Current Conditions at Wildwood Resort

Happy New Year! Among our wishes for the New Year is our hope that you and your family are healthy and happy, that work is steady, the kids are good and that you find some time for recreation this winter. So far it’s been bitterly cold so I think we all deserve a little fun!

Snowmobiling at Wildwood

Before living here I never would have guessed that conditions have to be just right for making good ice in northern Minnesota. Ideally we need lots of cold weather early (without snow) to freeze up the lakes and swamps. We definitely got cold temps early this year but they came with a weird weather pattern that also included warm days. That meant lots of freeze and thaw while the lakes were icing over and it created some dangerous ice conditions! After a bitterly cold 2 weeks we are happy that we’ve been rewarded with good ice on Bass Lake and frozen swamps in the woods. Now we just need the snow. We have about 5 inches or so around our place and need another 6! Some of the snowmobile clubs up north like the Marcell SnowDrifters and Swampsiders have been out grooming but conditions are not good. We are enjoying some balmy (27 degrees!!) temps today have some snow in our forecast so we’re keeping our fingers crossed that Mother Nature gets generous with the white stuff. “Like” our Facebook page to see the latest updates on snowmobile trail conditions.

Ice Fishing at Wildwood

Here’s Jay’s take on ice fishing on Bass Lake: We have finally gotten safe enough ice for lake travel with the recent arctic temperatures. It’s amazing how quickly a lake can make ice with temperatures approaching -30 and that’s without wind chill! Ice thickness is close to 18 inches and getting thicker by the day. Fishermen are now navigating the lake with trucks and travel is quite easy with less than 6 inches of snow on top. I got the opportunity to fish for the first time this winter over the Christmas holiday with my father in-law who was here visiting. To help ease the cabin fever we ventured out one afternoon when the temperature had finally inched above zero and set up in 17-18 feet of water. We fished that afternoon from 3:00 until dark and were pleasantly surprised with how many fish we caught considering how cold it had been the previous few days. Several of our guests staying with us here at the resort over New Year’s also ventured out to fish in the cold and reported good success with nice sunnies and some big crappie. Guests in this last weekend (Jan. 6th) found the fishing a little slower but they were also fishing in seriously cold temperatures. Talk about die-hards!!

Cross-Country Skiing at Wildwood

Many of our guests are avid x-skiiers and we had some hearty souls hit the trails last week during our frigid period. They found the trails adequate if a little icy. (and cold!) The Northern Lights Nordic Ski Club does an outstanding job of promoting and caring for the x-ski trails in our area and they provide trail updates, maps and info on their website. From the trail reports on their site it sounds like some trails have been groomed but snow is thin. Again – we need snow!!!

Winter in the North Woods

I know it sounds crazy but if you can force yourself outside to experience it there is something really neat about -30 actual temp and a wind chill around -46. Cold like that makes the metal on our back door burn the skin when you touch it, boiling water turns to mist when thrown in the air and plastic bags shatter after being left outside. Our car is a beast in the winter and rarely acts up in the cold but New Year’s Eve morning I had to run to pick up one of the girls. After driving it for an hour the engine’s temperature gauge arrow hadn’t moved off of “Are you Kidding??!?!?” In spite of all that for some reason on a cold, cold night the stars seem brighter and clearer and the stillness of winter more intense. It’s an amazing phenomenon but you don’t have to experience it from the back of a snowmobile or in an ice house. It’s perfectly acceptable to stay indoors and experience it through the window while standing by the fireplace! Many guests come to Wildwood to just relax and spend time with friends or family. We have lots of groups that come up to scrapbook or quilt and we even had our first ever Christmas Cookie Exchange weekend in December. I’ll blog about that in the future but for now I will say it was very FUN and the holiday treats that we got from that weekend were pretty great! Lastly, don’t forget that The Reif Center brings some big name acts to our small, northern town and our guests get the lowest ticket price offered through our Theater Packages. (Pam Tillis is coming in March!)

Whatever your interests we’d love to help you combat cabin fever this winter with a warm and comfortable stay in one of our cabins. Check our availability and contact us today!

