Where Hospitality Has Always Come First
For nearly 150 years, Timmer’s has been a place where people feel welcomed the moment they arrive. That sense of care and connection is what has always defined this place and what continues to guide it today.
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The Timmer’s Story
A Legacy Built Around People
Timmer’s began in 1864, when the Timmer family opened their doors along the shores of BigCedar Lake.
What started as a farmhouse and a simple place for travelers to rest quickly became somethingmore. Guests arrived by horse and carriage, welcomed in with a warm meal, a place to sit, and agenuine sense that they were taken care of.
Through the years, Timmer’s grew — adding rooms, expanding its dining spaces, and becoming aplace people could count on. Not just for a good meal, but for the kind of hospitality that makesyou feel comfortable the moment you walk in.
Even during Prohibition, when times changed, people still gathered here. Meals were shared,conversations carried on, and the doors stayed open — because taking care of people neverwent out of style.
There are stories that still get passed down, like the cherry pie delivery driver who was known forbringing more than just dessert through the door. Whether fact or folklore, those moments arepart of what shaped the character of this place.
For generations, people have celebrated life here, anniversaries, weddings, Friday night dinners,and everything in between. Families return with their children, and then their grandchildren,each adding their own chapter to the story.
And while the world around it has changed, the heart of Timmer’s hasn’t.It’s still about takingcare of people.It’s still about gathering around the table.
And it’s still a place where you’re welcomed like you’ve been here before.
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1863 - 1899 Mathias & Margaretha Timmer
† Mathias and Margaret Timmer emigrated from Germany and purchased the land on Big Cedar Lake on January 4, 1864, where they would eventually build what became Timmer’s Resort. Their family’s early stewardship included opening the hotel in 1882 and greeting guests arriving by train and carriage — laying the foundation for a lakeside tradition that would flourish for generations.
Early Timmer Farm c. 1870
† Early Timmer farm scene looking west toward Big Cedar Lake. The first homestead farmhouse, believed to have been located about 300 yards south of the outlet dam, is partially visible near the lakeshore behind the log farm building on the left.
Timmer Hotel Annex Building c. 1895
† In 1895, spurred on by increasing tourist demand for lodging, a 3-story, 14-bedroom Annex building was constructed. They added a stone bakery / smokehouse in 1896 to further enhance the hospitality to their guests and a much-needed icehouse was added soon after. The smokehouse and icehouse still stand on the property to this day.
Timmer’s Dining Room c. 1914
† The original dining room, built in 1904, served Timmer’s Resort for over 100 years, during which time, a series of improvements were made, including the addition of the massive stone fireplace and an enclosed porch (both are still present to this day).
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Timmer’s Bar Interior c. 1964
† In 1953, shortly after she and John purchased the resort, Beryl painted a 36-foot long mural which was placed on the upper wall in the bar as a ceiling border and depicted the history of Timmer’s Resort. That very mural has been preserved and still hangs the length of two walls in Beryl’s Parlor room where you can see this priceless timepiece.
† Johnson, Barbara L. Timmer’s Resort at Big Cedar Lake...a journey through time. Briggs & Stratton Graphic Services, 2015.
† Johnson, Barbara L. Timmer’s Resort at Big Cedar Lake...a journey through time. Briggs & Stratton Graphic Services, 2015.
Timmer’s Resort Today
Carrying That Tradition Forward
Today, we see ourselves as caretakers of something meaningful.
Our responsibility is to preserve what people have always loved about Timmer’s, while making sure it continues to feel just as welcoming for the next generation.
That means paying attention to the detail, genuine hospitality, and never losing sight of what matters most, the experience you have when you’re here.
Our responsibility is to preserve what people have always loved about Timmer’s, while making sure it continues to feel just as welcoming for the next generation.
That means paying attention to the detail, genuine hospitality, and never losing sight of what matters most, the experience you have when you’re here.
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WHAT GUIDES US TODAY
A Place That Feels Familiar
Where you’re greeted with a smile, recognized when you return, and always made to feel at home.
FROM TONY
When I first stepped into Timmer’s, I could feel right away that it was more than just a restaurant.
It’s a place people care deeply about.
A place that holds memories, dinners with family, celebrations, traditions that have been passed down over generations.
You don’t take on something like that lightly.
I’ve always believed that hospitality is about taking care of people, not just when they’re here, but as part of a larger community.
That belief is what drew me to Timmer’s and what continues to guide every decision we make.
It’s a place people care deeply about.
A place that holds memories, dinners with family, celebrations, traditions that have been passed down over generations.
You don’t take on something like that lightly.
I’ve always believed that hospitality is about taking care of people, not just when they’re here, but as part of a larger community.
That belief is what drew me to Timmer’s and what continues to guide every decision we make.
This isn’t about changing what Timmer’s has been.
It’s about honoring it.
Protecting what makes it special, while making sure it continues to grow in the right way.
I’m incredibly proud of the team here, the people who show up every day and genuinely care about the experience they create for our guests.
And I’m grateful for the community that has supported this place for so many years.
Timmer’s belongs to more than just us.
It belongs to everyone who has celebrated here, gathered here, and made it part of their story.
We’re simply here to carry it forward.
Thank you for being part of it.
We’re so glad you’re here.
Food Made With Care
Meals that are thoughtful, comforting, and meant to be shared.
Hospitality You Can Feel
Not forced, not formal, just genuine care in how you’re welcomed and taken care of.
MEET THE LEADERSHIP TEAM
The People Behind The Experience
Guided by experience and grounded in tradition, this team is responsible for the care, consistency, and hospitality that define Timmer’s today. Their focus is simple: support the people, protect the legacy, and welcome every guest well.
Colin Reigle
Executive Chef
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JJ Keshan
Executive Sous Chef
Angie Mueller
General Manager
Sarah Dooley
Assistant General Manager
Jeff Walters
Bar Manager
Troy S. Krueger
Creative Director
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Join Us At The Table
There’s no right way.
Some nights are planned weeks ahead. Others happen on the way home or after a day on the lake. Either way, we’ll be ready to welcome you.
Come as you are, stay as long as you’d like, and let us take care of the rest.
Reservations are appreciated, but there will always be a place for you here when we can make it happen.
Some nights are planned weeks ahead. Others happen on the way home or after a day on the lake. Either way, we’ll be ready to welcome you.
Come as you are, stay as long as you’d like, and let us take care of the rest.
Reservations are appreciated, but there will always be a place for you here when we can make it happen.
Words From Our Guests
Moments Worth Remembering
What stays with people isn’t just the food — it’s how the experience felt. From quiet dinners to once-in-a-lifetime celebrations, our guests share stories of meals enjoyed, moments savored, and time well spent together at Timmer’s.
“I was at Timmer’s celebrating my brother’s wedding. Everything was excellent from the food to the picturesque views!”
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Andrea J.
Indiana
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“Amazing all the way. Food and service are excellent. Never disappointed. Our new favorite go to spot.”
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Jared K.
Wisconsin
“We had our wedding there and couldn’t have asked for a better experience. They created a perfect environment, the staff was so accommodating and entertaining and the food was great.”
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Nick Z.
Wisconsin
“We recently hosted my daughter’s baby shower at Timmer’s in their private event room. It was absolutely perfect. The room was set up beautifully. The food was wonderful.”
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Jill Busch
Wisconsin
“Very nice place with wonderful & friendly staff, and amazing entertainment!”
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Nathan W.
Wisconsin
