Situated on a hillside beneath a mature stand of spruce and birch, this new log cabin is the most isolated PUC near Nancy Lake proper. It’s mysterious — like finding a hermit’s retreat. Call it a place for people who want to experience the serenity of deep woods but maintain the option of boating or skiing on a 761-acre water playground with plenty of action.

Restful And Private

The lake can be seen through the trees from the cabin’s handsome front porch, a platform that begs for deck chairs with binoculars at hand. The water is close enough for a quick afternoon paddle yet screened off and distant enough to be tuned out. Restful and private, it feels far from commotion, whether surrounded by deep snows or dappled sunlight or the drizzle of autumn rain.

Nancy Lake is one of the region’s most popular recreation lakes with a commercial marina, a state park boat launch and campground, and a complex of coves and bays dominated by private homes. The lake offers some fishing, boating of all kinds, and is open to aircraft. While sunny summer weekends can be busy, stretches can be as quiet as a wilderness lake and attract nesting birds and other wildlife, especially in the northeast lobe where boat wake is prohibited, along the western shore where housing is sparse, and at the southern outflow into a vast network of wetlands.

Amenities

A beautiful blond-wood 16-by-20 log cabin, new in 2015, with a ramp at a back door that would ease access for someone using a wheelchair. (Probably not usable without assistance.) The front entrance is off an elevated porch with railing and balusters. Has sleeping space for six with two double bunks in a sleeping alcove and a child-safe loft up a ladder in a layout that offers some privacy. Standard wood stove, table and cooking space in airy front area under high ceiling. Outside is a fire ring, outhouse and picnic table.

Cabin 1 — a similar new log cabin — is a quarter mile further on the same trail, close enough for visiting.

This cabin is in the woods, not immediately accessible from the lake. Downed firewood should be easy to find, but a camp saw would come in handy. Lake water needs to be purified.

What Can You Do At Nancy Lake Cabin 2?

  • Watch for birds in the mature and open forest.
  • Play a game or toss a disc in a compound that’s like a landscaped yard.
  • Take a ten-minute walk to visit the almost identical Cabin 1 on the lakeshore, making the sister cabins a good choice for multi-party outings.
  • Paddle, motorboat, fish, swim or do other sports on Nancy Lake, just down hill from the cabin.
  • Ski, snowshoe or snowmobile on the area’s extensive winter trail system.

Getting There

Coordinates
Latitude: 61.690333
Longitude: -150.021117

Summer

Drive to the parking lot at Mile 1.8 of Nancy Lake Parkway, and then take the walking trail to the cabin. Boat access is more involved — park at Mile 1.6 and launch a few hundred yards down a flat, boat-cart friendly trail into Nancy Lake’s “quiet” cove. The cabin’s access is the first landing past south of Cabin 1. Canoes can be can be rented from Tippecanoe Rentals in Willow: 907-355-6687. Here is a good PDF map of the area.

Winter

Depending on snow conditions and ice cover, you can travel by snow vehicle, skis, snowshoe, dog sled, snow bike or foot from either trailhead or elsewhere on the lake. Check the park conditions report first. Alternative routes could follow extensive snowmobile and ski trails that connect Nancy Lake with the interior of the park.

Break Up / Freeze Up

Nancy Lake Cabin 2 can be reached year round by using the trail from the Mile 1.8 parking lot when ice is too thin.

Driving Directions

Nancy Lake Cabin #2