Stay warm out there!
Kim & Jay

Sharing the Love at Wildwood Resort!

Back in August I asked our Facebook fans to tell us their favorite things about Wildwood. As usual, our people came through in a BIG way and as I look back at their responses and pictures they shared I can’t help the big smile on my face. Seriously, our guests are just the best ever!!

So here it is – our list of the Top 10 Things Guests Love About Wildwood Resort:

1. SUNSETS– I probably could have guessed that this would top the list since most of our guests confess to having thousands of photos of the setting sun. Since we face the west we have a front row seat for some of God’s most amazing masterpieces. Sometimes they are awe-inspiring with vibrant, warm colors and at other times they are washed in cool, vivid colors that are peaceful and serene. Partly cloudy skies often make them more dramatic and something as odd as the Canadian wildfires can turn them blood red. Each one is a work of art!

2. FAMILY TIME – There’s something special about a Minnesota family vacation. It’s not a like a week-long car ride to the Black Hills and it’s not like an active-every-minute trip to Disney. It’s an experience as individual as the families that head north and as unique as the Minnesota resort at which you stay. Our families come in all shapes, sizes and colors and some are families-by-choice rather than blood relatives. But one thing remains the same across all of them – time spent together is treasured.

 

 

3. FISHING– We’ve seen all kinds of fishermen in our time here. Some are novice and some are expert. Some fish for dinner and some fish for sport. But ALL of them fish for the love of being out on the lake, for the thrill of “the big one” and for the tale that’s told long after vacation is over!

 

 

 

 

 

4. CABINS– When we bought Wildwood in 1999 we had 9 traditional, summer cabins and a dream of making Wildwood a year round Minnesota resort. I’m not sure that we really believed we would make that dream a reality! But here we are almost 20 years later with everything for which we hoped. We love being able to welcome guests year round into cabins that we hope feel like their home “Up North.”

 

 

5. CAMPFIRES – What would a night by the lake be without a campfire?! I love the smell of  a campfire and based on the Facebook votes for this “favorite thing” I’m clearly not alone. We go through a lot of firewood (says Jay!) in a summer but I think the results of this poll indicate that he should just keep splitting and stacking that wood. Summer is only 7 months away….

 

 

 

 

6. MEMORIES & TRADITIONS – The older we get the more we appreciate #6 on this list. Many of our guests have been vacationing at Wildwood for decades and we love to hear their stories. But don’t think reminiscing is just for those with significant birthdays behind them. Even the resort kids love to talk about vacation friends they’ve met, epic waterskiing fails and the big fish that live on in their memories. And don’t even get me started on the kids’ traditions –  one year I tried to make something other than goulash for the weekly potluck and I was almost run off the property! There is power in our past experiences and we savor sweet memories through stories, photos and, hopefully, annual visits back to to the source.

 

 

 

 

7. PLAYING ON BASS LAKE – There’s an 1960s Wildwood postcard that I love because it shows guests on the beach under a blue sky with wooden docks and flat-bottom boats in the background. I often wish I could step into old photos like that one and experience the resort as it was 60 years ago. The setting would be different and the cars & clothing would be a hoot but I’m sure that it would all feel strangely familiar because in all the years between then and now the important things haven’t changed. The sun still beats down from an impossibly blue sky while families play and relax by the lake. While time marches on it’s good that some things stay the same!

 

 

 

8. PEACE– Whenever people compliment us on the beauty and peace they find here I always say the same thing: it’s really got nothing to do with us. There is simply a peace here that originates with the Creator.

 

 

 

 

 

9. TRAILS– We have lots of people that come here year round to enjoy the amazing trails in our area. There are hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails and ATV trails. The Mesabi Bike Trail stretches from Grand Rapids to Ely with 120 miles (of the 155 total miles) paved. The trail is used not only by bikers but also by walkers, runners and skaters! Add to that the many hiking trails in Itasca County and it’s clear that we’re right smack in the middle of an explorer’s paradise.

10. KIDS’ ACTIVITIES – This one is a fav of mine, too. Between mid-June and mid-August we offer supervised kids’ activities. The activities are headed up by a fun and creative leader who spends a few hours each summer week with our resort kids playing, crafting and, of course, face painting!

