Our first weekend with lodge guests went by beautifully. We had sunny blue days, temps in the high 60’s, low 70’s and everybody was hiding somewhere. Well, hiding is perhaps the incorrect word but one party was fishing from their kayaks on neighboring Triangle, another took their canoe on a day canoe trip from Lake One to Ojibway and another spent their days fishing on Jasper. Sounds like everybody caught fish, too. Usually, when the days are this beautiful, fish are less cooperative. Apparently, the fish are fed up with quarantine as well.
Two of our our groups stopped in to see my growing, but un-hung art collection. That’s always fun for me. Many paintings have stories and while socially distancing, I waved my arms, pointed and told a few. It’s a bohunk thing.
I spent a good part of the time painting and figuratively “guarding the fort”. It’s insanely quiet so I’ve been able to get a long way on a whimsical landscape I working on right now. It’s almost done. Then, it’s back to a larger commission for which I developed painter’s block. Going whimsical/abstract-ish, helps me break out of the creativity killing fog that sets in once in a while.
For those of you sick and tired of watching and waiting with this China plague, if you are healthy, you can come out and play in the woods. Please practice social distancing when in the presence of people outside of your group. (yes – we know, we don’t like it either but it’s ridiculously easy here) Stay in a nice housekeeping cabin for ONLY $89.95 for the first 2 people and $10 each additional person. That’s for any cabin! (We try to fit it to your needs and size. Taxes not included. Total 9.875% Three night minimum rental required.) These rates apply THROUGH May 26. We still have openings and we’re a Mom & Pop resort, not a gargantuan center on a highly populated lake. We are surrounded by the BWCA. Bring your canoe. Go take a day trip. Hang out on Jasper. Roast a steak on the Weber. Live the simple life in the woods. Come look at art.
Give us a call. It’ll most likely be me answering. If I’m not in, please leave a message. We’ll call back. 218-365-5489
We all need a break from Covid-19. While we all struggle with getting back to normal, we do have an advantage out here in the woods. Unlike every metro, or big commercial operation, we are not an overdeveloped facility with large numbers of people moving around, big meeting rooms, etc. Social distancing is very easy. If you don’t have mask on when you leave your cabin, nobody’s going to shame you if you even see anybody. That’s the nature of living in the woods when the closest cabin is 100 feet away through the woods.
Jasper Creek in early May with Cabin 3 in the background – at Northwind Lodge
Our guests arrive to relax and enjoy themselves here at Northwind Lodge, a traditional, “ma & pa” Minnesota resort. I was once told by a MN state official that small resorts are a dying breed and our relevance was fading as to our importance in tourism. I wish I could find that dude now. I wonder how his big convention centers on over-populated lakes with a spas, restaurants, and golf courses are doing right now? Sorry, but after that insult to our type of lodging experience for many years by people who were supposed to be helping, I feel the need to rub this new truth into his face just a bit. Don’t worry, I’m working through it….
New for 2020 – Personal Shoppers!
If you feel you don’t want to go shopping, we can do that for you. Put together a list, work with us over the phone or email, and for a cost 10% of your bill at the grocery store, we’ll get your groceries for you. (If your total bill is $200, your Personal Shopper cost is $20) We have good groceries in Ely with two stores available. We’ll put them in your cabin fridge for you. If you need an item that you forgot from your main grocery list, (if you can wait a bit) we’ll take a run to town for you at our earliest convenience if we don’t have the item here. Hey, gas is cheap and we want you to have a good time. Just know that this is Ely and we may not have hydroponically-grown arugula and radicchio. You might have to settle for romaine. Once you get here, you can be on your own, enjoying your exotic salad and listening to the loons. They have been here for about two weeks at this writing. Yes, they are noisy right now as you would expect to hear from a jaded dweller of the north woods who is writing this blog post. Every day at Northwind Lodge is like watching a Tarzan movie, whereupon deep in the jungles of Africa, a hired loon from northeastern Minnesota is calling hauntingly in the background just before the drums begin their chant of danger. Cue the loon! (That loon looks silly with all that bling and those blue sunglasses he wears inside all the time…and, what’s with that five pound wristwatch, anyway!? Actors….SMH…)
Note the clarity of the water here in NE Minnesota.
