Indoor Heated Pool pontoon boat fish 3 full baths sleeps 17 in beds WINTER SALE!

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December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Indoor Heated Pool pontoon boat fish 3 full baths sleeps 17 in beds WINTER SALE!

Exterior
Property grounds
5 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Spa
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Hot Tub
    Hot Tub
  • Gym
    Gym
  • Pet friendly
    Pet friendly
  • Pool
    Pool
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Mt Vernon, IL
  • Jefferson County Fairgrounds
    32 min drive
  • Good Samaritan Regional Health Center
    37 min drive
  • Rend Lake
    50 min drive
  • Mount Vernon, IL (MVN-Mount Vernon Outland)
    27 min drive

Room options

About the neighborhood

Bluford

With a stay at this lodge in Bluford, you'll be on the beach, and 15 mi (24.1 km) from Jefferson County Fairgrounds and 15.1 mi (24.3 km) from Veterans Memorial Park. .This beach lodge is 15.9 mi (25.6 km) from Crossroads Community Hospital and 16.1 mi (25.9 km) from King City Square Shopping Center.

What's nearby

  • Jefferson County Fairgrounds - 32 min drive - 15.0 miles
  • Good Samaritan Regional Health Center - 37 min drive - 17.5 miles
  • Rend Lake - 50 min drive - 24.1 miles
  • Salem Fairgrounds - 58 min drive - 40.6 miles
  • Raccoon Lake Park - 62 min drive - 38.0 miles

Restaurants

  • ‪Gina Homestead Diner - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Tsamma Juice - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Kimmy's Kitchen Too - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Ole Mexican Foods - ‬19 min drive

About this property

Indoor Heated Pool pontoon boat fish 3 full baths sleeps 17 in beds WINTER SALE!

Vacation dates still available. Now offering 10% discount for 7 day or more stays! Private indoor heated wave/current pool. 7 free boats! Great fishing and hunting. Lots of indoor and outdoor games, toys, swings, teeter totter, slides, merry go round, play house, air hockey, darts, plastic ax throwing game etc. The fastest internet. FIBER OPTICS, now available for free!!!!!! check out the four minute video. Message us for any questions or details you might have.

Imagine, peaceful serenity as you float around in your kayak! And then, when you are ready, take out the big pontoon boat and challenge your fishing skills. 2 outdoor firepits with a small sandy beach. 2 docks with a 14 foot diving board and covered accomidations. Side-by-sides are allowed on the property, but must remain on the gravel.

Your surroundings indoors will be highlighted by .....space.
40 glass portals from inside the Lodge will allow you to view 36 acres of water and 40 acres of woods surrounding the Lodge.

Please check out the 2nd picture in the photo gallery. It has to be done on a laptop, mobile devices will not access the video. It has an arrow that will take you to our YouTube channel and play a 4 1/2 minute video of the property! Or, go directly to our YouTube channel at https://www.Facebook.com/Thomas.Schmutz.792/Posts/1327527780760646

Why stay at home, when you can bring your office to this beautiful vacation property. We offer the fastest Internet speed available using fiber optics! Fiber optic is now installed at the lodge and provides remote workers access to work, emails, video meetings, etc. The lodge provides a workspace area with 2 comfortable swivel rolling chairs and bright lighting with a beautiful view of both lakes!

If you would like to access an additional three minute video that primarily promotes the hunting we offer, message us, and we will get it to you.

The entire 4000 square-foot lodge is only rented out to one group at a time. It will be 100% exclusive to your party. The price per night VRBO shows is for four people. Starting with the fifth person up to 21 is $50 per night per person.

Do you own an RV or camper? Park your home on wheels at the lodge and enjoy all the amenities while the rest of your family stays inside the lodge! Water, electricity, and sewage available at no additional cost.

This property is located in southern Illinois in the center of the United States. Easy access within 1.5 hours East of the St. Louis Missouri airport (Lambert Field) and we are located approximately 4.5 hours South of the Chicago Illinois airport (Ohara and Midway). This lodge is built out of trusses from the Evansville Indiana freight railroad station and are approximately 148 years old. We had an arborist tell us that based on the size of the bottom timber (cord) on the truss that the tree had to be over 100 years old when it was cut down. This means the trusses had their start around the same time the United States was formed !!! The property is surrounded by woods and water. The 3/4 mile driveway brings you back to this secluded retreat with a 15 acre lake in the front yard. This lake provides 5 kayaks and a pedal boat for your use. Fishing and a beautiful stationary dock with a 14 foot diving board. A small sandy beach with a fire pit is also located next to the east Lake dock.