 

 

 

 

There you have it! The 10 best things about Wildwood Resort as reported by the people who know best – our guests! There is no better group of people on the planet than those who stay with us. Through their love of this place they remind us to appreciate our life at Wildwood. We’re so blessed!

Many thanks to all our Facebookers who contributed to this blog!
Kim & Jay

Move over, Summer.  There’s a new season in town…

I don’t know if you’ve noticed or not but summer is almost over. The back-to-school retailers would have you believe summer is over in mid-July when they start pushing you to buy folders and No. 2 pencils. However, by this time of year it really is true….summer is moving on out and fall in Minnesota is on the horizon!

1.  Fall Colors

   Minnesota fall color tours are the prime reason most folks head north in the fall. Mother Nature puts on a pretty spectacular show using a backdrop of pines to set off the blazing red, yellow and orange of Autumn. Peak colors in our area usually happen sometime between mid-September and the first week of October. We’re seeing leaves change already so if I had to guess today I’d say peak colors will be earlier this year rather than later.

2. Fall Fishing

   

   Bass Lake is a great destination for fishing in the fall. I say that partly because it’s the only time Jay and I get to spend a good amount of time on the lake! However, with the kids in school the lakes are a little quieter and so is Wildwood and as the lake temperature falls and the fish move into their fall feeding pattern it can be some of the best fishing of the year!

3. Family & Friends

   In the summer our main focus is providing the perfect resort at which families can spend their Minnesota summer vacation. In the off-season our focus turns to providing relaxing weekends for folks to spend time with family and friends. Life is busy but a weekend away allows you to relax, reconnect and refresh the soul. We invite you to find that here with us!

4. Forge New Ground

   Minnesota bird-watchers, hikers, hunters and ATV enthusiasts alike can tell you about the magnificent forests that cover Itasca County. There are thousands of miles of trails available for you to explore whether you like to do it with camera in hand or from the comfort of your side-by-side!

5. Fulfill Your Plans

   

   Okay…is one is a bit of a stretch only because I was trying to stick with the “f” theme I had going. 🙂 Do you scrapbook? Quilt? Craft? Our off-season rates and flexible availability make it easy to grab a group of your best girls and head north for a weekend of getting stuff done! Knock out that graduation scrapbook or finish up that t-shirt quilt. We have the perfect setting for fun with your friends while you catch up on a year’s worth of projects!

Our availability is online and we’d love for you to check our openings and then make plans to visit us this fall!
Kim & Jay

Top 5 Reasons to Vacation at a Minnesota Family Resort

VACATION – It might seem obvious but not everyone vacations. Sometimes you truly can’t afford the time off. However, for most of us it really is possible to sneak away for even a few days at a time. Jay and I often forego a winter vacation because we can’t afford it or the girls are too busy or the resort is too busy, etc. The truth is, however, that we CAN carve time out to spend time with just our kids. It’s really the only time our kids get all of our attention. And when I think of those precious times that we have left home for a vacation I realize those are the memories that really stick out as priceless! Minnesota family resorts are the perfect place to spend a week or even a few days just relaxing and enjoying blue sky and some lake time. Many resorts (like ours this next week!) have last minute openings and will accommodate shorter-than-usual stays in those circumstances. Check out Wildwood Resort’s Hot Deals or our Wildwood Facebook page to see what our last minute specials might be but also seek out sites like local CVBs (VisitGrandRapids.com) , local Chambers of Commerce (Grand Rapids, MN Chamber of Commerce) and even ExploreMinnesota.com to find last minute get-away deals.

CLOSE TO HOME – Keeping it “local” is often a good way to capitalize on precious days off. Travel time cuts into your “relaxing” time so try to look into Minnesota resorts that are close to your home. Again sites like ExploreMinnesota.com and Minnesota-Resorts.com offer great ways to do a localized or regional search for a place to stay that’s close to home!

