News Release: 5/29/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | New Colsac Lodge to Boost Tourism and Economic Growth in Merrimac

Groundbreaking Ceremony on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.

MERRIMAC, WIS. — The Village of Merrimac will welcome a transformative addition to its lakefront with the groundbreaking of Colsac Lodge, a 53,000-square-foot, four-story hotel development located on the scenic shores of Lake Wisconsin. With construction set to begin this June, the project is expected to open just in time for Memorial Day Weekend 2026.

Colsac Lodge pays tribute to the rich local history of the iconic Colsac III ferry, whose name symbolizes the unity of Columbia and Sauk Counties. The hotel will feature 43 luxury units, including spacious 3-bedroom suites, each with private balconies overlooking the water, offering guests a premium experience immersed in the natural beauty of the area.

Designed to enhance Merrimac’s tourism appeal and year-round economic vitality, Colsac Lodge is more than just a hotel—it’s a destination. The development will include a state-of-the-art banquet hall named The Ripley and a vibrant restaurant and gathering space called H’s Place. The first-floor amenities will cater to both visitors and locals, creating a dynamic hub for events and leisure.

Colsac Lodge is poised to become a major driver of tourism for the region, expected to attract families, wedding parties, corporate groups, and recreational visitors alike. The increased foot traffic will support local businesses, generate year-round jobs, and position Merrimac as a premier destination in south-central Wisconsin.

“Colsac Lodge is being designed to embrace the natural beauty of the lake, offering an exciting new destination for both locals and tourists," said Rod Ripley, majority owner of Colsac Lodge. "We see this investment as a cornerstone for future opportunities in the heart of Lake Wisconsin."

The banquet hall, The Ripley, will accommodate up to 200 seated guests, with flexible space for weddings, corporate events, live music, community fundraisers, and more. Featuring a full-service bar, indoor stage, outdoor patio, lawn area, and gazebo, The Ripley will begin accepting bookings for events in mid- to late summer 2026.

In addition, boat slips will be available for hotel guests, and a separate pier will provide docking for patrons of H’s Place, ensuring easy access for those arriving by water and adding to the lodge’s appeal as a lakefront retreat.

With Lake Wisconsin as its backdrop and the iconic ferry as its inspiration, Colsac Lodge promises to bring renewed energy to Merrimac’s lakefront. As the only project of its kind on this stretch of the lake, it is expected to become a landmark destination—drawing tourists, supporting local events, and creating new economic opportunities throughout the region.

The community is invited to join us for a Groundbreaking Ceremony on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 10:30 am, at the Future Site of Colsac Lodge Lakefront next to Colsac III Ferry, to hear details about the design and timeline of the project and prepare for an exciting new era in Merrimac’s growth and tourism.