We are located south of Carlyle Lake, Lake Shelbyville, and Lake Sara. North of Rend Lake, Lake of Egypt, Crab Orchard Lake, Kincaid Lake. Our property is private.

This west lake is 28 feet deep. The 21 acre lake in the backyard has a covered boat dock with a 20 foot no emission 100% clean pontoon boat with a 24 volt electric trolling motor for great fishing experiences. A picnic table is situated on this pontoon boat to make for great eat on board enjoyment while you enjoy the wilderness. The primary two species of fish in both lakes are bluegill and largemouth bass. You will see hundreds of pine trees that the Senator had planted. Approximately 60 feet tall!

These lakes provide a catch and release fishing experience. If you would like to have a fish fry while you are at the Lodge, please see us for details.

Beverly and Tom raise homegrown black Angus cattle. Now offering to our guest, ground beef, New York strip steaks, ribeye steaks, rump roast, and chuck roast.
Ground beef $6.00 lb.
New York strip steaks $12.00 lb. Rib eye steaks $14.00 lb. Rump roast $6.00 lb. . Chuck roast $6.50 lb. Our Angus Beef is born and raised here on the Lakeside Ranch farm. Our cattle receive no hormones, additives, or preservatives. 100% naturally organic. Please let us know if you would like any of our Angus beef stocked into the refrigerator/freezer at the lodge for your stay and take home food. Keep an eye out to the skies, bald eagles, (our nations national bird) has been seen numerous times through out the year. Deer, Bobcat, Raccoon, Opossum, Fox, Woodchuck (Groundhog), Coyote, Striped Skunk, Weasel, Mink, Muskrat, Badger, Turkey, Dove, Bobcat, Turkey, Deer, Pheasant ( At Wayne Fitzgerald State Park), Geese, Quail, Hungarian Partridge, Rabbits, Woodcock, Squirrel, Crow, Teal, Rail, Snipe, Ducks, Mergansers, Coots, Brant, Waterfowl, Game birds, Fishing, Ginseng, Moral Mushrooms, and more. Don't forget your field glasses, binoculars and telescope. Your only 8 miles from downtown Mt Vernon Illinois, but it's not unusual to pick up planets, comets, and even the space station with the right equipment. We have been told that the lodge coordinates are the second darkest spot in the state of Illinois!

The lodge property allows fireworks and target shooting (please see us for details).

The two-story lodge is an open concept on the second level with three semi private beds/bedrooms that sleeps nine or more with a large full bathroom with both a corner shower and a claw-foot slipper bathtub.

The main level offers two private bedrooms, the large master bedroom has 15 feet of glass that overlooks the west lake. The main floor bathroom offers a large shower with a sitdown area and a two person bathtub. This main bathroom can be entered by either of the main floor bedrooms. Also just added, a newly constructed third full bathroom.. Total provided sleeping on beds for 17 people, +4 additional people on provided air mattresses for a total of 21.

The main level also provides a large kitchen and a large dining room table that can seat 10 comfortably and up to 14 if necessary. An additional bar and surrounding dining table can seat 7 to 8 more. The family room is very large with a 60 inch flat-screen TV. Great room also provides a dart board. Just added, AirHockey and a plastic axe throwing board! Top all of this off with a sunken spa/pool. This endless pool is the largest available and the family will love it. This pool provides approximately 93 degrees heated water temperature. A wave that can be adjusted for endless swimming against the current. Relax at the end of the pool in seated area with Jacuzzi bubbles massaging your body and windows surrounding yourself! The pool has four different depths. 48 inch, 40 inch, 28 inch and 16 inch. We have had 14 kids in the pool at one time!!!! The pool also includes a permanent retractable cover. This cover is heavy duty and protects the little ones and pets from getting in the water.

Staying at the lodge reserves the use of all the boats, even the pontoon boat with a bimimi top with 24 V trolling motor and 2 batteries. Located on the boat is a picnic table and four swivel seats. Fishing at Lakeside Ranch’s two lakes is a catch and release environment. If your family would like to have a fish fry at the Lodge, please see us for details.

Our rates are nightly and based on two people. Starting with a third person up to 21+ people is an additional charge of $50 per night per person. Example, a group of 21 is going to pay more than a group of four. EXAMPLE If you choose a time of year when the Lodge rents for $299 per night and you have a total of 12 people in your group you would pay $299 plus $500 or $799 per night. This is only $66.59 per night per person! Children under 24 months are free.

The children will enjoy the teeter totter, the clubhouse and slide, swings, sandbox, and a really fast merry go round!