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE – Not everyone likes to troll around the lake looking for walleye for a fish fry. And not everyone likes to lie on a sandy beach and soak up some summer sunshine. The greatest thing about Minnesota resort vacations is that there is literally a resort for everyone. You can find classic resorts with classic, seasonal cabins; mom-and-pop resorts with updated cabins and modern amenities as well as full-service resorts with restaurants and golf courses. No matter what your idea of vacationing I guarantee you can find a resort that fits you and your family!

EXPLORE THIS GREAT STATE – We belong to a state resort organization and each year at our fall conference we visit a different part of the state. At each location event organizers try to find something unique to do in that area. It always astounds me how many beautiful, interesting, educational and FUN things there are to do in each unique part of Minnesota. In the Grand Rapids, MN area we always like to promote the Forest History Center and the Judy Garland Museum. Folks can visit the Lost Forty to tour an “old forest” with HUGE trees or head west an hour to see the Mississippi headwaters. Our Area Attractions page lists lots of great ideas for stuff to do in our area and most Minnesota resorts do the same on their websites. Take some time to explore museums, local cultural sites, natural wonders as well as the shops and restaurants in the area. Sometimes those are the most unexpectedly awesome parts of vacation!

CONNECTIONS – Obviously family vacation is about making connections with family and friends-who-are-family. However, the most amazing thing that Jay and I get to witness each summer is the connections made between our cabin families. Sometimes it’s the adults who make a connection that lasts decades. We have many guests who have made connections during their Wildwood vacation that have turned into life-long friendships. We’ve watched kids develop really beautiful vacation friendships that grow deeper year-after-year with each week they spend together at Wildwood. Jay and I are so blessed to live this life with our guests. Our connection to those who stay with us is a gift that we don’t take for granted!

We still have some July openings. That’s prime Minnesota summer vacation time! Call us at 218-328-5858 or email us for more information!

Happy Vacationing!

Kim & Jay

 

 

It’s Not Too Late to Plan a Minnesota Summer Vacation

Minnesota summer vacation season is well underway at Wildwood Resort! We have kids laughing on the playground and playing in the lake on the SUPs and hydro-bikes. We’ve kicked off Monday night potlucks and twice weekly kids’ activities. The fish are biting (especially the walleye) and the sun is shining (most days) so we are in our happy place!

Traditionally we have few July openings. However, as families get busier the vacation planning gets more spur-of-the-moment! If you haven’t yet planned something for July I’m happy to tell you that it’s not too late. We had a last minute cancellation that opened up Tamarack Lodge for the week of July 1st and White Oak Lodge & White Pine Lodge for the week of July 8th. Book a 1 week stay in any of those cabins in either of those weeks and save $1000! We will also take nightly stays for $300/night.(Minimum of 3 nights)  We have Aspen Lodge open the weeks of July 22nd and July 29th. Aspen Lodge is rarely open and definitely not in the summer so take advantage of the opportunity to spend prime summer vacation weeks in our most popular cabin! Check out our Hot Deals on the Rates page for more information.

The walleye bite has been really good on Bass Lake for the last 2 weeks or so. We’ve seen some big fish! The sunny bite has also been good and they spawned out this year so that’s a plus. There have been years in recent history when they didn’t spawn and we hate to see that. Northern have been active and we’ve seen some nice largemouth bass. Overall, the bite has been really good!

Even if you don’t end up staying at Wildwood Resort this summer I encourage you to look into a Minnesota family resort vacation. A good friend and long-time guest just gave us a beautiful sign that reads: “The days are long but the years are short.” While the sign means to say something meaningful about the passage of a time it also is a pretty darn accurate family vacation wish: May your days on vacation be long and the year in between them short!

See ya on the lake!
Kim & Jay

Who’s Ready to Fish?!

It’s once again that magical time in Minnesota where thoughts turn to live bait and fishing tackle.  Tasks involve putting new line on the fishing poles and digging out the life jackets.  Plans center around weekends Up North & family vacation after school gets out.  Men and women who love to fish are dreaming with eyes wide open about catching The Big One. (Maybe this is the year!) Minnesota Fishing Opener is this weekend and it’s shaping up to be a sweet one.  No sleet! No ice on the lakes!  Just warm sun and the smell of fish guts – what could be better?

