From Windigo Lodge to Poplar Haus

It’s been a lot of hard work but the owners of Poplar Haus have transformed the former Windigo Lodge and made the place their own. From left to right are Kip Kuboy, Lynse McDonough, Stacey Palmer and Bryan Gerrad. Photo by John Stember

New Poplar Haus owners Kip Kuboy, Lynse McDonough, Bryan Gerrad and Stacey Palmer recently purchased and renovated Windigo Lodge in 2017.

While on a BWCA camping trip, a serendipitous for-sale sign at Windigo Lodge piqued Bryan Gerrad and Stacey Palmer’s interest, so they decided to call another couple with a crazy idea: let’s buy Windigo Lodge. With backgrounds in the Twin Cities food and bar industry, Lynse McDonough and Kippy Kuboy agreed. In the spring of 2017, the two couples purchased the property from Char Ekroot and launched the reinvented Poplar Haus.

Transitioning from Windigo Lodge to Poplar Haus has been an ongoing project. That’s one of the main reasons the two duos decided to tackle the lodge business together. “We knew what we were getting into and never would have attempted this alone,” said Stacey.

And they aren’t the only new kids on the block. In the past few years, numerous historically family-owned lodges have changed hands up the trail. At the Haus, it seems like folks are warming up to the idea of new ownership and a fusion of modern and rustic.

With cell phone reception expected to be coming soon, change is on the way up the Gunflint Trail. Media tools like Instagram, Facebook, and a well-done website, are more important than ever for businesses. Even Wi-Fi has become a must for many lodges. “The impact of social media has been huge this summer,” said Bryan. Despite city roots, the Haus wants to maintain the timeless tradition of getting people out and unplugged. “That’s the part of the charm of this place,” mentioned Lynse.

Coming from their city roots, Kip and Lynse along with Stacey and Bryan are combining modern and woodsy in their new restaurant that opened summer 2018.

The summer of 2018 was the first season for the Haus restaurant and it was largely a success. Owner and chef Kippy Kuboy provided a fresh take on North Woods cuisine, earning a reputation all the way down to Lutsen for blueberry chicken salad, walleye quesadillas, panko brussels sprouts, and “Beard Wrecker” duck wings. Kipp however recommends his corned beef, which is brined for five to seven days, and then thrown on reuben.

Although the restaurant is closed now, it will be reopening November 10th for weekends. Normal hours will resume after the New Year. And a message from the four new owners of Poplar Haus: “Thanks for all the support, especially from nearby lodges and locals!”