THE WILDERNESS LODGE
and Cabins
ABOUT
The Wilderness Lodge is located deep in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest, nestled among the towering pines along the shore of beautiful Turtle Lake. A unique wilderness retreat, The Wilderness Lodge is far enough away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, yet filled with the comforts of home, allowing you to escape into the extraordinary. The perfect getaway for those seeking peaceful solitude, a corporate or family retreat, an exceptional fishing or hunting adventure, or a romantic honeymoon.
Situated on more than two acres of pristine forest that gently slope down to the shores of crystal clear Big Turtle Lake, The Wilderness Lodge offers guests a private sand beach, three campfire locations, a beautiful pergola, children's playground, fish house, a private boat ramp, docks and kayaks. Only 9.9 miles from historic Bigfork, MN, the area hosts a plethora of exciting activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, boating, birdwatching, exploring the Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway, or taking time to rediscover the peacefulness of just unwinding.
The Wilderness Lodge is for those special people who are looking for something different - a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a place to enjoy an old fashioned family vacation and world class fishing in an unspoiled paradise. A place to unplug from the world and relax, while refreshing, renewing, and rejuvenating your mind, body and spirit. Come find your bliss while still enjoying upscale amenities, exciting activities, and personal service.
The Wilderness Lodge offers something money can't buy: the opportunity to experience life in a whole new way, where schedules are forgotten, and time seems to stand still in that one perfect, priceless moment of the present. Come and reconnect with yourself, your loved ones, nature and God.
AMENITIES
Boats and Watercraft
Rent a rowboat for your whole stay or just the day.
Kayaks and the paddleboard are complimentary for our guests. Please inquire about motor boats available for rent off-site.
Fish House
Our plumbed and screened-in fish house is located just off the lake. Enjoy the view or watch your kids playing on the climbing equipment while you clean your catch!
Free Wifi
All cabins are equipped with free fiber-optic Wifi, as well as satellite TV.
Playground
Let your kids climb on our sturdy jungle gym, play tetherball, or swing your little one in the baby swing. On rainy days, come inside the Lodge for a board game or to play billiards!
Boat Launch and Dock Space
We offer a private boat launch, one dock space per cabin, and free parking for your trailer. We request that all MN Aquatic Invasive Species protocols be followed.
Laundry Services
Please inquire for more information on our limited laundry service for a per load fee. Laundromats are located in Bigfork and Grand Rapids.
GALLERY
AREA ACTIVITIES
Turtle Lake is renowned for it's phenomenal smallmouth bass fishing, even hosting MLF's Summit Cup Chapionship in 2017. Other fish in the lake include walleye, northern pike, rock bass, largemouth bass, crappie, and sunfish. Please inquire if you are interested in a fishing guide!
Fishing
Canoing and Kayaking
Nothing is more iconic than kayaking the Big Fork River! Great for couples and families, there are stretches with class I -II rapids, and some with class III-VI rapids. Be sure to check the river's water levels before you put in! Visit Rivers North Outfitters for tour packages, and the MN DNR water trails webpage for more information. Looking to purchase a handmade canoe? Visit Hafeman Boat Works on Hwy 6 in Bigfork!
There are several 9 and 18-hole public and private golf courses in the area, open to both beginners and pros alike. Check out Golf on the Edge, Blueberry Hills, Eagle Ridge and Blackduck. For even more Grand Rapids courses, click here.
Golfing
Dining
All of our cabins feature fully equipped kitchens, but if you're looking to eat out, head to one of the several restaurants, cafes, and bars in the area. Enjoy freshly baked bread and seasonal menus at Timberwolf Inn, breakfast or lunch at Pine Cone Cafe, or pizza at the Pizza Parlor. For more options and information, click here.
Hiking and Biking
There are 100 biking trails and 1.6 million acres to explore, including the historic Lost 40 and Scenic State Park! Find more info on nearby parks and hiking trails here! If you're interested in renting bikes or want to schedule a tour, contact Ardent Bicycles. For info on mountain biking trails, click here!
Boat and ATV Rentals
Want to rev up your wilderness experience? R & R Rentals in Grand Rapids has off-road and on-road UTV and jet-ski rentals. Contact Grand Rapids Marine for boat, trailer, and water toy rentals.
GUEST REVIEWS
Wine, Beer and Cocktails
Experience an authentic Northwoods cocktail at Timberwolf Inn, Hayslips, or Bigfork Wilderness Bar. Head down to Grand Rapids if you're looking for a fantastic wine bar or craft brewery - and don't forget your designated driver!
Shopping
From art, antiques, and furniture to fishing gear and boating supplies, you can find most anything you're looking for in Bigfork and environs! Bigfork Hardware has so much more than first meets the eye, Frontier Sports boasts the best bait, or head down to Grand Rapids for a true shopping outing!
Museums and Cultural Sites
The Judy Garland Museum takes an intimate look at one of America's icons! There's also a Children's Museum just next door. Learn about the area's history at Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center, or tour the historic Joyce Estate. Click here for more museums and attractions!