So, let’s get back to normal together.
We know times are tough on many fronts for all of us. We are feeling it all too well. But Northwind Lodge is here for you to provide an escape that won’t break your bank account while giving you some respite from the new, untamed, wilderness out there. We’ve been doing this since 1944 officially and actually a bit earlier than that. That’s 76 years, now! How many places do you know have been around for 76 years and run by the same family in the same spot on the same lake? Apparently, we are NOT fading away.
Beginning May 11th through May 26th – Rate special!
Cabins for 2 people at only $89.95 a night. Three (3) night minimum stay requirement, and $10.00 per night for each extra per person. Personal Shopper fee is 10% of your grocery list bill. Of course, should you have a question about any of this, give us a call or message us in Facebook under our “Northwind Lodge” page
Our intention is to help get back us all back to normal so you can buy your own beans & weenies – not that we mind one bit. We’d love to have you come stay. Our only request is that you minimize your human contact on the way here and, of course, please stay home if you are ill. If you have a mask and want to wear it, please do. Please bring your own bath towels, personal effects and fishing gear. We do have some tackle here for sale. Motors are available for rent on request. Kayaks and beach canoes are free to use. Have a fire by the beach or waterfall but give everybody some space. It’s pretty much common sense for the times. Campfire conversation from 6 feet away is optional and doesn’t spread anything but maybe some humor and good cheer.
The deposit required is $300 or the cabin total, which ever is less at the time of the reservation. Sorry, but we cannot refund deposits for any reason. Please be able to commit to the time you have reserved. Thank you for understanding.
Call now 218-365-5489 to book your respite at Northwind Lodge. (you may need to leave a message – we’re running around outside, in and out. We’ll call you back.)
Winter is breathtaking in the Ely, MN area! It is less crowded and you have the freedom to move about as you like and at your own pace! Come up and stay just 5 miles south of the border for a Wilderness Art Retreat at Northwind Lodge! It’s a great way to explore your creative side either by yourself or with small group of friends or family. It is Art Classes and Vacation all wrapped into one unique experience at Northwind Lodge.
Our forests are covered in white and our frozen lakes are your invitation to explore your creative side in art. Listen to the quiet. Howl for wolves at night. Then, let the thrill of wilderness living be your guide during Into The Brush art session! After classes, round out your vacation by doing outdoor activities like cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, visiting the Fernberg Gallery (on premises), going to town (watch for wolves) or just relaxing. The entire experience is fun and and something you probably don’t do all the time at home. Plus, we are only about 4.5 hours from the Twin Cities (for perspective)!
The retreats are held all winter Northwind Lodge located 15 miles northeast of Ely, MN, 2267 Fernberg Rd. The 2-Day Program includes: 8 hours of instruction, all painting supplies, after-class independent painting time if desired. Meals not included. Class participants may want to bring snacks but can also return to their apartment very easily. Basic kitchen facilities provided in the apartment.
Apartment Housekeeping Unit – Comfortable, housekeeping, apartment-style unit with private driveway and entrance. Sleeps up to 4 in two bedrooms. One double bed in one bedroom, One double and one twin bed in the second bedroom. Located about 150 feet from the art studio building. This unit comes with satellite TV, gas range, refrigerator, microwave, basic cooking and eating utensils, bathroom with shower, toilet and lavatory. Bedding is provided. Please bring your own towels. Many of our guests request this rental year after year.
This 4 day/3 night Art Wilderness Art Retreat is only: $499.00* for up to the first 2 people*
*and $100.00 extra per person up 4 people
*Plus MN sales tax (6.875%) and local lodging tax (3%)
Call now for availability. Dec 13th 2019
1-218-265-5489 or 1-800-280-1078
Retreat Instructor Joe Baltich will be your instructor. He is an accomplished, commissioned artist proficient in acrylics. For a quick sampling of his works of the past 3 years, please visit instagram.com/joebaltich. For more details and other art programming for summer, please visit intothebrush.org.
Here’s what I have to put up with every day when working at Northwind Lodge. I’m installing new front windows in Cabin 3, and this is what I am forced to look at every, single, day. Be thankful that you too, are NOT here having to endure this. You get to look at crowds, and cars, and buildings. All I get to look at is nothing. No noise, no distractions, no robberies, no murders, no great WIFI….just this lake and those pesky loons calling in the background. It’s tough to take.
