The William H. Yawkey Boathouse is located in Wisconsin’s Northwoods in the town of Hazelhurst, five miles south of the town of Minocqua in northern Oneida County. It is situated on the northwest bank of Lake Katherine. The property was owned by William H. Yawkey, uncle to C.C. Yawkey and secretary of the Yawkey Lumber Company.

The William H. Yawkey Boathouse is a two-story, wet boathouse with a low-pitched hip roof covered with asphalt shingles. The footprint of the boathouse is a simple square plan, and the structure rests on wood pilings. The exterior of the boathouse is modest; however, elements of the Craftsman style are displayed in the low-pitched hip roof, overhanging eaves, exposed rafters, decorative braces on the rear elevation, and bands of windows. There are three boat slips enclosed by original folding door panels on the southeast facade, and the second floor interior is a large open space intended for entertaining, or as additional living or storage space.

The integrity of the property has been well maintained through multiple generations of Yawkey family descendents, and the boathouse remains historically intact. It is a strong example of Craftsman style boathouse architecture and serves as a reminder of seasonal recreation and lifestyles from twentieth century northern Wisconsin. The building is a prominent feature on the shores of Lake Katherine and has been recognizable to locals and tourists alike for nearly a century.

The Yawkey Boathouse is private property. Please respect the rights and privacy of the owners.