Land O'Lakes Lodgings

BENT'S CAMP RESORT
(715) 547-3487
The oldest area resort dates from 1896, when Charles Bent bought a logging camp and built a rustic log fishing resort on Mamie Lake (part of the Cisco Chain). Today it has a popular restaurant and bar that can draw crowds in summer. Grounds have big trees, lawns, grills and little privacy between cabins. Somewhat separated from the restaurant are 12 housekeeping cabins of varying ages, all with front porches. One is brand-new. Ten overlook the lake; four have direct lake access. There are a swimming beach and raft, summer bonfires, and a playground. There are a fish cleaning station & freezer, bait shop, and boat launch. Guide service is available. available. Typical weekly rates for four to six people: $650 to $1,000. Daily rentals ($125-$175) except in summer. No phones (except in restaurant), no TV, no towels. 14' aluminum boat comes with cabin.

SUNRISE LODGE
(715) 547-3684
Three generations of the Mendham clan have operated this well-known American plan family resort — an anomaly these days. 22 cottages on 30 well maintained acres on Lac Vieux Desert, near a major snowmobile trail. Planned summer activities for kids: softball, nature hikes, soccer, basketball, volley ball, baseball games, movie nights. Tennis. Two rec rooms in air-conditioned lodge, with ping-pong, pool, card tables, free games. Two docks. Sandy, shallow beach. Attractive cottages have kitchens, color TV/DVDs. "Executive" units have two bathrooms, other extras.
From early May into late Oct. all rentals are weekly and American Plan, including three meals a day. (Meals can be packed as box lunches for expeditions.) Rates for two adults are $655/adult (about $100/adult less in spring and fall); children are $41-$65/week. Daily rates with 2-day minimum in winter: $106-$255/cabin. Off-season: $85-$198.
Many regulars book a year ahead for summer, winter, when early reservations are advised.

GATEWAY LODGE
(715) 547-3321; (800) 848-8058
Vintage charm has been restored to this 1938 log-and-knotty pine northwoods showplace. (See Points of Interest.) A huge stone fireplace and big log rafters dominate the large, comfortable lobby. The wonderful beamed dining room has its original lighting. It's now operated as the family-oriented Vintage Inn Supper Club, with a menu of steaks and American standards. There's also a cocktail lounge.

An excellent web site conveys the Gateway past and present.

The Gateway and its 50 lodging units are smoke-free. Rooms are condos and individually decorated in variations of upscale rustic decor. Studios ($60 Sun-Thurs, $70 Fri & Sat) have kitchenettes with microwaves and minifridges. Larger suites with a separate bedroom have ranges with ovens. All have cable TV, phones, and air-conditioning. There's a complimentary continental breakfast.

The indoor pool, 30' by 70', includes a whirlpool. A sauna and exercise equipment are nearby.

Guests and the general public can take shooting lessons at the Gateway Gun Club. A round of trap shooting is $5 for guests, $7 for non-guests; sporting clays are $15. The lodge is on a snowmobile trail and close to the Watersmeet Rail Trail, used by snowmobiles, ATVs, and some bicyclists.

PINEAIRE RESORT AND MOTEL
(906) 544-2313
These cute, woodsy cottages ($35-$50/night, depending on size and season) were erected by builders of the Gateway Lodge - for patrons' call girls, legend has it. Cabins are away from the road beneath fragrant big pines. They're full of vintage charm and homey touches- knotty pine, individual decor, mini-fridges, microwaves, magazines in each room. But they lack things like air-conditioning, phones, cable TV, and a hot water system that immediately delivers hot water to each unit. Regulars don't care.
As of late 2006, longtime owner Nick Kamieniecki has the resort for sale.
    Of the nine duplex or separate cabins, six are insulated for year-round use. The 20-acre property has plenty of room for BBQ grills and screen houses with picnic tables - three of them - and a bonfire area. A path goes back among tall pines about a quarter mile to Moon Lake, a local family fishing lake where loons nest.
    Regulars reserve many units from one year to the next, but some summer spots are open in January, and so far there's always space in May, late June, and October. Of course, cancellations always happen. Ask about suites, bed combinations. No non-smoking, but smoke was not noticeable on my visit. Parking for boats, snowmobile rigs. Snowmobilers welcome.

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