Nestled on the East Bay of Nelson Lake in Hayward, Wisconsin, Tall Pines Resort began its journey in the early 1960s as a fishing retreat. The Wagner family, who founded the resort, built the first cabins—Cabins 1, 2, and 3—along with what is now known as Cabin 6, which served as the owners’ home. Initially, the resort operated seasonally, opening in May and closing in September.

To accommodate storage needs during the winter months, the Wagner’s constructed a garage, which evolved over time. In the summer, the garage doubled as a game room for guests and eventually transformed into what we know today as the Tavern.

Growth and Transformation 

By 1995, the resort featured a cozy 10-stool bar that welcomed guests year-round. Winters, however, were harsh and challenging. Heating was provided by a wood stove and an upright propane furnace, and it wasn’t uncommon for frost to coat both the inside and outside of the windows. Some days brought in as little as $5 in revenue, but the business gradually gained popularity over the years.

In 2005, an expansion project doubled the size of the bar, marking a significant step in the resort’s evolution.

Tall Pines Resort Restaurant

In 2006, the newly expanded bar area saw the addition of a kitchen, and the Tall Pines Resort Restaurant was born. The menu started with classics like burgers and Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches. In 2008, a Friday Fish Fry was introduced, featuring entirely homemade recipes—from the coleslaw to the tartar sauce—a tradition that continues to this day.

Today, the restaurant offers a wide range of favorites, including ribs, burgers, chicken, and more, paired with handcrafted cocktails like Old Fashion’s and Manhattans.

Timeline of Ownership

• Vern Wagner (Original Founder)
• Art Baumgardner
• Ted Wazel
• Ken Schneider
• Joyce Heart
• Mike Dorenski (April 1995)
• Mike & Angie Dorenski 
• Charles & Tonja Bittorf (current) 

The road leading to the resort, now known as Wagner Circle, serves as a reminder of the Wagner family’s legacy.