Chanticleer Inn, named from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales’ famous rooster character, was built in 1922 by the Sanborn Family of Eagle River. The main lodge burned in 1923, but was rebuilt immediately. Some artifacts of this fire are on display in the lobby of the Inn’s main lodge. John and Betty Alward (Jake’s parents) purchased the “summer only” resort in 1951 with their friends, Dick and Gerry Brown. At that time, the resort consisted of 13 cottages along the waterfront, the lodge and 40 acres of land. For health reasons, the Browns sold out to the Alwards in 1953.

John and Betty Alward and their three children, Lauralee, Chuck, and Jake began, with gusto, to upgrade the resort, beginning with winterizing the existing units. Thus, Chanticleer became a year ‘round resort. By 1965, they had removed 2 cottages and built the motel units. They worked tirelessly, running the resort and cooking for the American Plan Resort. The Alwards were active community members and industry innovators. John passed away in 1990. Betty “Chief” at 91, passed away in July of 2006.  Jake’s parents also founded the World Championship Snowmobile Derby on Dollar Lake in 1963 and 1964. John Alward was inducted posthumously into the International Snowmobile Racing Hall of Fame in 1992. We’ve been host to several re-enactments since the original Derby.

Jake purchased the resort from his parents in 1972 and the Cleerwood Village Condominiums were built that winter and opened in July 1973. He married Sue Satran of Eagle River in 1976. They reside on the property and have the 3rd generation of Alwards in place; Jennifer, Jessica, Janlee, and Rob. Since that time three more cottages were removed. 1983 brought a major renovation of the Main Lodge - new entrance, front desk/office, a gift shop, and much larger bathrooms! Also, there was a “facelift” for the cocktail lounge, which included new carpet, yet preserving the cozy ambiance of old. The lower level of this addition, known as “Below the Deck”, is presently our conference/banquet room for approximately 80 persons.

We pride ourselves in keeping the Inn in top condition, from continual updating, redecorating, remodeling, and adding new amenities to meet the needs of our 21st century guests. In 1983, we received Property of the Year by the Wisconsin Innkeepers Association, and Honorable Mention in 1993. Jake was among those honored in the American Snowmobile Who’s Who two years in a row. Also in 2003 the first annual Lemans car/truck race was held on Dollar Lake ice in early January. Most recently we were selected as number 3 for Best Individual Resort/Motel, and number 2 for Best Individual Restaurant by Snow Goer Magazine, nationally, in 2004.

Our veteran chef and restaurant manager, Gary Kreger, has been with the Inn since 1976 and received much acclaim for his expertise, including Employee of the Year of the Wisconsin Innkeepers in 2001. His reputation of excellence earned the Chanticleer Restaurant the “Rave Award” from Northern Action Magazine in 1991, and in 2005 the"RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH" choice destination award by Discover Wisconsin, further promoting the Inn’s popularity. 1991 marked the date that the Restaurant was rebuilt, increasing the capacity to 125! Coming by boat or by car, tourists and locals alike enjoy the mouth-watering cuisine in our Restaurant as well as our famous “Beer Garden” for delicious grilled lunches in the summer.

Jake and Sue are committed to continuing a tradition of excellence of this 2nd generation, Family-owned Resort and preserving the natural beauty of its beautiful 40 acres bordering on the famous Eagle River/ Three Lakes 28 Lake Chain and the pristine shores of “private” Dollar Lake. This could account for our guest list including addresses from around the world.

Jake and Sue’s children have been integrally involved in the tradition of the Family-run Resort. Jennifer, Jessica, Janlee, and Rob have held various jobs around the Inn over the last several years. Today, Jen has returned to the Northwoods; working with her Master’s Degree in Art Therapy and Marriage and Family Therapy. She is working for Inovative Counselling, a Company out of Green Bay.  She designed the resort’s current brochure and pursues other art avenues, check out her website pottershand.zoomshare.com.  Jes married Ben Post of Lindstrom, MN in May of 2003 at a beautiful outdoor ceremony on the Resort property. They both graduated from Bethel College in MN and reside in Minneapolis. Jes is working for Orthopaedic Massage integrating her Athletic Training and Massage, while Ben works with Urban Homeworks. Check out their websites:  www.orthopaedicmassage.com and www.urban homeworks.org, respectively.  Janlee graduated in May 2004 from Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN with a BA in Social Science with a Psych emphasis. She resides in Summit County, Colorado where she is a PSIA certified alpine ski instructor and supervisor at the Breckenridge Ski & Ride School.   Rob graduated with a Bachelor of Science in aviation from the University of North Dakota May 13, 2006 and is currently flying for Air Wisconsin/USAirways as a First Officer. 

The entire growth of the CHANTICLEER INN has been the result of much hard work by the staff and the owners. You, the guests are considered our extended family. We WELCOME you and look forward to helping make your stay relaxing, fun, and a part of your favorite vacation memories. Please remember the CHANTICLEER INN for all your family needs...weddings, family reunions, romantic get-aways, and year ‘round dining pleasures.