About us
Welcome to Oak Shores Resort
A family-owned Northwoods getaway on the beautiful Chippewa Flowage where fishing stories grow, campfires last a little longer, and memories are made year after year.
About Us
We’re Chad and Wendy Lauterbach, the owners of Oak Shores Resort. Like many people who fall in love with the Northwoods, we always dreamed about life on the lake — well… it was especially Chad’s dream.
For years Chad talked about owning a resort someday, while Wendy joked that she didn’t want to “buy herself a job.” Eventually he convinced her to give it a try, and after taking that leap of faith we discovered something pretty special — we love resort life.
Oak Shores is truly a family operation. Chad and our youngest son Mikey still work in construction while also helping keep the resort running, which comes in handy because there’s always something to fix, build, or improve around a resort. Wendy now focuses full-time on welcoming guests and helping families plan their Northwoods getaway.
Our kids grew up loving the lake, and now our grandkids are starting to enjoy it too — fishing off the dock, playing in the pool, and roasting marshmallows around the campfire. (At ages 6 1/2, 5 and 3, they are almost ready to get put to work here too!)
We still have our home in New Auburn, and during quieter times we like to sneak away there once in a while. These days we jokingly call it our cabin, since our “job” now happens to be living and working on the lake.
Running a resort is a lot of work, but the best part is the people. We love watching families make memories, friends gather around campfires, kids catch their first fish, and guests return year after year to a place that begins to feel like their own “Up North” tradition.
When you stay at Oak Shores, you’re not just another reservation to us — you’re part of our story.
We’re so glad you’re here.
— Chad & Wendy Lauterbach
We can’t wait to welcome you to Oak Shores and share a little piece of the Flowage with you.
Meet the Oak Shores Crew
Chad – The Fixer of All Things
If something needs building, fixing, hauling, or improving around the resort, Chad is usually the one behind it. With years of experience in construction and restoration through Lauterbach Construction & Restoration, he’s always working on the next project to make Oak Shores even better. Guests will often see him around the property making repairs, helping with boats, or visiting with guests.
Wendy – Your Host
Wendy is usually the one answering emails, greeting guests, helping plan stays, and making sure everyone feels welcome. After more than 25 years working in an office, she now focuses on making Oak Shores a place where guests feel comfortable, relaxed, and excited to return year after year.
Mikey – Resort Crew
Our youngest son Mikey is a big part of the day-to-day life at Oak Shores. Whether he’s helping with docks, boats, yard work, or just keeping things running smoothly around the property, he’s always ready to lend a hand.
Dalton – Keeping Things Running at Home
Our son Dalton may not be at the resort very much, but he plays an important role behind the scenes. While we spend so much time at Oak Shores, Dalton helps keep things going at our home in New Auburn, taking care of the property, doing farm work, and making sure our dog Molly gets plenty of attention.
Kylee & Zach – Family (and Sourdough!)
Our daughter Kylee and her husband Zach stay busy raising our wonderful grandkids, so they’re not around the resort as often as we’d like. Kylee is also known for her amazing sourdough bread and baked goods through Zwiefelhofer Family Farm. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to arrange a delivery of fresh sourdough treats during your stay by placing an order in advance!
The Grandkids – Future Resort Managers
Our grandkids also love spending time at the resort. You might see them playing by the lake, swimming in the pool, helping roast marshmallows at the campfire, or enjoying all the same Up North adventures our guests do. They’re already learning the ropes of resort life!
Terry & Debbie – The Neighbors Who Keep Us Going
We’re incredibly lucky to have wonderful neighbors who help make Oak Shores run smoothly. Terry is our go-to helper for many of the behind-the-scenes tasks that keep the resort looking great — helping with the pool, leaf blowing, bait cleanup (including the less glamorous job of dealing with dead minnows), and whatever else needs attention. Debbie is a huge help with laundry and always jumps in to lend a hand wherever needed. We are so thankful for both of them and truly couldn’t do it without their help.
Oak Shores is a family effort through and through, and we feel so blessed to share this journey with the people we love most. We hope when you’re here, you feel like part of the family too!
Together, we work hard to make Oak Shores a welcoming place where guests can relax, enjoy the beauty of the Chippewa Flowage, and create lasting memories with family and friends.
Please contact us at the Oak Shores phone number (715) 558-5526 or email us here.
Thanks again,
Chad and Wendy Lauterbach
