Vacation Advice – Hayward Area & Round Lake

The grandparents booked a trip for 8 adults and 3 kids on Round Lake near Hayward for 5 days in late July as somewhat of a “beating cancer” celebration for my dad. I’ve been to Hayward many times but haven’t ever been on Round Lake. I was hoping to find someone here with some local knowledge of the lake, surrounding lakes, and things to do close by.

Questions We Have:

-Is Round Lake quite busy or rough from wind? The kids we have are little but love being on the water. Our options are to rent a small pontoon (which can be underwhelming at times) or tow our tritoon 3 hours north if needed.

-Any recommended bars/restaurants right on Round Lake or nearby?

-Are there any good sandbars or places to park right on Round Lake for swimming? If not are there any on nearby lakes to visit for a day?

-Is there a panfish bite that’s easy to track down on Round that time of year? I’m talking bobber fishing for anything that swims with no intentions of keeping anything. The kids would love to hammer stunted panfish while dads lighten coolers.

Thanks for anything you can share.

Have a camper about 20 mins. from Round. It can get pretty busy at that time of year, and yes it can get pretty rough if the wind is a blowing. It’s a very, very clear lake, I am sure you could find sunnies in the weedy shallows.

There is a small beach on the south end, limited parking, it’s on the peninsula.

Sorry can’t help with the nightlife, but there are several restaurants along HWY 77. For breakfast I would recommend Tiny’s or The Robins nest on Cty B. There’s always the Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward too.

Hope this helps a little.

I can advise, there is a candy shop in Hayward that makes delicious fudge. Before covid, they gave free samples, too.

I appreciate the advice and welcome more. Keep it coming.

If the weather looks good for the time of the trip we will probably drag up our own tritoon for peace of mind if that lake gets wind blown or heavy traffic. Some northern lakes are quiet and others are filled with boats…so figured I’d ask.

I’m seeing a Powell’s on Round Lake on the southern end that’d be nice to boat up to if possible. If it’s got a dock, pull tabs, and reasonably cold beer…I know where the dads will go during “nap time”

Good advice so far! Round is a busy lake with lot’s pontoon cruisers, fisherman, and wake boat people. I would bring the tri-toon for sure. It’s a really nice clean/clear lake. Powell’s is the site of the original Famous Dave’s and it’s got great access for people pulling up in boats. Lot’s of dock space, etc. The food is pretty boring and drinks come at a premium, but nice place. Just down the lake a bit there is also Fish Tales on the water and there are many other place’s just off the water.

Do they still do lumberjack shows in Hayward. Grew up on that lake as my grandparents used to have a place there. It has changed since then I hear.

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We have done a week on Round the past two years in August. Lake is beautiful with some of the clearest water to swim in. If it is windy, the bay by the public access is a great spot. The old Famous Daves is a nice place to break up a day. Had success walleye fishing when we went out but my kids favorite part was seeing all the muskies (and other taxidermy) at the Mocassin bar.

I believe round has a huge sand bar that is close to the channel to other lake, we posted up there with kiddos had a blast.

It’s a cool area – If looking for another fun dining option, there’s a resort on Lac Courte Orielles (I think called Angler’s Haven) just a bit south of Round Lake. They have a Bar/Grill with great Pizza and PHENOMINAL BBQ Beef Brisket – like the best I’ve ever had.

OH – and take the kids to the Fishing Hall of Fame if for no other reason than to burn off some energy running around the sculpture garden and climbing up inside/looking out of the mouth of the giant Muskie. They will have a blast – and it’s really interesting for adults, too. VERY cool exhibits.

Powells on Round is a boat up bar. fun place. Coops Pizza in town is good. Round is a fantastic smallmouth lake. Pike and walleye are large when you can find them. I always stay there in the fall but summer probably is crazy busy. Lost Land, Teal and Spider out of town are all “quiet” lakes. no jetskis.