Elizabeth Taylor once found serenity in the lakes and forests of Minocqua while visiting her uncle Howard Young's estate. Long before the red carpets, the diamonds, and the flash of Hollywood cameras, she spent time surrounded by towering pines, sparkling water, and quiet Northwoods beauty. Minocqua offered something even a global icon couldn’t resist — peace.
This year, live like an icon and plan a getaway inspired by her timeless glamour — where shimmering lakes replace spotlights and golden sunsets steal the scene.
Stay Somewhere Iconic
An Elizabeth Taylor–inspired vacation starts with the right setting. Elizabeth stayed at Howard Young's Lake Minocqua estate, Cedar Gates, but you can channel that same Old Hollywood energy with a stay at a private lakefront lodge, where mornings begin with coffee on the dock or a waterfront resort suite with panoramic views.
Glam Meets the Great Outdoors
Elizabeth may have been known for glamour, but her Minocqua days were filled with simple pleasures. Start your day fishing, something Elizabeth loved to do and was quite good at. As legend has it, Larry Bosacki, owner of Bosacki's Boat House, taught a young Elizabeth Taylor how to water ski on Lake Minocqua, so why not channel her inner adventurous side and learn to waterski or take a wakesurfing lesson from Surf Sconsin.
Prefer to stay dry? Catch a performance by the world-famous Min-Aqua Bats water ski show — a Northwoods tradition that brings high-energy excitement to the lake. It’s dramatic, entertaining, and perfectly worthy of a standing ovation.
Indulge a Little
Elizabeth believed in living beautifully. And your getaway should, too. Treat yourself to something special while exploring downtown Minocqua’s boutiques and specialty shops. Book a spa treatment and let relaxation take center stage. Plan a lakeside cocktail hour. Sit at the end of the dock and watch a Hollywood movie-worthy sunset.
Discover the Story
To truly experience an Elizabeth Taylor–inspired vacation, take time to learn the history that connects her to this special place. Visit the Minocqua Museum to explore stories and photos of her Northwoods summers and the legacy her family left behind.
Then stop at the Dr. Kate Museum to learn about the origins of the Howard Young Medical Center — the hospital that bears her uncle’s name and continues to serve the community today.
Give Back Like a Star
Elizabeth Taylor was known not only for her beauty and talent, but also for her generosity and humanitarian work. Honor her spirit during your stay by supporting local businesses, dining at family-owned restaurants, or attending an event that gives back to a local cause. In Minocqua, community is everything — and being part of it, even for a weekend, makes your getaway more meaningful.
