The History of Northland Lodge

Resorting on Lake Winnie for more than 85 years

Northland Lodge is part of the rich and storied past of Lake Winnibigoshish. The resort was started in 1919 by F.M. Williams and was originally built for the Minneapolis Hunting Club. The log lodge was built from huge Norway pines cut from area forest. In the early days guests used flat-bottom boats to fish for walleye and big northern and paid less than $15 per week for cabin rental. The bridge over the Winnie Dam was one lane as were the "roads" to Deer River and Bena. One local historian described the road to Bena as a "trail through the brush" with no grading done at all. He remembered having to find a place in the forest to "turn out" to allow the other car to pass if two cars met on the road.

Click to see a larger photo of the lodge interior

The original log lodge still stands - a tribute to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of previous generations - and today houses the office, snack shop, game room, laundry facility and campground shower house. It also serves as "activity central" with the heated swimming pool located next to the building.

The history of Northland Lodge is preserved in the classic feel of this modern Minnesota resort. Call today to become a part of its history in the making.

Northland Lodge History

Resorting on Lake Winnie for more than 85 years