 

Fishing Opener in the resorter world brings a mix of horror and happy. It’s horrifying to think of the ridiculous number of back-breaking chores that have to be done before people show up.  But there’s happiness at the thought of welcoming back our guests and watching them enjoy their rest. For Jay and I the Fishing Opener is not usually a busy weekend so we will keep cleaning and fixing right on through it.  In spite of that the great thing about Opener is that it rips the seal off of a shiny, new summer season. It always feels like a little like Christmas morning!  Soon our people will come back and bring stories from their year.  They take a full breath of fresh air at a place they feel is pretty magical then they ask us about our families and the eagles next door. Some will be crazy excited at the thought of fishing Bass Lake and burning campfires at night. It’s refreshing for us to be reminded about why we work so hard to get ready.  It’s because to our guests we are the keepers of Wildwood and their memories here.  We are caretakers of the Minnesota family vacation and we hold space for people on our little slice of heaven. So this weekend  I vow to shake off my backache and  ignore the to-do list. I’m going to fill my lungs with fresh air and check up on the eagles next door.  Maybe we’ll even wet a line or two.  We hope you get to do the same. Welcome back, Minnesota Summer, we missed you!

See ya on the lake!
Kim & Jay

P.S. We still have some prime summer weeks open for the coming summer! If you haven’t already booked your Minnesota summer vacation we hope you will consider a stay with us. Check our availability and let us know if you have any questions!

Tips for Choosing a Resort for Your MN Family Vacation

Jay and I always have a lot of sympathy for the planner of the family vacation – especially if the vacation is going to include multiple families. Coordinating schedules and picking dates for the vacation is always Challenge #1. However, Challenge #2 isn’t far behind because after you know the when you must determine the where! Lucky for you we happen to be Resort Experts so we’re going to give you some tips for choosing the perfect resort for your Minnesota family vacation!

After 18 years in the business we can tell you that there are as many unique Minnesota resorts as there are unique Minnesota vacationers. So the important question really is: How do you like to vacation? Once you answer that question you will be 100%successful in searching out the perfect MN resort for you.

Think about these things:
Food – If you want a vacation from making meals then choose a resort with a bar/restaurant or one that is close to a community with dining options. You might even consider saving money by booking a suite instead of a cabin with a kitchen. If you plan to cook meals in your cabin then consider the resort’s proximity to shopping areas and whether or not you will bring your food with you or shop for it when you arrive. Also think about what is provided in the kitchen in terms of pots and pans and appliances.

Pets – If you want or need to bring along the family dog then choose a resort that allows pets. Some of our guests even choose to board their pet nearby so they can visit and exercise their dog during their week at Wildwood. Whatever you do please don’t sneak your pet into a resort that doesn’t allow them. It really is disrespectful and causes unnecessary heartache for you and the resort owner!

Mobility – Consider the mobility of those with whom you are vacationing. Can Grandma handle stairs? Can everyone cope with a long walk from the cabin to the lake or can all members of your party walk up and down a hill to get to the lake? If you travel with someone who uses a wheelchair or walker ask about the width of doorways in the cabins and whether or not there is a bedroom and bathroom on the main level.

Accommodations – Consider the type of accommodations you like on your vacation. Do you enjoy staying in a classic cabin that reminds you of vacations you took as a kid? Or do you prefer newly constructed cabins with more modern conveniences? Perhaps you’d like a combination of those two styles! Along with the cabin atmosphere think about the amenities you want while vacationing. Do you need Wi-Fi in your cabin or would it be nice to get the family off of their devices and into a card game?! Think about dishwashers, Jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces and cable TV. Are those things important? What outdoor amenities make you happy: A private location? Your own fire pit? A gas grill? Take time to think about everyone in your party and consider the type of cabin that makes the most sense.

