Wisconsin's Northwoods are noted for their raw wilderness and stunning scenic views.
We've taken over the Red Crown Lodge for exclusive use of the entire property.
Red Crown Lodge, on the shore of Trout Lake is equipped to help us enjoy the beautiful outdoors and offers fishing, boating, canoeing, hiking, biking or just plain relaxation. Its advanced auditorium will be perfect for our film screenings.
This year's Film Symposium will be extra special with the addition of a little competitive fun.
The Road Rally will take us on a journey on Wisconsin's Rustic Road system of scenic and lightly traveled roads. To qualify for the Rustic Road program, a road must have outstanding natural features along its borders such as rugged terrain, native vegetation and wildlife or include areas with agricultural vistas.
This Road Rally promises to take you places you've never been before, and you won't want to leave. You'll travel in team cars through the state forest and local towns on the Rustic Road system with clues leading you to beautiful locations and ending with celebratory libations.
Remember, it's not a race, it's a quest.
The Dream Team
Our films are once again curated by L3 members Joanne and Jim Steinback with the help of filmmaker and founder of Original Thinkers, David Holbrooke.
Holbrooke's connection with the best and brightest minds in the industry opens the door for L3 members to talk with these thought leaders and visionaries. His well-honed interview skills always lead to deep, informative conversations. He'll be our emcee. Our films will be announced this summer.
The road rally has been curated by Wisconsin's finest citizens. L3 members Kathy and Al Nagy, and Patti and John Scribner have been busy scouting trails and terrain for this year's competition.
The Road Rally
Those who've attended one of our previous road rallies can confirm, these are not typical scenic drives! Here's how it works:
- On Tuesday, at our draw party lunch at the home of Kathy and Al Nagy, members will be teamed up - two people per car, one driver and one navigator. Each car will be drafted to a team of three or four cars. There will be individual prizes for winning cars as well as prizes for the team with the highest combined score.
- On Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning, you'll get a clue sheet before you hit the road. This is not a race, and no speeding is allowed. Teams will be judged by the number of correct answers to the clues.
- You'll be asked to figure out answers from signs and sites along the road and participate in a few challenges at road stops. You might have to look for a place where Al and Kathy went on a date or take a selfie with a hidden treasure.
- The competitive types among you (you know who you are!) can flex over the daily leaderboards. We promise plenty of laughter and excitement for all.
- You can opt out of the Road Rally and spend some leisure time at the resort. There's plenty to do.
AGENDA
DAY 1 – SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 – ARRIVAL DAY
Check-in begins at 3 p.m.
Early Evening
Welcome reception
Film screening session 1
Dinner
Gazebo for dessert and discussion
Day 2 - Monday, August 19
Morning
Breakfast
Film screening session 2
Afternoon
Lunch
Film screening session 3
Evening
Cocktails
Dinner at Manny's Parkside
Day 3 – Tuesday, August 20
Morning
Breakfast
Film screening session 4
Afternoon
Lunch and Rally draw party at the home of Kathy and Al Nagy
First half of Road Rally
Evening
Cocktails at Red Crown
Talk by John Bates, forest naturalist and author
Dinner followed by s'mores by the fire
Day 4 – Wednesday, August 21
Morning
Breakfast
Second half of Rally
Afternoon
Lunch on the road or at the resort
Fun time
Evening
Cocktails and entertainment by Bret and Frisk
Closing dinner and discussion
Day 5 – Thursday, August 22 - Departure
Plan your departing flight for any time on August 22. There is no programming scheduled.
Check-out time is 10 a.m.
SPECIAL APPEARANCES (so far)
John Bates
John Bates is the author of 10 books on the Northwoods and Upper Midwest and a contributor to eight others. John has been featured on Wisconsin Public Television, PBS News' "Brief But Spectacular," and has been a frequent guest on Wisconsin Public Radio. He has worked as a state forest naturalist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and owns Trails North, a naturalist guide service. He also conducts outdoor classes for the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, the North Lakeland Discovery Center and many others, and gives presentations to numerous organizations. For 34 years he has written a biweekly column, "A Northwoods Almanac," for the Lakeland Times in Minocqua, Wisconsin.
Bret and Frisk
Hailed as the premier acoustic duo in their home state of Wisconsin, Bret and Frisk have been performing and celebrating the great music from epic acoustic soloists and groups with a message for more than 30 years. They have more than 500 songs in their repertoire. The two vocalists perform with a 12-string acoustic guitar, keyboard, harmonica and handheld percussion. No drum machines, looping or extra electronics. They've entertained thousands with their 100 percent acoustic show. Bret and Frisk often allow their audiences to choose their music.
FLIGHTS
Arrival
Unless you're flying on a private plane, we recommend you plan to arrive at Rhinelander Airport (RHI). You'll need a rental car for the Road Rally, and we'll help you with the reservations from this airport. If you're not participating in the Road Rally, we'll help you get to the resort. Rental cars will be billed directly by the rental car agency. Car rental is not included in your registration fee.
Our program begins at 4:30 p.m.
Airports in northern Wisconsin:
- RHI—Rhinelander Airport is serviced by Delta and is 45 minutes from Red Crown Lodge.
- CWA-Wausau is serviced by Delta, United and sometimes American and is 90 minutes from Red Crown Lodge.
- MSP- Minneapolis/St Paul is serviced by all airlines and is 4.5 hours from Red Crown Lodge.
- ARV-Lakeland Airport (aka Noble Lee) AirNav: KARV - Lakeland Airport/Noble F. Lee Memorial Field ARV is serviced by private carriers or your personal aircraft and is 7 minutes from Red Crown Lodge.
Departure
Plan your departing flights for any time on Thursday, August 22. L3 has no programming planned for that day.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Red Crown Lodge
Our Exclusive, Private Retreat in The Heart of The Northwoods
On the shores of beautiful Trout Lake in the heart of Wisconsin's Northwoods, the individualized set-up of group retreats allows for a customized experience. It's a warmth and attentiveness you won't find anywhere else. No detail is overlooked—from meals and snacks to meeting set-ups and activities—every retreat is designed to be unique and make the most of your time together. Red Crown Lodge prides itself on hospitality centered around one group at a time.
REGISTRATION
Early registration ends June 28, 2024
$4,375 per person, double occupancy
$4,475 per person, single occupancy
A deposit of $800 holds your spot and secures an early registration discount. Deposits are non-refundable.
You will receive a tax receipt listing the fair market value of this event after it ends.
Registration after June 28, 2024
$4,875 per person, double occupancy
$4,975 per person, single occupancy
Registration includes:
- All meals starting with dinner on Sunday, August 18 through breakfast on Thursday, August 22.
- All group scheduled activities.
Does not include a rental car for the Road Rally.