Pirates Hideaway debuts new ice cream shop

By Josephine Hinderman, News Editor

Pirates Hideaway of Eagle River has kicked off their 2025 season with a brand new ice cream shop, offering guests of the North Woods an “experience like no other” in the area.

Their new shop offers an array of yummy frozen treats, coffee drinks and an opportunity for family fun. Guests can enjoy this exciting new addition sitting right on the waterfront, or from their rooftop seating overlooking the Eagle River Chain of Lakes.

The first ice cream shop on the property was initially developed and built by Captain Steve and his family in 2005. 20 years later, a new facility has now been built from the ground up and is ready to provide the guests at Pirates Hideaway with the sweet-tooth adventures they seek.

Whereas their previous shop served only a few options, this new shop offers over 24 flavors of Cedar Crest ice cream, vanilla soft serve, matcha, Lotus drinks and cold brew provided through a partnership with Eagle River Roasters, as well as weekly specials that rotate throughout the season. There are also ice creams available to accommodate dietary restrictions, including lactose-free, gluten-free, sugar-free and fat-free options.

While the ice cream shop offers a variety of goodies, Captain Steve says that guests receive more than just a sweet treat, but rather a whole experience.

“We wanted something that appeals to the whole family,” he said. “Our ice cream shop has something for everyone, and an outing for ice cream becomes one filled with fun, entertainment, relaxation, and don’t forget… delicious ice cream! Come by land or sea!”

Boat parking is available for those cruising up to the ice shop and restaurant from the waters of Duck Lake.

The gardens at Pirates Hideaway further enhance the uniqueness and magic of a visit to the Hideaway. Guests can wander through the gardens and will be greeted by a flashy tropical teal-and-coral lakeside ice cream shop, where they can enjoy their ice cream cones, malts, shakes, sundaes, assorted beverages, candies and more while making memories with their family and friends.

“We are beyond excited to share all the fresh, exciting additions with our new and returning customers this summer!” exclaimed Captain Steve.

Additional amenities

While Pirates Hideaway is breaking in its new ice cream locale, over the past three years, they have become well-known for their homemade wood-fired pizzas.

“What sets our pizza apart from others,” commented Captain Steve’s son, Stevo, “is that we use fine Italian milled Antimo Caputo flour to home-make our dough in house, use fresh ingredients that are prepped daily, use high quality Grande Mozzarella and other unique cheeses, and cook our pizzas in an authentic woodfire oven. It is truly top-tier pizza brought to the North Woods community.”

They also offer gluten-free and additional food options, regular and tropical cocktails at the tiki bar, craft beer, public and private pirate ship tours on the Eagle River Chain of Lakes, unique treasures at the gift shop, and family-friendly live music every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer.

Some summer highlights visitors can keep an eye out for include Thursday nights with Scott Kirby, Friday and Saturday night performances by a variety of artists, and Sunday afternoon beach parties with bands from 3 to 6 p.m.

Popular regular events include performances by Carolyn Jo and the Groove Show, Bret & Frisk, an upcoming special summer appearance by the Trouble Notes, and the annual performance of Todd Donnelly and Sons on the steel drums.

“You may even run into a mermaid from time to time on the lakefront!” added the Pirates Hideaway crew.

The lineup of performers and events can be found on the Pirates Hideaway Facebook events page or their website at eagleriverpirates.com under their Events and Entertainment Tab.

Pirates Hideaway is a family/pet friendly, handicap-accessible experience for those looking for fun for all ages in the North Woods.

With accessible rooftop and lakeside seating overlooking Duck Lake, and an atmospheric tiki bar, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the North Woods with a sweet treat in hand.

Pirates Hideaway is located by land 2 miles north of downtown Eagle River at 1998 Highway 45 N, or by sea on the west shore of Duck Lake on the Eagle River Chain of Lakes. It is now also a featured stop on the area’s ATV/UTV trail system.

For more information, check out their bi-weekly ad in the News-Review’s Vacation Week publications, visit their website at eagleriverpirates.com, or call 715-479-6756.