Lake Side Ranch Lodge also provides a 4 station grill. A propane grill with a side burner, smoker, and charcoal grill. We also provide an electric outdoor smoker!

Fiber optic Wi-Fi now available at the lodge! Downloads, business meetings, multi users will enjoy the fastest speed Internet service available at the lodge.

Check in time is 5 PM, and check out time is 9 AM. It takes a full eight hours to clean the lodge and to disinfect and sanitize for everyone’s safety. Sometimes we can offer an early check-in or late check out. If this is something that you would desire, we would need to know when your reservation is placed. Extra help for cleaning is brought in when this occurs. There is a $100 per hour additional charge payable in cash when you check in.

Some guests have brought telescopes, binoculars, paddleboards, remote controlled speedboats, canoes, and firewood. You will want to bring your own fishing equipment. We now offer a small wagon full of firewood for an additional $75 charge.

The lodge rents throughout the year at different rates for two guests. Starting with the third guest the rate is $50 per night per person. For example a group of four is going to be less expensive than a group of 20.
There's a private patio. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. A Smart television and a DVD player are provided for your entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. The bathroom has a bathtub and a hair dryer. Conveniences include a desk and a microwave, and housekeeping is provided on request.
Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities, including a water park, a spa tub, and a fitness center. Additional amenities at this lodge include an arcade/game room, charcoal grills, and bike parking.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property manager

Tom and Beverly Schmutz

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Internet access

Parking and transportation

  • Limo/town car service
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Boat
  • Books
  • Foosball table
  • Games
  • Gym
  • Heated pool
  • Kayak
  • Music library
  • Playground
  • Spa tub
  • Stereo
  • Table tennis
  • Video library
  • Water park
  • Water sports equipment

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping (on request)

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • On a lake
  • On the beach
  • Outdoor furniture

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 3 accessible parking spaces
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Handrails in hallways
  • Handrails in stairways
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Single level property
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Note from host: Smoking NEVER allowed in the lodge, only outside
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Private pool
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video games

Food and drink

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dining table
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Separate dining area
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Dryer
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Fireplace
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Living room

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 5:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 9:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
6 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: Pets are not allowed in the pool.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Lodge has the ability to close off pool area

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 50
Note from host: Large gatherings subject to an additional fee
Long-term renters welcome
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Hunters Trappers Fishermen Paradise Built for the Entire Family
Fishermen Explorers Hikers Paradise Built Entire Family
Fishermen Explorers Hikers Paradise Built Entire Family Lodge
Fishermen Explorers Hikers Paradise Built Entire Family Lodge
Fishermen Explorers Hikers Paradise Built Entire Family Lodge
Fishermen Explorers Hikers Paradise Built for the Entire Family
Hunters Trappers Fishermen Paradise Built for the Entire Family
Fishermen Explorers Hikers Paradise Built for the Entire Family
Hunters Trappers Fishermen Paradise Built for the Entire Family
Fishermen Explorers Hikers Paradise Built for the Entire Family
Hunters Trappers Fishermen Paradise Built for the Entire Family
Lodge

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 161 out of 165 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 165 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 165 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 165 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 165 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Teri K., Milwaukee, WI

Liked: Cleanliness
Another great stay at the lodge.
This was our families second fall visit to the lodge. Checked in and found the place inviting and clean as usual. Owners were easy to communicate with and answered all our questions promptly. Found all the boats and kitchen appliances in good working order. Well stocked for baking and cooking. We enjoyed both the fire-pits on the beach and on the back deck. We had a birthday to celebrate and with the owners permission lit off a few fireworks. Especially enjoyed seeing deer stroll the the backyard at dawn and dusk. Had a lot of fun catching and releasing fish on the pontoon boat and front dock area. Overall another great experience for everyone and we’re already planning a summer trip back so we can enjoy some swimming and the diving board!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl C.

