History

Scroll to Content

The Place That Set The Standard

From the days of Dwight Eisenhower fishing the shores of Trout Lake, to the lore of John Dillinger roaming these parts, the tranquil enchantment of Wisconsin’s Northwoods has been a destination for corporate retreats for over 100 years.

In the early 1900’s, Colonel Stewart, CEO of Standard Oil, set out to find the perfect spot for his executives to gather. He believed that playing together would help his team forge a better relationship and become more productive. Offering the peacefulness of nature with access to an abundance of outdoor activities, Standard Oil purchased an estate overlooking Trout Lake, establishing Red Crown Lodge in 1922 as their corporate retreat.

It was here in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin, that partnerships were built, deals were negotiated, and teams were strengthened. For over 80 years – through management transitions from Standard Oil to Amoco – Red Crown Lodge became the preferred meeting location for one of the world’s largest and most prestigious corporations.

More than just a stunningly beautiful escape in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, Red Crown owns a place in history as the birthplace of the corporate retreat, hosting almost every type of organization—from large corporations to small, family-owned businesses. This is the place that set the standard.