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An "old-fashioned" resort
Northwind Lodge located northeast of Ely, Minnesota, is a more traditional resort. Unlike the "trend" that appears to be consuming Minnesota, we are bucking the system. Instead of joining a growing number Minnesota resorts who seem to be following the imported idea of literally de-constructing the entire North Shore of Lake Superior to build condo vacation developments, we're different. We're still a "Mom & Pop" style resort in Ely, MN. And, sadly, the numbers of our type of resort are drastically declining in Minnesota every year only to be replaced by more timeshares and condos. So, if you aren't a timeshare member, without resorts like ours, you aren't going to be able to stay anywhere but in some motel chain along a freeway. What kind of Minnesota rustic vacation is that going to be?
At Northwind Lodge, our guests spend their time fishing, relaxing, swimming (in the lake), kayaking, canoeing, riding mountain bikes, hiking and sitting around the campfire. They also spend a lot of quality time with their kids instead of dumping them off with some children activities coordinator. I'm writing this because, while talking to a guest who really was having a good time at our resort, it finally dawned on me that this is what our resort is. Northwind Lodge is a small, family-owned resort in the woods on a lake. We're not a realtor-defined, investor-owned, heavily-marketed, resort "property". We're a LOT better than that. We still care about our guests and our resort. ...continued here...
Fun and Private Setting
Northwind Lodge guests have within their own walking distance things to do and see that simply are not available at other resorts, yet there is a distinctive feeling of privacy that isn't always readily available at other resorts. Because Northwind Lodge owns about 3500 ft of rustic lakeshore on Jasper lake, we do not readily share boundaries with other private or business properties. In fact, the entire northshore of Jasper Lake is Minnesota state land and there are only a few folks living down the shore (east) from us. Fortunately, our lake, Jasper, is blessed with good neighbors who respect the lake for its size (195 acres) and we really don't experience the noise and distractions associated with water skiing, personal watercraft or other such activities which are generally found on larger lakes. Likewise, Northwind Lodge does not permit these types of activities from our beach since our guests prefer to pursue quieter activities such as kayaking, canoeing, water biking, and paddleboats. The only real motor aciviity on Jasper is pretty much limited to fishing with smaller outboards. That sets the tone and the particular charm of living on the edge of the rustic world at Northwind Lodge.
And, unlike other resort properties in Minnesota, Northwind Lodge has a large retail store located on the edge of the property relative to the rest of the resort. With over 3500 square feet of retail space in a large, beautiful building, Red Rock Wilderness Store continues to be a focal point for resort guests and Ely MN area visitors seeking everything from Souris River Canoes to Bath & Body products, extensive fishing tackle, books, ice cream treats, and much, much, more! ...more information about Red Rock Wilderness Store...
Come on up and stay with us!
Nearly 90% of our customers return to Northwind Lodge each season. That is also the case for many area visitors returning to Ely, MN every year as well. We've come to know all of our guests, plus their kids, and their grandkids and even some great-grandkids. Many generations of people have stayed here over the years and listened to the falls of Jasper Creek as the creek divides the resort into two halves providing a lot of soothing white noise that doesn't come from electronics. Many of our guests have overslept by several hours thinking that it was raining out only to find that the sun is shining and the creek is running endlessly. Then there are the loons who call all night long and seagulls coasting overhead. Northwind lodge is a beautiful place to steal away from it all. Call us for up-to-date reservation availability at 1-800-280-1078