Lake – The lake really plays a big part in your vacation satisfaction if you plan on playing in or on the lake. With more than 10,000 lakes in Minnesota it’s easy to get overwhelmed when thinking about the lake on which you’d like to stay. Some lakes are large bodies of water that offer a lot of fishing variety and space for recreation. However, a large lake can also be harder to navigate and, occasionally, can be un-useable if the wind creates waves that makes boating unsafe. Ask if the lake has any invasive plants or invasive aquatic species. Many lakes already have an invasive of some kind so it doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker but invasives can play a part in the quality of fishing or recreation. It will also determine whether or not you need to decontaminate your boat upon leaving the lake. If your family fishes then choose a lake that offers good opportunities to fish for your favorite species. If you love fishing for Muskie then pick a resort on a good Muskie fishery. If recreation is your goal then make sure to ask if it’s ok to water-ski or tube on the lake. ALWAYS ask if the resort or lake allows jet skis before renting some or hauling yours up to the lake. Not all resorts allow them and some private lakes ban them completely. Ask, in general, how much boat traffic the lake gets because lots of boats make fishing and recreation more challenging.

Price – You know we have to talk about this one! It’s no secret that the price of a family vacation has increased along with all the other costs of living in America! Certainly, we can’t advise you about how much to spend on a vacation. However, as you consider resorts and their rates ask these questions:
1) How many people are included in the base cabin rate and does the resort charge for children? Try to break the costs down to a “per person” rate so it’s easier to compare the cost of the resorts you are considering.
2) How much deposit is required to secure the reservation? Is it a refundable deposit? Does the resort require payment in full before your stay? Does the resort run a tab or do you need to pay-as-you-go for things like bait, gas and ice cream? Consider looking into trip insurance if the thought of a non-refundable deposit scares you.
3) How much tax is charged? Is there a Lodging Tax or Fee in addition to state sales tax? Ask what your total charge will be (including tax) for lodging and boat rental. That way you won’t be unpleasantly surprised by the bottom line upon arrival!
4) If you bring your own boat is there a dock fee? Can you bring more than one boat and, if so, is there a dock fee if you bring a second boat? Is there a boat launch on site? Can you charge your boat batteries at the dock?
5) If you are renting a resort boat ask if the quoted rate includes gas or if gas is extra.
6) Does the resort sell gas, bait, ice, grocery items, firewood, ice cream, etc.? Are there places nearby to buy those items if you don’t want to or can’t buy them from the resort?
7) Does the resort charge for use of water toys like SUPs or are they free?
8) Ask the resort owner “What other costs might be incurred during a stay at your resort?”

Miscellaneous other stuff – If campfires are important to you ask if the resort has private campfire rings at each cabin or if all are community fire rings available for everyone to use. Do not assume that you can bring your own firewood. Most resorts comply with the MN DNR’s request to only use local firewood to prevent the spread of the emerald ash borer. Ask if you can bring your own firewood or does the resort require you to buy firewood from the resort. Ask the resort if there are scheduled activities for kids, adults and/or families? Perhaps ask “What is there to do on a rainy day?” Are there board games, puzzles, books, or other indoor activities available at the resort? Take time to think about whether or not it’s important to have golf, shopping, attractions or a movie theatre nearby.  Finally, make sure you know what items are provided for you in the cabin so you know how to pack. Ask about towels, toiletries, bedding, toilet paper, garbage bags, dish soap, coffee filters, tissues, papers toweling, lawn chairs, alarm clocks, and radios. Ask if there is a BBQ grill. If so, is it gas or charcoal and do you need to provide your own gas or charcoal?

Phew! That’s a lot to think about (and some of it seems obvious) but considering the supreme importance of your family’s summer vacation it’s a good idea to do some extra planning. It will ensure a good fit between you and the Minnesota resort you choose. But here’s the single biggest, most important thing of all to remember about planning a Minnesota family vacation: JUST DO IT! I promise that you won’t ever regret the time spent with family and friends and the memories made together.

Happy Spring!
Kim & Jay

Calling All Snowmobilers!

Most people we know aren’t very happy about snow and cold temps during the winter. But we are doing our happy dance today over the 5″ of fresh snow we got yesterday. Trails last weekend were great according to our friends who got out on their snowmobiles. However, we had no decent access to trails from Wildwood until it snowed again yesterday. So I guess I’m saying if you haven’t made plans for a Minnesota winter getaway then check us out! We have snow and we have openings – we just need YOU!

