1- stack up a lot of cash, and have financing set
2- figure out what area you want to be in
3- call every realtor in that area and tell them what you're looking for
4-good ones sell fast....like a lot of them never hit the market

I had a co-worker that moved from Cailfornia, he asked me where Up North was because everyone seems to go there on weekends and/or holidays- I said it's not a place, it's a state of mind. Getaways can be any place that helps save your soul.. for me I needed, Muskies, Walleyes, Bear, Cats, Otter, Fisher, Ducks, Whitetails and limited Illinois license plates.

Nessie- if you see a Tip-UP Bar on skies... my posse has arrived,

Some observations from someone who owns a lakeshore getaway:

Property taxes may surprise you
You will need two of everything: Lawnmowers, tools, kitchen things even crockpots, chainsaws, bedding, etc. One for home one for the lake. I even have an extra fishing boat that I leave at the lake
There are always projects to work on, repairs and improvements
IT's a LOT of work. Taking in the dock and putting it out. Mowing the grass, raking leaves, cleaning up, the bedding has to be taken home and washed and then put back on the beds, on and on.
Two hours away is what mine is, and I definitely wouldn't want it any more for just running up on summer weekends.

The cost of it will surprise you even after you have bought it. I bought mine for an unbelievable bargain less than 48 hours after it was listed. I was financially prepared and could act super fast, or I would have never gotten it.

Despite all these negatives, I LOVE IT and my family loves it. It has become a gathering place for so many incredible memories with kids and grandkids. The grandchildren are excited about it all year long. The best investment I could have ever made for my family!

Well said

Thanks for all the advice, lots to consider!

Lots of neat little homes, cabins, prefab stuff out there some folks use those fancy ce shacks for campers now.. You might put your own in if it comes to that. Just added a shower, sink and toilet to the place I use in MO sure makes it way more comfortable but it’s not winter ready yet the water and sewer are above ground but for spring/summer/fall it rocks.

Have you considered the UP. Seems to be quite a bit more affordable !

What did that cost? Cool idea. I have been thinking about adding an outdoor shower, but that right there is pretty appealing. Also how do you like the propane water heater?

LP heater took some adjusting it never went cold but we swapped tanks and it worked fine. Check out big iron auctions I have about $3,500 into that one it’s made to be portable and drain easily a simple space heater keeps it warm. Everything works fine but it will need upgrades in time. It’s about 2,000 pounds I hauled that one from SD to central MO a 15 hr trip on secondary roads.

And did u find such a place???

and then some Nimzy… a few on here have been there

Where? What’s the catch😁

I would and did buy off-water. Too much noise and drama living on a lake. I also drive 6 hrs.

12hrs away in MO its an extra cabin on my buddies place it’s a long drive but I’m in no hurry to leave when I get there. Turkey hunt in the spring deer hunt in the fall and work on improving the acres in the down times always something to do.

I'm on the Dairyland Flowage, 1,900 acres 70' max depth, you can fish it like a lake, river or flowage depending on the day. About 50:50 on full-time vs cabins, most out of state people are from MN. Only 1-bar and a low bridge that keeps the wake board rack group off most of the time.

We call that Leo’s country. NICE

My dad, Ray & Leo is how it all started for me. I trap Leo’s turf with my dad’s traps. I told you I found my cabin and then some.

Apparently “we” ain’t the only ones. That’s cool! Thanks for sharing