Liked: Cleanliness
We'll keep coming back!
This was our 3rd visit to Lakeside Ranch and we are already looking forward to our 4th next year!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kirby O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Return Trip
We enjoyed ourselves so much the first time we stayed at The Lodge that we decided to bring our whole family back this time! We had such an amazing time and The Lodge is outfitted with everything you need for a group and Tom and Beverley do such a great job to ensure you are comfortable and have everything you need for your stay to the best possible! What great hosts! What a great location!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Giovanni M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely amazing and unique stay.
This place is unbelievable. Unlike any vacation we have went on as a family. Set in between two amazing lakes with a pontoon and kayaks. First time I’ve ever jumped off a diving board into a lake. My mother was able to ride her first kayak as well as my daughter’s first try all by herself. Everybody loved the indoor pool. We had so much fun being able to swim around with the jets going. Tried out both fire pits. Both were amazing. One night on the beach looking at the stars. The second night we had a movie on a projector with a fire in the back. The house itself is very impressive with enough room for everyone. There are views from everywhere on the first floor. There were too many details and amenities to mention them all but we can’t wait to return.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful and secluded
We had a great time at this property - It's a great location if you want to disconnect and enjoy quality time with family, we highly recommend it if that's what you are looking for. The property is secluded, and being able to kayak and fish right out your backdoor was great . Tom and Beverly are committed to ensuring their guests are happy - Thank you both for sharing your property, it is a gem!! We cant say enough good things about it, it is stocked with everything you need and the owners attention to ensuring you are comfortable with everything is 5 STAR! The peaceful surroundings is exactly what we loved about it.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nancy M.

Liked: Cleanliness
A piece of heaven.
Second visit. So many fun things indoors and outdoors. BEST tine ever.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniella M., Chicago, Ill

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing get away
If you want peace.. this is the place for it. If you have a big family …. This is ALSO the place for all to have fun. Make memories.. come here!! You will not be disappointed!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sean G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Anniversary getaway
My wife and I really enjoyed our 29th wedding anniversary. We were completely surrounded by nature and the private lakes are amazing. The property is full of amenities for all ages.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great time for all
This place has something for everyone. This was our 3rd stay and the first with the in-laws . They had a great time catching fish, watching movies with the grandkids and making s’mores at the fire pit. Having the 3rd bathroom now made this stay even easier. We’re looking forward to next time!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angelique L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Everything we wanted!
The lodge had everything we love about a vacation! Swimming, kayaking, fishing, space, seclusion. We loved every minute of being there!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maria P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Above and beyond
Amazing.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Girls Trip
We loved staying at the Lodge this past weekend. It has fantastic views & the indoor pool was great. Lots of comfy seating to all hang out together & plenty of room to explore nature outside. I would defiantly go back & bring the family next time.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kaleb G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lakeside Lodge
Awesome place! Will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katie K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family Getaway
The property is even better than the pictures. The hosts were very kind and very responsive to any questions we had. The lodge has everything you could possibly need to have a wonderful stay! Also, the entire lodge was very clean!! Thank you so much for a wonderful getaway.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tim T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family Christmas Vacation
This was a great place for our Christmas family get-away. The space was well organized and provided just the right environment for building good memories. The Christmas decorations were amazing and the place looked great.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tristan A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lakeside Ranch
A place we will come back to every year. Very well taken care of! Tom is easy to work with and always makes sure we have everything we need!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chrissy P., Petoskey, MI

Liked: Cleanliness
Husbands Hunting Trip
I booked this property for my husband and his buddies to hunt the property. They had a great time and my husband got the biggest buck he's ever gotten! I did not stay this trip but our family stayed for spring break this past spring and had a nice relaxing time. The pool is a blast, even for adults, and the property itself is beautiful and really private. House is large and accommodating for families :)
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

erin e.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful retreat on the water
We enjoyed our stay very much. Communication was easy and the home was just as described.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heather N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxation, Fishing, Nature
Thank you both for having us again. Beverly had the lodge beautifully decorated. She put out pumpkins for us and a carving kit for the kids. We love coming here. This is our third visit. The privacy of the property is ideal. We never want to leave and can't wait to come back. Thanks.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jason H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place with great hosts
Everything aspect was above and above expectations.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Forever Memories
Great memories made again! Tom and Bev are great -super accomodating, super friendly. Until next time...
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jody M., Mount Vernon, IL

Liked: Cleanliness
BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF JEFFERSON COUNTY
This was our second time staying at the lodge in the last year and once again everything was amazing. Beautiful lodge, very clean, great communication with owners, owners were extremely accommodating to our needs, scenery is second to none and all the amenities kept everyone enjoying their stay! No doubt we will be returning as soon as we can. Thank you so much Tom and Beverly we appreciated everything and hope to see you again soon!!! Andrew & Rindi
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Annual friends trip
Group of buddies getting together for fishing and laughs
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tracy O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great property!
Enjoyed a family get together with ages 3-63, and there was something fun for everyone! Amenities inside and outside A++
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

KIM K., CHICAGO RIDGE

Liked: Cleanliness
AMAZING
One of the BEST Vacations ever!! Can not wait to go back! The kids had a blast and so did we!! The Host were so kind! The Lodge is just a perfect get away !
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023