We also got out on the lake last Friday to do some ice fishing with friends. The day was beautiful and the sun was out and best of all we caught lots of sunfish. Such a great way to spend an afternoon!

Have a great week, everyone!!
Kim & Jay

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What A Difference a Week Makes!

Just 10 days ago we were experiencing near perfect snowmobiling conditions. We rode with the kids and we rode with friends. And it was good. Today the entire outdoors is an ice skating rink. Thanks to rain and warm temps over last weekend what snow we have left is rock hard. Sigh. Mother Nature giveth and she taketh away. We haven’t given up hope, though! There’s lots of winter left so we’re hoping and watching the sky for the white stuff while we turn our thoughts to….

ICE FISHING!

My first attempt at Blogging!!  I can honestly say that I’m already uncomfortable with doing it! However, since it involves one of my favorite subjects (ice fishing) I think I can do it.  On Monday of this week I took my dad on his first official ice fishing outing on Bass Lake. He had been with me one other time earlier this year but on a different lake and we caught no fish.  Remember, I said I like ice fishing not that I am necessarily good at it! Anyway, we drove onto the lake (we have about 20 inches of ice) from our resort access and found a popular spot in 18 feet of water. After we got the holes drilled and the portable set up I turned on the underwater camera for my dad to use. We were pleasantly surprised to see fish right away!  Less than a minute after dropping his bait in the water my dad hooked his first Bass Lake sunfish through the ice.  There is something about using the camera and watching the fish bite your bait that adds to the fun!  He said more than once that “it doesn’t seem fair to the fish” but he never did volunteer to switch his camera for my Vexilar. 🙂 During the 4 hours we were on the lake we were rewarded by several schools of sunfish that gave us non-stop action for each time they swam through.  The last school of fish that came late in the afternoon was by far the biggest school of sunfish I have ever seen ice fishing!  We caught and released fish one after another for almost 45 minutes until it started to get too dark and we had to leave. (I forgot the lights!!)  To say it was hard to walk away when the bite was still good is a HUGE understatement! I have often heard of people having a day catching 50+ fish but I had never experienced it until that trip out with my dad.  I had hoped we would catch fish for his sake but I never imagined we would experience this kind of fishing.  I’m just afraid he now has his expectations for catching fish through the ice set a little too high.

We still have cabins available for this winter, so if you enjoy ice fishing or need a weekend away from home please give us a call at 218-328-5858 or drop us an email.  Our winter rate of $39/night/person (based on minimum occupancy) and our “Stay 2 nights or More and receive 1 FREE night” winter special are both good through the end April.

See you on the ice,
Jay

P.S. It’s never too early to start thinking about your Minnesota summer vacation. We would love to have you as our guests!

X-Skiing, Snowmobiling and Ice Fishing Conditions are Perfect!

We finally made it out for a short snowmobile ride this week. Tuesday we took Jay’s dad out on his new snowmobile and had a great time. This is his first winter at Wildwood and he hasn’t been too happy about the frigid temperatures. He fails to see the beauty of winter when his front door is frozen shut! However, he did buy himself a nice sled and good gear so we were excited to get him out on the trails.

It was snowing Tuesday and the Bushwacker Trail and the Taconite Trail had not yet been groomed after the weekend. Although there were some spots with moguls overall conditions were almost perfect for our short ride. (According to today’s trail report both trails have been groomed.) We headed east from the resort and the went a short way up the Taconite. Our time was limited so after an hour or so we turned around and headed back to Cohasset for lunch at Florio’s. I love that we have a nice restaurant and a Casey’s so close to Wildwood! Jay’s dad did great on the trail and it was so fun to see him experience his first ride. Finally he caught a glimpse of winter’s beauty!

Ice fishing is picking up, too, judging by the number of people out on Bass Lake over the weekend. We had a large group of fishermen in and they caught plenty of sunfish and a few crappie in spite of the cold temps. Ice is approaching 16″ on our end of the lake so the extreme cold has some up side!

Winter is here to stay for at least a few months so why not get out and enjoy it?! We still have prime winter openings for your winter getaway so feel free to check availability and give us a call or email!

Have a great weekend!
Kim & Jay