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 Becker family from New Ulm, MN, purchased the property, which at the time was only accessible by boat. They moved the old trappers cabin back from the hillside to its current location, and from then until 1940, log cabins and other buildings were added. In 1941, construction began on a log lodge, which was built over the original trappers cabin, keeping the kitchen and one bedroom intact.
The family owned and operated Becker's Log Cabin Camp Resort for many decades. In 1976, the resort was closed and sold to private owners.
Years of neglect took its toll on this once beautiful log estate. Then, in 1998 it was purchased and an ambitious renovation project was begun. Over the course of several years, the historic resort was transformed back into an amazingly warm and welcoming Lodge, with 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." The Wilderness Lodge has once again 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 is one of the last log estates of its kind in the area.
In the beginning, the Beckers had planned on living in the original trappers cabin and operating a silver fox farm on the property. However, family and friends quickly fell in love with the beautiful lake and magnificent scenery, so their vision soon changed into wanting to share this paradise with others.
Their dream grew into a renowned and beloved full-service resort for fishermen, hunters, and families from across the United States and Canada.
This amazing transformation from a simple trappers cabin to 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 trappers and 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) of 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, and it was chosen for the final round of the 2017 Major League Fishing Summit Cup Championship. The many islands provide breathtaking scenery and excellent fishing along their shores.
Other wildlife also abound on Turtle Lake, including many loons, eagles, beavers, otters and more. 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 nests on the lake, so you are sure to find one of our majestic eagles soaring overhead or perched atop a towering pine.
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Turtle Lake's clear waters are perfect for swimming and all types of water sports, or just relaxing on the beautiful sand beach. Some special delights include sitting by the beach with your morning coffee watching the mist rise off the lake at sunrise, enjoying an evening meal at our lakeside log pergola, and gathering everyone together for an evening around one of our two lakeside bonfires. Don't forget to take time to enjoy the breathtaking sunsets and amazing starlit nights, which occasionally offer a glimpse of the Northern Lights!
The Cabins
The Wilderness Lodge has been featured in Cabin Life Magazine and Arctic Cat ATV ads!