Title: Gems of the Northwest: A Brief Description of the Prominent Places of Interest Aboard the Lines of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul Railway by Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul Railway Company
Location: Google Books Date: 1886
The ever expanding web of railroads in the late nineteenth century offered Chicagoans a chance to escape the grime and congestion of the city and escape to the natural wonders of the Wisconsin and Minneapolis forests and lakes. This heavily illustrated little guidebook published by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul Railway features places to go and what to see and enjoy along the line.
The Lake Region of Wisconsin
Not far from Milwaukee, in Wisconsin, and along the line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, there is a cluster of lovely lakes, on the borders of which nestle a number of abiding-places, peculiarly inviting to those who seek desirable homes during the summer solstice.
A few brief lines regarding each of these delightful spots may not be inappropriate, and I therefore commence with Pewaukee as being the first point of interest westward from Milwaukee. Pewaukee is not a specially attractive place as seen from the window of a railway car. It lies upon the shore of Lake Pewaukee, which presents here its least picturesque aspect. Ye who seek rest, sport, or any other form of
summer recreation, be not discouraged, however, from alighting at Pewaukee. About the green rushes dart black bass and pickerel, only waiting the hook of a patient angler. The “Oakton Springs” and other hotels afford excellent accommodation. The boats are numerous, likewise the boatmen to row you; and, when the fish will not bite, there are good liverymen waiting to furnish the gentle family horse or the swift roadster; and cool, charming and sweet are the drives within reach of Pewaukee, notably that which circles the lake. Within easy driving distance, too, are Lakeside Cottages, and Waukesha, from whence come many amateur fishermen to try their luck in Pewaukee Lake.
But, if you pass Pewaukee, stop by all means at the next station. Lakeside, endeared and familiar to so many that it is hardly necessary to extol its virtues. ‘Buses wait here for every train, and bear you over a brown and winding road, about one mile, to the cluster of cottages upon the banks of Lake Pewaukee. A good-sized hotel, accommodating two hundred and fifty guests, and surrounded by inviting cottages, constitutes Lakeside. Green grass abounds, green 
trees girdle it, and to the jaded inhabitants of cities it looks, in the contrasting whiteness of its pretty buildings, as fair as Circe’s palace to the weary comrades of Ulysses. But there are no “lakeside” perils here for travelers: the table satisfies the most critical, while hair mattresses and spring beds rest their tired limbs. Ample parlors and reception rooms afford space for the card table, the dance or the quiet chat. Without, a restful and lovely view refreshes the eye at every turn. The surrounding woods invite ramblers, and the nearer trees, the more indolent hammock swinger. There is seclusion at the cottages for those who desire it, and gayety for the gay; bowling, billiards, lawn-tennis and croquet, with a good livery stable; numerous boats, including a small steamer from Pewaukee; and good music for the light-footed in the evening; while a telegraph office and a telephone remind one that the world can be reached if desired. One would fain linger here, but other delights are to be found beyond as well.
