge's business consists of returning guests. Take a look at www.whitebirchlodge.org or call (231) 264-8271.

Eagle River, in Northern Wisconsin, is a treasure trove of old-school accommodations.

Pitlik's Sand Beach Resort sports the motto "Creating family traditions has become our family's tradition … since 1928!" The 12 cabins and main lodge are on water's edge and visitors enjoy two swimming beaches and swim rafts, playground area, tennis courts, basketball and volleyball court and campfire pits. The main lodge has a bar, restaurant, game room and lounge area. "The family touch still exists today," said owner Gary Pitlik.

For details, go to www.pitliksresort.com or call (715) 479-4340.

How would you like to stay in a vacation villa with your own private beach, pier and a 25-foot pontoon boat delivered to your pier for your family's use? Gerda Safer's family acquired Cranberry Island, between the towns of Three Lakes and Eagle River, in 1955 and intended it to be a place to spend late summer and fall when hay fever season peaked elsewhere (they found there wasn't ragweed in the Eagle River area). The family cleared some of the wild and wooded land to build Gypsy Villa Resort (www.gypsyvilla.com).

Today, Gerda and her son welcome guests to the island resort that's surrounded by the beauty of the North Woods. They'll instruct you on driving the pontoon, then you can take a picnic and head off to explore 28 connected navigable lakes or go shopping, dining or golfing by boat. You can fish, sail, canoe, bike, play tennis or shuffleboard on the premises and there's a recreation room, exercise room, whirlpool and sauna, too. Appealing family activities include treasure hunts, campfire dances and sing-alongs. Villas offer one or two bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, living room, up to four bedrooms, TV, fireplace and screen porch. See if Gypsy Villa Resort will become your family's go-to summer place by visiting online or by calling (715) 479-8644.

Families who prefer an upscale full-service resort should look to the Chanticleer Inn, built in 1922 and purchased by John and Betty Alward in 1951. Their son Jake, wife and a third generation of Alwards reside on the property and keep the inn in tip-top shape with frequent redecorating, remodeling and the addition of new amenities, such as Wi-Fi, to meet the needs of 21st-century families.

Chanticleer Inn is on 40 acres of thickly wooded land and borders serene Dollar Lake as well as Lake Voyageur, one of 28 connecting lakes. Float in an inner tube, sunbathe or rent one of the resort's fishing or pontoon boats, kayaks or canoes. Bring your own boat (free docking is available) and try water skiing or wake boarding the Eagle River chain.

Accommodations range from motel rooms and suites to villas and condos. Explore www.chanticleerinn.com or ring (800) 752-9193.