Hubbard Park Lodge, which boasts a rich history of more than 70 years, is one of Shorewood’s most treasured assets. The historic cabin in Hubbard Park takes you back in time when logs floated down the Milwaukee River and lumberjacks enjoyed hearty breakfasts around a roaring fire. You, too, can enjoy this rich history at the Lodge’s Polka Fish Fry every Friday from 5-9 p.m. Or, experience the Lumberjack Brunch every Sunday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Gather around a wood-burning fireplace and enjoy the charm of Hubbard Park Lodge in any season – it is truly a magical place.
The Village of Shorewood has managed the Lodge for many years working with a number of concessionaires. Since 2010, the Lodge has been operated by Russ Davis, of the Vecchio Entertainment Group, a specialty restaurant and catering service well-known for its weddings, meetings, business functions and other events. Secluded and private, yet centrally located, the Lodge’s architectural details are complemented by a gorgeous river view; the cathedral ceiling, stone fireplace and balcony add a rustic, yet elegant touch to any occasion. Weddings can take place on the outdoor deck of the Lodge, or ceremonies can be held down along the Milwaukee River, with a reception following at the Lodge.
A RICH AND COLORFUL HISTORY
The history of the Lodge and the park is a fascinating story that dates back more than a century to the 1870s. Long before anyone thought of water parks, Milwaukeeans were enjoying entertainment along the river. One of the most popular spots was Luedemann’s-on-the-River, that featured a beer garden that extended from the inn down to the river. The next owner came along in 1876 to create Mineral Spring Park, promoting a nearby spring used to make soft drinks. Through the years, there were always amusement parks – Coney Island, Wonderland and Ravenna Park – boasting attractions such as a scenic railway, Ferris wheel, zoo, ostrich farm, shooting gallery, circus acts, and even a giant water slide.
In 1913, there was even more to see and do when the Milwaukee Metrodome for motorcycle racers was built – a bathing beach also was constructed and you could watch women students from Milwaukee Downer College rowing up and down the river in racing sculls. By 1916 competition from show houses, dance halls and other city attractions forced the amusement park to close. But the valuable property was soon put to use. Part of the land was acquired by the Electric Company for a terminal yard and cow barns. The Village of Shorewood purchased some of the property for a park and named it in honor of William J. Hubbard, a highly respected Village Board President. The remaining land was subdivided for private buyers.
In the mid-1930s an exciting new addition came to the park when Hubbard Park Lodge was constructed. Building began in 1936, during the years of the Great Depression as a Federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) project initiated by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration. It was one of numerous WPA projects in Shorewood sponsored by the federal government. The Lodge was designed by architect Henry C. Hengles and completed in 1938 at a cost of about $30,000.
The Lodge building was originally designed for use by the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and first called the Scout Cabin. Erected in a blockhouse style reminiscent of pioneer days, the building’s bricks were salvaged from the Lighthouse Squadron Armory, which had been dismantled in 1929. The building included an observation tower for scout signaling, and the remnants of an archery range once located in the basement can still be seen. Hubbard Lodge was one of 13 identical structures built across the United States during this era, and it is one of only two left standing (the other houses the United States Department of Agriculture’s research station outside Washington, D.C.)
The Village of Shorewood is honored to be part of the restoration and preservation of Hubbard Lodge, one of the country’s architectural treasures. For over seven decades the Lodge has been a place for fun and happy times, and we invite you to come visit us soon.