In 1912, two very stubborn Norwegians, Oluf and Olava Treland, settled on Moss Creek just outside of Hayward to farm a piece of land, run a logging sawmill and raise a family. Although today the cows are gone and the fields are largely reforested, the Treland family still works that very same piece of land.
The very same work ethic and long-sighted vision that Oluf and Olava used to carve a farm out of the Northwoods, has turned Treeland Resorts into one of the Midwest’s premier vacation destinations… 108 years on the land, 92 years in the resorting business, 5 generations and 5 resorts later, the Treland family is still here!
In 1923, the Chippewa Flowage as we know it today, had her first full head of water, flooding out some of our grandparents’ land, but not discouraging them enough to make them move. As the cows grazed and drank from the “Big Chip”, fishing camps started popping up around her shores, with Treeland Pines starting in 1928 and Treland’s Cabins in 1938.
The second generation returned to Hayward upon retirement from the Air Force in 1963 to take over operations of the six-cabin family resort. Oscar and Denum “Jonnie” Treland doubled the size of the resort and added a lodge and marina. In addition to their hard work put into the resort, Oscar was also an original founder of the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.
The third generation of purchased Treeland Pines in 1982 and bought out Oscar and Jonnie Treland in 1986. The 3rd generation has grown that “Mom & Pop” fishing resort from one location with 12 cabins and a beer bar, to five full-service resort locations with 82 vacation homes, 75 premium RV sites, two “Up North” restaurants and bars and 40+ marina rentals.
Aside from the everyday activities of running a resort, the Treland family has also established various events to have a little fun while fishing. Some of the longstanding events are the Treeland Challenge, a Walleye and Largemouth Bass Tournament; Treeland Premier Musky Fly Fishing Championship; Pat’s Landing Annual Tipper Ice Fishing Tournament; and the Treeland Annual Fall Musky Bash.
The Treland family compares themselves to farmers, as it’s a lifestyle and a job that we all live. All invest long hours and careful planning throughout the year, including infusing the future generations with the same work ethic and love for the land. The 4th generation is now working hard to help man the helm and share the love and lifestyle of resorting with the still very young 5th generation.
As we work through an incredibly challenging but memorable in the right way, 92nd year of business it is important to reflect and understand how we got where we are today. There is no secret, just a lot of hard work, progressive thinking, and a visionary outlook. Following the example set by previous generations; and always remembering that hard work and giving back really does pay off.
Join us and fall in love with the Chippewa Flowage – 17,000+ acres of water, 140+ islands, 200+ miles of shoreline–with only 8% developed. Enjoy the fishery, the wildlife, the birding, boating and water sports, the winter wonderland or just breathing in the wonderful smell of the Northwoods and relaxing “Up North”.
Treeland “The Original” Resort – 1928
Oak Shores Resort – 1997
Timber Kove Resort – 2003
Pat’s Landing Resort – 2005
Treeland Farm RV Resort – 2013