If you would like to spend your time being miserable – ya poor lug – give us a call at 218-365-5489
Ugh – this is what June looks like at Northwind Lodge near Ely, MN.
A great of guided day-fishing trip out of Northwind Lodge! Check out the possibilities below plus the cabin rental deals for June!
Ely Minnesota guided fishing trips
Third & Fourth Generation Guides will outfit you for your fishing trip and we’ll help you and your family get started on the right foot. Fish for walleye’s, bass, and northern pike. Learn how to fish our region and experience wilderness fishing at its finest with a veteran guide.
Wood Lake Guided Trips
1.) $290 per day with Bernie. Bait and tackle included – 2 person limit
2.) $250 per day with Dan. Bait and tackle is included – 2 person limit
Groups of four will need to hire both guides for the same day or go on two different day trips with one guide as the rowing can be difficult for some people to keep up with the guide boat particularly if rough weather develops.
Your guide will maneuver a rowing boat or canoe on Wood lake which is a Boundary Waters Canoe Area wilderness lake. There are no homes or structures of any kind in the BWCA. This trip will requires a walk in on a portage. Please Pack your own lunch and remember that no metal cans or glass bottles are allowed. Plastic bottles and containers are allowed but, of course, must be packed out as well. Duluth packs are available for people to help carry their day gear in the event that they do not have a day pack. PFD’s also provided as no extra charge.
Fall Lake Only – 4 Hour, half-day trip
$200 for 2 people and $20 for each extra person up to 4 total. Bait and tackle is provided and you may bring your own tackle to try as well.
Pack your own lunch. No cans or bottles as this trip can cross into the BWCA.
Basswood – All Day
You must have a BWCA day-use motor permit. If you do not have a permit, the guide can attempt to find a permit tag (it’s confusing and difficult government mumbo-jumbo) to see if a Basswood trip is possible during the time you are here. Otherwise, for long-term reservations, please secure a day-use motor permit to Basswood in advance at recreation.gov (click link). Sorry, you must make a reservation in your own name. We cannot do that service for you. Day-use motor permits are severely limited and hard to obtain.
$350 for 2 people and extra $25 each extra person up to 4 total. Bait and tackle is provided and you may also bring your own to try.
This trip is in the BWCA. Pack your own lunch and remember that no metal cans or glass bottles are allowed. Plastic bottles are OK, but must be packed out.
What To Bring
For all guided trips you are required to bring your own fishing rods and reels, rain gear and appropriate clothing for the temperatures at that time. Flip flops are never recommended and Crocs are not suitable footwear for portaging. Preferably, closed toe footwear is recommended such as a running shoe or hiking boot. We also recommend full length pants over shorts as sometimes there can be insects. It makes for a more comfortable adventure.
Walleye fillets in the field! They don’t get any fresher than this! Book ahead however! Excellent guides are hard to find!
Reserving a Trip
Advance reservations are always welcomed due to planning, scheduling, preparation requirements and weather accommodations. Please reserve your trip as early as possible. Last minute trips are possible but can be hit-or-miss do to guide commitments. We will do our best to get you on the water for a great day out out on the water.
Payment in full at the time of the trip reservation is required – Sorry, there are no refunds for trip cancellations.
Call 218-365-5489 to make your guided trip reservation.
Into The Brush is an art program to teach people how to paint using our fabulously beautiful Boundary Waters wilderness as our subject. Lessons taught by Ely artist, Joe Baltich.
In appreciation for your checking us out, we’ll deduct 10% from the cost of all regular programming options except the Micro Art Classes (first-time students to Into The Brush) when you reserve. Just mention the promo code “Reduce your Stress” at the time of reservation.
The robins are running around asking the same question. Northern Minnesota at its finest. Snow will not stop us from getting the resort ready for opening on May 13th. Spring cleaning is starting next week. Have no worries everything will be done!
On a positive note the lake is open and opening fishing starts the same day. You need to come up and do a little fishing and then relax to the sounds of Jasper Creek and the singing loons.
Have your reservation already…great! If not, call us today to make yours at 218-365-5489. Share with your friends and spread the word!
