0ur Story
Set along the shore of pristine Turtle Lake, this grand old log estate was once a booming resort. From its humble beginnings as a small trappers cabin built in the late 1800s, the property has seen many changes.
In 1930, the old trappers cabin was moved back from the hillside to its current location. From 1929 to 1940, log cabins and buildings were added to the property, and in 1941 a log lodge was built over the original trapper' cabin, keeping the kitchen and one bedroom intact.
For many decades, the property was owned and operated as a family resort, Becker's Log Cabin Resort. In 1976, the resort was closed and sold to private owners.
Years of neglect took its toll on this once beautiful log estate, yet in 1998 it was purchased and an ambitious renovation project began. The historic resort has now been transformed into an amazingly warm and welcoming Lodge and four unique log guest cabins.​
Since the renovations, The Wilderness Lodge has been featured in seven outdoor television shows, including "Outdoors in the Heartland," and "Fishing with Babe Winkelman." Once again, The Wilderness Lodge has become a splendid resort where guests can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and relax in the rustic elegance of luxury log cabins within the beautiful wilderness of the North Woods.
The Resort
The historic Wilderness Lodge and Cabins log estate is one of the last of its kind in the area. In the beginning, the resort owners had planned on living in the original trappers cabin and operating a silver fox farm on the property.
Family and friends quickly fell in love with the beautiful lake and magnificent scenery, so their vision soon changed to wanting to share this paradise with others. Their dream grew into a beloved resort for fishermen, hunters, and families from across the United States and Canada.
This amazing transformation from a simple trappers cabin into a family resort with a historic log Lodge and guest cabins, continued with the revitalization of the Lodge and property to its former state of elegance.
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Visiting The Wilderness Lodge is like stepping back in time and experiencing what life was like in the days of the old timber barons of the great North Woods!
The Lake
There are many lakes in Minnesota, but very few can match the incredible beauty and serenity of Turtle Lake. Nestled in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest, one third of its shoreline is undeveloped and natural. With its astonishing 15' water clarity, 140' depth, seven islands, and many bays, Turtle Lake is in a class of its own. The lake is 2066 acres in size, perfect for spending the day on the water.
Turtle Lake was made famous in the 1950s by the Hamm's Brewing Company from St. Paul, MN, who chose the location to film one of their legendary beer commercials, "Hamms the Beer Refreshing...Land of Sky Blue Waters." Al Capone was also a frequent visitor to the lake, enjoying the hospitality (and gambling) at a nearby resort!
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Turtle Lake is currently considered one of Minnesota's premiere trophy smallmouth bass lakes, with bass weighing in over 5 lbs. The top fishermen in the world fish Turtle Lake, as it was chosen for the final round of the 2017 Major League Fishing Summit Cup Championship. The many islands provide not only breathtaking scenery, they also offer excellent fishing along their shores.
Other wildlife abound on Turtle Lake, as well. It is home to many waterfowl, loons, eagles, beavers, and otters. In the secluded bays you may catch a glimpse of a black bear, deer, or moose as they come to the water's edge for a drink. There are four active bald eagle's nests on the lake, so you are sure to find one soaring overhead or perched atop a towering pine.
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Turtle Lake's crystal clear, sky blue waters are perfect for swimming and all types of water sports, or spend the day just relaxing on the beautiful sand beach. A special delight is sitting by the beach with your morning coffee as you watch the mist rise off the lake at sunrise. Enjoy an evening meal at our lakeside log pergola, or gather everyone together for a fun evening around one of our two lakeside bonfires. Take time to enjoy the breathtaking sunsets and amazing starlit nights, which occasionally offer a glimpse of the Northern Lights!
The Cabins
Since cabin renovations have been completed, The Wilderness Lodge has been featured in Cabin Life Magazine and Arctic Cat ATV ads!