The Beginning
After losing Pine Grove Lodge in a poker game Reese “Steamboat” Williams, a professional baseball player, started building Sand Lake Lodge in 1948 and opened it in 1950. It has been a perfect getaway since!
Resorting Values
Having fun and then diving into fun! We strive to live life to the fullest, we strive to get out into the wild, and we want you to be able to celebrate along with us.
The Chippewa National Forest
The Chippewa National Forest was the first national forest established east of the Mississippi River in 1908. Originally known as the Minnesota National Forest, the name was changed in 1928 to honor the original inhabitants. Today, the Forest and Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe share goals and offer visitors a chance to experience Anishinabe culture and learn about the past from prehistory to early, logging-era and Civilian Conservation Corps days.
The Forest boundary encompasses about 1.6 million acres, with more than 660,000 acres managed by the Chippewa National Forest. It is a treasure of adventure, discovery and education. Water is abundant on the Chippewa National Forest. There is more than 1,300 lakes, 925 miles of streams and rivers, and 400,000 acres of wetlands. Soo many amazing fly-fishing opportunities, our waters are really great for fly-fishing, our local water hold an incredible variety of fish species.
The Forest is one of the largest breeding areas of bald eagles in the lower-48 states. Eagles can often be viewed soaring over the larger lakes. White-tailed deer, ruffed grouse and numerous waterfowl provide good wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities. Sensitive species such as osprey, loon and great grey owl also make the Forest their home.
